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Join seven native tribes at Sarawak Cultural Village – home to no less than 28 ethnic groups – and learn traditional dancing, how to use a blowpipe, and enjoy food straight from the jungle. The UNESCO- approved Bung Bratak Heritage Centre is not just an eco-tourism spot with its virgin jungles and abundant wildlife trails, but also in remembrance of the Bidayuhs – a collection of indigenous groups – whose ancestors used to live there. THINK UNIQUE M&C ASIA | 11 Mention Sarawak and its iconic Laksa immediately comes to mind. The tasty dish features a unique blend of heavy spices, Sambal Belacan (chili shrimp paste), rice noodles, topped with prawns, chicken and egg. Other local favourites include Mee Kolok (sweet and savoury egg noodles), Kek Lapis (layered cake) and Terubuk Masin (salted herring). These are readily available at traditional coffee shops centred along Jalan Carpenter, Padungan Road and Main Bazaar, or the open-air market Jalan Khoo Hun Yeang. Enjoy the nightlife along Jalan Tabuan, home to hipster bars and restaurants like The Junk, Cha Bo and The Wayang. For formal settings, soak in Sarawak's colonial past at the Sarawak Court House, formerly the Court House complex in 1871. Today, its majestic grounds serve as an opulent backdrop for trendy F&B outlets, arts & culture, entertainment and events space. To go further back in time, head to the Sarawak Cultural Village and join the tribe to witness the indigenous hunting ways in the rainforest, then tuck into a lavish meal featuring ancestral delicacies. FEAST For fascinating trips back in time to the city's indigenous history, culture and arts and crafts, visit the Sarawak Museum and Kuching South City Hall. The best way to enjoy the rich history of Sarawak's historic capital, Kuching, is via a walking heritage tour covering key attractions like Chinatown, ancient temples and old shophouses of Carpenter Street. Also visit Sarawak's world-famous longhouses, with Annah Rais being the closest to Kuching. Or take the river safari to explore Batang Ai and Lemanak long houses. About an hour's drive from the city centre, generations of local tribal families still live there, the peaceful enclave comes alive with celebrations and visitors during Gawai Dayak (Harvest Festival). Groups may even opt to fly to Kampung Semadang for a cultural immersion and forest trekking, via programmes with the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre. EXPLORE It is the adventures into the wild that showcase the state's true attractions – whether it's to the Semenggoh Nature Reserve to see orangutans in their natural habitat, proboscis monkeys at the lush Bako National Park, or to the Kuching Wetlands National Park in search for rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Caving at Gunung Mulu National Park is another popular activity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers the world's largest cave chamber with over 200 entrances. Add a touch of corporate social responsibility by building homes with the tribal community, or lend an active hand in orangutan rehabilitation efforts over a one- day Heart 2 Heart with Orangutan programme, which seeks to save these gentle giants from extinction. PLAY