It is amazing how the Bidayuhs in Semban, Sarawak make use of bamboo in their daily life. Its been known that bamboo has a thousand and one uses. I have seen bamboo being used to start fire, cook food, obtain water, [...]]]>

The Bidayuhs in Semban is really resourceful with the natural materials found around them

It is amazing how the Bidayuhs in Semban, Sarawak make use of bamboo in their daily life. Its been known that bamboo has a thousand and one uses. I have seen bamboo being used to start fire, cook food, obtain water, carvings, weapon, traps and so much more. But during this second trip to Semban, I learn new uses of bamboo.

I told myself during my first visit that I need to get back to Semban if there’s a chance. There’s simply too much to see, learn and experience. During this second visit, I have taken the opportunity to look closer at a few local bushcraft skills. Right at the start of the trail, bamboo seems to be the main working material. The suspension bridge has been repaired/ refurbished with new and stronger pieces. Much sturdier and ‘good looking’ compared to when I first went on it.

The bridge is sturdier and stronger with new pieces of bamboos installed

Further along the trail in a distance a few local farmers taking shelter in a hut. The hut as it turns out is being built mostly from bamboo. I approached them and started to chat. While chatting (the usual stuff about what are the planting etc), I noted that the hut has a really unique roofing. They are made entirely of bamboo!

Note the roof of the hut is made entirely of bamboo

The bamboos used for the roofing are quite large. They are split into halves, then the inside notches removed. Overlapping the bamboos on each other, they provide both shelter from the sun and rain as well!

How the bamboo pieces are arranged to shelter the occupants from the elements

Ijok cordage used to bind the bamboo pieces to build the hut

I like this simple hut a lot because it really is ‘original’. Even the binding is still made with Ijok. A traditionally cordage made from palm fibers. Wait for our next write up on bamboo and its many uses!

Traditional crafts and utensils like plant leaves for food wrapping, palm fronds as food basket and bamboo platters are all still part of everyday life in the Bidayuh village of Semban, Sarawak. Each time I visit this beautiful place, I am amazed at the [...]]]>

The variety of hand woven baskets for a variety of tasks

Traditional crafts and utensils like plant leaves for food wrapping, palm fronds as food basket and bamboo platters are all still part of everyday life in the Bidayuh village of Semban, Sarawak. Each time I visit this beautiful place, I am amazed at the resourcefulness, determination and practicality of the people. In a way, I think they are masters of bushcrafting in their own right.

It was my second trip to Semban and I took time to visit other houses in the village. Glen’s house was particularly interesting. It was here that I discovered the many ‘everyday’ crafts that are still in use. It started off with dinner. Among the many plastic bowls and plates, a peculiar brown card-board like material in the shape of a miniature boat caught my eye. In it were our vegetables for the night.

'Pokok' being used to serve food

These ‘bowls’ were made of the fronds of the Sago palm. They are known as ‘Pokok’ locally. They are amazingly rigid, takes heaps of food and was used on many occasions during my visit there. It is free, chemical free and 100% recyclable.

A closer look at ‘Pokok’

'Pokok' being used to hold BBQ

Other food container I saw used at Glen’s house includes one made of bamboo. Something straight from some posh restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.

Bamboo used to serve food

Glen’s sister in law keeping an eye on Pansuh, a special dish cooked in bamboo

A pair of tongs made from bamboo

To top it all, I was fortunate this time around when our ‘tapau’ (take-away) rice to the waterfall hike was actually packed in leaves. The leaves, broad and long is cleaned and blanched and used to pack rice neatly for eating several hours later. Rice packed in the morning and can still be eaten for dinner the same dinner! These pack away rice is called ‘Mors Spit‘.

Leaf wrapped rice, also known as ‘Mors Spit’ by the locals in Semban

Preparing 'Mors Spit' or rice wrapped in leaf for take away

The villagers of Semban, Sarawak make their own artificial bee hive/ nest from natural materials found in the jungles around them. Placed under their wooden houses and huts, the bees in return provide their ‘landlords’ with honey and hard work pollinating the flowering plants in [...]]]>

It’s a win-win relationship between villagers and bees in Semban

The villagers of Semban, Sarawak make their own artificial bee hive/ nest from natural materials found in the jungles around them. Placed under their wooden houses and huts, the bees in return provide their ‘landlords’ with honey and hard work pollinating the flowering plants in the farm.

