Exceeded my low expectations with a modest introduction to native architecture and culture of the area. Could really be great with a bit deeper dive into the culture. I must admit, I enjoyed the floor show at the end of the visit, a sort of live commercial to visit Sarawak

We came to Sarawak to see good friends who live here. They very kindly arranged for a tour guide to see the Cultural Village, which really enhanced the trip. Tom Hanafie was a great guide, and he explained a lot of things that otherwise would not have been clear. We had a great time, especially enjoyed the show at the end. Great visit!

The place comprises authentically buit traditional dwellings. You find the history of local tribes as Orang Ulu, Iban or Bidayuh, you can see longhouses and tall houses. There are demonstrations of weaving, cooking, instrument playing, plus, a dance show twice a day.

Beautiful setting and reconstructed longhouses but not all have staff to explain the nuances of the houses. There are placards with QR codes but I didn’t want to spend my battery so signs with text would have been much more preferred!! The 45-minute dance performance at the end was a highlight. Beautiful costumes and music. The ticket is quite expensive but slightly cheaper if bought online. There is also a poor, whelping scruffy, medium terrier milling around. Please someone feed it!! And eventually spay. Shame on the site management for not caring for this poor pup.

About a 50min drive away from Kuching city, Sarawak Cultural Village is definitely something one should not miss out on. You can go on a tour, but I'd rather prefer to just go free and easy, and I was so glad I did. The village showcases the different houses of each tribe found in Sarawak. And do bring along cash, since each house sells some tidbits/snacks that is popular to that tribe. As for me, by the third house, I was stuffed. They can, and only was this realised later, that they can give you one or two pieces for cheaper price, so you can still try all the snacks fresh from cooking. Additionally, some of the houses will have performances to welcome the guests to that tribe's house. Take.a seat and enjoy, or better yet, partake in their activities as well. Another not miss, and I cannot stress how this is a not to miss or you would regret it situation, is the 2x daily performance. After walking in the hot sun, take a seat in the aircon theatre. (Please note, no food and drinks allowed, or more like no visible water bottles or food allowed. Keep it in your bag). Anywho, back to to the performance. It displays all the dance native to each tribe, and quick hint. The 2 performances I enjoyed the most had to do with poles. Watch it and you will know. (And I' not talking about pole dancing, mind you. This is a family friendly establishment.) After the performance, audience members are invited to get up on stage and dance as well. This really cements the learning experience and cultural experience one could have at the village. If you opted for the meals that comes after the performance, then go ahead. I understand it features local Sarawak food, but I did not try it out, since we already had it in the prior days. I cannot stress this is a not to be missed place when you visit Sarawak.

I had planned to do this on my own but am so glad I took a tour guide. There are very few explanations and without a guide you would simply wander from one house to another with no knowledge of the ethnic culture of each group. The cultural performance was professional with added humour.