STEP away from the city's chaos and immerse yourself in the heart of Sarawak's indigenous communities. Trade your modern comforts for refreshing river dips and the crisp natural air of the surroundings. It's time for an authentic Sarawak longhouse experience, where the vibrant tapestry of cultures comes alive.
Sarawak, Malaysia's largest state, is a cultural mosaic hosting 27 ethnic groups with 45 languages and dialects. Amidst this diversity, the longhouse experience stands out as a unique celebration of tradition and community living.
Leave the modern world behind and delve into the essence of Sarawakian life. A longhouse, typically located an hour's drive or a forest-cutting boat ride away from the nearest city, offers an immersive encounter with the indigenous way of living.
A TRADITIONAL LONGHOUSE EXPERIENCE
While some longhouses have embraced bricks and mortar, many remain true to their roots. These authentic longhouses provide lodging for guests seeking a genuine Sarawakian encounter.
Keep in mind that the experience aims for authenticity, meaning some longhouses may lack direct electricity. Portable power sources are recommended, but fear not – the planned activities will keep you engaged, making your gadgets a secondary concern.
Picture a traditional longhouse – an elongated structure standing on stilts, accommodating up to 30 families. The heart of the longhouse is the "ruai", a communal space where community life unfolds. Upon arrival, the chief and the community welcome you with the ngajat dance and tabuh music, setting the stage for a cultural feast.
ACTIVITIES AND CULTURAL IMMERSION
A longhouse stay invites you to savour life's simple pleasures. Lounge on the ruai, bask in the morning sunlight, and witness locals tending to their crops. The surrounding land, an extension of the longhouse, teems with crops, produce, and farm animals – a living, breathing community ecosystem.
For the adventurous, join the locals in bumai business – a chance to experience daily life amidst the lush greenery. Sip coffee during bumai breaks, relishing the view and fresh forest air. If indoor activities suit you better, engage with local women crafting mats and baskets from rattan or witness the art of indigenous women weaving ceremonial cloth on large wood looms.
FEAST LIKE A LOCAL
Meals are a highlight of the longhouse experience. Breakfast, a hearty affair, might surprise you with its richness. A refreshing cold bath followed by freshly brewed coffee prepares you for a day of cultural indulgence. Dinners, served on rattan mats, offer a diverse array of local delicacies – from chicken cooked in bamboo to sour eggplant soup and fermented Chinese herring. Every bite is a taste of Sarawakian heritage.
PRICELESS FAREWELL
As you prepare to bid farewell, take in the enduring beauty of the longhouse structure, resilient against Sarawak's climate. Feel the cool rattan mats beneath your feet, hear morning roosters, and exchange glances with curious children bidding adieu in the ruai.
Capture a final Instagram moment with your host and chief, strap on your sandals, and return to the city with a gift of home-brewed rice wine. What you carry home isn't just a drink; it's a warm heart filled with priceless memories – a testament to your amazing Sarawak longhouse experience.