This is another version of artificial bee hive hung underneath the house

The bee ‘containers’ can be found hung underneath some shade all around the village. I find it ironic because normally people would prefer these sorts of thing far from their house (in case the bees decide to go on a stinging rampage). But perhaps because honey is hard to come by and because of this, it is only natural that owners wants to keep their precious ‘sweets’ close to them.

Another ‘Bleh teh’ hanging underneath a villager’s house

I saw one of these bee containers in the making when I visited Glen’s vegetable plot early one morning. I was busy listening to him explaining and demonstrating the bamboo mouse trap when my eyes caught a block of hollowed tree trunk seating beside the hut. I was curious.

A ‘Bleh-teh' in the making

Glen is making a ‘Bleh teh’ utilizing a tree trunk. The tree is called ‘Nong’ in Bidayuh language. It’s a rather soft wood type of wood and Glen is in the process of hollowing the block of wood. I did not have the opportunity to see the entire process but only the ‘hollowing’ of the block of wood. What amazes me is that it is done not using any metal tool but just a piece of bamboo. This is the traditional way a ‘Bleh teh’ is made. I wondered for some time why he traditionally they did not just use a metal instrument and the only reason I can think of is because in the olden days, metal is scarce and one would try to do everything with as minimal use of metal as possible.

Glen preparing bamboo which he will then use to hollow the block of ‘Nong’ wood

I will upload a video I took of Glen demonstrating part of the ‘Bel-teh’ man made bee hive soon.

We had the good fortune of visiting a working Semelai (hill) rice field. Though all the rice stalks have been harvested, some burnt…there were still many things to see and learn here. Even the hut that is poised on the fringe of the rice field was interesting enough. It is [...]]]>

The rice field after harvest

We had the good fortune of visiting a working Semelai (hill) rice field. Though all the rice stalks have been harvested, some burnt…there were still many things to see and learn here. Even the hut that is poised on the fringe of the rice field was interesting enough. It is authentic and divinely bushcraft.

The feast marks the first meal with rice cooked with the newly harvested rice. Naturally, we were curious to know more about the rice. We decided to visit the rice field after our lunch. But before we left, we got the chance to see the traditional rice pounder, made entirely of wood which is used to de-husk the rice he harvested. After that, the rice is kept in a woven basket.

The rice pounder used by the Semelais

The pounded rice is then kept in a woven basket

Naturally, we wanted to buy some of the rice to bring back with us but according to locals, the bomoh or local shaman advised against it. We would have to wait for a number of days before the rice can be taken away from the owner. It is only then that we were told that the bomoh has ‘chanted’ over the rice before it was cooked or otherwise we would all have stomach discomfort.

We made our way to the rice field, located not very far away from our kenduri place. It was a hot day and it started to drizzle a bit. Rain on a hot day like this is called ‘hujan panas’ (hot rain) and is generally believed to cause fever. We quicken our pace and seek shelter in the hut on near the rice field.

The hut on the rice field

All four of us scrambled up into the hut. We were not the only occupants. Inside there are two cats and gunny sacks filled with newly harvested rice. Even with the bamboo flooring, the heat can still be felt inside the hut.

The bags of rice in the hut

I decided to wait under the hut for the rain to stop. It was only then that I realize how much the hut was built on the basic knowledge of bushcraft. The hut  is amazingly sturdy, built  using traditional knowledge and mostly materials available from the surrounding areas. The steps leading into the hut for example is tied together using knots (unfamiliar to me) and notches on the wood pieces.

Except for the few nails used, most of the steps are held together using rattan and notches

The knot that starts the rattan coil downwards the steps

The rattan is used to hold the steps together

Note how the rattan is ended with a coil

Underneath the hut, I noticed that no time is wasted by the villagers. There are materials used to make fish traps or Bubu, there’s even a completed one. Bubus are made in between working on the rice fields. The Semelais seems to maximize their time very well.

Making fish traps were the order of the day when the padi farmers had free time at the rice field

The rain stopped after about 15 minutes. The air is filled with humid scent of raindrops but the heat was more than I can bear. The landscape around displayed a rather barren land. Some parts were burnt; mostly dried stems can only be seen left standing. It was a good harvest this year and villagers are looking forward to an even better next season.

