Tag: Malaysian Borneo

20 Activities to Thrill you in Malaysia

Post author By melakatour
Post date November 24, 2019
No Comments on 20 Activities to Thrill you in Malaysia

Some
people are thrill-seekers by nature, and are always on the hunt for that
adrenaline rush, no matter where it brings them!

Speed,
excitement, bumps and bruises, even a scar or two makes it all worth it, body
aches and all!

If that is what you crave for, and thrilling spills are your game, then this is a list for you!

ATV Ride, KL

ATVs, or All-Terrain Vehicles, allows you to ride across rough terrains and lush greenery, going off-road in chase of that adventure just within and beyond the Malaysian forests. As with any outdoor activity, just be sure to bring water and an extra change of clothes. Rain is almost always expected, even though not anticipated!

Picture from http://www.atvadventurepark.com

2. Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping is most definitely NOT for the faint-hearted. However, if thrills is what you’re looking for, then it is just the extreme activity for you! For those adrenaline junkies just waiting to leap through thin air, one of the places one can do this is at the Extreme Park of Sunway Lagoon.

3. Flyboarding in Putrajaya

Flyboarding, another exciting extreme water sport, is one that will
literally take you to greater heights!

This unique sporting experience is achieved by attaching a PWC (Personal Water Craft), which propels the Flyboard into the air, with the use of air and water. At the moment, this sport is only available at Marina Putrajaya.

4. Paragliding

Tandem paragliding is available not too far out of Kuala Lumpur, and is available year-round, subject to weather conditions. Currently, two main venues for this activity is in Selangor and Sabah.

5. Hiking Trekking

While
some might argue on the ‘extremeness’ of these activities, try a 3-day 2-night
trekking trip to the Mulu Pinnacles!

For some laidback, family-friendly activity, this most basic back-to-nature activity suits almost all age groups, with varying levels of strength and stamina. Most of the hiking trails here will lead you to a waterfall or river, and you will most definitely be rewarded with a cool dip after all the hard work.

6. White Water Rafting

From beginner to hardcore level, white water rafting is available in many parts of Malaysia; in Sg Gopeng, Slim River in Perak and Sungai Singor, which lies on the border of Perak and Kelantan.

7. Diving

Perhaps
the ‘mildest’ of extreme sports, diving will transport you to a whole new
colourful and exciting world!

This activity is offered almost throughout Malaysia, from Kedah to Johor; from Perak all the way to Sabah. The islands of Langkawi, Pangkor, Sibu, Perhentian, Tioman, all the way to the world-famour Sipadan, all waiting to mesmerize you with all that they have to offer.

8. Wreck Diving

What differentiates wreck diving with open water diving is that wreck diving is the exploration of the wreckage of ships, aircraft and other artificial structures. However, most wreck dive sites are at shipwrecks. To be able to participate in wreck diving, one must be the minimum age of 18 years, must be certified as an Advanced open water diver, show proof of at least fifty logged dives, and must also be certified as Basic Wreck or Cavern or equivalent.

9. Ziplining

Ziplining, or more commonly referred to as flying fox, is an activity consisting of a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on a slope. It is to enable one to travel via natural gravity, from the highest point to the bottom of the inclined cable, while being attached to a free-moving pulley.

There are many places now which offers such activity, including extreme parks and nature-themed activity parks, including in Sabah and Langkawi.

Picture from https://naturallylangkawi.my

10. Parasailing

Parasailing is a recreational kiting activity where a person is towed behind a vehicle while attached to a specially designed canopy wing that resembles a parachute, known as a parasail wing. The manned kite’s moving anchor may be a car, truck, or boat.

11. Via Ferrata, Mount Kinabalu

A Via Ferrata (or ‘iron road’ in Italian, plural via ferrate) is a protected mountain pathway consisting of a series of rungs, rails, cables and bridges embracing the rock face. It allows access to scenic sections of the mountains that are typically available only to rock climbers and mountaineers (ref: www.mountkinabalu.com).

There are some minimum requirements for those who would like to engage in this activity, but rest assured the use of modest equipment, a good head for heights and basic technique, walking the Via Ferrata is very safe, led by an experienced guide.

