BACKGROUND
The Melanaus are concentrated mostly in the coastal region of Sarawak and they live along coastal rivers and build their houses over water around Rajang and Baram rivers. The Melanaus are also known for the massive longhouses, which can reach up to 40 feet in height. Today, most Melanaus live in Malay-style villages rather than traditional longhouses. They were once seafaring people like the Bajaus in Sabah but do conduct agricultural activities such as sago growing. The Melanau people prefer to eat sago instead of rice. Sago palms originally grew wild in the coastal swamps of Sarawak. Melanau people also catch and eat different kinds of fish and other sea food. Although they have their own dialect, their language is similar to Malay. Today most Melanau people are either Christians or Muslim.
COSTUME
HANDICRAFT
10 FACTS ABOUT MELANAU