Many [...]]]> Here is a video of a traditional furnace which belongs to the Bidayuhs in Semban Sarawak. Local guide and villager Glen and his father was kind enough to setup the furnace just to demonstrate how their old furnace works. The feathers on the ‘plungers’ are not from chickens but from a particular type of raptor.

Many apologies for the poor sound recording.

Some of the old tools that belong to the Bidayuh villagers in Semban are so old; they date back generations to the time of Rajah Brooke. During our visit there, we got to see traditional Bidayuh [...]]]>

The fibers from Ijok palm tree has been used as cordage for generations and is still being used today

Some of the old tools that belong to the Bidayuh villagers in Semban are so old; they date back generations to the time of Rajah Brooke. During our visit there, we got to see traditional Bidayuh sugarcane crusher, old hunting weapons, hand powered forge and even an old rifle.

I reckon I can spend a few more days just discovering the tools used by the Bidayuh in Semban. As the guides shared with me the details of each tool, I became more and more immersed in its beauty and ingenuity.

The fibers of the Ijok palm tree for example has been used for generations as cordage to bind things together. It is one of the villager’s main cordage and it can be seen holding together bridges, houses and even floorings.

Sagen holding a coil of Ijok cordage ready for use

This is the best photo I got of an Ijok palm

Next to Ijok palm, there’s of course the Terap tree where the inner barks are also used for cordage. Thought commonly used by the Orang Asal in Peninsula, the Bidayuh seems to prefer the Ijok cordage for general rough use. Nevertheless, coils of harvested Terap and its application can be seen around the village

Coils of Terap bark ready for use - Pic by Meun

The carrying straps on this basket (hung upside down from the roof) is made of Terap fibers

This rolled up mat was made primarily using Terap fibers and rattan

A visit to guide Glen’s house is probably one which is filled most with “waaaaa…” and “wow…wow…wow”. Glen and his father were very kind in showing us some of the stuff stored in their store shed. The items include a traditional rice pounder or known as ‘Lisung’ locally (to remove the husk), hunting weapons, a blow pipe and a hand powered forge.

The rice pounder has not seen much use since the rice mill machine was brought up to the village

A close-up picture

Glen holding his blowpipe

The metal piece at the tip of the blowpipe helps steady it during use

The ‘cork’ like texture of this inner palm core is used to make blow darts

Three different types of hunting spears for different game

Now, I have heard about the hand powered forge but I never imagined I would have the good fortune of seeing one at Semban village. Being a blade enthusiasts, I have always wondered how traditional forges look like. This forge belongs to Glen’s family too. Though they no longer forge their own blades (most are bought from nearby towns now), they still know how to use it. “If we have good metal, we will fire up the forge again for sure” says Glen.

I will compile a video on this soon!

We went to a few locations to look at some of the old tools. One that stood out old but probably not traditional is an old rifle. The owner believes that it dates back to the time of the White Raja (James Brooke) and the rifle has been handed down in his family for generations. The owner wasn’t sure if the riffle can still fire.

The old rifle believed to be from the Brooke’s era- Pic by Meun

There are also cool Bidayuh kitchen tools. One such tool is the sugarcane crusher or ‘Erk’tes’ as locals calls it. I reckon this tool must be important to the Bidayuh since it is needed to make the good tasting Tepui (alcoholic drink).

The wooden sugarcane crusher or ‘Erk’tes’ (in Bidayuh)

To use the sugarcane crusher, a wooden piece is inserted into the hole on the statue and sugarcane is placed in between. The wooden piece (not in the picture) is then used to crush the sugarcane, forcing the liquid out, flowing along the beak like funnel. The sugarcane juice will then be collected using a container (not in the picture). And to store Tepui, the Bidayuh uses a gourd like container so that they can be carried around.

The gourd liquid container

I would love to have more time to explore and learn more about the Bidayuhs of Semban and their life. The tools they shared with me on this visit was an eye opener. Their tools are symbols ingenuity and adaptability, something that I think is the missing ingredient in today’s society.

