People of Sarawak, their Culture and Lifestyle.

Sarawak is the most diverse and multi-cultural state in the Federation of Malaysia. This multi-racial and multi-cultural is reflected in its people’s lifestyles, cultural practises, food and experiences. The people of Sarawak practise a variety of religions including Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Taosim, Confucianism, ancestor worship, Bahai’sm and animism.

The diversity play a defining role in Sarawak’s Cultural landscapes with their dances, music, crafts and traditional practises. The communities of Sarawak comprised of Iban, Chinese, Bidayuh, Malay, Melanau, Orang Ulu, Penan and other minority group among them Punjabi, Sikhs.

The Malays, who are renowned for their beautifully crafted wooden home, of which some can still be admired along the bank of the Sarawak River in Kuching are also known for their kain Songket  and "Selayah keringkan"(textiles woven in gold and silver tread). They are also excellent silverware and brassware crafters. As literature plays an important role in their lives, the "pantun" or poetry is a popular pastime with young and old alike wile"bergendang", which you can see and experienced during festive session, wedding ceremony and also during other special occasion. The Malays are mostly Muslim and celebrate Hari Raya Haji and Adil Fitri.

The Chinese have been in Sarawak since the 8th.Century AD. Firstly as seafaring explorers, followed by the migration of traders. Today, the Chinese are an integral part of Sarawak's business community...sharing theirs trades and cuisines. They are found predominantly in the cities and towns of Sarawak. There are various clans of Chinese in Sarawak...depending on their places of origins, among them are the Hakka, Foochow and Hokkien. You can learn more about the immigration journey at the Chinese Museum Located at Kuching Waterfront, Kuching. The majority of the Chinese in Sarawak practise Christianity, Buddhism and also Taosim.

Lion Dance and also Dragon dance are also being practise as part of their Culture Heritage. The community usher the Chinese New Year with pray at the various temple and other religious ritual.

The Bidayuh mostly found in the Kuching and Samarahan divisions. Their gentleness and simplicity in life endears them to everyone they meet...known for their hospitality and warm smiles. They speak different dialects depending on the place of domicile. Those from the Serian district speaks Bukar Sadong...from Penrissen speaks Biatah...from Lundu speaks Selako Lara and from Bau speaks Bau-Jagoi dialects. Their distinctive handicrafts like “Kesah” one of the many crafts made from rattan by the community.

Even though majority of the Bidayuh practise Christinanity, some of them still practise the traditional ritual and animism. The Bidayuh together with the other Dayaks tribe in Sarawak celebrate the Gawai in late May to early week of June every year and also Christmas.

The Iban, which means "the wanderers" is the largest of Sarawak ethnic groups. Once the legendary warrior of Borneo and the most feared of the head hunting tribes...they now live a peaceful lifestyle. Most of the Iban live along the numerous riverine settlements in the longhouses. You can visit some of these longhouses at Sri Aman, Sibu and also Kapit. The Iban community practise Christianity and some still practise animism. 

The Melanau are known to be fearless sailors and skilled fishermen...this seafaring group can be found in the coastal regions of the Rejang and Baram River. Some of the Melanau people practise Islam,while other are mostly Christian. They Celebrate Pesta Kaul, a ceremony by the fishermen seek the blessing and thanking the Spirit of the Sea for the bountiful catch and also their safety at sea.

The Orang Ulu which is renowned for their artistically intricate beadwork on their garments and basketry...and beautiful murals in their longhouses, are also fine musicians who compose hauntingly melodious tune on their mandolin-like sapes. They live mostly in the Interior of Miri, Bintulu, Belaga and Limbang Division. The elder ladies still portray tattooed hands and legs to show by-gone days of courage and beauty. Though majority of the Orang Ulu are Christian, there are still a minority group that practise animism and the old tradition. They also Celebrate Gawai and also Xmas like their others Dayaks Tribe in Sarawak.

The Penans are shy and elusive. They are the last true nomadic people of Sarawak. They build temporary huts deep in virgin jungles...hunt wild animal with their blowpipes. They supplement their meals with wild sago, fruits, roots and plants. The Penans are very skillful in making fine..durable rattan baskets and mats. They could be found living in the Interior of Belaga and the surrounding areas.

They are other minority groups in Sarawak, among them are the Javanese, Indian, Punjabi and also Sikhs. The diverse ethnic groups live harmoniously, respecting each other unique culture, lifestyles and religion and celebrate a variety of colourfull festivals throughout the calendar year.