Mukah: Panorama of a seaside village
The Melanau did not care much for the taking of heads. Kicked out of the Rejang valley by the other tribes they settled near the coast in Mukah. Since rice doesn't grow in the coastal swamps their live came to depend fully on sago. So called 'Tall houses' were built on stilts in the water. These predominantly Muslim sailors and fishermen have a long history of barter trading due to the lack of other natural resources in the area. Every year in April the Melanau come together at the beach in Mukah to celebrate the Kaul Festival, the festival of the God of the Sea. In the old days the village would have been closed off for days during the annual cleansing rituals, but these days the festival attracts over thousands of people who can admire their skills at the Tabau, the giant swing. When you can stomach it, give the sago worm a try...
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ABOUT BORNEO
People of the Bario Highlands
To the Heart of Borneo: Exploring the Rejang
Different Faces of Sarawak
From Sheherezades storybook: Brunei
A Deadly Climb in Sabah
Copyright © 2003, Mary Munnik, The Netherlands. All rights reserved.
Duplication or copying of this material is strictly prohibited.
Latest update:
October 2, 2003.