Other posts/ videos on Semban:

• Part I- A visit to Semban, the village above the clouds
• Part II- The hanging bamboo bridges of Semban
• Part III- The long walk up to Semban
• Part IV- The waterfalls at Semban
• Part V1- The Bidayuh’s traditional cutting tools
• Part V2- The kitchen and bamboo blades of the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part VI- Traditional bamboo smoking pipe and great food
• Part VII- Sunrise and morning walk around Semban
• Part VIII- Old tools used by the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part IX- Ladies of the rings in Semban
• Video- The bidayuh’s hill paddy
• Video- The home made wooden pack that carries EVERTHING up Semban!
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional furnace
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional blades

Besides the traditional fire piston, Tok Ali was also kind enough to tell us more about his blow pipe, aquarium and herb garden. With his charm and willingness to share his knowledge, we felt that the 2 hours spent with him is nowhere enough to learn more.

Tok Ali had showed us two pieces [...]]]>

Traditional ciggies?

Besides the traditional fire piston, Tok Ali was also kind enough to tell us more about his blow pipe, aquarium and herb garden. With his charm and willingness to share his knowledge, we felt that the 2 hours spent with him is nowhere enough to learn more.

Tok Ali had showed us two pieces of blowpipes. One of them was traditionally made while the other had a ‘modern’ touch to it. It had a copper barrel in the inner core of the blowpipe. The outer part is still very much made of traditional materials. Below are some pictures of the blowpipe.

Tok Ali’s nephew with the blowpipe

The inner copper barrel can be seen from the mouthpiece

And if you are wondering, yes, the blowpipe works. Tok Ali demonstrated its use for us. Once is enough cause the darts may still have some of the poison on it. The last thing we need is someone accidentally being hit by it.

We were about to go outside to take a look at his herb garden when we a mate asked him about the fish in the aquarium tank. Its Ikan Puyu (Anabas testudineus) of course, same like the one I saw sold at the market in Slim River. Besides being an ornamental fish (thought it is not at all colorful or pretty), it is believed that it is also used to ward off evil spirits. Tok Ali agrees on this.

One of the ikan Puyu in Tok Ali’s aquarium

People believe that ikan Puyu will help ward off evil spirit

We then preceded to Tok Ali’s herb garden we he introduced to us a host of plants that’s used for traditional healing purposes. One of the most famous of course is Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia). Tok Ali manage to plant this plant in the yard of his home, something many have not done successfully. We were lucky as his Tongkat Ali tree was flowering at the time.

The flowering Tongkat Ali

A close-up pic on the Tongkat Ali fruits

Nearby the Tongkat Ali plant, under the shade of a hut that’s storing stuff, we spotted Tok Ali’s fish trap. He told us it has not been used for some time. It obviously is well made, sturdy and used. Not the ‘tourist’ type of product.

Tok Ali’s fish trap or ‘bubu’

Tok Ali shared with us names, usages of many types of plants that day. Too many that we can’t remember everyone of them. At the end of our visit, Tok Ali took some ‘sticks’ and passed them to our friend John. He claims that they are traditionally used to treat sinuses or Resdung. The way to use it is to actually ‘smoke’ the sticks…through your nose! John tried it and he said it was a ‘spicy’ sensation. We’ll take his word for it.

Traditional herbal cures for sinus or ‘resdung’ (Malay)

Tok Ali is certainly a bomoh with a wealth of knowledge. Not only does he keep his people’s culture alive but he has also made efforts to pass his knowledge and skills to the younger generation. As we drove away in our vehicle, we can’t help but wonder if we can come back and become one of his students.

Starting a fire is never an easy task when it is in the jungle. Of course having a lighter and strips of rubber would make life much easier but many times, the materials found in the jungle are usually wet or damp. So, I decided to try out some different methods of starting fire in [...]]]>

Starting a fire is never an easy task when it is in the jungle. Of course having a lighter and strips of rubber would make life much easier but many times, the materials found in the jungle are usually wet or damp. So, I decided to try out some different methods of starting fire in the jungle, namely the fire saw and a fire striker.

This was my first attempt starting fire using a fire saw in the jungle. Having watch Ray Mears make fire using this method on some of his series on youtube has given me some ideas how it is done. So, I decided to take the opportunity to try it out since there’s an abundance of bamboo around.

