The Lun Bawang People of Sarawak, Borneo.

Today I’m going to share briefly about my tribe, The Lun Bawang. 😎😎

Lun Bawang people are one of the orang ulu in Sarawak, Malaysia. 'Orang ulu' which means the "up-river dwellers" mainly living in Central Borneo. 'Orang ulu' are made up of a few tribes namely the Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, the Lun Bawang and few other minor tribes in Sarawak.

orang ulu costume. (Photo by Borneo Post Seeds)

What does Lun Bawang means? Lun Bawang means Local People. Lun which translated in the Lun Bawang language is People while Bawang is the locals or native. Majority of the Lun Bawang people in Sarawak can be found in Lawas, Limbang, Trusan and Ba’ kelalan. My village is in Trusan, Sarawak. It is small but blessed little village in Trusan called Long Tuan.

People of Long Tuan Preparing Nuba Laya.

One of our traditional foods is called nuba laya. nuba laya or soft rice is where steaming hot mashed rice is wrapped in leaves. nuba laya can be either dry or wet depending on the preference of a family. In my family, we prefer the dried ones as it can last two days without being in the fridge. nuba laya is usually eaten with other dishes.

Nuba Laya in traditional Lun Bawang Basket.

Cooking Nuba Laya and other dishes

Every year in June(we don't call it summer. since it's summer all year long.. hahahaha..😜😜), we are celebrating 'Irau Aco Lun Bawang'. a Lun Bawang Festival to celebrate the harvest seasons and a time to exhibit our traditions to the younger generations. one of the main event in this festival is Beauty Pageants Contest Called Ruran Ulung.

Majority of the Lun Bawang People are Christians when they decided to leave their ancestors belief when the missionaries came a long long long time ago when the white rajah (white king) still reign in Sarawak. (i'll save that for another post) so, Christmas is important to us as it is a time of gathering for the whole family. The time to "Balik Kampung!" 😆😆

that's all for now guys! cheers! 🍻🍻