It’s been my second trip to Kuching in this lifetime, the first being slightly less than 2 years ago. Unlike the first during which most of my time was spent at the touristy township by the waterfront, this was an excursion into the unknown, at least to me.
This trip had been a very special one as I was preparing for the “adventure” of my life; i.e. hiking, kayaking, all things outdoor, etc. Unfortunately, had it not been for the incessant rain this monsoon season, my wishes could have been a reality. I’ve been looking forward to this too as I knew I would be in the good hands of some local friends cum guide.
So, it came as a bonus “photographically” to be afforded the opportunity to a rewarding cultural experience when we made a stop at a Bidayuh Salako Village’s longhouse in Kampung Pueh, located in the small district of Sematan. The coastal town of Sematan is a good 2 hours drive westward of Kuching (120km from Kuching). It’s a pretty remote place here, though this longhouse provides homestay packages for tourists.
I’ve never seen a longhouse before, but it was truly a majestic sight to behold. The satellite dishes seen here don’t exactly add to the charm and rustic feel of this beautiful structure. A nearby concrete washroom for tourists just meters away on a paved road certainly wouldn’t help create a remote “lost world” atmosphere, characterised by jungle civilisation. The lingering mist has been an added bonus though, as it was drizzling the moment we arrived.
Apparently, according to what I’ve read, unlike Iban and Bidayuh longhouses which are built on high stilt, the Salako longhouse is relatively low. Salako is one of the 27 ethnic groups in Sarawak and they are mostly found in the Pueh enclave. The village offers visitors an excellent, warm and friendly hospitality along with nature at its best.
The long open verandah outside was where the natives hang their clothing to dry, though I’m sure it could have doubled up as a make-shift local bar or a BBQ hang-out place under the stars. Though flimsy-looking, the platform was solidly built. Both the exterior platform and the interior corridor are common areas for the natives. Some children were seen running around playing inside…with firecrackers! A welcoming sight indeed, safety aside.
The entrance to each and every one of the living quarters inside the longhouse is just a simple wooden door, each equipped with its own electricity distribution box.
The interior of the longhouse was very dark. This picture of the longhouse’s corridor was taken with the camera supported by its own strap by the lens barrel on the ground, at f/11 for 8 seconds with ISO100.
The natives also do sell intricately sewn and beautifully made handicraft such as these on a table where a group of elderly natives were hanging out having a chat.
An elderly Salako lady offered to sell us some home grown rice at a competitive price (distributor’s price). She returned with a big round and shallow rattan tray. She proceeded to flip the rice in the air in dexterous movements, before catching them again and shaking it in a forward and backward motion to remove the husks. As it was not highly processed with modern machinery, they were thought to be of a healthier option.
This friendly native’s big warm smile fortunately compensated for his small eyes, which reflected a faint glint from my flash. He was squatting beside a weighing scale watching the lady above. It was taken at wide open f/2.8 ISO100 for 1/160 sec, with an almost off-camera full pop bounced up the ceiling above him. I could have opened up the ambient a little more though on second thoughts.
The very same setup and settings above were used for this picture below. I have to kick myself hard for not opening up the ambient more. I had to be quick on this as we were leaving. He was kind enough to be patient with me. On hindsight, I guess he was more intrigued by the big lens staring at him, which explained the “dazed” look in his eyes.
Just as we were about to leave in the pouring rain, my heart skipped a beat at the sight of this rustic shack. I greeted the rain in the open and fired off in a rush…
…before leaving with a smile at my simple but favourite shot of the day, though a little blurred.
I wasn’t thinking with the rain, rudely pelting me, for I settled at a slower 1/30 sec f/5.6 at ISO100. Opening it up to f/2.8 or increasing my ISO to 400 would have been perfect.
Note to self. Think.
nice people, nice village, nice ethnic and nice place. wonderfull.
Yes indeed. Thanks!
I had ever spent my holiday two times at my coursemate’s village at Kpg. Biawak, Lundu in 2009 & 2011.It’s really thrilling experience to know other subtribe. I my self is a mix generation.
Hi Leo,
It’s indeed an exciting experience meeting these indigenous people in the rural area. They were especially warm and friendly. Speaking of which, I’m still kicking myself hard for not taking a picture of one of the ladies carrying a basket full of durians over her head!
Lundu is a small town. Just passed it on the way to Gunung Gading.
Hie, I’am Salako and I’am from Kampung Pueh. Nice collection of pictures you have… Thanks for the visit and your GOOD perception of our kampung and people. The old lady in the pictures is my mother
Hi Reck, thanks for the compliments but they’re just very average collection of pictures. I am speechless beyond words to actually hear from someone 9 months later who’s the son of a lady whose picture I just took. Amazing indeed.
I left that day feeling horrible because I missed a shot of a lady with a basket full of durians on her head. It was drizzling and we had to leave. I truly wish I could go back one day. You have a very beautiful and unique village, though, I must say, everything sure does look interesting and captivating to an urban guy.
I will definitely return. Sarawak has loads of cool locations for photo shoot. You’re blessed. And I’m jealous.
Love my home…place like no other <3