Mountain Torq is the World’s highest via ferrata and Asia’s first via ferrata is located at Mt Kinabalu’s Panalaban rock face. Starting at 3,200 metres and ends at 3,776 metres above sea level at Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

The minimum requirements needed for the first time via ferrate climber are:

Average fitness level (Able to hike up to 3,200m in 6 hrs)
Ages 10 and above for Walk the Torq
Ages 17 and above for Low’s Peak Circuit
A minimum height of 1.3 metres
Free of restricting physical disabilities, be fit, healthy, and without fear of heights to fully participate and safely enjoy the activity
No prior mountaineering experience required
A maximum of 6 climbers per group is allowed to do Via Ferrata at a time (ref: www.mountkinabalu.com).

12. Microlight

Microlight is a 1- or 2-seater fixed-wing aircraft which is mostly simulated by the hang-gliding movement. It is relatively new in Malaysia.

13. BASE Jumping

BASE Jumping is the sport of jumping off non-moving structures or hills or mountains, and one MUST be a qualified skydiver before attempting BASE jumping. Annually, KL Tower hosts the KL Tower International BASE Jump (www.menarakl.com.my) bringing international BASE Jumpers for a series of jumps organised around Malaysia.

14. Skydiving

Skydiving, undeniably, will give you an adrenaline rush like so other! Leaping out of a moving aeroplane, and feeling the wind hitti g your face is not an easy thrill t0 forget, and definitely NOT for everybody!

If jumping out of planes are not your thing, then perhaps you can tiptoe into the sport by first trying it indoors? Yes, INDOORS! Head to 1-Utama Shopping Mall in Petaling Jaya where Airrider is located.

15. Shark Diving

Fancy a swim among the hammerheads?

Diving
offers one the unique experience of discovering life underwater. The colours
and variety of marine life is incomparable to any on land. If you enjoy the
green lush rainforests, then you will be mesmerized by the darting micro life
and gentle giants of the ocean.

Shark
diving offers you a thrill like no other, and if you feel a bit apprehensive,
beginners may try the indoor, controlled environment offered by Aquaria KLCC.

16. Caving

There are hundreds of caves in Malaysia and cave enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice, ranging from the massive remote caves of Mulu National Park to popular tourists spots just within the city limits like Batu Caves.

Some
caves like Gua Tempurung in Perak is quite accessible as the entrance are close
to main roads, similar to Batu Caves, while some are accessible only via
trekking or even by boat.

17. Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding, very simply, is skateboarding on water. You simply surf across the surface of the water behind a speeding motorboat.

The sport is rather new in Malaysia, but steadily garnering a following amongst thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies alike!

Currently, there are two places you can try and indulge this this wet and wild water sport, and they are at The Mines (Philea Mines Beach Resort) and Marina Putrajaya.

18. Kayaking within the Langkawi Geopark

Kayaking is rather easy, and most people would have tried it at least once in their life time. Kayaking in the Langkawi Geopark however, is an experience that is not available elsewhere!

Maneuvering the winding turns of the mangroves of Langkawi provides a taste of adventure and some exercise while enjoying being surrounded by nature. The trip will also offer the chance for a good close up to the ecology of the mangroves especially the wildlife such as monkeys, pit vipers, eagles, otters, some endemic birds and the common monitor lizard.

19. Waterfall Abseiling

Stepping off the edge of rocks into a fast-cascading waterfall. Sounds exciting and most challenging!

Abseiling is the sport of repelling down a set of lines along waterfalls which can reach any height you dare to try, depending on your level of expertise. Like any other extreme sport, safety first!

20. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing requires a certain skill set and strength, and definitely not for the faint-hearted!

The most popular site will have to be Batu Caves in Selangor, and has about 170 routes available. With that many routes, the site offers a challenge for all levels of climbers.

Malaysia being a tropical country, the weather can rather unpredictable, but do not fret! We do have the largest indoor rock climbing facility in Asia, Camp 5, located on the 5th floor of 1 Utama Shopping Centre. It is the largest climbing gym, standing at 24m high and is fully air-conditioned. The gym also offers a 270-degree panoramic view of the city, a café and a climbing workshop. 400 boulders, lead routes and top ropes, suited for all, ranging from beginners to advanced is available here. Routes are altered and changed every 3 – 6 months, keeping things fresh and challenging.

