I had heard a lot about longhouse living and experiences, but apart from seeing the traditional houses at the Sarawak Cultural Village, I could rarely claim to have had an authentic experience, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to visit the Annah Rais Longhouse, located just about an hour outside Kuching.
Our group, an assortment of journalists fresh from the revelry of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2026, was greeted with a cup of local tuak rice wine against a stunning backdrop of green mountains, where a shallow, crystal-clear stream runs right through the village.
Long walkways and open spaces connect the apartments, showing communal living, a shared way of life.
Different shades and styles decorate the walls, reflecting individual family tastes and economic status.
Local Hospitality
Visitors enjoy sweet rice wine (tuak), which is also bottled and sold to support local families, and explore a small village museum and gallery. There was also the juciest and sweetest pineapples I have ever eaten – sold along the corridors of the houses.
The Secrets of the Rumah Panggah
At the heart of the longhouse stands the round headhouse, known as the rumah panggah.
Inside, blackened skulls from ancient headhunting days hang as silent witnesses to history.
This fierce headhunting tradition officially ceased when the Brooke administration took control of Sarawak, paving the way for the community to embrace Christianity.
During WWII, the practice returned briefly as British forces encouraged the local Bidayuh people to use their skills to hunt Japanese soldiers.
Today, the rumah panggah serves as a cultural showcase rather than a battle post.
Traditional Food and Music
We had the pleasure of meeting Arthur Borman Anak Kanying is a master Bidayuh musician dedicated to preserving the pratuokng, a rare traditional bamboo zither from Sarawak.
Handcrafted from bamboo with strings carved directly from its outer skin, the instrument mimics the rhythmic sound of brass gongs.
Arthur mastered this fading heritage under his late grandmaster, Pratuokng Abas Anak Ringap, and now keeps the tradition alive alongside Kapuog, one of the few remaining practitioners.
The musical legacy also continues through Arthur’s daughter, Abigail Arthur, a Kuala Lumpur-based Health Ministry employee who performs the traditional art form on contemporary stages.
Rhythms of the Bidayuh
No cultural journey to Annah Rais is complete without sound and movement.
- Traditional Performances: Villagers showcase energetic traditional dances accompanied by unique local instruments.
- Living Art: The music and steps echo through the valley, keeping the spirit of the Land Dayaks alive for every new guest.
Our visit ended with a delicious lunch prepared with the ingredients fresh from the surrounding forest:
If you prefer a more immersive experience then book and live in one of the many homes at the long house that have been converted into homestays.
Behind the Scenes: Media Tour 2026
This immersive piece was made possible through a special media tour organized by the Sarawak Tourism Board. Hosted on the sidelines of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2026, the initiative aims to bridge global audiences with the deep roots of Sarawak’s indigenous communities.