Traditional Bidayuh Longhouse and Empurau Experience from Kuching

Kota Kinabalu , Malaysia

Traditional Bidayuh Longhouse and Empurau Experience from Kuching

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About this experience

Discover the Bidayuh tribe’s Mongkos village near the Kalimantan border. You’ll find that Mongkos is a thriving rural community & home to one of the few remaining traditional Bidayuh longhouses in Sarawak. You’ll visit the traditional longhouse for a tour to learn about its history & experience how a native lunch is prepared.

Kampung Mongkos has two of the very few surviving Bidayuh longhouses in Sarawak. The village has existed for over a hundred years and is located near Sungai Mongkos.

Available options

Kuching Outskirts

Tour Transfer Service to Hotels / Resorts Outskirts of Kuching City.Radius of above 20 KM from Kuching International Airport.<br/>Pickup included

Kuching City Center

Tour Transfer Service from Hotels in Kuching City Center.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Transport by Air-Conditioned MiniVan

Lunch

Ethnic Lunch

Water Bottle

Return Tour Transfer to Hotel

English Speaking Guide

Infant not occupying seat no charges

Detailed itinerary

A encounter with Empurau fish freely undisturbed as it is protected species in this river.

The experience to have a Bidayuh Ethnic lunch traditionally cook in bamboo.

What's not included

Gratuities

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

It is said that Mongkos was named after the plant lungkos (Bidayuh for wild ginger)

On arrival visitors are welcomed with a ceremony. First they are greeted with drum music called “bidumbak”. A white hen’s egg is used to chase away evil spirits and visitors are then entertained with ‘langi pingadap’ (a traditional welcoming dance). Welcoming ceremony would end with a "belangi" dance in which the visitors are encouraged to take part.

Another dance called “Pak Dino” and “Dayang Diki” will not be presented. In this dance dolls are used to tell a story about a married couple. Because marriage between siblings is taboo for the Bidayuh, the couple was cursed and they turned into monkeys.

Other Attractions:The Silungkung Waterfall ( spiral waterfall ) not included in the Tour

Pangkak ( top spinning

Watch Bidayuh Women making baskets,bead items,woodcarving and many other types of handicraft.

Padi cultivation and farming are the main agricultural activities of the villagers. Among the crops they plant are oil palm,padi,pepper,rubber trees and miscellaneous fruits such as rambutan,mango banana,jackfruit and durian.

Important notes

• Thing to bring: Cap/Hat , Insect Repellent , Comfortable footwear ( good grip for slippery or wet surface )
• Towel , Change of Clothes , CameraDestination: Bidayuh Mongkos Village
• Swim with Empurau
• Traditional Welcoming Dance
• Ethnic Lunch

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

About Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is a vibrant city nestled between the South China Sea and the lush mountains of Borneo. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, it's a gateway to some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes, including Mount Kinabalu and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Top Attractions

Mount Kinabalu

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highest peak in Southeast Asia, offering challenging climbs and breathtaking views.

Nature 2-4 days for summit climb Climbing permit: RM300-500, Guided tours: RM1,500-3,000

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

A group of five islands known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and marine life.

Nature Half-day to full day Boat tours: RM100-200, Snorkeling gear rental: RM20-30

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

A stunning mosque with a unique architectural design, featuring a pink-domed roof and surrounded by a man-made lagoon.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Sabah State Museum

A comprehensive museum showcasing the history, culture, and natural heritage of Sabah.

Museum 2-3 hours RM5-10

Filipino Market

A bustling market offering a variety of souvenirs, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry, bargaining expected

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hinava

A traditional Sabahan dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, ginger, and chili.

Main Dish Gluten-free, dairy-free

Tuhau

A sweet and savory glutinous rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, often filled with palm sugar and peanuts.

Snack Vegetarian, gluten-free

Kuih Mor

A steamed glutinous rice cake with a sweet and tangy flavor, often served with coconut milk.

Dessert Vegetarian, gluten-free

Laksa Sabah

A spicy noodle soup with a rich, aromatic broth, typically made with seafood, chicken, or beef.

Main Dish Contains seafood, gluten-free

Popular Activities

Mountain climbing Caving Whitewater rafting Beachcombing Spa treatments Hot springs Visiting museums Attending festivals

Best Time to Visit

March to October

This is the dry season, offering sunny weather and lower humidity, ideal for outdoor activities and beach trips.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Malay
Widely spoken: English, Chinese dialects, Indigenous languages
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kota Kinabalu is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, petty crime and scams can occur, so it's essential to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air

Kota Kinabalu International Airport • 7 km from city center

By bus

Kota Kinabalu Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and widely available, but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Tanah Runcing Likass

Day trips

Island Hopping in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

3-15 km from Kota Kinabalu • Half-day to full day

Explore the beautiful islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and marine life.

Kinabalu Park

90 km from Kota Kinabalu • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home of Mount Kinabalu, offering stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and challenging trekking routes.

Poring Hot Springs

100 km from Kota Kinabalu • Full day

A relaxing retreat featuring natural hot springs, lush rainforests, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Festivals

Kota Kinabalu International Fest (KKIF) • July Sabah Fest • May to June Hari Raya Aidilfitri • Varies (Islamic calendar)

Pro tips

Visit the Gaya Street Sunday Market for a taste of local culture and cuisine
Take a boat tour to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for a day of snorkeling and island hopping
Climb Mount Kinabalu for a challenging and rewarding adventure
Explore the Sabah State Museum to learn about the history and culture of Sabah
Try local dishes like Hinava, Tuhau, and Kuih Mor for an authentic taste of Sabahan cuisine