(From left) Performers Enyssa Christeny Freddy, Mohd Sihabuddin Sa’at, Audreynna Clarissia George and Siti Nur Balqis Marais serving traditional snacks, including kuih jala and kuih chap, to guests during the Gawai open house at Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching. Such performances can elevate visitors’ experience at Iban longhouse homestays in Sarawak.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing is urging a significant push to preserve Sarawak’s vibrant indigenous heritage through traditional longhouse homestays.
These cultural accommodations could not only boost tourism, but also enrich rural communities, he said.
During a series of Gawai Dayak visits to several Iban longhouses in the Bintulu area, Tiong expressed admiration for Rumah Raymond Plen, which still retains its rich, traditional architecture.
“It’s absolutely beautiful and full of character,” he said.
“Traditional longhouses like this are becoming increasingly rare in Bintulu, so finding one so well preserved is truly special.”
The minister noted that longhouse visits allowed travellers to immerse themselves in authentic local customs, cuisine and ceremonies, some of which are seldom seen, even by locals.
“At places like Rumah Raymond, visitors not only enjoy authentic dishes like ayam pansoh, but also witness traditions such as the sacred Gawai Antu ceremony.
“It’s mysterious, solemn and incredibly meaningful.”
Tiong (in blue) with two longhouse residents during his Gawai visit.
Tiong said many international tourists still hold outdated perceptions of Sarawak’s native communities as some foreigners believe that they live in the jungle.
“This misconception is why I’ve instructed officers at the ministry to go all out in promoting and preserving our precious cultural heritage,” he said.
He said homestay development in longhouses would enable tourists to truly experience the indigenous way of life, while directly benefitting local communities.
“If longhouses can be turned into homestays, not only will visitors gain deeper appreciation for our heritage, but villagers will also benefit economically.
“It’s a win-win for culture and the rural economy,” he added.
Tiong said the ministry was open to supporting longhouses that wish to be upgraded or developed for tourism purposes.
He urged interested longhouse communities to get in touch with his office or local tourism officers on the matter.
With over 1,000 ministry officers nationwide, Tiong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening cultural tourism as a key pillar of national tourism growth.
“Cultural tourism isn’t just about watching from the sidelines. It’s a meaningful way to preserving and carrying on our identity.
“It’s about developing traditions and economy side by side,” he said.
Among the longhouses he visited during the Gawai celebrations were Rumah Saging, Rumah Joseph Gima, Rumah Moses Kamarau, Rumah Joshua Manit Bayu, Rumah Unji Brain and Rumah Emi Mesa.
