Sarawak, Land of the Hornbill

Hornbill symbolise Sarawak

Sarawak is known by the title “Land of the Hornbill” is one of the 14 states (including the Federal Territory) that form the Persekutuan Malaysia. Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia. Sarawak and Sabah is placed on the island of Borneo are commonly group together as East Malaysia.

Major cities in the state of Sarawak are Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Sarikei, Sri Aman and Limbang. Now, Sarawak has two major cities, Kuching and Miri. Kuching has been declared as the city on August 1, 1988 while Miri get status as a city on May 20, 2005.

Sarawak Ethnic

Iban

Iban man and woman

Iban is the majority society in Sarawak. Iban is divided to a number of tribes include Balau, Sebuyau, Lemanak and others. This ethnic still hold their traditional identity strongly while practicing various types of unique customs. Geographically, most of the Iban inhabit some rural areas which is concentrated in the center of Sarawak while a small number live in urban areas.  

Melanau

Melanau girl.

Melanau is an ethnic community in Sarawak. Melanau is generally similar to the Malay community in terms of beliefs, culture and customs. Hence, this community is a branch of the Malay community. However Melanau still have their culture and customs on its own. This custom is evident in aspects of their lives such as birth, marriage and death. These customs are inherited from one generation to another generation and were still continuing until this day.

Bidayuh

Bidayuh man and woman

Bidayuh is one of Sarawak ethnic community which generally inhabits the hills area outside the city of Kuching. There are many different tribes among the Bidayuh and holding their practice and customs of themselves. Culture and customs are heavily influenced by elements of ritual and faith they profess.

Bidayuh traditional costume

The black color is the main color in the traditional costume of the Bidayuh community. The traditional costume for women Bidayuh ethnic is a complete outfit including short sleeves or half sleeves and a pair of black sarong knee-long decorated with multi-colored beads delicate embroidered which the main color is the combination of white, yellow and red. The women dress call jomuh or a short petticoat. The necklaces made up of beads and armlets of shell are worn as ornament. The Bidayuh men wear long loin-cloth called tawuop or tahup which is wrapped tidily around the body with one end hanging down in front and the other end hanging down behind. It is usually made up of blue cotton cloth with red, blue and white band at the end.

Melayu Sarawak

Melayu Sarawak is same as Malay.

The Malay community is 21% of the population in Sarawak. Most of them were fishermen. At the present time, many Malays have migrated to the cities where they have been involved in a variety of professions either in the public or private sector.

Most of the houses in the village of Sarawak Malay mostly made up ​​of wood and is still located on the banks of the river which is far away from the city or town. They still rely on traditional industries such as wood carving, silver and make a woven fabric.

Melayu Sarawak community were Muslims, where Islam was brought to Asia over 1000 years ago. Islamic religion greatly influenced the lives of the Sarawak Malay community especially culture and art. For the construction aspect, many homes or buildings have Islamic symbols or characteristics. Similarly, the marriage customs is held based on Islamic doctrine.