The Bung Bratak Heritage Centre (BBHC) was innitiated and developed by the Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA). It is built 1,000 feet above sea level, and is recognized by UNESCO as the first-of-its-kind in Borneo to be built on a hilltop.
Fully funded by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the heritage centre cost RM8 million, and construction was done by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak through an appointed contractor.
Bung Bratak means Bratak Hill, and it represents what was once a large Bidayuh hill settlement of seven longhouses.
Interestingly the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre is built on what is deemed to be the original ancestral home of the Jagoi-Bratak sub-group of the Bidayuhs.
The centre which is scheduled to be fully functional in June 2018, comprises of two traditional longhouses, a Bidayuh traditional round house known as the ‘baruk’, a dining hall with kitchen and a reception hall.
In April 1 2018, the centre had its soft opening, and the center is expected to open its doors on 1st January 2019.
CHARGES TO ENTER THE CENTRE
An entrance fee is expected to be charged per entrance to the centre. The amount has been cited to be affordable and modest, but it has yet to be determined.
It is likely that there would be a two tier entrance fee as usually practiced in Sarawak. Local Sarawakians would be charged less compared to non-Sarawakians.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE BUNG BRATAK HERITAGE CENTRE
At the time this article is written, the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre is 80% complete.
According to an article from the Sarawak Tribune, the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre will two traditional longhouses — one for accommodating up to 100 persons, and one for a seminar or conference hall, office and mini museum on Dayak arts and culture, among others.
There is also a big ‘baruk’ (Bidayuh traditional round house), a dining hall with kitchen, and a reception hall in the centre.
Based on suggestions and news reports, the centre would also have a hall, office and mini museum on Dayak arts and culture.
Activities and festivals at the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre have yet to be announced, but the centre has been identified for eco-tourism which include jungle trekking (jungle walks), and enjoying prime rainforest scenery.
HOW TO GET TO THE BBHC
It takes about 30 minutes to reach the hill that houses the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre which is located at the 6th mile of the Bau-Lundu Road, via Kampung Tembawang Sauh, Bau.
Once at the foot of the hill, one could either hike up the hill, or drive up to reach the centre.
Trekking up takes 15 to 30 minutes as the centre is located some 1,000-feet above sea level.
On Google Maps, the place is located below.
ENTRY COST TO THE THE BBHC
For now, entry to the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre is free, but there may be charges for those interested to stay at the center in the future. The cost is said to cover meals (likely Dayak food) and accommodation cost.
More details on Bung Bratak Heritage Centre would be updated here from time to time as it is made available to us.