Article source: http://blog.tourism.gov.my/feed/

Malaysia Travel Guide

Little Known Secrets of the Beads of Borneo

Post author By melakatour
Post date September 6, 2019
No Comments on Little Known Secrets of the Beads of Borneo

September 5, 2019

From the Zulu warriors in South Africa, to the ancient Egyptians of North Africa, to the pilgrims of the Middle East or South America, beads have a presence in many cultures but the one commonality is that they have always been more than an eye-catching accessory. The story of the beads of Borneo is no exception.

For many cultures, they were a currency, or perhaps a sign of faith, a symbol of wealth or a family heirloom to be treasured for future generations. Whatever the purpose, the one consistency is that they are always a way of expression.

Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo has a unique relationship with the beads of Borneo. Although there isn’t any definitive evidence of when exactly the beads came to the region, there is evidence to suggest beads were first used in Borneo by visiting sailors for bartering. Back then, beads were made out of shells, teeth, bones and stones that were perforated and worn as ornaments.

Some Sarawak tribes believe that the longer a bead lasts, the more powerful it becomes and the bearer can draw strength from the bead. However, to do so, the bearer must have a strong soul.

Source: Sarawak Tourism Board

There are over 30 tribes in Sarawak and each tribe has its own way of adorning themselves with beads. Some of them use them as necklaces, others as beaded head caps or beaded skirts, others as bracelets or even rings. Beads would also be used as decorations during festivals or other big gatherings.

The baby carriers used by Orang Ulu women to carry their infants are adorned with beadwork and finishes made out of wild boar or leopard teeth. Apart from indicating status, the tingling of the Hawk’s bells and large beads attached to the upper rim of the carrier would soothe the toddler on long journeys through the rain forest.

Many of the antique beads of Borneo are hard to find now. There are a number of reasons for this. Historically, the beads were sometimes buried with their owners as part of their grave clothes, or as “grave gifts”, for the deceased to use in their long journey to the underworld.

As mentioned, beads were also used as currency, often traded with visiting sailors or lost in the sometimes devastating longhouse fires that could rip through 100 doors in less than an hour.

As beads were increasingly hard to come by and time became a precious commodity, modern day beads are mostly imported from Indonesia and China, according to Heidi Munan, Sarawak Museum’s curator of beads. However they are still influenced by the original beads of Borneo.

So while these new beads are still traded, they are no longer the currency of trade. And despite being mass produced, they are increasingly expensive yet have little of the character of the original beads. At the same time, the number of communities still making the beads of Borneo in the traditional manner is slowly diminishing.

Preserving the traditionality of beadmaking

However, the Lun Bawang community in Long Tuma village, Lawas, northern Sarawak continues to make ceramic beads the way they’ve always been made. Partly to generate income for the community but also because they want to keep the ccleaner tradition alive and let everyone have the opportunity to wear the beads during traditional festivities.

The process begins with a group of five women wading almost nonchalantly into the crocodile infested waters of Pa’ Lawas river to find and dig up the smooth fine clay, which they call “tanah salit”.

The clay is taken to the village by hand, pounded and kneaded to the right consistency and shaped into tiny beads, roughly the size of a pea. The beads are then sun-dried, and strung up on wire loops and fired in a backyard bonfire.

Patricia Busak, daughter of Litad Muluk, who manages the ceramic beads centre, was interviewed by the Star newspaper some time ago and talked through the process, “It takes at least three pairs of hands to make just one bead: one to gather and process the river clay before shaping it into beads; another to paint the underglaze pattern; and a third to paint the glaze and arrange the beads in an electric kiln at the community-owned workshop in the village.”

She went on to say, “It’s very pdf specialised; for instance, only three women in our group are skilled at rolling the beads. I can’t roll, but I’m good at painting the pattern.”

The Long Tuma women are the only beadmakers in Sarawak. Even though their business is thriving, the most important thing for the Lun Bawang community, is the opportunity to preserve their heritage.

“The kind of beads we have, how we string and wear them, give us our sense of identity as a Lun Bawang,” concludes Patricia in the interview.

Beads of Borneo - Painting a bead

Source: Borneo Talk, “The Glistening Beads Of Kampung Long Tuma”

Because beads have been used for so long and came from various parts of the world, the types of beads found in Sarawak vary. Here are a few examples of the types of beads you should look out for during your time in Sarawak and especially if you go to a festival.

Lukut Sekala

The Lukut Sekala beads are worn almost exclusively by members of the Kayan tribe. These beads serve as a symbol of longevity to the community. This is because the beads last for so long that they have become heirlooms, passed down through multiple generations.

Source: @taytayxanadu on Carousell

There are also the Lukut Bela Laba, which are considered male or female depending on whether the shape of the bead was long or flat. The beads are considered extremely valuable. These beads are often of great value to the Kayan.

According to legend, a trader who wanted to travel by river to the interior of Sarawak bought a second-hand outboard engine with just one Lukut Sekala bead.

Beads of Borneo - bead designs

Source: Rustic Borneo Travel, “Borneo Beads – Beautiful Status Symbols”

Ba’o Rawir

The Ba’o Rawir, or the drinking straw beads are created by Kelabit ladies. The Kelabit tribe originates from the Bario Highlands located in the northernmost part of Sarawak. The Kelabit people have a close association with the Lun Bawang tribe as they are geographically close to one another.

The Ba’o Rawir beads are used to create intricate designs on the Peta, a hat worn by Kelabit ladies. It is a status symbol which had the equivalent value of one buffalo in the old days when owning a buffalo was considered a sign of wealth. Today, an antique Peta hat made out of Ba’o Rawir can fetch up to RM 30,000 (US$ 7,150).

Beads of Borneo - Kelabit woman head gear

Source: Kelabit Wiki, “Peta”

Experience bead making yourself

Located in the north of Sarawak, the Long Tuma village is close to the Brunei border. The Ceramic Bead Centre holds workshops where you can learn how to make the beads and create your own piece. The Beads centre is currently managed by Litad Muluk and her daughter Patricia who is quoted above.

These women work the fields during the day and use the bead centre as an extra income stream while keeping the tradition alive. You can even see how this group of dedicated women put together beautiful pieces of jewellery.

And if you like what you see, you can support their efforts by purchasing beads from the souvenir shop.

Here is where it’s located:
Pusat Kraftangan Manik Seramik
Kampung Long Tuma, 98850 Lawas, Sarawak
Tel: +6013 565 6951

If you’re interested to learn more about the beading culture of Borneo, Heidi Munan’s book on Bornean beads is a highly recommended read. In it, she explains the historic significance of beads and how they transcend its mere aesthetic appeal.

You can also order beads online and support the Lawas bead community at the same time. These 3 online stores offer authentic products sourced from Sarawak:

Bizarre wildlife found in the jungles of exotic Borneo

Article source: http://sarawaktourism.com/blog/feed/

Tourism Malaysia

Experiencing Borneo’s genealogical cultures

Post author By melakatour
Post date April 20, 2013

Experiencing Borneo’s genealogical cultures

Borneo, a third largest island in a universe and 4th many populous, is divided adult between Indonesia, Malaysia and a little republic of Brunei. Malaysian Borneo occupies around 26% of a island, containing a states of Sabah and Sarawak.

Of Sabah’s 3 million and inhabitants, divided strictly into 32 ethnicities, a largest inland groups are a Kadazan-Dusun, Murut and Baja. The initial dual are towering tribes, that are comprised of many underling tribes, while a Bajau are a winding sea-faring people who live via a Maritime (island) segment of Southeast Asia.

“The largest inland tribes are a towering tribes, a Kadazan and Dusun tribes and their sub-tribes, mostly referred to a Kadazandusun, and a Murut. The Kadazandusun live mostly in a interior of Sabah, they are towering people who trust a towering is a resting place for a spirits of their departed, and so it is dedicated to them. The Rungus are arguably a many normal of a inland tribes, a sub-tribe of a Kadazandusun a Rungus live mostly in a north nearby Kudat, many still live in longhouses. The Murut a organisation of several associated tribes once lived in a longhouses like a Rungus, now they have mostly changed into single-family houses in a Tenom area and make a keep vital from small-scale agriculture.”

Cultural Village, Kuching. Pic: Peter Gronemann, Flickr, Creative Commons.

The state of Sarawak is geographically incomparable than Sabah, yet has a smaller population, giving it a lowest race firmness in all of Malaysia. Sarawak is home to 40 ethnicities, any with a possess denunciation and customs. Major secular groups embody a Iban – a state’s largest organisation who were before famous as headhunters. Iban are a longhouse-dwelling people with an considerable believe of a flora and fauna of Sarawak. Other groups embody a Melanau – fishers and farmers believed to be one of a strange settlers of Sarawak and who still use many normal animist customs; a Bidayu – land-dwellers especially strong in a west of a island; and a Orang Ulu – a organisation including many stream and plateau-dwelling tribes. The infancy members of many tribes have adopted possibly Muslim (Melanau) or Christian (Iban, Bidayu and Orang Ulu) beliefs, yet some still use normal genealogical religions.

Sarawak – and Malaysian Borneo as a whole – is mostly referred to as “Asia’s best kept secret” due to a far-reaching accumulation of cultures and abounding biodiversity.

Thankfully there are several ways visitors can knowledge a normal lifestyles of a inhabitants of both Sabah and Sarawak. One process is to revisit Sarawak Cultural Village, located only 35km from Kuching in a foothills of Mount Santubong. This core showcases and supports a secular traditions of Sarawak, including dance, music, humanities and crafts. It is also a venue for a World Harvest Festival and a Rainforest World Music Festival.

Dancers, Sarawak. Pic: Ben Sutherland, Flickr, Creative Commons.

“This vital museum depicts a birthright of a vital secular groups in Sarawak and conveniently portrays a particular lifestyle amidst 14 acres of equatorial vegetation. It is probable to see Sarawak’s secular farrago during a glance. The trade is both bewildering and tempting, including a Kain Songket (Malay cloth with bullion inlay), Pua Kumbu (Iban housewives textiles), Melanau Terendak (sunhat), Bidayuh tambok (basket), Iban parang (swords), Orang Ulu timber figure and Chinese ceramic.”

There are many other places to declare a etiquette and lives of Malaysian Borneo’s several tribes. Cultural tourists can revisit Lun Bawang settlements and farms, and Bidayuh longhouses in a Borneo highlands, as good as Iban longhouses in Bawang Assan nearby Sibu, where they can even spend a night.See a Sarawak tourism website for more.

Sabah also has a share of informative villages, such as Monsopiad Cultural Village on a Penampang River, and a pleasing Mari Mari Cultural Village, located only 25 mins from a state collateral of Kota Kinabalu, where one can see a creation of blowpipes, observe normal genealogical tattooing and representation prevalent genealogical cuisine.

From a Sabah tourism website “Be prepared to teleport behind to a times of ancient Borneo by a arrangement of singular inventive architecture, unnatural lives and ritualistic ceremonies. Also, get proficient with any encampment clan as we enter their homes and knowledge their abounding culture.”

Those in hunt of a genuine informative holiday or those who wish to mix a bit of enlightenment with several forms of adventures in Borneo will not be unhappy by what Sabah and Sarawak have to offer. Though a occasional “headhunt” did start in a past, tribes are now some-more meddlesome in liberality as good as preserving and pity their cultures. This means farming, festivals, weekly open atmosphere markets (tamu), progressing (and adapting) normal longhouses and stability a accumulation of fascinating customs, humanities and crafts.

Longhouse, Sabah. Pic: Paul Mannix, Flickr, Creative Commons.

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Tags Experiencing Borneo, go2homestay, homestay 1 malaysia, homestay malaysia, Malaysian Borneo, Sabah, Sarawak Cultural Village

Tourism Malaysia

Discovering Sabah’s World War Two sites

Post author By melakatour
Post date April 19, 2013

Discovering Sabah’s World War Two sites

I am station gravely in a gummy heat, my shirt sticking to my back, notwithstanding a fact I’m in a shadowy area of forest. It’s midst morning nonetheless it’s already breathless and steam is high here during Sandakan Memorial Park, in a Sabah segment of Malaysian Borneo.

Pic: Terence Carter.

I’ve assimilated a organisation of some 60 people, mostly Australian passengers from a Orion tour boat that has docked during Sandakan for a day. Two Australian women are laying a spray during a bottom of a black marble monument, another dual mount together, tears welling in their eyes, and arms related to comfort any other.

The 4 women are descendents of a 6 Australian organisation who survived a horrific Sandakan Death Marches in that 2,400 Australian and British Prisoners of War (POWs) died between Jan and Aug 1945, and they’re here, along with a rest of a group, to compensate their respects.

Sabah is best famous to many travellers as an outlandish pleasant finish that’s plentiful with wildlife and boasts some of a world’s best diving, snorkelling and hiking. Yet it’s also a site of some of a many horrific atrocities committed opposite POWs during a Second World War.

The shaggy park, now soaring with lofty trees from that we mark midget squirrels leaping from bend to branch, was a plcae of a strange Sandakan Prisoner of War camp, where some 2,700 Aussie and Brit soldiers were brought by a Japanese after a tumble of Singapore in Feb 1942 to build an airstrip.

Some 300 were eliminated to other camps, with a residue subjected to a many heartless of conditions. Sick, weak, starving, and over-worked, pang from pleasant ulcers and malaria, they were forced over 3 perpetual durations to substitute some 250 kilometres from Sandakan to Renau. They possibly died or were killed, mostly in horrific circumstances, on their approach or on arrival, with only 6 Australian organisation surviving, after evading into a jungle and being helped by internal people.

Every year, thousands of Australians and British revisit a sites, and experiencing these places with comparison Australians who have a tie to a comfortless events can be really moving. If you’re travelling in Borneo and would like to compensate your respects, these are a pivotal sites of decoration in Sabah we should experience:

Sandakan Memorial Park
It’s value commencement your revisit by reading a arrangement play during a tiny though constrained museum in a normal wooden pavilion during a centre of a park so that we fast benefit an bargain of a ruin that a 2,400 Australian and British soldiers went by in this clearly willing forest. The black and white photos and testimonies exhibit how really opposite it was when they were detained here in a shutting years of a war.

Pic: Terence Carter.

Labuan War Memorial
Nothing can utterly ready oneself for this huge area of manicured lawns with quarrel on quarrel of marble headstones etched with a many touching of messages – there are roughly 4,000 Commonwealth soldiers buried here in total. Jalan Tanjung Purun, 2kms easterly of town, Pulau Labuan.

Kundasang War Memorial
The lovingly tended Australian and English gardens here commemorate a prisoners of fight who died here during a finish of a horrific Death Marches. Protected by high walls, any garden is utterly opposite to a other, a Australian garden comprising a sprawling grass with flower beds, modelled on a standard suburban garden, a other a quintessentially British lodge garden. Visitors are invited initial to an air-conditioned room to watch a touching Australian documentary, that follows a new tour of a organisation of Australians, including immature soldiers, re-tracing a route. Equally touching are a photographs, articles, letters, and several outfit on display. There are lists of those who died on a Marches in a third area with a prolonged arbour shading a pond, with stately views of Mount Kinabalu. Various reports explain that a soldiers came to hatred Mount Kinabalu, ceaselessly in their sights and representing utterly a opposite plea than it does today. On a KK-Ranau Highway, nearby a connection to a Mesilau Nature Resort, Renau.

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Tags Discovering Sabah, go2homestay, homestay 1 malaysia, homestay malaysia, Malaysian Borneo, Mount Kinabalu, Pic Terence Carter

Tourism Malaysia

The longhouses of Malaysian Borneo

Post author By melakatour
Post date April 19, 2013

The longhouses of Malaysian Borneo

The huge island of Borneo adds nonetheless some-more to a Asian melting pot that is Malaysia. Malaysian Borneo (sometimes called Eastern Malaysia) is comprised of a states of Sarawak and Sabah, that belong to a Northwest side of a world’s third largest island.

Who lives in a residence like this? Pic: Ben Cowles

The Dayak, a common name for a hundreds of tribes that stock Borneo, make adult a largest ethic organisation on a island. One activity that is flourishing in recognition among a ever-increasing legions of travellers visiting Malaysia is a revisit to a encampment longhouses that these people traditionally live in.

A Very Long House
As a really name implies, longhouses are elongated buildings lifted several feet above belligerent by countless stout stilts. The houses are typically done from tree bellow and grass, though currently many tribes also use a some-more versatile, though reduction pretty, piece iron. The accurate blueprint of longhouses varies from clan to sub-tribe to region, nonetheless they all share identical characteristics.

The longhouses of Borneo generally include of a extensive community gymnasium with private family bedrooms splintering off to a sides. An whole village, in some cases adult to 500 people from 3 generations, are housed in any longhouse.

The stilts on that any longhouse rests offer to strengthen opposite peep floods and rodents. Their tallness also helps to locate a cold breezes floating adult high. The whole village, and any visitors, kibbutz in a longhouse while their stock lives beneath.

Headhunters
The Iban are maybe a many good famous genealogical peoples of Sarawak. In days prolonged left a Iban were feared by all, due to their use of headhunting. In sequence for a child to be deliberate a man, he would have to strike out into a universe alone, usually being authorised to lapse to his encampment once he had achieved a heads of his enemies. Scary right! Well, thankfully (or not, depending on your position towards globalisation) this use is no longer carried out. The achievement of strength is now achieved by returning to a encampment with some-more useful commodities; like generators, atmosphere conditioning or TVs.

Someone you’re approaching to meet. Pic: Ben Cowles

But by no means are a Iban a usually people to live in this community way. In a Northern state of Sabah, a Rungus also live in community longhouses and belong to many of their ancient customs. Their longhouses tend to be many closer to a belligerent and they are usually as peaceful to accept visitors.

Getting there

Whenever one reads about a Iban or Rungus peoples, their accessible opinion towards strangers is always mentioned.

Do a discerning Google hunt of Borneo longhouses along with a difference ‘tour’ or ‘stay’ and you’ll find pages of debate operators charity adult a night in one. Of march if we find yourself already in Malaysia, it’s usually as probable to organize a outing in-country with a internal guide, too.

In and around a Kelabit Highlands – a vast plateau in Sarawak tighten to a Indonesian limit – it is probable to trek from one encampment to another. The longhouses there work as rest stops as good as villages.

For a eccentric traveller wanting to strech a villages on their possess steam, it’s probable to trek, bus, vessel or fly to many.

Culture
Before entering a longhouse one contingency be invited. One advantage to carrying a internal beam means they’ll substantially do all that in advance. However, should we find yourself coming a longhouse but one and a enterprise to enter, get articulate to a internal and an invitation is approaching to follow.

Life on high. Pic: Ben Cowles

It is prevalent to yield gifts of food, drink, alcohol, etc. for a villagers of any longhouse. You will many approaching be strictly greeted by a encampment personality and approaching to splash with him and a elders. Obviously stay within a community area and usually go into one of a private bedrooms if invited to do so.

A Period of Transition
Globalisation is changing a normal approach of life for a Dayak of Borneo. Many immature Iban and Rungus people are withdrawal their longhouses and seeking a life in a civic areas of Malaysia. The 21st century has been coined as a transitory duration for these people. Whether this means a normal longhouse approach of life will eventually turn archaic or not, stays to be seen. However, should we find yourself furloughed Malaysian Borneo, a stay in a longhouse is something not to be missed.

This essay has hardly scratched a aspect on a series of tribes charity normal longhouse stays in Malaysian Borneo. If you’d like to find out some-more afterwards a revisit to a Malaysian, Sarawak and Sabah traveller play should set we straight.

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Tags go2homestay, homestay 1 malaysia, homestay malaysia, Malaysian Borneo, Pic Ben Cowles, Sabah, Sarawak

Preserving the traditionality of beadmaking

Lukut Sekala

Ba’o Rawir

Experience bead making yourself

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Experiencing Borneo’s genealogical cultures

Discovering Sabah’s World War Two sites

The longhouses of Malaysian Borneo