BAU: The Bidayuh Cultural Centre (BCC), one of the district’s most anticipated community and tourism projects, is now nearing completion with overall progress entering its final stretch.
Once operational, the RM9-million, state-funded facility is expected to become a central hub for Bidayuh cultural preservation, as well as a venue for seminars, conventions and other events in the Bau District.
According to Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, construction works have advanced beyond the final quarter, with the remaining tasks focusing on interior finishing, exhibit installation, landscaping, and safety compliance.
The structure of the building is already complete, and workers are currently engaged in fine-tuning lighting systems, preparing gallery spaces, and installing decorative elements that reflect the cultural identity of the local communities.
“The project is almost completed and probably waiting for handover. It is more or less our mini convention centre. At the moment, Bau does not have a place of that size to accommodate 1,000 to 2,000 people at one time.
“So, with the completion of this Bidayuh Cultural Centre, Bau will be able to welcome quite sizeable participants for seminars or conventions, both at state and national levels,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
When completed, added the Tasik Biru state assemblyman, the Bidayuh Cultural Centre will feature a fully equipped cultural gallery, some meeting rooms for workshops, training sessions and community programmes, and a multipurpose hall plus performance stage for big events.
He said they may convert some rooms into a fully pledged food and beverage outlet so that it will be used every day.
“We will outsource to any interested F&B entrepreneur. We will look for a long-term tenant to ensure the place is being utilised every day. The centre will be managed by the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA),” he said.
The cultural centre was conceived as part of a broader initiative to revitalise Bau’s cultural and tourism landscape.
With Bau gaining increasing attention for its natural attractions, such as the Fairy Cave, Wind Cave Nature Reserve, and the historic Tasik Biru, the addition of a purpose-built cultural facility is expected to elevate its appeal as a holistic tourist destination that showcases both nature and heritage.
The design of the BCC incorporates traditional Bidayuh architectural influences, echoing the distinct heritage of the Singai, Jagoi, Serembu and Krokong communities, while also providing space to highlight the cultural contributions of other ethnic groups in Bau.
Jinep, however, acknowledged that what is lacking in Bau now is accommodation, like a sizeable hotel that can cater for sizeable visitors.
He believed that once Bau has hotels, people can always choose Bau as another venue to host events and functions.
“Anyway, we remain confident with what we have planned, waiting for the right time, right investors to come, to provide accommodations in Bau.
“Investors will definitely be interested to invest when we have good infrastructure to and from Bau and within Bau itself, plus the many places of interest and a fully equipped facility like the Bidayuh Cultural Centre,” he said.
