Annah Rais Longhouse
Experience the living heritage of the Bidayuh people in this traditional longhouse village, offering a glimpse into their unique customs and daily lif...
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
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Annah Rais Longhouse
Best Time
More residents present
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the living heritage of the Bidayuh people in this traditional longhouse village, offering a glimpse into their unique customs and daily life.
"A great experience when in Sarawak and maybe with limited time. The place perfectly showcases how the local Bidayuh live.
"🎯 Go with a Local Guide
Enhance your understanding of Bidayuh culture and history by hiring a local guide. :bustsinsilhouette:
💰 Avoid Pre-booking Online
Book directly with villagers for fair prices; online bookings can be overpriced. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Longhouse Structure
Annah Rais Village
Explore the impressive, centuries-old longhouse, a communal dwelling showcasing traditional Bidayuh architecture and community living.

Bidayuh Culture & Traditions
Annah Rais Village
Witness the daily life, customs, and traditions of the Bidayuh people, offering a glimpse into their unique heritage.
Local Storytellers & Musicians
Annah Rais Village
Meet locals like Arthur Borman who share stories and play traditional instruments, offering invaluable cultural insights.

The Head House
Annah Rais Village
Discover the historical 'head house,' a testament to the Bidayuh tribe's past warrior traditions and ceremonies.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Authentic Cultural Immersion
Getting There & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go with a Local Guide
Enhance your understanding of Bidayuh culture and history by hiring a local guide.
:bustsinsilhouette:💰 Avoid Pre-booking Online
Book directly with villagers for fair prices; online bookings can be overpriced.
:moneywithwings:🚶♀️ Explore the Village
Wander through the village, observe the mix of old and new structures, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
:walking:🍽️ Savor Local Cuisine
Don't miss the chance to try delicious, simple local food at one of the homestay houses.
:foodie:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go with a Local Guide
Enhance your understanding of Bidayuh culture and history by hiring a local guide.
:bustsinsilhouette:💰 Avoid Pre-booking Online
Book directly with villagers for fair prices; online bookings can be overpriced.
:moneywithwings:🚶♀️ Explore the Village
Wander through the village, observe the mix of old and new structures, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
:walking:🍽️ Savor Local Cuisine
Don't miss the chance to try delicious, simple local food at one of the homestay houses.
:foodie:💬 Engage with Locals
Friendly residents are happy to chat and share their knowledge and stories.
:speech_balloon:🧳 Pack Light for Homestay
Homestays are basic; pack only essentials for a comfortable overnight stay.
:handbag:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Annah Rais Longhouse offers a genuine cultural experience, with many visitors praising the friendly locals and the opportunity to witness traditional Bidayuh life. The scenic journey and the authentic village atmosphere are highlights. However, some reviews caution against booking through third-party websites due to inflated prices and suggest that the village can feel quiet during weekdays.
"À great experience when in Sarawak and maybe with limited time. If you can't travel to a longhouse in the hinterlands you should give Annah Rais a try. The journey there is already worth it and the place perfectly showcases how the local Bidayuh live in harmony with their age-old customs and traditions nowadays. There's now also a "show room" that gives you an idea how the people lived not so long ago, when there were no roads and TVs, when life was simpler (but certainly not necessarily easier). I suggest you go there with a guide to get the best experience but the locals are friendly and always have time for a quick chat. The food they serve is local, simple and simply delicious, so don't miss out on that!"
Herman Scholz
"Real life Bidayuh Umpong. This is not Sarawak Disney! A community of around 300 people live here. A nice mix of older buildings constructed from ironwood and newer constructions. Beautiful location with fruit trees, animals and artifacts. Recommend lunch at one of the homestay houses. Well worth a visit."
Chris Page
"Beware of booking over the phone number or the internet!
First of all, the one-star review is not because of the village.
The people in the village are extremely friendly. I felt very welcomed and enjoyed it a lot. We stayed there for one night and had amazing food and community. For a tour you can normally just ask around in the village and you will find somebody who will give it to you for an affordable price. I would advise going there over the weekend, since a lot of people leave the village for work during weekdays. It was a very nice experience and I enjoyed it a lot.
But please don't book over the phone number or the website. The owner overcharges a lot. For us, he offered a "once in a lifetime" discount, and we got in for 280RM per person. But in the package was only included one night stay, breakfast and dinner. We drove there ourselves and also had to pay for the tours ourselves. I don't understand what he charged 280RM for? Breakfast and dinner are at most combined 50-60RM. It's probably way cheaper. And for the night, you should probably pay ~50RM at most.
I felt very scammed by the owner of the website and I have the feeling he takes most of the money as an agency fee and does not give a lot of money to the hosts there. Please just go there and ask around. People will offer you lower prices. You can even go there by Grab and will find somebody who will drive you back to Kuching. When we confronted him about this, the website owner became extremely hostile and threatened to badmouth us to the villagers, so we won't have a nice stay. If you don't want to be scammed, please don't book over this guy."
