Sarawak, meaning “Land of the Hornbills” in Malay, is one of the two states on the island of Borneo, making it the largest state in Malaysia in terms of land area.
Sarawak stands out in terms of tourism and culture, showcasing distinct differences from the states on the Malaysian Peninsula. One of its most unique features is the rich cultural experience with indigenous communities. During a 4-day, 3-night adventure, we delved deep into tribal villages, sharing meals and accommodations with the Dayak people, witnessing their sacred ceremonies, and celebrating the bountiful Gawai Dayak festival. This immersive approach to local culture was truly remarkable, and I can’t wait to share the experience with everyone.
Sarawak’s Dreamy Forests
- 01 – Introduction A week before embarking on this journey, I was interviewed at the Guangxi Museum, discussing the content related to the “Feathered People’s Country.” The “Feathered People” were first recorded in the “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” an ancient Chinese text documenting the world’s geography and cultural customs during the pre-Qin period.
In recent decades, numerous artifacts related to the “Feathered People” have been unearthed in Guangdong and Guangxi, with the most significant being the bronze drum. These drums depict the daily lives of the “Feathered People,” adorned with long feather decorations on their heads.
This bronze drum, discovered in the ancient Dian city site at Fuxian Lake, Yunnan, is known as the “Shizhaishan-type bronze drum” in archaeology. Similar to the mystery surrounding the Sanxingdui culture, the creators of these exquisite bronze drums remain unknown. Surprisingly, during my trip to Sarawak, Borneo, I encountered the Dayak people, resembling the “Feathered People” described on the bronze drum. Their customs, including the living “Feathered People” culture, made this journey to East Malaysia truly fantastic.
02 – Experiencing Sarawak’s Unique Charm Malaysian Borneo, Sarawak, and a Unique Approach to Travel I found the Feathered People tribe documented in the “Classic of Mountains and Seas” in Malaysia About Gawai Dayak Gawai Dayak is an annual celebration in Sarawak, taking place from June 9-11 this year. It symbolizes a thanksgiving festival following the harvest season. Gawai, meaning festival or ceremony, and Dayak, referring to the diverse indigenous groups in Sarawak, including Iban (Sea Dayak), Bidayuh (Land Dayak), Orang Ulu communities (Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, etc.).
Our itinerary for this experience was a 2-day, 1-night stay in Betong. The journey from Kuching to Betong took approximately 5 hours by bus, making the trip quite extensive.
The experience included a 2-day homestay at Engkeranji Longhouse, participation in the Gawai Dayak festival at Matop Longhouse, and witnessing the traditional Gawai parade in Betong town. The longhouse serves as the venue for Gawai Dayak celebrations, providing warm hospitality from indigenous and traditional residents.
03 – Being Guests in Indigenous Homes Rumah Engkeranji Longhouse Homestay (1 night): Experiencing Homestay Like Locals
Upon arrival, we were greeted by Dayak tribe members in traditional attire at the bus stop. The village leader even performed a traditional dance for us.
Next, we visited Rumah Engkeranji Longhouse in Betong, a modern longhouse conveniently located near the Pan Borneo Highway. The longhouse, as the name suggests, is long and has about twenty rooms on a single floor.
We were welcomed by residents offering tea, coffee, and local cakes known as “kuih.” The longhouse’s open and communal design allowed us to explore the living spaces and interact with residents freely.
For the overnight stay, we shared the communal area and sleeping quarters with Gawai festival participants, providing a genuine Dayak-style homestay experience. The bathroom facilities, though basic, were clean and comfortable.
Travel Tips: It’s advisable to bring towels, extra clothes, earplugs, insect repellent, chargers, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. While soap and shampoo are provided, it’s recommended to carry personal toiletries.
04 – Cultural Exploration of Gawai Dayak Festival After completing the check-in process, we took a bus to Rumah Anyie ak Rajit, Matop, an 80-year-old longhouse with 28 doors. The longhouse was built in 1941 using large belian (ironwood) pillars.
The highlight was the decorative trophy skulls hanging on the beams, symbolizing the heroism of ancestral warriors who conquered land to establish settlements. These skulls originated from battles fought to conquer land for their villages.
Gawai Dayak’s cultural exploration began with a ceremonial ritual led by the longhouse chief, featuring women adorned with feathered headdresses and traditional attire. The traditional Miring ceremony (prayer and offering ritual) took place, led by a priest holding a rooster.
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the presence of tribal warriors, barefoot and adorned with distinctive tattoos and animal furs. Their unique accessories, including tooth necklaces, added to their impressive appearance.
The celebration included traditional dances such as the Ngajat (welcome dance) and the Ngajat Ibans. The Ngajat Ibans, also known as the Hero Dance, is a traditional Iban dance performed during Gawai Kenyalang (Hornbill Festival), symbolizing a tribute to returning tribal warriors. The performance featured male dancers wearing elaborate headdresses and wielding ornate shields, showcasing their valor through rhythmic leaps and jumps.
The women, dancing on plates, provided a unique and captivating spectacle.
Traveler’s Note: To attend Gawai Dayak, it’s recommended to visit during the festival period, which usually takes place in June.
05 – Betong Gawai Parade Day 2 commenced with breakfast at the longhouse before heading to Betong Parade ground to witness the grand Betong Gawai Parade, marking the Open Day of the Gawai Dayak festival. The parade featured vibrant displays of Iban (Sea Dayak) costumes, dances, music, and tribal rituals.
This insightful journey provided a genuine experience of Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the diversity of the indigenous communities. The Gawai Dayak festival, with its intricate rituals and vibrant celebrations, made this trip a unique and unforgettable cultural adventure in Sarawak, Malaysia