Culture

Sarawak is a multicultural state with over 27 different ethnic groups.
The largest ethnic groups are the Ibans and the Chinese, followed by the Malays, Bidayuhs, Melanus and the Orang Ulus. Sarawak's people are highly educated, many of them having studied in Europe or in the United States.
 

	Images of Sarawak

Bidayuh
Originally the Bidayuh were coastal people.  Many of them live in longhouses.

Chinese 
The Chinese came to Borneo a long time ago. Many of them have been building farms or have established themselves in trade. The majority of Chinese are of Hakka or Foochow origin.

Ibans
The Ibans were formerly known as the "Sea Dayaks". They are very mobile people. Their longhouses are almost always built by a river bank, since they are well known for fishing. A traditional longhouse is home to many families. Each family has their own family room, and the veranda is shared by the whole community.

Malay
The Malays came mainly from the Malay Archipelago, Brunei or Kalimantan to settle down as farmers and fishermen.

Melanau
Most of them live in the central and coastal areas. They are believed to be the first settlers in Sarawak. They traditionally built large houses on long stilts. 

Orang Ulu
Orang Ulu is a collective name for the Central Borneo people of Sarawak. Representatives of Orang Ulus are Kenyahs, Kayans, Penan and Kelabitis.

		Penan

 
Penan
Probably the most famous of the Orang Ulu are the Penan. They are known to be very shy and live a nomadic life style in the jungle of Borneo. Many of them have now given up their nomadic life style. The Penan are very skilled in manufacturing blow pipes with which they hunt.  

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Where to visit a Longhouse

Kuching Area:

Bidayuh at Ana Rais

About two hours drive from Kuching towards the Indonesian border. It is located in very beautiful surroundings. The longhouse is very large. It can be visited on an arranged tour, which usually includes a traditional welcome by the residents. Alternatively it can be visited individually. A small fee has to be paid before entering.

	Approaching Ana Rais Longhouse
Visiting the longhouse in Ana Rais

Sibu Area

Several longhouse trips can be made from Sibu. 
The longhouses nearby are mainly Iban longhouses.

Kapit Area

Starting point for visit to Iban longhouses.

Belaga Area

Base to visit Orang Ulu longhouses.

Kanowit Area

Good place to visit Iban longhouses.