At the entrance of the Bidayuh Longhouse, there is a sign with the longhouse’s name with explanation of the tribe’s culture and also a path that leads to a pavilion-like circular structure which is made of mostly bamboos. It is called a Baruk, a congregation place for the Bidayuh warriors. It is connected to the longhouse by a wooden plank.

Actually, we have already spotted this structure when were visiting the longhouse and we met two ladies during the visit. One of them told us about the costume rental when we were venturing inside the longhouse. We talked to the other one when we got out. She pointed at this round building and told us that it is called a Baruk. She said that the one in the Sarawak Cultural Village is just a simple one. The real ones are twice the size of this one!

She added further that the Baruk is for the stay of single men of the Bidayuh tribe. Women and children will remain at the longhouse. The men will only be at the longhouse for meals. Men gathered at the Baruk to be trained as warriors and to have secret meetings on strategies to defeat their enemies.

This is the entrance to the Baruk. According to the lady, boys under age of 13 stay in the longhouse with their family. Once they have reached the age of 13, they will be sent to the Baruk to be trained as warriors. However, if they are married, they will move back to the longhouse again and start a family of his own by extending the longhouse.

Inside the Baruk, there is a raised platform in the middle. As we took a look straight up from the platform, we saw some human skulls hanging from the roof top. It is somewhat eerie and frightening and the lady told us that the human skulls were once the enemies killed by the Bidayuh warriors.

Inside the Baruk, we can see gongs, weapons, plank of woods and other things.

The gongs.

Interior look of the Baruk.

View at the entrance. Remember the palm leaves that act as a welcomer at the Ulu’s Longhouse? They have it here at the Baruk too.

There are straw mats on the plank of woods. I think this is the place where the men rest at the end of the day.

We are not sure what this is. Could it be something to spot the enemies from far?

A fire place in the middle of the Baruk.

Before we went into the Baruk, the lady told us that things have changed a lot and nowadays, the longhouses are built using concrete. And Baruks are not as important as before. However, we must never forget our history. Although our ancestor’s culture might not be applicable in this new and mordern age but the values of their teachings are very precious and useful because they are accumulated from life experience. If we can once again adapt the good values, I think we can still be able to make the world a better place to live. Let’s hope that all the catastrophe will be over soon.