Melanau
Quick Summary
The Melanau are an indigenous people native to the coastal wetlands of Sarawak, Malaysia, specifically between Bintulu and the Rajang River. They are known for producing starch from sago palms that grow around their villages. Historically, the Melanau are believed to have migrated from the interior to the coast centuries ago.1
Culturally and linguistically, they are linked to some inland groups to the southeast. The Melanau language has distinct dialects, with those in the northeast differing significantly from those in the southwest, to the point where some speakers perceive them as separate languages. While many Melanau are Muslim, there is also a Christian minority among them.12
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MalaysiaSarawak…the traditional territory of the Melanau. The Melanau are especially known for their production of starch from the sago palms that surround their villages. Culturally and linguistically linked to certain inland peoples to the southeast, the Melanau purportedly moved to the coast from the interior centuries ago. The dialects of…
Read More…the traditional territory of the Melanau. The Melanau are especially known for their production of starch from the sago palms that surround their villages. Culturally and linguistically linked to certain inland peoples to the southeast, the Melanau purportedly moved to the coast from the interior centuries ago. The dialects of…
Read More- MalaysiaRural settlement
Many groups, especially the Melanau of Sarawak and the Kadazan of Sabah, have abandoned the longhouse settlement form in favour of single-family dwellings. Some, however, particularly in Sarawak, have chosen to maintain old longhouses or to build new ones, often using an upgraded design.
Read MoreMany groups, especially the Melanau of Sarawak and the Kadazan of Sabah, have abandoned the longhouse settlement form in favour of single-family dwellings. Some, however, particularly in Sarawak, have chosen to maintain old longhouses or to build new ones, often using an upgraded design.
Read More