KUCHING: The opening of the Santubong Archaeological Park and Wallace Centre is expected to become a new landmark on Sarawak’s tourism map, propelling the state’s reputation as a world-class heritage destination.

Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the RM36.6 million project was inspired by an idea mooted by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, during his tenure as Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture in 2016.

He said the project commenced on 5 September 2019, and all construction works have now been successfully completed.

“The Santubong Archaeological Park and Wallace Centre are among the Sarawak Government’s initiatives to develop Santubong into the state’s premier heritage attraction.

“The galleries at the various sites, Sungai Jaong, Bongkissam, and Bukit Maras, do more than display artefacts. They take visitors on a journey through Sarawak’s rich heritage, culture, and history.

“They highlight archaeological discoveries that point to the existence of early iron-working industries, maritime trade, and religious practices in Santubong, making the area a world-class destination for education, recreation, and cultural tourism,” he said at the opening ceremony officiated by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, here on Saturday.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim explained that the Sungai Jaong area is a unique heritage site known for its ancient rock carvings and archaeological artefacts dating from the 9th to 14th centuries, a period when the foothills of Mount Santubong served as a major centre of human activity and iron smelting.

“One of the main attractions is the anthropomorphic or human-shaped rock carvings, known as petroglyphs, which reflect the traditions and cultural expressions of ancient communities.

“Sungai Jaong is remarkable because it combines the beauty of nature with traces of an ancient civilisation, making it an exceptional destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and cultural tourists alike,” he said.

He added that the Bongkissam and Bukit Maras sites highlight Santubong’s historical role as an important entrepôt port in the region.

According to him, the discovery of shrines, gold figurines, beads, small statues, and ceramics from the Sung, Yuan, Tang and Qing dynasties provides clear evidence of extensive trade networks and the influence of Hindu-Buddhist religions during that era.

In addition, he said, the establishment of the Wallace Centre showcases the story of Alfred Russel Wallace and his Sarawak-born assistant, Ali, whose contributions left a significant mark on the history of world science.

Also present at the ceremony were Minister of Women, Family and Community Development and Member of Parliament for Santubong, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU & Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews