Authentically smoked wild boar; A trip to Sarawak’s jungle Pt. V

We spent our first night traveling into the interior of Sarawak in one of the guide’s house. The hospitality was exceptional and we were treated like family members immediately. We were obviously tired from the exhaustive 4WD journey and any form of comfort (especially food) is God sent. Our host made our day when he asked if we wanted something to eat. Some of us said yes until we saw what’s been cooking over fire.

Our group was presented with a few smoked wild boar head

Out came a smoked wild boar head! Wild boar is a major part of the local people’s diet and it is no surprise that it’s in our ‘welcome menu’ that day. Some of us were curios, some excited while some just couldn’t believe their eyes. I am glad there are no Muslims in the group (otherwise it would be rather offensive).

Initially, our host only brought out one smoked wild boar head for us. I guess he wasn’t sure if we would eat it.  I guess many of us are adventurous and we did not hesitate to dig in. After the first round passing the platter around, the host decided to bring out more pieces of smoked wild boar head. It was like a feast. It was cooked to perfection. The rest of the wild boar body parts have been consumed but the head is surprisingly good. Like fish head, if you know where to look, it would be good eating.

One of the guides, Bernard inviting people to ‘sample’ the smoked boar head

Okay, I admit I jumped right into it. Heck, why not, I have traveled too far to not try this. I got packets of charcoal pills and Smectas on standby just in case my stomach rejected it. Bernard, one of our guides is in charged of slicing pieces for everyone to try. Bernard used the small Penat knife to do the job.

The Penat knife is used to 'carve' the meat

The smoked wild boar head was really good. The jaw meat, the cheek and of course the tongue was nothing short of spectacular. By the time the second piece of boar head was placed on the table, almost everyone had had a piece. Soon everything was gone.

This is practically what’s left of the smoked wild boar head

Click to read Part I, part II, part III & part IV


Continue reading other parts of this adventure below:

• First time in Miri Town, Sarawak
• Wild durian & Kolok mee at Miri.
• 5 hours on a 4WD into interior off Miri.
• Unique local houses in Sarawak interior.
• Smoked wild boar…nice!
• Loooong hike to look for an elusive waterfall.
• Sarawak river boats and a raging river.
• Jungle vines and rattan used in the jungles of Sarawak.
• Umbut or heart of palm tasting, first experience.
• Harvesting of the umbut by the Penan.
• Malat & Penat; the Penan’s blades.
• Kitchen in a traditional house.
• Video on jungle kitchen & feather stick making.

Click here to read about another rainforest adventure in Semban, Sarawak.