For time-pressed tourists, the Sarawak Cultural village is a must-visit. This is a living museum that introduces visitors to the rich local cultures and lifestyles. It features replica buildings representing every major ethnic group in Sarawak: Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Penan, Melanau, Malay, and Chinese. On admission, we were each given a green "passport" containing information on each ethnic group. The passport will be stamped at each house-visit. In each building, there is a representative who will describe each typical lifestyle and culture. At the Bidayuh, Iban, and Orang Ulu long houses, we were treated to a welcome dance before one of the members guided us through their living quarters.
We tasted local tidbits, learned how to hunt with the normadic Penan tribesmen using the blow-pipes, and observed the locals weaving and beading their traditional handicrafts.
We concluded the visit with an entertaining multi-cultural show put up twice daily at 11:30am and 4:30pm at the village's own theatre.
There is a well-stocked handicraft/souvenir shop just next to the theatre. Avoid buying directly from the "locals" who charged at a slightly higher price than the souvenir shop.
The village hosts theme parties and dinners. You can even arranged to get married in traditional Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, or Malay style.