Melanau Culture
Discover the rich traditions, vibrant festivals, and authentic cuisine that define the heart of Melanau heritage in Mukah, Sarawak.
Discover the rich traditions, vibrant festivals, and authentic cuisine that define the heart of Melanau heritage in Mukah, Sarawak.
Often regarded as a paradise for food lovers, Mukah offers an array of exotic delicacies such as umai, a traditional Melanau raw fish salad, sago grubs, and a variety of dishes made from sago, a local staple. One of the most vibrant highlights of the year is the Kaul Festival, an annual cultural celebration showcasing traditional performances from various ethnic groups, exhilarating traditional boat races, and the opportunity to savour authentic local cuisine.
Umai is a popular traditional native dish of the Melanau people in Sarawak, Malaysia, which is usually eaten by fishermen. Umai is a dish of sliced raw fish with a mixture of onions, chillies, vinegar, salt and lime juice.
Ulat sago, or sago worms, are the larvae of the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) commonly found in decaying sago palm trunks. They are creamy white, soft-bodied, and rich in protein and healthy fats, making them a nutritious traditional food source.
Linut is the traditional dish, originates from the interior trunk of the sago palm, a testament to the ingenuity of Borneo’s native communities in utilising their natural resources. This indigenous concoction is not your typical meal, providing a neutral taste that acts as the perfect canvas for the vibrant array of traditional sauces and side dishes it’s often paired with.
Linut
Umai
Annual Cultural Celebration
One of the most vibrant highlights of the year is the Kaul Festival, an annual cultural celebration showcasing traditional performances from various ethnic groups, exhilarating traditional boat races, and the opportunity to savour authentic local cuisine. The Kaul Festival is a traditional thanks giving ceremony held annually in March or April, marking the beginning of the fishing season and honoring the spirits of the sea.
🗓️When
March/April (Annual)
📍Where
Tapak Kaul Mukah
🎯Purpose
Thanksgiving & Fishing Season Opening
Traditional rituals and blessing ceremonies to mark the beginning of the festival.
Day 2 - Cultural Performances
Traditional dances, music performances, and cultural showcases from various ethnic groups.
Day 3 - Boat Races & Tibau
Exciting boat races and the spectacular Tibau giant swing performances.
Try the 3D Model Costumes
Experience Culture in AR
Immerse yourself in Melanau culture through our interactive AR experiences. Try on traditional costumes, learn authentic recipes, and participate in virtual festivals.