|
Further down the
Labi Road, past Kampung Labi itself, the forest
gives way to several examples of a form of
dwelling unique to the island of Borneo which is the
unique Iban longhouse. Literally a village under one
roof, a longhouse consist of a single shed-like
structure divided along its length into separate
family lodgings, each of which is accessed via a
communal area running the length of the
building. This communal area is the venue for
the village population's social and daily indoor
work activities.
The nearest
longhouse to the town of Labi is Rampayoh
Longhouse which is divided into 16 lodgings.
Others include Mendaram Besar Longhouse,
Mendaram Kecil Longhouse and, at the end of the
road, Teraja Longhouse. The longhouses seen here
are among the most beautiful structures you will
find in this region.
Several trails head
off into the jungle along this stretch of the
road. They are clearly marked and signposted,
and direct hikers through tracts of primary
rainforest to various waterfalls and elevated
viewing areas. The walks are relatively
undemanding and guides are not necessary, but
for safety reasons, local advice should be
sought.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
|