Cultural Immersion of Iban Traditions Culture In Kerangan Pinggai: A 3-Day, 2-Night Program

Abstract

The Iban community, one of the largest ethnic groups in Sarawak, has origins deeply intertwined with longhouse settlements and continues to preserve and actively incorporate their cultural heritage into daily life. However, the limited availability of tourism packages to longhouses has contributed to a need for more awareness among external communities regarding the unique cultural practices of the Iban people. This challenge highlights the need for effective strategies to promote and preserve their rich cultural heritage. This study aims to design a comprehensive package to promote Iban culture in Kerangan Pinggai. The study involved 112 respondents selected using simple random sampling techniques and data analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicate that respondents generally preferred a package price within the range of RM100 to RM200, with 43% expressing a likelihood of utilising flexible payment plans. These results suggest that Kerangan Pinggai has significant potential to emerge as a new tourist attraction, supported by the positive reception of promotional videos and brochures. Furthermore, the proposed package promises to foster stronger connections between tourists and the local community. This study faced several limitations, primarily constrained by a limited timeframe of 14 weeks allocated for site visits and report preparation. Future studies are encouraged to employ qualitative methodologies further to explore Iban culture in Sarawak. The findings of this research contribute to the academic literature by providing meaningful insights into the development and promotion of travel packages centred on Iban cultural heritage.