Page 267 - The Guide To Sarawak

THE GUIDE TO SARAWAK 265
to small inshore trawlers. However, the best known boat-builders of Sarawak are surely the Melanau of Kampung Tellian in Mukah, Central Sarawak. Visitors to Mukah are welcome to watch as they produce brightly-coloured open boats that are minor works of art.
Textile Production
Sarawak’s forests are a great source of fibres for textile manufacture. The Iban people (see page 54) use the kapok or cotton tree for producing their exquisite pua kumbu textiles (see pages 56 & 94), while Malay songkets are woven using locally produced gold brocade (see page 95).
Homestays
One of the best ways to
get to know rural Sarawak
is to stay with the locals.
The Ministry of Tourism Sarawak runs a homestay programme involving
19 traditional villages throughout the state,
where visitors can stay
with local people, enjoy
the surrounding nature
and take part in traditional activities. Possibilities range from Malay and Melanau fishing villages to Iban longhouses deep in Borneo’s wild interior. Privately run homestays have also been set up by local people
near Kuching, Miri, Damai, Padawan, Baram, Bario and Ba’Kelalan.
Buying Direct From The Producer
To sample fruits, vegetables, spices and other fresh produce at their best, visit one of the 25 Farmer’s Markets (Pasar Tani) located throughout Sarawak,
where small farmers sell their produce directly to consumers.
Manufactured products such as keropok, belacan, the colourful kek lapis (Sarawak layer cakes, see page 220), tebaloi, sago snacks, spice mixes and sauces are available from Weda Choice Centre in Kuching, set up by the Department of Agriculture to promote local rural businesses.
Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day
The best way to meet the producers directly and
get an overview of their products is to attend one of the many activities which take place on Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPN), an annual
This kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) in Padang Merdeka is the largest tree in Kuching. Native to Central America, kapok trees have been cultivated in Southeast Asia for centuries.
event organised by the
State Government to give recognition and appreciation to farmers, breeders and fishermen. Contact the Department of Agriculture Sarawak (see page 266) for details.
Sarawak Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development, Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, attending a Farmer’s, Breeder’s and Fisherman’s Day Function.