Trip to Iban longhouse at Suai, Miri

Johnny Chuat of RuaiKitai.com smsed me yesterday to invite me to join him and the rest of our RumahDayak.com members to visit Ensing at Rh. Gerang, Seputih, Suai (previously headed by the late Pemanca Guyang). I managed to persuade my family to join since we have not been to Suai yet. Hence, all of us head to the new Batu Niah junction along the coastal highway, where everyone will meet before travelling into the interior of Suai.

Haw Food Centre, Batu Niah Junction.

After everyone have arrived, we started our journey into the interior at about 4.10 pm (a little late says my heart).

Our convoy traveling along the Suai feeder road.

We finally arrived at our destination at 5.00 pm

Rh. Gerang longhouse at Seputih, Suai.

The longhouse is a double-storey building with the living quarters located on the upper floor. The ground floor house the ruai and common verandah.

The other end of the longhouse.

One of the Iban elders with tattooed body. The design of Bungai Terung is common among the elder Ibans.

Gerama and Temenggung.

Suai River serve as one of the mode of transportation, source of drinking water and a public bathing place.

Having an evening splash!

EZ703 who joined us right after he landed from Vietnam.

Cheryl having fun at the jetty.

With this “extended” version of Nokia, the villagers are able to receive Celcom network. The longhouse is about 40km from the main coastal highway and probably 30km from the nearest Celcom station.

Charles and John at the oil palm plantation.

Guma from PEGARI publication with the pig head ready for BBQ.

Camp fire in progress.

Our chief butcher.

Our host - Ensing’s dad.

Ensing and a friend who patiently wait for us at the Niah Junction.

Thank you to the warm hospitality of Rh. Gerang, Seputih, Suai. We will always remember the candlelight dinner at Ensing’s farm. Although it is a little late and tiring journey, we all had fun and many thanks!

Selamat betemu baru!