MAXIMILIAN NIKLAS HENKEL
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Annah Rais Longhouse is located about 60 km from Kuching City, a journey that takes approximately one hour by car. You can drive yourself, hire a taxi, or use ride-sharing services like Grab. The drive itself offers scenic views of the rainforest and the Padawan Mountain range.
Some travelers suggest that using Grab to get there and then finding someone in the village for the return trip can be a cost-effective option.Yes, Annah Rais is a well-known destination and is generally easy to find, especially if you follow GPS or road signs. The route from Kuching is straightforward, passing through scenic landscapes.
For a day trip, driving yourself or hiring a car with a driver is convenient. This allows you to control your schedule and explore at your own pace. Alternatively, joining a guided tour from Kuching can simplify logistics.
Public transport options to Annah Rais are limited. It's more common for visitors to arrange private transport or join organized tours. If relying on public transport, you might need to combine bus services with local taxis or motorbike rides for the final leg.
The road conditions are generally good, with paved roads for most of the journey from Kuching. The drive is considered pleasant, offering beautiful views of the surrounding nature.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a formal ticket system for entering the village itself. However, if you plan to stay overnight or participate in specific activities and tours, you will need to arrange these with the local community or homestay providers. It's advisable to inquire directly with the villagers upon arrival.
Annah Rais is a living village, so it's accessible at any time. However, for the best experience and to interact with residents, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. Specific homestay accommodations will have their own check-in and check-out times.
While independent visits are possible and can be rewarding, booking through a local guide or homestay directly is highly recommended. This ensures you get authentic insights and support the community directly, avoiding potential overcharging from third-party bookings.
Costs can vary significantly. While some reviews mention being overcharged by online booking agents (up to RM280 per person), direct arrangements with villagers for homestays, meals, and tours are much more affordable, potentially around RM50-RM60 for meals and accommodation.
Generally, there are no specific entrance fees for walking around the village. However, some areas like the 'head house' might have small charges for viewing, or guides may include these as part of a tour package. It's best to clarify with your guide or local contacts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the traditional longhouse, learn about Bidayuh culture and history, interact with locals, enjoy local food, and witness traditional crafts. Some visitors also enjoy the scenic surroundings and the opportunity to learn about traditional instruments.
Yes, homestay accommodations are available within the longhouse community. This offers a unique opportunity to experience local life more deeply, including traditional meals and community interaction.
Light, comfortable clothing suitable for a tropical climate is recommended. Modest attire is appreciated out of respect for the local culture. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be walking on wooden floors and potentially uneven paths.
Yes, families can have a good experience. Children can learn about different cultures and lifestyles. The environment is generally safe, but adult supervision is always recommended, especially around the wooden structures and natural surroundings.
The Bidayuh people in Annah Rais are known for being friendly and welcoming. They are often happy to share their culture, stories, and daily life with interested visitors. Engaging in conversations can be a highlight of the visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can expect simple, delicious local Bidayuh cuisine. Meals often include rice, local vegetables, and sometimes fish or other proteins, prepared using traditional methods.
The best place to eat is at one of the homestay houses. They offer traditional meals as part of the homestay package or can prepare meals for visitors.
While traditional Bidayuh cuisine often features local vegetables, it's advisable to communicate any dietary restrictions in advance when booking your meal or homestay to ensure suitable options are prepared.
Meals are generally affordable when arranged directly with the villagers. A combined breakfast and dinner might cost around RM50-RM60 per person.
There might be limited options for purchasing snacks or drinks within the village itself. It's a good idea to bring any specific snacks or beverages you might want, especially if you have particular preferences.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but it's always respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially elders or during ceremonies.
The longhouse architecture itself, the daily life of the villagers, the surrounding natural environment, and portraits of the friendly locals make for great photo opportunities. The 'head house' also offers a unique historical subject.
Morning and late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the atmosphere of the village. Midday sun can be harsh, but it's still possible to find shade or interesting subjects.
There are no widely publicized restrictions on drone photography, but it's always best practice to be discreet and respectful. Avoid flying over private residences without permission and be mindful of local customs.
A versatile camera with a good lens for both wide shots of the longhouse and portraits would be ideal. A smartphone camera is also perfectly capable of capturing the essence of the place.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Bidayuh Culture
Visitors have the opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life, which includes agricultural practices, local crafts, and unique musical instruments. Storytellers and musicians, like Arthur Borman, play a vital role in preserving and sharing this cultural heritage. Engaging with the locals is key to understanding their worldview and appreciating the resilience and adaptability of their culture in the face of change.
The Longhouse Experience
Staying overnight in a longhouse offers an immersive experience. You'll sleep in basic but comfortable accommodations, share meals with your host family, and get a firsthand look at their daily routines. This is a chance to truly connect with the community, learn about their customs, and understand the rhythm of life in a traditional village. It's important to approach this experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn, respecting the local customs and way of life.
Navigating Bookings and Costs
To ensure a fair price and to directly support the community, it is highly recommended to arrange your visit upon arrival. Simply go to the village and inquire directly with the residents or homestay providers. You can often find someone willing to offer tours, meals, and accommodation at much more reasonable rates. This direct approach not only saves money but also ensures your contribution goes to the people who maintain the longhouse and its traditions.
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