Longhouses conjure up images of a simple wooden structure built on stilts in the jungle. For protection in days gone by, the houses of individual families were joined together to make one long house for the entire community. The majority of traditional Borneo longhouses are located in Sarawak.
The long, narrow, single-verandah building is raised on stilts off the ground and divided into one long open communal area with a row of private living quarters at the back of the structure. The size of a community is determined by how many doors the longhouse has as this is an indication of how many families live there. Being raised, cool air circulates underneath the floor of the dwelling and livestock take shelter underneath. This provides protection while keeping the building cool. Longhouses are traditionally built from timber since most of the inhabitants are rural indigenous people who live in or near the forest.
The Ibans were once warring headhunters of Borneo. The way of war was the only way for survival and prosperity. Now, most Ibans are devout Christians but they still continue to observe their traditional ceremonies and festivals. They are also one of the most friendly and hospitable people. Visitors are always welcome and be made to feel like family almost immediately. Sharing of homemade rice wine called ‘tuak’ is a symbolic gesture to extend their heartfelt welcome to their guests. Many of them are happy to share with visitors their culture and experiences. If you are lucky, they may even show you the skeletons of their enemy’s heads!
- Visit Semenggok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.
- Shop in a native market.
- Pepper farm visit to see this prized commodity often referred to as ‘black gold’.
- Take a boat ride along a river through the jungle.
- Stay overnight with the Ibans.
- Experience the traditional food of the Ibans.
- Participate in traditional demonstrations such as using a blowpipe and seeing first hand, the way of life of the native tribe.
- Take a nature walk.
- Admire Ranchan Waterfall.
- Visit a pottery factory.
Terms & Conditions of Agreement
The tour operator will be relieved of its obligations hereunder in the event tours or specific itinerary is delayed or prevented in the whole or in part by any cause beyond its control, including without limitation, acts of God, change of law, war, civil unrest, strikes, epidemic, fire, changes initiated by owners/vendors not informed to us or any circumstances beyond the control of the tour operator that makes it impossible for us to operate fully or partially. The tour operator shall not be liable for any claim arising from the above.
Some comments from our Guest Book :
The longhouse was fascinating.
Kudos to the Orang Utan’s effort to save these beautiful primates. Please support them.
We took a tour with Asian Overland in Borneo which we are very happy, we decided to take the longhouse tour as the extension to make our Borneo visit a well rounded one.
South Africa, 2009
You cannot say you have been to Borneo and not visit a longhouse!
The Ibans are so simple yet so friendly and humble people. So contented with the little they have.
New Zealand, 2009
When we arrived at the longhouse, we were greeted with all smiles. The children gathered around the adults and showed much interest in us, especially one of the lady’s blond hair. I guess they don’t see too many of them around!
We had a great guide who shared with us the history of the natives especially the Ibans.