Malaysia-6-days: culinary-culture

Arrive in Kuching from Kuala Lumpur and transfer to Saloma Villagestay in Padawan, a serene haven nestled amidst lush greenery. Meet Saloma Gagug, a Knowledge Holder, and step into the heart of Borneo’s ancient Indigenous Food System, where the rainforest reveals its culinary secrets. Begin with a hearty lunch, then venture on an ingredient-gathering trek through the jungle, discovering wild plants, herbs, and spices used for generations. Learn original cooking techniques alongside Saloma and Karen, transforming freshly foraged jungle ingredients into authentic Bidayuh dishes. Immerse in the rhythm of the rainforest, understanding the intricate connections between nature, culture, and sustenance. Participate in an experiential cooking class that showcases Borneo’s oldest foodways, from sourcing and foraging to preparing and savouring meals rich in tradition. Pause to refresh before enjoying a sunset drink, absorbing the vibrant hues over the forest canopy. Conclude the day with a thoughtfully prepared dinner, relishing the flavours of the jungle and the knowledge shared by local custodians of this ancient culinary heritage. Overnight in Padawan.

Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast before setting out on a refreshing waterfall trek through lush jungle trails. Breathe in the scent of the forest and let the gentle sound of cascading water guide your steps. Pause for a vibrant brunch in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by nature’s calm.
Check out and take a short drive to Beratok, where Knowledge Holder Mina Trang-Witte shares insights into the Kelabit Highlands, her culture, and traditional ways of life. Join a foraging walk, discovering edible plants, herbs, and jungle flavours, and learn alongside Karen and Mina the unique wrapping of Nuba Laya - an iconic staple of prized Heirloom Highland rice, enjoy a hands-on lunch inspired by the forest’s bounty. Experience the rich Foodway of foraging, connecting with the land and its stories. After the Highland exchange, transfer back to Kuching City and check in to refresh and relax.
Head back into Kuching for an evening with Knowledge Holder - Marian Chin, as she hosts drinks and a specially curated Heirloom Dinner amidst a space filled with heritage collectibles. Overnight in Kuching.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin the day with breakfast before checking out and heading to Kuching International Airport for a flight to Mukah. Arrive and continue to Lamin Dana in Kampung Telian, where a warm welcome and lunch await. Immerse in the rich Melanau culture during a guided tour of Kampung Telian, exploring the historic Burial Pole and the Sapan Paoh Museum. Listen to Diana Rose, a respected cultural custodian, share stories and traditions passed down through generations. Wander through the village, observing local crafts, daily life, and the rhythms of the community. As the day unfolds, stroll along Mukah Beach at sunset, letting the tranquil seascape sink in. Engage hands-on in a Linut cooking experience, learning the traditional method of preparing sago-starch dishes, then savour the shared meal with locals, experiencing the authentic flavours of Mukah. End the evening at Mukah Food Street, taking in the sights, sounds, and tastes of this vibrant coastal town, creating lasting memories of culture, cuisine, and connection.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin with a journey along the coast to Mukah Jetty , where we kick off the Panau fishing expedition. Witness the cooperative, communal approach of fishing of the Melanau people. The unique use of the Unjam, bundles of nipah palm fronds, cast to the seabed, creating artificial reefs that attract fish into nets. Panau fishing is a tradition passed down through generations. Bring this catch into the bustling fish market and witness the Melanau’s distinctive “ceviche” culture. Learn how to make Umai - and savour Take a short drive to Kampung Penat Hulu to explore Garam Apong production, where mangrove and nipah palm salt is carefully crafted using age-old techniques. Continue to Kampung Medong, where saguk processing is demonstrated by Puan Hajah Masinah binti Paris, highlighting the deep interconnection between traditional fishing and sago production. Absorb the rhythm of village life, observing skills honed over centuries and the harmony between community and environment. Moving into the town of Dalat for a check-in and refresh. Onward to Kampung Seberang Dalat and to the traditional home of En & Pn Atit Ramli, where they host and serve an heirloom “Berabeh” family-style dinner while reflecting on the rich culinary and cultural tapestry of the Melanau heritage.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin your day in Mukah with a visit to large-scale sago processing facility. Pause for a relaxed lunch before checking out and heading for a short airport transfer. Fly from Mukah to Kuching, then ease into the city with a smooth transfer to your hotel for check-in and a refreshing break. As evening settles, make your way to Kyujin for sunset drinks and an inspired dinner. Savour a menu that reframes Sarawak’s culinary heritage, blending traditional flavours with innovation and imagination. Encounter a gastronomic movement that honours local terroir while pushing boundaries, transforming humble ingredients into refined expressions of culture and innovation. Let the evening unfold in warm light, bold tastes, and a sense of Sarawak’s evolving food identity.

Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Spend the morning visiting Lifespantree - a social enterprise established by Knowledge Holder Marian Chin to preserve heirloom recipes through canning. Marian shares her impetus for leading preservation in confluence with modern shelf life. Savour a playful serving of “Lunch in a Can” presented by Marian at the facility.
Begin your journey home as you depart Kuching and head to Kuching International Airport (airport code: KCH) for your flight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). Settle into the flight and reflect on the flavours, forests, and stories that shape your time in Borneo. Touch down in Kuala Lumpur and feel the shift back to the city’s dynamic energy, a contrast to the tropical landscapes you’ve just experienced. Catch your flight back home. As the trip comes to an end, take a moment to carry the memories forward — from river- soaked adventures to vibrant markets and heartfelt encounters. Conclude the journey with a sense of fulfilment, knowing each moment adds colour to your travels.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch