The ultimate beauty of Malaysia does not really lie in its towering buildings; newest shophouses; Western-brand fashion
houses; newest technologies; growth of the IT industry; and an influx of
Europeans, Americans, and fellow Asians.
It depends on its people who have learned to adapt themselves to the twenty-first century but have never forgotten their sense of history, of where they came from.
A trip to Malaysia therefore can be as intimate as exploring the territories of Sarawak Borneo, where you will find the Annah Rais Longhouse, home of the Bidayuh tribe.
It depends on its people who have learned to adapt themselves to the twenty-first century but have never forgotten their sense of history, of where they came from.
A trip to Malaysia therefore can be as intimate as exploring the territories of Sarawak Borneo, where you will find the Annah Rais Longhouse, home of the Bidayuh tribe.
Annah Rais Longhouse in Kuching, Sarawak
Annah Rais Longhouse is situated around 60
kilometres from Kuching City, also known as Cat City, the capital of Sarawak.
Though a lot of stories have already been told about Sarawak, not many can understand its real beauty.
Sarawak, in particular, is blessed with a good amount of rain and sunshine all throughout the year. Thus, there’s no point in choosing the best date to visit here (every day is a good one!).
Though the main city has caught up with the fast-paced changes of Kuala Lumpur or Penang, a vast majority of its land still remains almost virginal.
Though a lot of stories have already been told about Sarawak, not many can understand its real beauty.
Sarawak, in particular, is blessed with a good amount of rain and sunshine all throughout the year. Thus, there’s no point in choosing the best date to visit here (every day is a good one!).
Though the main city has caught up with the fast-paced changes of Kuala Lumpur or Penang, a vast majority of its land still remains almost virginal.
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| Bidayuh lady doing a traditional dance at Annah Rais Longhouse |
A ride to this longhouse is around an
hour from the main city of Kuching. However, the long-distance travel may be so worth it,
knowing that it will be a deep immersion for you once you reach there. The longhouse is the present dwelling for the Bidayuh tribe, which are also
called Land Dayak.
They have successfully preserved not only their homes but also their cultures, such as their music, dance, and even their source of livelihood, which usually consists of pepper and cocoa planting, as well as managing their paddies.
They have successfully preserved not only their homes but also their cultures, such as their music, dance, and even their source of livelihood, which usually consists of pepper and cocoa planting, as well as managing their paddies.
This particular longhouse is maintained and
lived by close to 80 families, who may have inherited it from their
ancestors. Thus, do not be surprised to find the longhouses somewhat huge and
really long.
Though continuous, the longhouse is subdivided into tiny dwellings or doors and every one of them is further divided usually up to three rooms, some of which have already been designated as guest rooms for travellers who want to immerse themselves into the culture.
The materials that are utilized to create the longhouse are all organic and natural. The floors are constructed with bamboo.
However, since they rarely last for more than 5 years, they have to be changed regularly as maintenance. Therefore, it is a good immerse experience if you can participate in one of these activities.
Though continuous, the longhouse is subdivided into tiny dwellings or doors and every one of them is further divided usually up to three rooms, some of which have already been designated as guest rooms for travellers who want to immerse themselves into the culture.
The materials that are utilized to create the longhouse are all organic and natural. The floors are constructed with bamboo.
However, since they rarely last for more than 5 years, they have to be changed regularly as maintenance. Therefore, it is a good immerse experience if you can participate in one of these activities.
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| Bidayuh Headhunters Skull |
Activities at Annah Rais Longhouse
Speaking of activities, you’ll never run out of things to do in the longhouse when visiting there. A lot of its previous visitors even whine about how short their time in the village was. But that doesn’t mean you can make the most out of your trip here.
You can begin by exploring the indoors. The Bidayuh are people who love to share their traditions with their guests, so don’t be shy to join in their culture, usually ceremonial or ritual dances, if you happen to visit them during the Gawai Festival (Harvest Festival).
You can also, have the chance to hold and play some of their native instruments while donning their traditional costumes.
Speaking of activities, you’ll never run out of things to do in the longhouse when visiting there. A lot of its previous visitors even whine about how short their time in the village was. But that doesn’t mean you can make the most out of your trip here.
You can begin by exploring the indoors. The Bidayuh are people who love to share their traditions with their guests, so don’t be shy to join in their culture, usually ceremonial or ritual dances, if you happen to visit them during the Gawai Festival (Harvest Festival).
You can also, have the chance to hold and play some of their native instruments while donning their traditional costumes.
You’ll know more about their day-to-day
lives by dining together with them (if you happen to stay back or participating
in one of the homestay programs there), perhaps along with a bamboo chicken or
rice.
To warm the coldness, you can take a sip of their personally concocted tea made up of several special herbs as well as honey, or you can be part of the revelry while drinking their rice wine called tuak.
To top it off, the Bidayuh are already a very diverse group, so you don’t simply experience a one-dimensional culture, religion, or tradition.
To warm the coldness, you can take a sip of their personally concocted tea made up of several special herbs as well as honey, or you can be part of the revelry while drinking their rice wine called tuak.
To top it off, the Bidayuh are already a very diverse group, so you don’t simply experience a one-dimensional culture, religion, or tradition.
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| Small shallow stream with crystal clear cold running water next to the Annah Rais longhouse |
Since the longhouse is not very
far from Kuching, many opt to take a trip here by morning and go home in the
afternoon. You can do that too, but you’re going to miss out on the essence of
being in the longhouse in the first place.
It is highly recommended you take advantage of the homestay program offered by the several families there, that lasts at least for two days and one night.
This will also give you ample time to venture into the wilderness outside, along with a guide. There, you can swim in the three-tiered waterfall, relax in the jungle spa (natural hot spring nearby), train for blowgun use, or simply observe the wildlife and the abundant vegetation and foliage.
It is highly recommended you take advantage of the homestay program offered by the several families there, that lasts at least for two days and one night.
This will also give you ample time to venture into the wilderness outside, along with a guide. There, you can swim in the three-tiered waterfall, relax in the jungle spa (natural hot spring nearby), train for blowgun use, or simply observe the wildlife and the abundant vegetation and foliage.
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| Inside a Bidayuh Longhouse |
Conclusion
Moreover, to ensure you do not let go of the opportunity, most homestay owners price their program very cheap.
For a low price, you can get to experience this adventure and remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of city life and rejuvenate their minds, souls, and bodies.
The experience at the Annah Rais Longhouse is more than just
a dwelling. It is a testament to the past and the efforts of the Bidayuh people to preserve
the gifts of their forebears not only for them but for the next generation.