Imagine waking up to a delightful cacophony of tropical birdsong. But wait, if this is the tropics, why is the air around you so crisp, cool and light? One long breath instantly refreshes you. What’s going on? You are in the tropics, but in a traditional kampung (village) home in the highlands of Borneo. You get up and look out the window to see villagers going about their daily chores as they and their ancestors have been doing for centuries,...

When people talk about beauty, what comes to mind? Generally, its fair skin, long legs, silky hair, and pointed noses. Western media has done a lot to influence what we think is beautiful. Yet if we look past this bias, we find that not everyone has the same beauty ideals. In Sarawak indigenous beauty is far different from the Eurocentric beauty standards. What makes an indigenous Sarawakian woman beautiful may be seen as ‘savage’ by many toda...

Tattoos have been an integral part of Sarawakian tribal culture for centuries. Yet in the face of rapid development and the migration of rural communities to the cities and further afield, this ancient art and knowledge of its origins and significance were almost lost. However, efforts are underway to preserve this important cultural practice that turns a blank canvas into a journey through life. Because, like the tattoos of tribes all ove...

The music of the Borneo rainforest is recreated using a combination of different instruments. The deep, hypnotic drumming of the beduk (long drum) represents the density of the jungle. While the whistles from the selingut (nose flute) and the chimes of the jatong utang (wooden xylophone) create a cacophony of birdsongs so common on a glorious morning. Listen a little closer, you might even hear the strumming of a sape (Bornean boat lute), Sara...

Sarawak is home to numerous indigenous cultures, all with their own cultural practices, traditions and festivals that contribute to the colourful tapestry that makes up Sarawak’s unique identity. These cultures and traditions reflect and shape values, beliefs, and aspirations, thereby defining the people of Sarawak and their identity. It is important to preserve cultural heritage because it ensures a people’s integrity remains intact.  ...

Many of Sarawak’s indigenous communities have called the state home for thousands of years. All these communities contribute to Sarawak’s unique culture and colour. With so many different communities, it is no surprise then that the state is home to a wide variety of cultural festivals. These festivals ensure the remembrance of their cultures and heritage stays alive amidst the relentless onset of modernisation. While Sarawakians generally wel...

Bau District was born from a Chinese gold rush, to a backdrop of Bidayuh style! A brief ride to the west of Kuching, it is wild indeed. A country town surrounded by towering limestone cliffs worthy of the Lone Ranger, this is truly pioneer territory where people live off the land, love their surroundings and enjoy a lively hoedown. It is the heartland of the Land Dayak, also known as the Bidayuh – highly spiritual, historically peaceful and hill ...

Every traveller is looking for that authentic tourism experience; not a tourism experience at all, but instead an authentic local one. The whole point of a holiday is to step out of our own humdrum workaday existence into an entirely new headspace. The ultimate question is: how can we access another culture and lifestyle in just a short space of time? Here is your answer: a full rundown of all the greatest Sarawak experiences on offer. It is a...

With a population of 2.6 million, Sarawak is the 4th most populous state in Malaysia and covers the largest of all the states. To put it into perspective, it is bigger than the whole of Peninsular Malaysia. Some of the major tribes in Sarawak include the Iban, Melanau, Bidayuh, Penan, Kayan, and Kenyah. These tribes and others, make up around 40 sub-ethnic groups, which means it is the most diverse state in a very multi-racial country. Howe...

Layer upon colourful layer of summery flavours that really do melt in your mouth. A concoction of charming tastes to titillate your tastebuds. On the northwest of Borneo lies Sarawak, where the mouthwatering Kek Lapis Sarawak (Sarawak (layer cake) comes from! Most Malaysians have heard of and tried Kek Lapis Sarawak but outside of Malaysia it only has a small, loyal following of people introduced to it by expat Sarawakians. But that’s about...

As a digital nomad in Southeast Asia, there’s a good chance you’re used to doing things the unconventional way. If that’s the case, you ought to read on and learn about the place dubbed the next Chiang Mai. We’re talking about Kuching, Sarawak.  Located in the Malaysian part of Borneo, Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, a founding partner in the nation of Malaysia. Modern yet laid back, Kuching has outstanding infrastructure yet re...

Sarawakians and the jungles of Borneo have lived in harmony for centuries. And one way we stay healthy is by incorporating the medicinal plants found around us into our diets or using them as a cure when we are sick or injured. We’ve come to deeply respect and appreciate the delicate ecosystem of the jungle and all that live inside it. We believe that by taking care of nature, nature will take care of us! These medicinal plants hold val...