The Ultimate Guide to Borneo: Avoiding Culture Shock and Enjoying the Island
Culture Shock! Borneo: A Survival Guide To Customs And Etiquette
Borneo is a fascinating island that offers a rich diversity of cultures, languages, religions, arts, wildlife and nature. It is home to more than 18 million people, including the indigenous Dayak groups who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries. However, visiting Borneo can also be a challenging experience for some travelers who are not familiar with its customs and etiquette. Culture shock is a common phenomenon that occurs when one encounters a different way of life that may conflict with one's own values, beliefs, expectations and norms. It can cause feelings of confusion, frustration, anxiety, isolation or even hostility. Therefore, it is important to learn about Borneo's culture and etiquette before visiting, in order to avoid misunderstandings, respect the local people and enjoy the island's beauty and charm.
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The People of Borneo
The Indigenous Dayak Groups
The indigenous peoples of Borneo are commonly known as Dayak, a term coined by Europeans referring to the non-Malay inhabitants of the island. There are over 50 ethnic Dayak groups speaking different languages and dialects. Some of the most well-known are the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Murut, Kadazan-Dusun and Kelabit. The Dayak have a strong connection with the forest, where they practice shifting cultivation, hunting, fishing and gathering. They also have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional tattoos, dances, music, crafts, rituals and beliefs.
The Malay, Chinese and Other Ethnicities
Besides the Dayak, Borneo is also inhabited by other ethnic groups who have migrated or settled on the island over time. The Malay are the largest group, mainly living in the coastal areas and cities. They are mostly Muslims and speak Bahasa Melayu, the official language of Malaysia and Brunei. The Chinese are the second largest group, mostly concentrated in urban centers. They are mostly Buddhists or Christians and speak various dialects such as Hokkien, Hakka, Cantonese or Mandarin. Other ethnic groups include the Javanese, Bugis, Banjar, Madurese, Bajau, Suluk and many more.
The Languages and Religions of Borneo
Borneo is a linguistic hotspot, with around 170 languages and dialects spoken on the island. Many of them are endemic and endangered. The official languages of the three countries that share Borneo are Bahasa Melayu (Malaysia and Brunei), Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesia) and English (Brunei). However, many people also speak their own ethnic languages or dialects, especially in rural areas. Therefore, it is advisable to learn some basic words and phrases in the local language of the place you are visiting, as a sign of respect and appreciation.
Borneo is also a religiously diverse island, with various faiths coexisting peacefully. The majority of the population are Muslims, followed by Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Animists and others. Each religion has its own places of worship, festivals, ceremonies and traditions. It is important to respect the religious beliefs and practices of the local people, and to follow the appropriate etiquette when visiting places of worship or attending religious events.
The Culture and Art of Borneo
The Traditional Tattoos of the Dayak
One of the most distinctive features of the Dayak culture is the practice of traditional tattooing. Tattooing has been customary among men and women in several groups of Dayak, such as the Iban, Kayan, Kenyah and Bajau. They use motif designs of snakes, birds and plants, sometimes combined, to symbolise meanings such as bravery, patience and beauty. The motifs are also symbolic of the social class, and of individuals of a certain social standing that are allowed to be tattooed with particular motifs. Tattooing is done by hand using a needle and natural ink made from soot or charcoal. The process is painful and requires skill and patience. Tattoos are considered as marks of identity, status, achievement and protection.
The Hornbill Dance and the Sape Music
The hornbill is both an important species and cultural symbol for Dayak peoples. It is revered for its beauty, strength and intelligence. The hornbill dance, the most well-known traditional Dayak dance, is performed in stylised movements of the arms to resemble a flying hornbill. Both men and women wear an adorned headdress, women dancers hold hornbill feathers tied to their hands which will open up when the hands move, while men dancers will hold a shield and a ritual knife. The dance is usually accompanied by sape music. The sape is a traditional lute played by many of the Dayak communities in Borneo during celebrations, like harvest festivals (gawai) and rituals. It has a long neck with two or more strings that are plucked with the fingers. The sape produces a soothing and melodic sound that reflects the harmony between humans and nature.
The Wood Carving and Weaving Crafts
The Dayak are also skilled in wood carving and weaving crafts. They use various types of wood, such as ironwood, bamboo or rattan, to create sculptures, masks, shields, weapons, musical instruments, furniture and other items. The wood carvings often depict animals, plants or human figures that have symbolic or spiritual meanings. The Dayak also weave baskets, mats, hats and bags using natural fibers such as rattan, pandanus or pineapple leaves. The weaving patterns are intricate and colorful, representing the creativity and diversity of the Dayak culture.
The Etiquette and Manners of Borneo
How to Greet and Address People
The most common way to greet people in Borneo is by saying "Selamat" (meaning peace or hello), followed by the time of day (such as "pagi" for morning, "siang" for afternoon or "malam" for evening). You can also shake hands with the right hand only (the left hand is considered unclean), but avoid using too much force or holding too long. Some people may also touch their chest with their right hand after shaking hands, as a sign of respect. When greeting elders or people of higher status, you can also bow slightly or nod your head. When addressing people, it is polite to use their titles (such as "Pak" for Mr., "Bu" for Mrs., "Bapak" for Sir or "Ibu" for Madam) followed by their names or surnames. You can also use "Abang" for older brother or "Kakak" for older sister when addressing someone older than you but not too much older.
