BY ANNABELL NAJA TOMMY and FASIHA KHUSHIRI
NESTLED amidst the lush landscapes of Sarawak, the Annah Rais Longhouse stands as a living testament to the rich history and vibrant culture of the Biannah tribe.
With a history spanning over 500 years, this longhouse has undergone a transformation, throwing its doors open to travellers seeking an immersive experience in traditional communal living through its homestay programme.
History of the Biannah tribe
Originally known as Annah, Sennah, or Khown, the Biannah tribe’s nomadic past saw them settle atop hilltops for defence purposes and fertile farming. They migrated across mountain ranges, eventually establishing themselves in Annah Rais. Between the 16th and mid-18th century, they engaged in headhunting and sought safe lands, while their belief system guided their movements.
Over time, they found a home in Annah Rais.
Transition to homestay
The journey towards the establishment of a homestay programme began in 2007 when Annah Rais embraced the concept of homestays, captivating visitors eager to experience the authentic Bidayuh community life.
Annah Rais as a tourist spot
Situated just 60km from Kuching, Annah Rais has flourished into a renowned Bidayuh longhouse, offering a homestay programme that grants visitors the unique opportunity to partake in traditional communal living.
The longhouse architecture retained its original charm, while the village’s pristine natural surroundings, including clean rivers and flourishing flora and fauna, enhanced its appeal as a destination.
Today, Annah Rais has blossomed into a renowned tourist spot, drawing travellers from near and far. With its transformation into a homestay programme, visitors have the opportunity to step into the shoes of the local community, experiencing the authenticity of traditional living.
The longhouse, accommodating around 80 families of the same clan, offers guest rooms for visitors to stay in, allowing them to actively engage in gardening, farming, hunting and fishing.
Activities for visitors
Nature enthusiasts and culture aficionados alike find solace in the range of activities available at Annah Rais. A natural hot spring, a three-tier waterfall, and rainforest jungle trekking beckon adventurers.
Cultural shows featuring traditional dances and musical instruments provide a glimpse into the tribe’s vibrant heritage. Local guides offer insights into the intricacies of pepper and paddy fields, adding depth to the experience.
Historical significance
With a history spanning over five centuries, Annah Rais’ longhouse journey encapsulates the evolution from headhunting security to peaceful communal living. English rule ushered in an era of peace, prompting the tribe to descend to Annah Rais. Today, visitors embrace the homestay programme as a means to immerse themselves in this authentic village life.
Edward Kurik, a self-proclaimed ninth-generation longhouse dweller and the Annah Rais longhouse tourism coordinator with the Padawan Municipal Council (PMC), hails the historical significance of the longhouse.
He explains that the longhouse’s evolution mirrors the evolution of the Biannah tribe itself. Originally established on hilltops for safety during their headhunting days, the move to Annah Rais came as peace came under English rule.
As the sun sets on traditional rituals and practices, the longhouse however continues to stand as a window into the past. While the present generation has embraced modernisation and Christianity, the longhouse and its ceremonial house, known as panggah, remain as witnesses to the tribe’s roots.
The panggah, a sacred place for rituals and gatherings, preserves the stories of the past, including its role in tribal wars and headhunting.
Annah Rais Longhouse, a living relic of the past, stands as a beacon of authenticity amid the modern world.
Homestay experience
Families within the settlement, whose history dates back three centuries, generously open their homes to visitors. These guests engage in activities like gardening, farming, hunting, and fishing. Guided tours and experiences provide insights into the traditional lifestyle, attracting tourists seeking a taste of the past.
In a world constantly evolving, Annah Rais offers a timeless connection to heritage, a doorway into a bygone era where community, tradition, and the embrace of nature thrived side by side.
Maintaining authenticity
The Annah Rais longhouse, an embodiment of heritage, has defied the tide of modernisation. Even as time brings change, the longhouse remains around 80 percent authentic, and the ceremonial house, or panggah, preserves 60 percent of its original form. This effort to retain authenticity showcases the villagers’ dedication to preserving their unique history and culture.
From a history woven with bravery and rituals, to its present existence as a hub for cultural exploration, Annah Rais has transitioned from a tribe’s stronghold to a tourist haven. The journey highlights the resilience of the Biannah tribe and the remarkable experiences offered to those who seek to uncover its secrets.
For those seeking to venture into a world of history and culture, Annah Rais Longhouse stands ready to welcome you into its embrace, inviting you to experience the legacy of the Biannah tribe firsthand.
