Information
Landmark: Annah Rais LonghouseCity: Kuching
Country: Malaysia
Continent: Asia
Annah Rais Longhouse, Kuching, Malaysia, Asia
Overview
About 60 kilometers south of Kuching, in Sarawak’s Padawan district, the Annah Rais Longhouse stands as one of the best-kept and easiest-to-reach Bidayuh (Land Dayak) longhouses, its weathered timber still warm in the afternoon sun.Visitors get a genuine taste of Bidayuh life-its stilted wooden houses, time-honored customs, and warm, everyday rhythms.Here, you can step into a living cultural site and explore the heritage of one of Sarawak’s indigenous communities, from the rhythm of their drums to the scent of woodsmoke in the air.Annah Rais is home to the Bidayuh, one of Sarawak’s largest indigenous groups, nestled beside the emerald rainforests and at the foot of the Borneo Highlands; here, a traditional bamboo longhouse blends age-old communal life with touches of modern comfort.The longhouse rises on wooden stilts, its bamboo floor creaking softly underfoot and its frame built from sturdy ironwood.The Baruk, a round ceremonial house, serves the Bidayuh as both a gathering place and a storehouse.The round space once held rituals, meetings, and the skulls from headhunting days now long past; the tanju, or veranda, is open to the air, where neighbors chat, lay out chilies to dry, or go about daily chores, while zinc roofs, satellite dishes, and electric lights mingle with the longhouse’s carved beams; visitors can still watch Bidayuh hands weave rattan mats and baskets, and see the rice fields that have fed their people for generations.You can spot traces of their farming in the patchwork of fields nearby, then sit down to taste bamboo-cooked manok pansoh and fresh jungle greens; hear the deep ring of gongs and the earthy tones of bamboo instruments as dancers move in sweeping, ceremonial steps, and visit the longhouse, where families have their own small apartments but gather daily in shared open spaces.This setup fosters a tight community, where neighbors share meals and lend a hand without being asked.Things for visitors to do, from strolling the shaded paths to sampling fresh lemonade.Join a guided cultural tour where locals bring their history to life, sharing traditions, ancestral stories, and the Bidayuh’s once-feared headhunting past-now just a tale-alongside their spiritual beliefs.Stay with a Bidayuh family through the homestay program, help pound rice in the kitchen, join in daily routines, and savor traditional meals.Spend the night to feel the calm of longhouse life, broken only by the soft hum of jungle insects.Then unwind at nearby Annah Rais Hot Springs, soaking in its warm, mineral-rich waters.After wandering through the longhouse, many visitors stop here to rest or browse.Join a guided jungle trek into the thick, green rainforest-you might follow a trail to a cool waterfall, or discover how locals use leaves and roots as medicine.Before you leave, pick up a handwoven basket, a string of bright beads, or soft textiles made by the villagers themselves.By car, you can reach Annah Rais Longhouse from Kuching in about an hour and a half, winding past green hills and quiet roadside stalls.You can get there by car or taxi, or join a tour-Kuching operators run day trips and overnights that usually cover transport, a guide, and meals.The dry season from March to October is the best time, with clear trails and easier treks.If you go during the Gawai Dayak Festival on June 1–2, expect drums, bright costumes, and long tables piled with food.A small entrance fee helps support the local community.You’ll need to budget extra for guided tours or a homestay.So why visit Annah Rais Longhouse?Here, you can step into the heart of Bidayuh culture, share their traditions, and breathe in the cool, damp air of the surrounding rainforest.You might wander through carved wooden halls, sample a bowl of smoky bamboo-cooked rice, or chat with villagers by the fire-every moment at Annah Rais Longhouse offers a rich glimpse into its living culture.Just a short drive from Kuching, it’s a must-see for travelers eager to experience Sarawak’s rich indigenous heritage, from traditional longhouses to the scent of wood smoke curling from village kitchens.
