The Bidayuh of Borneo: History and Traditions of the Longhouses

The Bidayuh, nicknamed “the hill people,” are an iconic indigenous community of Borneo, living in the mountains of western Sarawak, Malaysia. Today, they strive to preserve a rich cultural heritage while embracing contemporary developments. This adaptation places them at the crossroads of tradition and modernity.

Article and photographs by Damien Lafon

Aerial view of a village in Sarawak, illustrating the arrangement of longhouses in a forest setting. — *Aerial view of a Bidayuh village in Sarawak, Malaysia.*

Longhouses: A Way of Communal Living

The Bidayuh of Borneo place longhouses, or longhouses, at the heart of their culture and way of life. Built on stilts, these immense structures house several families and reflect their communal way of life. Each household has a private space, while the communal galleries become places of exchange and ceremonies. However, even as some communities adopt more modern ways of living, these houses still symbolise the Bidayuh’s cultural identity. In addition, they serve as a setting for traditional festivities, such as the Gawai Dayak, celebrating the end of the harvest.

Did you know?
Longhouses can extend over 200 meters, bringing together up to several dozen families under one roof..

A Warrior Legacy: Headhunting

In the past, the Bidayuh practiced headhunting, a warrior ritual laden with spiritual and agricultural significance. This tradition, essential to their culture, symbolized the courage and protective strength of the community. Thus, by bringing back an enemy’s head, the warriors ensured the fertility of the land, the prosperity of the harvests and the spiritual protection of the village.

In addition, these trophies were kept in the longhouses and played a central role in ritual ceremonies. However, this practice disappeared with the arrival of missionaries and colonial authorities, marking an important turning point in the history of the Bidayuh, while leaving a fascinating cultural legacy.

*Skulls preserved in a Bidayuh longhouse in Borneo, evidence of ancient cultural practices.*

Did you know?
Headhunting was a way to ensure the spiritual protection of the village, by capturing the essence of the enemy for the community.

Spiritual Beliefs: Between Animism and Christianity

The Bidayuh have long practiced animism, a belief that every element of nature is home to spirits that must be honored. Indeed, rituals played a central role in maintaining the balance between humans and these spirits, thus ensuring good harvests and the protection of the village. However, although the majority of Bidayuh are now Christian, many animist traditions persist. In particular, these practices reappear during major agricultural festivals, such as Gawai, which celebrates the end of the harvest and honors ancestors.

Did you know?
Gawai Dayak, celebrated every year in June, marks the end of the harvest and is an occasion for traditional festivities where ancestors are honoured.

Borneo’s Bidayuh and Sarawak’s Tribal Diversity

Although the Bidayuh are a significant indigenous group in Sarawak, they share the island with several other peoples. Indeed, each contributes to Borneo’s cultural diversity and heritage, bringing traditions specific to the region. Among them, the Iban, Melanau and Orang Ulu occupy a significant place in the island’s cultural mosaic.

The Iban: The largest indigenous group in Sarawak, making up 30% of the state’s population. Known for their skills in river navigation and agriculture, they also lived in longhouses and once practiced headhunting. Their tattooing and pua kumbu weaving are symbols of their cultural identity.
The Melanau, a coastal people who make up about 6% of Sarawak’s population, are distinguished by their stilt houses and their cultivation of sago, a staple food in their tradition. They once practiced animist beliefs closely tied to their marine environment. Although the majority of the Melanau have become Muslim or Christian, their animist roots continue to influence some of their practices.
The Orang Ulu are a group of small tribes, including the Kayan, Kenyah and Penan, who live in the highlands of Sarawak. Among them, the Penan are distinguished by their semi-nomadic lifestyle in the rainforest and struggle to preserve their habitat. The Orang Ulu are known for their traditional music, including the sape, a stringed instrument emblematic of their culture.

A resident in a Bidayuh longhouse, reflecting the community's collective way of life. — *Skulls preserved in a Bidayuh longhouse in Borneo, evidence of ancient cultural practices.*

Did you know?
The Penan, the last nomadic group in Borneo, continue to fight to protect their forest against massive deforestation.

Bidayuh of Borneo: Contemporary Challenges and Heritage Preservation

Like other indigenous peoples of Borneo, the Bidayuh face challenges related to rapid urbanization and modernization. The loss of land to palm oil plantations is increasing these pressures on their way of life. In addition, the migration of young people to cities is accelerating the erosion of ancestral traditions and practices. However, various initiatives, particularly in the field of cultural tourism, are striving to revitalize the richness of Bidayuh culture.

Projects allow visitors to discover longhouses, participate in festivals and explore Bidayuh culture. Through these initiatives, local heritage is valued, thus promoting the preservation of traditions and customs within the villages. In addition, these projects generate economic opportunities, directly supporting local communities in their development. As a result, cultural tourism is emerging as a key lever for revitalizing and sustaining this rich indigenous culture.