Annah Rais Longhouse - Image 1
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Annah Rais Longhouse

4.3
·196 reviews·Kuching, Malaysia

Experience the living heritage of the Bidayuh people in this traditional longhouse village, offering a glimpse into their unique customs and daily lif...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

More residents present

CrowdMedium
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Annah Rais Longhouse - Image 1

Annah Rais Longhouse

Best Time

Weekends

More residents present

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.3
(196 reviews)

"A great experience when in Sarawak and maybe with limited time. The place perfectly showcases how the local Bidayuh live. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Longhouse Structure

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

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

Local Storytellers & Musicians

Annah Rais Village

Meet locals like Arthur Borman who share stories and play traditional instruments, offering invaluable cultural insights.

TikTok
The Head House

The Head House

Annah Rais Village

Discover the historical 'head house,' a testament to the Bidayuh tribe's past warrior traditions and ceremonies.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Authentic Cultural Immersion

Experience the living culture of the Bidayuh people. While some areas are modernized, the core traditions remain. Engage with locals for a genuine understanding of their heritage and daily life. Avoid booking through third-party websites to ensure fair pricing and direct support for the community. Reddit

Getting There & Timing

Annah Rais is about an hour's drive from Kuching. Consider visiting on a weekend when more residents are present. Hiring a local guide can significantly enhance your experience by providing deeper insights into the longhouse's history and culture. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
More residents present
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Nanga Ukom Longhouse is so loonnggg that I had to speed up a timelapse video. #sarawak #nangaukom #longhouse #batangai #travel #fyp
@bryantok94
44.1K likes • 707.3K views

🎯 Go with a Local Guide

Enhance your understanding of Bidayuh culture and history by hiring a local guide. Reddit :bustsinsilhouette:

💰 Avoid Pre-booking Online

Book directly with villagers for fair prices; online bookings can be overpriced. Reddit :moneywithwings:

Visiting a local Annah Rais Longhouse. #annahraislonghouse #travelgram #tourist #localvillage #locallife
ttcwl
3 likes • 106 views
A quick visit to Annah Rais Longhouse. Makin pro dh jln atas lantai buloh. Mula2 dlk tkt2 nya. Nektk dh xplu pgg tgn. We are going to Yoyoi (great grandma) house? Pdh nya.
valetiaoscar
2 likes • 51 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Village

Wander through the village, observe the mix of old and new structures, and enjoy the natural surroundings. Reddit :walking:

🍽️ Savor Local Cuisine

Don't miss the chance to try delicious, simple local food at one of the homestay houses. Reddit :foodie:

Malaysia Tag 5: Matang Wildlife Center und Annah Rais Longhouse Heute hatten wir eine Birthday Queen und zwar die beste Reiseplanerin überhaupt, unsere Petra. 🥰 Nach sehr frühem Frühstück hieß es für 2 Tage Abschied nehmen von Kuching. Es ging in den Dschungel. 😎 Und zwar ins Matang Wildlife Center, eine Rehabilitaionsstation für Orang Utans und andere Tiere wie Stachelschweine, Rhinozerosvoge...
sarah_h.eilig
7 likes • 247 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Go with a Local Guide

Enhance your understanding of Bidayuh culture and history by hiring a local guide. Reddit :bustsinsilhouette:

💰 Avoid Pre-booking Online

Book directly with villagers for fair prices; online bookings can be overpriced. Reddit :moneywithwings:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Village

Wander through the village, observe the mix of old and new structures, and enjoy the natural surroundings. Reddit :walking:

🍽️ Savor Local Cuisine

Don't miss the chance to try delicious, simple local food at one of the homestay houses. Reddit :foodie:

💬 Engage with Locals

Friendly residents are happy to chat and share their knowledge and stories. Reddit :speech_balloon:

🧳 Pack Light for Homestay

Homestays are basic; pack only essentials for a comfortable overnight stay. Reddit :handbag:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(196 reviews)

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

Authentic cultural immersion
Friendly and welcoming locals
Scenic journey

What People Dislike

Overpriced online bookings
Quiet on weekdays
Basic homestay facilities

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. Instagram 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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Meals are generally affordable when arranged directly with the villagers. A combined breakfast and dinner might cost around RM50-RM60 per person. Reddit

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. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Annah Rais Longhouse offers a unique educational experience for families. Children can learn about different cultures, see traditional housing, and interact with local children. The journey to the longhouse is scenic, and the village itself provides a safe environment for exploration under adult supervision. Instagram It's a great opportunity to introduce kids to the diversity of human life and traditions beyond their everyday experience. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as options within the village might be limited. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Annah Rais is an excellent choice, provided you book directly with the villagers. Avoid online booking agents who inflate prices. By arriving and negotiating your stay, meals, and any desired tours on the spot, you can significantly reduce costs. Reddit Homestays are basic but affordable, and local food is simple and inexpensive. This direct approach ensures your money directly supports the community. Reddit+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Annah Rais presents a wealth of photographic opportunities, from the intricate architecture of the longhouse to the vibrant daily life of the Bidayuh people. Capture portraits of the friendly locals, the textures of the traditional materials, and the surrounding natural beauty. Instagram+1 The 'head house' offers a unique historical subject. Visiting during the golden hours of morning or late afternoon will provide the best light for atmospheric shots. Remember to be respectful when photographing people. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Bidayuh Culture

Annah Rais is home to the Bidayuh people, one of Sarawak's indigenous groups. Historically, they were known for their warrior traditions, including headhunting, particularly in conflicts with the Iban tribe. The 'head house' within the village serves as a historical reminder of these practices. Instagram Today, the Bidayuh community in Annah Rais lives a more peaceful existence, blending their ancient customs with modern life. They are known for their strong community bonds and their unique longhouse living arrangements, which foster a sense of collective identity and mutual support. Reddit

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. TikTok Engaging with the locals is key to understanding their worldview and appreciating the resilience and adaptability of their culture in the face of change. Reddit

The Longhouse Experience

The longhouse is more than just a building; it's the heart of the Bidayuh community. Traditionally constructed from materials like ironwood, these communal dwellings house multiple families under one roof, creating a unique social structure. While some of the older structures are being replaced by newer constructions, the essence of communal living remains. Reddit Walking through the longhouse, you'll notice the distinct living spaces for each family, often connected by a common veranda or walkway. This setup facilitates daily interactions, shared responsibilities, and a strong sense of belonging. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit It's important to approach this experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn, respecting the local customs and way of life. Reddit

Navigating Bookings and Costs

When planning your visit to Annah Rais, be mindful of how you book your stay or tours. Several travelers have reported being significantly overcharged when booking through online platforms or phone numbers associated with third-party agents. These agents may charge inflated prices for basic services like accommodation and meals, with little of the money directly benefiting the villagers. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

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