An Iban elder taking rest from the hot day in the long house
I doubt if I can get over the parangs used by the Ibans, jungle food and the long houses in Batang Ai. Just a couple of weeks after the trip and already I am thinking of going back. There is simply too many things I wanna see, learn and experience still. As brief as this trip may be…I think the group of us ‘visitors’ had a really good time, hosted by these lovely people.
Continue reading Iban parangs, tasty grubs and longhouses; Final
We spent one night at Menyiling long house, Batang Ai Sarawak before entering the jungle
Traveling in an Iban long boat on Batang Ai towards the Menyiling long house marks the beginning of our adventure. The longboats, powered by mere 15hp outboard engines are quite fast and rather ‘flimsy’ to my liking.
Continue reading The welcoming ceremony at Iban Longhouse Menyiling, Batang Ai, Sarawak.
This old and rustic Ukom longhouse certainly has its charm
I always wondered what makes an Iban longhouse authentic. How would a long house looked like generations ago? I have not a clue but this Ukom longhouse in Batang Ai certainly has some characteristics that makes it ‘authentic’ I reckon.
Continue reading What makes an Iban longhouse authentic?; Conclusion
A strong Iban from the Ukom village carrying our full ice box up the the longhouse
There is a sense of ruggedness & suspense when we arrive at Ukum Longhouse jetty that night at Batang Ai. I prepared myself for what is supposed to be a ‘real’ traditional longhouse. We were made to wait at the jetty, made off floating logs held together with long wooden poles at the edge of the water. A sudden movement on the jetty sends a tilt on the entire floating ‘pontoon’. When we finally got the good to approach the longhouse, I began to wonder if any of us in the group (except for the guide) is as jittery as I am.
Continue reading Real traditional Iban long house; Batang Ai part III
The engine and the name of the loang boat we were on
A ride in a narrow Iban long boat on the Batang Ai is really something. I guess our group was luck (in a way) as the lake was choppy when we pushed off from the jetty. The boatman reassured us that it is only choppy half the way (which is true) as the open lake is prone to strong winds at time.
Continue reading Long boat ride into Batang Ai; Part II
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.
Continue reading Traditional utensil crafts used in Bidayuh kitchen, Semban Sarawak
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.
Continue reading Old tools of the Bidayuh in Semban; Part VIII
Wake up at 5am to hike up a steep hill just to see the sun rise is not my usual cup
The 5am hike to see watch the sun rise is a must says Danny Voon, our guide to Semban. Having arrived the previous day, we were still recovering from the sore body but the lure of watching the sun pierce through the distance horizon above the clouds gave us enough motivation to do it and it was all worth the effort.
Continue reading Sunrise and morning walk around Semban village; Part VII
A village house in the interior of Sarawak
There are some really unique houses in the interior of Sarawak. The houses reflect not only practicality and simplicity but also the way of life for the folks in the area. Having spent 1 night in one of the local houses, coupled with their hospitality made me realize how over-dependant we city folks are to our ‘modern’ & materialistic world.
Continue reading Unique houses in the interior of Sarawak; A trip to Sarawak’s jungle Pt. IV