I needed dry bamboo. The only ones I could fine nearby are pieces on the opposite river bank. I reckon they were all washed up there when the water level is high. Choosing the driest pieces, I reminded myself to watch out for snakes and other creepy crawlies.

Well, I hate to say it but starting a fire using the fire saw method was unsuccessful. Mr Mears said that it is one of the most reliable means of starting a fire in the jungle but I found it extremely difficult and not to mention tiring. I think I followed his method to the smallest detail and made it as far as generating smoke but I just couldn’t get the amber.

The ‘saw’ groove, smoke but no amber

I tried several more times and finally gave up. Lots of smoke, no amber. Perhaps I need to make the hole through the bamboo bigger the next time around.

Well, I am still determined to start a fire. Then I remembered the ‘Light My Fire Firesteel’ in my minimum kit. So, I made a little bit more tinder by scrapping the bamboo. With that, I continued my ‘fire’ starting experiment.

Sparks flying from my Firesteel

The bamboo tinder catching fire

Fire at last!

Well, I did not manage to start fire using the ‘fire-saw’ method but at least I manage to start a fire using my ‘Light My Fire’ Firesteel with bamboo shavings as tinder. So, it’s a tick for the Firesteel and a question mark still for the fire-saw.

This kayaking trip to Ulu Muda dam is probably more bushcraft inspired than anything else. While I have been trying to learn and trying out bushcrafting, Nadir seems to have it built into his genes. Both of us tried our hands on a few projects, some turned out okay, some better left [...]]]>

Nadir busy bushcrafting

This kayaking trip to Ulu Muda dam is probably more bushcraft inspired than anything else. While I have been trying to learn and trying out bushcrafting, Nadir seems to have it built into his genes. Both of us tried our hands on a few projects, some turned out okay, some better left unsaid.

We dedicated one full day to simply relaxing at the camp and doing all things bushcraft. Nadir came prepared. Among the many things he brought along were pieces of blades called ‘Pisau Malas’ (translated as ‘lazy knives’). He made them by grinding down retired steel saw blades. They really look awesome. His project…to make working handles. He managed to knock one out in less than 30minutes. Not the best looking things but definitely functional.

One of the Pisau Malas which Nadir made the handles for

The Pisau Malas was definitely useful in making small, more intricate control cuts and carvings

Nadir was relentless. I had to admit that I was taking it easy. After working on a parang handle that turned out looking like  d!*k, I decided to just lie down and take a nap. A short nap and by the time I got up, Nadir was already into his wooden spoon.

Nadir drawing the outline of his wooden spoon using charcoal from the fire

Later he carved out a wooden spatula with his Mora and axe. Good job!

Nadir’s spatula

Now I am inspired! I picked up another piece of wood and started carving. After seeing some really nice wood carving on BCUK, I thought I’d try to make one too. I made the below entirely using my Mora!

The parang handle I carved at Ulu Muda

Come at night, we made a fire, hoping to rid the mosquitoes and sand flies that have been feeding on us. It wasn’t easy making the fire with all the rain and dam wood. Once going, Nadir started on his wooden spoon again.

Nadir worked on his wooden spoon right into the night

Progress was slow but definitely satisfying

We put our bushcrafting skills to test by trying to catch fish as well. The thought of making rod, fishing line and bone hooks was mentioned once (before the trip) but reality is we WANT to catch some fish. So we did bring some fishing gear with us. The objective was to try to catch some for feed and put of ‘fish cleaning’ skills to test.

With no artificial lures, we had to dig for earth worms. Surprisingly, it was a breeze looking for those worms compared to other places I have been.

We dug around for earth worms as baits

How did we fare? Alright I suppose. One of them fishes literally drag my rod into the river! So, I was kind of hooked on trying to catch them. Cleaning them became the easy part. I was expecting the ‘task’ to be pushed around between us but obviously we both are more than happy to do it. Somehow I think it has something to do with the idea of constantly putting our Mora into use.

One of the fishes we caught

Driving home from Kedah to Kuala Lumpur after the trip had me thinking about the entire trip in Ulu Muda. I did not feel the pressures associated with other trips that I have been on. I knew Nadir is more than capable of looking after himself  and we both understood the joys of bushcraft. It was a trip like no other and bushcraft made it possible. I wonder if this kayak trip in Ulu Muda is the start of something bigger…Bushmoot Malaysia maybe?