How to Dress and Behave in Public
How to Eat and Drink with the Locals
One of the best ways to experience Borneo's culture is to eat and drink with the locals. Borneo has a diverse and delicious cuisine that reflects its ethnic and geographic diversity. You can find dishes such as nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk and served with spicy sambal, anchovies, peanuts and eggs), laksa (noodle soup with coconut milk, chicken, prawns and spices), rendang (beef or chicken stewed in coconut milk and spices), satay (grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce), and many more. You can also try some of the local specialties, such as manok pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo with ginger, lemongrass and herbs), hinava (raw fish marinated in lime juice, ginger and chilli), ambuyat (a sticky starch made from sago palm) and tuak (a fermented rice wine).
When eating and drinking with the locals, there are some etiquette rules to follow. First of all, you should always use your right hand to handle food, as the left hand is considered unclean. You can also use a spoon and fork, but avoid using a knife as it is seen as aggressive. You should also wash your hands before and after eating, and avoid licking your fingers. Secondly, you should always wait for the host or the eldest person to start eating before you do. You should also follow their lead on whether to eat with your hands or utensils. Thirdly, you should always accept food or drink when offered, as refusing may be seen as rude or ungrateful. You can also compliment the food or ask about the ingredients or recipes, as this shows your interest and appreciation. Finally, you should always leave some food on your plate when you finish eating, as this indicates that you are satisfied and that the host has provided enough food.
The Dos and Don'ts of Borneo
What to Do and What to Avoid When Visiting Places of Worship
Borneo has many places of worship that reflect its religious diversity. You can find mosques, churches, temples, shrines and longhouses that are open to visitors who respect their rules and customs. Here are some dos and don'ts when visiting places of worship in Borneo:
Do dress modestly and cover your arms and legs. For mosques, women should also cover their hair with a scarf or a shawl.
Do remove your shoes before entering places of worship.
Do ask for permission before taking photos or videos.
Do be quiet and respectful when inside places of worship.
Don't touch or disturb any religious objects or symbols.
Don't point your feet at anyone or anything sacred.
Don't eat or drink inside places of worship.
Don't enter places of worship during prayer times or ceremonies.
What to Do and What to Avoid When Visiting Villages and Homes
Borneo has many traditional villages and homes that offer a glimpse into the local way of life. You can visit longhouses, stilt houses, wooden houses or bamboo houses that are built according to the local culture and environment. Here are some dos and don'ts when visiting villages and homes in Borneo:
Do greet the villagers with a smile and a "Selamat".
Do ask for permission before entering a village or a home.
Do bring a small gift for the host, such as fruits, sweets or souvenirs.
Do accept food or drink when offered by the host.
Do join in the activities or conversations with the villagers.
Don't wear shoes inside a home.
Don't touch or take anything without asking.
Don't criticize or compare the village or home with your own.
What to Do and What to Avoid When Interacting with Wildlife and Nature
Borneo is a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers. It has some of the most biodiverse and pristine ecosystems on Earth, such as rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs and mountains. You can see amazing animals such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, sun bears, clouded leopards and flying frogs. You can also enjoy activities such as trekking, rafting, diving and birdwatching. Here are some dos and don'ts when interacting with wildlife and nature in Borneo:
Do follow the guidelines and instructions of your guide or ranger.
Do keep a safe distance from wildlife and do not feed, touch or disturb them.
Do use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to observe wildlife.
Do respect the habitats and ecosystems of wildlife and nature.
Do dispose of your waste properly or take it with you.
Don't make loud noises or flashlights that may scare or harm wildlife.
Don't buy or collect any wildlife products or souvenirs, such as fur, feathers, shells or horns.
Don't damage or remove any plants, flowers or rocks from nature.
Conclusion
Borneo is a wonderful island that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers who are interested in its culture and etiquette. By learning about its people, culture, art, etiquette and dos and don'ts, you can avoid culture shock and enjoy Borneo's beauty and charm. Borneo is a place where you can discover new things, meet friendly people, see amazing wildlife and nature, and have fun. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Borneo today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Borneo's culture and etiquette:
Q: What is the best time to visit Borneo?
A: Borneo has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Borneo depends on what you want to see and do. Generally, the dry season from March to October is the best time to see wildlife and nature, as there is less rain and more visibility. The wet season from November to February is the best time to see festivals and cultural events, as there is more celebration and activity.
Q: What are some of the festivals and cultural events in Borneo?
A: Borneo has many festivals and cultural events that showcase its diversity and heritage. Some of the most popular ones are:
Gawai Dayak: A harvest festival celebrated by the Dayak people on June 1st every year. It involves rituals, prayers, dances, music, food and drinks.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri: A religious festival celebrated by Muslims at the end of Ramadan. It involves prayers, visits, gifts, food and forgiveness.
Chinese New Year: A cultural festival celebrated by Chinese people in late January or early February. It involves decorations, lanterns, fireworks, lion dances, food and ang pows (red envelopes).
Kaamatan: A harvest festival celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusun people in May every year. It involves rituals, prayers, dances, music, food and drinks.
Q: What are some of the souvenirs or gifts that I can buy or bring from Borneo?
A: Borneo has many souvenirs or gifts that reflect its culture and art. Some of the most popular ones are:
Sape: A traditional lute made of wood that produces a soothing and melodic sound.
Beads: Colorful beads made of glass, wood or metal that are used for jewelry or decoration.
Batik: A fabric dyed with wax-resistant patterns that are used for clothing or accessories.
Pewter: A metal alloy that is used for making plates, cups, bowls or figurines.
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