Hidden amid the natural beauty of Carey Island, the Mah Meri Cultural Village offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience one of Malaysia’s most fascinating indigenous communities. Through lifestyle immersion, traditional food, rituals, and celebrations, the Mah Meri people invite guests to learn about their heritage and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.
Often referred to as the “Masked Men of Malaysia”, the Mah Meri are renowned for their intricate wooden masks, spiritual ceremonies, and close connection to nature. A visit here is both educational and enriching — an invitation to broaden your perspective through hands-on cultural experiences.
About the Mah Meri Cultural Village
Established in 2011, the Mah Meri Cultural Village was founded to preserve and share the traditions, arts, and rituals of the Mah Meri community with the public. The tribe settled on Carey Island over a century ago, bringing with them a rich cultural identity that continues to thrive today.
Beyond cultural preservation, the village also plays an important social role by providing employment and sustainable income for the Mah Meri people. Traditional knowledge — such as wood carving, ceremonial dances, and storytelling — is actively passed on to future generations.
Getting There
The Mah Meri Cultural Village is located within expansive oil palm plantations on Carey Island. While there is no direct public transport to the island, the journey itself is part of the experience.
From Kuala Lumpur City Centre, it takes approximately one hour’s drive to Teluk Panglima Garang, followed by a scenic drive through narrow village roads and traditional Malay settlements leading to Carey Island.
Engage in the Wonders of Mah Meri Culture
Few places in Malaysia offer such an intimate and authentic encounter with an indigenous community. At the Mah Meri Cultural Village, visitors are warmly welcomed and encouraged to take part in daily village life and communal celebrations.
Highlights include:
- A traditional welcoming ceremony, complete with a Mah Meri headdress
- Participation in leaf origami, a cultural activity recognised in the Malaysian Book of Records
- Live ceremonial re-enactments showcasing sacred rituals and spiritual traditions of the Mah Meri sea nomads
Visitors can also explore the Mangrove Conservation area, where guests are invited to join tree-planting activities as a form of community contribution and environmental stewardship.
When hunger strikes, stop by the village restaurant to enjoy local dishes prepared by the community. The experience can be further enriched with a visit to Tanjung Rhu, Carey Island, where you’ll witness traditional seaside village life — simple, serene, and untouched by modern utilities such as electricity and running water.
Rates & Packages
The Mah Meri Cultural Village offers a range of affordable and flexible packages, catering to different visitor interests:
- Basic entry packages: from RM25 per person (weekends & public holidays)
- Full guided cultural experience: RM95 per person, including:
- Cultural gallery visit
- Full cultural performance
- Traditional Mah Meri wedding ceremony
- Hands-on wood carving and leaf origami workshops
Guided Tour Language Options
- Malay: RM250
- English & Malay: RM300
- Multilingual: RM500
Each guided tour is led by experienced guides to ensure visitors fully appreciate the cultural significance of every activity.
Explore Virtually
Prefer a self-guided experience? Actsugi offers an immersive VR-powered 360° guidebook, allowing visitors to explore the Mah Meri Cultural Village virtually — anytime, anywhere, with just a click.
A visit to the Mah Meri Cultural Village is more than a tour — it’s a journey into living heritage, community resilience, and cultural pride. For travellers seeking meaningful, people-centred experiences, this hidden gem on Carey Island is truly not to be missed.
