Sarawak Cultural Village Bidayuh People

Bidayuh Bamboo Bridge

The Bidayuh Longhouse is the first home you visit when you enter the Sarawak Cultural Village. Next, a wooden walkway will lead you to all the tribe houses were stopping at the Bidayuh longhouse; you will learn about the culture and lifestyle of these ethnic people.

Rumah Baruk Bidayuh

The Bidayuh people are not known as fierce headhunters as they were more on the protective side among all the tribes.

Bidayuh Baruk centre

The male Bidayuh warriors would sleep inside the Baruk at night to keep a watch for invading enemies.

Bidayuh girls inside the Baruk

Inside the Baruk, skulls of the enemies are hung high above the main centre fireplace, where it is said that the shaman would perform rituals here.

Multi-tiered Bidayuh longhouse veranda

The Bidayuh people are the best bamboo crafters among all the tribes where bamboo is the main tool, and almost everything is made from bamboo.

Gongs and erns inside the Bidayuh longhouse

Inside a traditional Bidayuh longhouse, you will see many traditional items like gongs, erns and ceramic jars. 

Bidayuh ladies grinding rice

The Bidayuh people are claimed to be the original Dayak people that have been in Borneo for centuries. They are even claimed to be the first people of the land.

Bidayuh man carving a bamboo

At the Bidayuh longhouse, you would be able to see a variety of skills being performed. One of them, a master craftsman, will show you the art of bamboo carving.

A Bidayuh lady weaving a mat

Moving around the Bidayuh longhouse, you will see several Bidayuh women demonstrating various skills—one of them being weaving.

Bidayuh mat weaving

Inside the Bidayuh longhouse, an elderly lady demonstrates intricate Bidayuh beadwork, which is a dying trade. Not many people are skilled in this exquisite, delicate skill—the bead headgears to pouches and even their traditional attires. Mostly used during major Bidayuh festivals or wedding ceremonies.

Bidayuh lady beading a hat

One can easily spend a good hour just watching the Bidayuh people with their skilled work and some of them even speak good English.

Finally, the Bidayuh people are very friendly and hospitable towards everyone. They live simple lives, and modern-day Bidayuhs have moved on in society and to better pastures.