SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE

At the foot of Mount Santubong, this cultural village offers visitors faithful reproductions of the habitat and way of life of seven ethnic groups and communities living in Sarawak. Visitors are invited to discover the lifestyles of the Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Melanaus, Penan, Chinese and Malays. Inside each house, a representative of the community guides the visitor through the architecture, habitat, traditions and crafts: they practice their art, play music, shoot blowpipes or weave, cook and prepare sago. Although a re-enactment is always artificial, this one is worth the detour for its actors' willingness to share their customs with you in a living way. The only one of its kind in Malaysia, the project is run by the communities and their representatives, not by a profit-driven private company. What's more, the diversity of the tribes and communities also informs us about the history of Sarawak's settlement. In a half-day visit, you can get a broad overview of Sarawak's diversity, something almost impossible in a single trip to Borneo. The tour ends with a 45-minute folk dance show held in the late morning and afternoon. A stop at the restaurant, where you can sample local specialities at reasonable prices, is a must.

The fantastic Rainforest World Music Festival (www.rwmf.net) is held here every year in late June/early July.