Albert Kwok, the Kuchingite who led the Kinabalu Guerrillas during WWII

Culture

by Patricia Hului - August 16, 2018

Although Albert Kwok was born in Kuching, Sarawak, the traces of his legacy lie 800km away in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Described as "neat, clean shaven, a man of superabundant energy and made many friends” by Stephen

From Yang di-Pertua Negara to Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah: How did that happen?

Culture

by Patricia Hului - August 15, 2018August 15, 2018

When Sabah, or back then known as North Borneo, agreed to join the Malaysian federation, they came up with a list of 20 points. The terms in what was called the 20-point agreement were drawn

Looking back on Sabah chief minister Donald Stephens’ first Malaysia Day message

Culture

by Patricia Hului - August 14, 2018August 14, 2018

Donald Stephens (later known as Tun Mohd. Fuad Stephens after his conversion to Islam in January 1971), was the first chief minister of Sabah in Malaysia. After founding United National Kadazan Organisation (UNKO) in Aug

10 things you need to know about baruk, the Bidayuh cultural house

Culture

by Patricia Hului - August 7, 2018

A baruk or pangah is the main section of a traditional Bidayuh village in Sarawak. It is also known as baluh, balui, balu, or pangarah according to the different dialects of the Bidayuh. In the olden days,

Symbolism and traditions behind a Melanau ‘9 Pikul’ Wedding

Culture

by Patricia Hului - August 6, 2018

Indigenous to Sarawak, the Melanau people are among the earliest settlers in the land of hornbills. The Melanau social ranks can be differentiated as pangeran or 15 pikul (royalty), 9 pikul, 7 pikul betirih and dipen

15 Sarawakian superstitions you may have heard growing up

Culture

by Patricia Hului - August 1, 2018September 14, 2018

No matter where you are from, superstitions can be found everywhere and will be believed by at least one person next to you. Every culture is bound to have a few superstitions and Sarawak has

The traditional medical use of Kayu Raja

Culture

by Patricia Hului - July 30, 2018October 11, 2018

Kayu raja or raja kayu in Malay, which translates to the 'king of wood’, is a type of wood widely found in Malaysia. Scientifically, it is known as Agathis borneensis. It is also commonly known

Odoardo Beccari, the man who discovered the corpse flower

Culture

by Patricia Hului - July 24, 2018

Odoardo Beccari (1843-1920) might be an unfamiliar name among Sarawakians today but more than 100 years ago he was here in Sarawak documenting our plants. Originally from Florence, Italy, he went to school in Pisa

Five exhibitions you missed at the Old Courthouse during Rainforest Fringe Festival 2018

Culture

by Patricia Hului - July 18, 2018

The recently ended Rainforest Fringe Festival (RFF) was a celebration of music, art, crafts, film, photography, food and culture. The 10-day event from July 6 to 15 was a prelude to the world renowned Rainforest

Guide to forts in Sarawak built during the Brooke Era

Culture

by Patricia Hului - July 4, 2018July 4, 2018

The Kingdom of Sarawak was established from a series of land concessions by the Brooke family famously known as the White Rajahs. In fact, it was even recognised as an independent state by the United States