The Bidayuh, often also referred to as Land-Dayaks, are an ethnic group which is native to West-Borneo. The name ‘Bidayuh’ translates to ‘people of the land’ and is a collective name for several subtribes that share a similar culture and belief system. Their languages however, differ greatly according to the areas of their origin and as a result the Bidayuh often converse in English or Malay as a common language.

Traditionally the Bidayuh were longhouse dwellers with an animistic belief system, which attributes ancient spirits to many things in nature such as birds, animals, and plants and evolves around rice cultivation. In recent decades, the majority of the Bidayuh have abandoned longhouses for individual houses within villages and converted to Christianity, trying to adapt to the challenges of a modernizing era. However, a lot of aspects of their traditional culture and social organization have been retained. Many spiritual beliefs and superstitions persist and a strong sense of cooperation within the villages prevails, which originates from the communal longhouse lifestyle.

Bidayuh are well known for their warm hospitality and friendly demeanour. The fact that many Bidayuh are able to converse in English makes it easy for visitors to communicate and connect with them. Since the Bidayuh villages are located in the rural areas of Kuching division, as well as the neighbouring divisions of Serian and Samarahan, it doesn’t take a very long journey to reach there. Thus, it is possible to venture on a comfortable daytrip from the city of Kuching to visit a Bidayuh village. Exciting overnight stays in Bidayuh homestays can be arranged for the more adventurous ones, longing to get a deeper insight into the culture of Borneo’s natives.

The coastal area of Lundu and Sematan also features some of the best beaches in Sarawak. Some of these beaches do not just attract human visitors! The beaches of Tanjung Datu National Park and the islands of Talang-Satang National Park are nesting sites for sea turtles. Witnessing a mother turtle laying eggs or watching baby turtles hatch is a truly moving experience!