KUCHING (Oct 4): The Santubong Archaeological Park, officially launched today, is set to emerge as Sarawak’s prominent tourism product, said State Minister for Tourism, Performing Arts and Creative Industry Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said the park, located in Santubong where the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) is situated, would attract more travellers to the state.

“During our Rainforest World Music Festival, SCV is a must-visit place. Now, our travel and tour agencies can also bring visitors to explore the archaeological sites nearby.

“This RM36.6 million project, which began on Sept 5, 2019, will further strengthen Santubong’s position as a heritage tourism hub,” he said at the launching ceremony, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The ceremony also marked the opening of the Sungai Jaong Archaeological Site and Gallery, as well as the Bongkissam and Bukit Maras Archaeological Site and Gallery.

Abdul Karim said the idea for the Santubong Archaeological Park and Wallace Centre was initiated by Abang Johari in 2016, during his tenure as state minister for tourism, arts and culture.

Highlighting Santubong’s historical significance, he noted that it was home to Sarawak’s first archaeological research site, studied in 1947 by then Sarawak Museum curator Tom Harrisson — even before the research at Niah Caves in 1954.

“The Santubong Archaeological Park and Wallace Centre are part of the Sarawak government’s initiative to make Santubong a major heritage attraction.

“These galleries don’t just display artifacts; they take visitors on a journey through Sarawak’s heritage, culture, and history,” he said.

He added that the exhibits showcase evidence of an ancient iron industry, maritime trade, and early religious practices, establishing Santubong as a world-class educational, recreational, and cultural tourism attraction.

Describing Sungai Jaong as a unique heritage site nestled among forests and mangroves, Abdul Karim said it is famous for its petroglyphs — anthropomorphic rock carvings dating back to the 9th to 14th centuries.

“The site combines natural beauty with traces of ancient heritage, making it a special destination for nature and history lovers.”

Meanwhile, the Bongkissam and Bukit Maras sites reveal Santubong’s past as an important entrepot, with discoveries of worship sites, gold figures, beads, sculptures, and ceramics from the Sung, Yuan, Tang and Qing dynasties — evidence of extensive trade networks and Hindu-Buddhist influences.

He also highlighted the Wallace Centre, which features the story of Alfred Russel Wallace and his Sarawakian secretary Ali, who contributed significantly to the history of science.

Wallace spent two years in Santubong conducting research on trade and biodiversity.

In conjunction with the launch, the state Museum Department unveiled its new publication ‘Santubong Archaeological Heritage Book’, which will be distributed to several schools and institutions, including SK Santubong, SK Buntal, SJK(C) Chung Hua Buntal, SMK Santubong, Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak, and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Santubong.

Abdul Karim expressed hope that copies will also be shared with more learning institutions in Kuching and across the state.