Korean students discover Sarawak’s living heritage through Travel Writing and Photography Programme

Miri, Sarawak – 2 March 2026 – From scaling the historic site of Canada Hill to spending a night in one of Sarawak’s longest traditional longhouses, five students from Pusan National University recently immersed themselves in Borneo’s vibrant culture through Curtin University Malaysia’s Winter/Summer Programme in Travel Writing and Photography.

Organised by the School of Pre-U and Continuing Studies (SPACE) at Curtin University Malaysia and supported by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, the two-week experiential programme combined hands-on training in travel writing, photography and vlogging with authentic cultural encounters across northern Sarawak.

During the first week, the students explored key landmarks in Miri, including the iconic Grand Old Lady (Well No. 1), the majestic San Ching Tian Temple, Miri Handicraft Centre, Miri City Fan Recreation Park and Miri Times Square. Through guided storytelling exercises and visual documentation, they captured the city’s unique blend of heritage, modern development and multicultural community life.

The programme’s highlight was a four-hour journey inland to Sungai Asap in Belaga, where the students spent two days and one night at Uma Belor, one of the longest longhouses in Sarawak, stretching over one kilometre.

Living alongside the local community offered rare insight into the rhythms of longhouse life. At Uma Badeng, the students participated in traditional dance performances and sampled authentic indigenous cuisine, deepening their appreciation of Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity.

On their final day, they visited Uma Ukit, an architectural marvel recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for its distinctive rattan-adorned design, a striking example of indigenous craftsmanship and identity.

Back in Miri, the cultural journey continued with a visit to a tattoo studio in Senadin, where local artist Felix Dixon demonstrated the traditional hand-tapped tattoo technique. The session highlighted ongoing efforts to preserve indigenous tattoo motifs as living cultural heritage.

Reflecting on her experience, student Kim Da Yeong described Sarawak as “one of the most unique experiences of my life,” adding that she would deeply miss the warmth of its people and culture.

Her fellow participant, Park Se Hyun, expressed his hope to return to Sarawak in the future to further explore its rich traditions and welcoming communities.

The Winter/Summer Programme underscores Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to global engagement and experiential learning, providing international students with meaningful academic opportunities beyond the classroom while promoting Sarawak as a compelling cultural destination.

For more information about upcoming international programmes, please contact cm.space@curtin.edu.my or visit www.curtin.edu.my.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

A Korean student participating in a traditional dance performance at Uma Badeng, Sungai Asap.

Felix Dixon (front) explaining traditional tattoo motifs and hand-tapped techniques to the visiting students.

Students posing for a group photo at The Grand Old Lady.