Discover Malaysia's Cultural Villages

Experience Malaysia's cultural villages. Plan your visit today!

Immerse in the vibrant culture and tradition of Malaysia to experience its multi-ethnic culture and deep-rooted traditions in its cultural villages. This living museums not just preserves its heritage but keeps its alive through music, crafts, rituals and architecture. This cultural villages offer authentic experience that connects its visitors with Malaysia’s diverse past and vibrant present.

Listed are some must-visit Cultural Villages in Malaysia:

Sarawak Cultural Village – A 17-acres, award winning living museum also known as Kampung Budaya Sarawak, offers an incredible journey into the heart of Borneo’s diverse cultures. Located in the outskirts of Kuching, this cultural village provides a deep dive into the lives and traditions of Sarawak’s many indigenous tribes. The tribes include Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Penan, Melanau, Malay and Chinese. The village showcases replica buildings representing these major ethnic groups. Explore the recreations of Sarawak historical period, where individual housekeeper act as storyteller carrying traditional costumes and activities.

Nestled directly across from Damai Beach, the Sarawak Cultural Village is a treasure trove of immersive experiences. The best time to visit is between April and September as, the season is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing with low chance of rain and pleasant weather.

The must-see attractions in Sarawak Cultural village are

• The Sculpture Park with impressive collection of stone art of dragons, lions and pieces open for interpretation created by various talent local and international sculptors.
• The cultural theatre, that host various cultural performances like dance and music shows. The elegant dance routines, traditional musical instrument and spectacular costume will leave one amazed.
• Bidayuh Longhouse, offers the collection of fascinating artefacts used by Bidayuh warriors, along with traditional rural activities like paddy pounding and rice winnowing.
• The Chinese Farmhouse, built at ground level featuring mud flooring, timber walls and thatched roof made from attap leaves and an ornate door invites the visitors.
• Melanau Tall House, one of the tallest buildings in Sarawak Cultural Village with two separate floors. The first floors showcase various weapons, tools and utensils used by Melanau community and the second contains the bedrooms. 
• Malay House, one of the most beautiful traditional houses, elevated high on stilts with front designed for entertaining guest and hosting official events. This house features traditional board games, wall art, utensils and more.

Mari Mari Cultural Village – Nested deep in the countryside, Mari Mari Cultural village is a living museum to discover the rich heritage of Sabah, and learn its captivating traditions and customs. Located in Inanam, about 25 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, this village aims to share the knowledge, history, culture and traditions of Borneo and its 5 main tribe. The five tribes include Kadazan-Dusun, the rice farmer; Rungus, the longhouse resident; Lundayeh, the hunters and fisherman; Bajau, the cowboy and sea gypsey; and Murut, the famous feared headhunting tribe. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from March to October, when the weather is pleasant and sunny.

Things to see and do in Mari Mari Cultural village

• As the village preserves different ethnic groups, stroll through the traditional longhouses, each representing a different tribe, and witness their architectural nuances, intricate carvings, and cultural artifacts, like musical instruments, weapons, tools, and ornaments.    
• Embark on a culinary journey and discover the traditional dishes of Borneo. Taste authentic Kadazandusun, Rungus, and Bajau cuisines, from flavourful rice wines to exotic local delicacies.
• Immerse in vibrant cultural performances like traditional dances, music, and rituals performed by the skilled villagers. The bamboo dance, the gong ensemble, the blowpipe demonstration and the fire-making ceremony. The visitors can also have the opportunity to join some of the performances and try some instruments and skills.
• Take Part in hands-on activities like bamboo cooking demonstration, fire-starting techniques, tattooing, and weaving.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch or diner at the village, that features variety of dishes from each tribe such as hinava, bambangan, tuhau, and many more. Also try some of the local deserts like kuih jala, kuih cincin and kuih penjaram.

Kampung Budaya Kadazandusun – Also known as Monsopiad Heritage Village is an open-air museum, made up of several traditional buildings and a living museum in sabah, Malaysia. Located in Kuai Kandazon village, this heritage village houses the legacy of Monsopiad, a fearless Kadazan-Dusun warrior of the village.

The heritage village museum exhibits

• The ‘House of Skulls’ has skull back from the headhunting era where all the 42 ‘trophies’ of Monsopiads are hung on display. 
• The menhir that is believed to be the tombstone of Monsopiad, and ‘Gintutun do Mohoing’ a large stone believed to be inhabited by spirits from the past. The tangkob where the essence of Kadazan-Dusuns life is stored in the form of paddy, also lies at the centre of the village.
• Kotos di Monsopiad, variety of artifacts from ceramic jars to paddy grinders, remains as the visual journey of the past that can be seen in the site.
• The village also showcases traditional dance, called Sumazau dance that represents unity, blowpipe shooting skills and fire making from bamboo, and rice culture offering insight into the major indigenous group’s rich traditions, farming, and daily life.
• The village also offers its visitors to experience Momolianism, a unique spiritual belief; Kaamatan, a vibrant harvest festival; traditional remedies and natural healing; and traditional games to promote togetherness.

Murut Cultural Centre – Located next to the Pegalan River, Tenom, Sabah, the Murut Cultural Centre spans over an area of 33 acres. And house a humongous building that stretches out to 20 acres showcasing the grandeur of Murut craftsmanship with towering pillars and intricate carvings. This cultural centre has an impressive gallery that displays various artefacts like jars, gongs, and traditional designs of the indigenous Murut inhabitants showcasing Murat Traditions.

The features and functions of the cultural centre

• The centre has traditional Murut longhouse, built from timber. Featuring an auditorium, exhibition hall, kiosk, and rental options for traditional costumes and equipment. The centre functions as a venue for seminars, workshops, and research activities aiming to develop and promoting Murut cultural arts.
• Murut Cultural Centre is a museum and gallery that preserves and displays its cultural artifact, handicrafts, musical instruments like sompoton, wood carvings and contemporary art works.
• The visitors can also witness Traditional Murut dance performance like Magunatip, Magalang and enjoy games like the traditional wooden trampoline, or Lansaran and explore the architectural artistry that epitomizes Murut heritage.

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