Page 152 - The Guide To Sarawak

150 PLACES OF SPECIAL INTEREST LISTING
Various locations
A Jerunei or Kelidieng is
a traditional burial pole
for aristocratic Melanau, built out of a large solid tree trunk, with a hollow chamber for the corpse, and beautifully carved
with typical Melanau designs. There are excellent examples at Kampung Tellian Tengah, Mukah and outside the District Office in Dalat. The remarkable altar piece in St Bernard’s RC Church, Dalat, is made from an old Kelidieng. District office Dalat:
T (084) 864 219
KAMPUNG TELLIAN
5 minutes drive from Mukah Town Centre.
This ancient water village was the center of Mukah’s Sago industry and is
still the cultural heart of the Melanaus. It is best visited on foot, wandering through wooden walkways, photographing boats towing bundles of sago logs, and watching the traditional boat builders at work.
LAMIN DANA
Kampung Tellian Tengah, Mukah
Lamin Dana is a combined visitors lodge and cultural centre which also trains local people in traditional arts and crafts. It is built in the style of a traditional Melanau tall house, using only authentic materials. Call for information or appointment.
Hp (019) 849 5962 www.lamindana.blogspot. com
MELANAU LONGHOUSE
Kampung Sok, Matu, Mukah
This is the last remaining Melanau longhouse, and still retains its traditional structure. Visits can be arranged by the Mukah Resident’s Office.
T (084) 872 596
RAJANG SONGKET CENTRE
Kampung Rajang, 10km from Tanjung Manis
The Melanau women of Rajang create superb hand-made songket (gold and silver brocade textiles). Visitors are welcome to watch the weavers at work and purchase songket direct from the weavers.
T (084) 612 322 Open: Mon-Fri, 8.30am~5pm & Sat, 8.30am~3pm Closed: Sun & Public Holidays
SAGO FACTORY SMOKESTACK
Jalan Pasar, Mukah
This 20-meter high brick chimney is one of the few surviving legacies of Mukah’s traditional sago- producing industry.
KAPIT DIVISION
BAKUN HYDRO DAM AND LAKE
30 minutes drive from Belaga, 3 hours from Bintulu
The new 695 sq km
Bakun Reservoir, larger than Singapore, is set to become a major tourist attraction. For the
time being, interested individuals or organisations can visit the hydropower plant and reservoir by appointment.
Contact Sarawak Hidro
T (03) 7932 2310
BELAGA BAZAAR
Belaga, 5 hours upriver from Kapit, 3 hours drive from Bintulu
The sleepy riverine settlement of Belaga is the last major trading post on the Rejang, and a good base for arranging visits to the remote Orang Ulu Longhouses situated further upriver. Due to
the rugged jungle terrain,
visitors travelling beyond Belaga are advised to inform the Belaga District Office about their travel plans. Belaga District Office
T (086) 461 339
Open: Mon-Fri, 8.30am~5pm
Closed: Sat, Sun & Public Holidays
FORT SYLVIA, KAPIT
(See page 153)
IBAN LONGHOUSES
Accessible from Kapit Town
There are many traditional Iban longhouses located near to the small riverine town of Kapit. Many of these welcome visitors. Notable longhouses include: Rumah Bundong, 10km from town, which
is well known for its tattoo artists; Rumah Garie 30 minutes by boat on the Sungai Kain, which is famous for its Pua-Kumbu, traditional Iban woven textiles;
and the very traditional Rumah Bangkong, 15km from town. Longhouses are named after their headman, so longhouse names are subject to change in the event of retirement or death.
PELAGUS RAPIDS
15km upriver from Kapit
These notorious rapids divide the Rejang River into lower and upper sections, and have claimed hundreds of lives over the years. Modern express boats and speedboats power their way through the rapids with ease, but
it is a heart-stopping experience for the first- time visitor.
BINTULU DIVISION
BINTULU PROMENADE
Jalan Tun Razak
Bintulu Promenade is the longest waterfront in Sarawak. It is an ideal