Annah Rais is located about 60 km from Kuching City or approximately 1.5 hours drive. It is situated on both banks of Sarawak Kiri River or locally known as Semedang River. Annah Rais Bidayuh Longhouse is the oldest Bidayuh longhouse.
The longhouse has been existed since five generations ago, built on the foot of Mount Penrissen. The longhouse used to have 120 doors, but now it consists about 80 doors, while the remaining of about 70 units are scattered single houses.
It is believed that the ancestors first settled at the foot of Mount Penrissen and later moved downward to four hill-tops. The choice of setting on higher ground was meant for security reason to avoid head hunting activity.
In the olden days, the Kampung was used to be called Kampung Sennah. In 1854, Alfred Wallace described the villagers as mountaineers who came to settled about 20 years ago.
There were then seven sections known as Kupos of the old Sennah. The word ‘ Biannah’ in Bidayuh means the People of Annah Rais as ‘Rais means kampung and Annah is the name of the kampung which is named after the river.
Heritage And Cultural Asset
Bidayuh Longhouse – One can experience the traditional and communal way of living. The longhouse also has public displays of handicraft, art, such as murals, statues and monument at the museum. The longhouse tour includes a visit to the farmer’s market and a cultural show. During the cultural dances, visitors are welcome to participate. Traditional costumes are available on loan for photography. Visitors are also can learn to play the musical instruments.
Traditional food
Traditional food is served throughout the year but the best time to visit will be from end of March, after the harvesting season. During the festival, new rice is used to prepare the special “Bamboo rice” for the “new rice tasting”. There are also local wine tasting and feasting traditional food cooked in bamboo.
Geological Landmarks
Natural Hot Spring – Ultimate Jungle Spa
A few minutes walk from Annah Rais longhouse is a hot spring which is an ultimate jungle spa. The place consists of an eating place called The Hot Spring Café, which served traditional delicacies such as bamboo rice, bamboo shoot, fern, midin and kampong or organic chicken/fish cooked in bamboo are served on Sundays and public holidays.
Ung Waterfall
The Ung Water is complimented with crystal clear cold running streams, flat water and whitewater rivers.
Biduan Waterfall
Biduan Waterfall is located about 12 km from Annah Rais Homestay and about 10 minutes walk from Sibakar village.
Limestone Formation
Beautiful limestone formation view with caves – with swallow hole, clints and grykes, limestone pavements, rivers/steams, and outcrops of rocks.
Accomodation –
HomestayAnnah Rais Longhouse
16/129 Annah Rais Longhouse, Jalan Puncak Borneo, Padawan, 94200, Kuching, Sarawak
(Mobile: 016 855 2195)
Annah Rais Bidayuh Homestay
58, Kampung Annah Rais, Jalan Borneo Highlands, Padawan, Kota Padawan, 93250, Kuching, Sarawak
Homestay Kampung Annah Rais
16/29 Rumah Panjang Rais, Jalan Borneo Heights, Padawan, 94200 Kuching, Sarawak
(Mobile: 016 862 9215; Fax: 082 – 481332)
Amazing Padawan 