SARAWAK, a land of wonder and excitement, reveals its hidden gems beyond the bustling cityscape of Kuching. Among these treasures lies Mukah, a coastal town offering a unique blend of nature and rich cultural experiences.
Situated along the scenic coast of Sarawak, Mukah serves as a gateway to the Melanau heartland and is synonymous with the celebrated Kaul festival. The town, adorned with rivers like Batang Mukah, Batang Oya, Batang Igan, and Batang Rajang, draws its lifeblood from these waterways, establishing an intricate bond between nature and its dwellers.
A MELANAU HAVEN
Understanding Mukah begins with delving into the rich heritage of the Melanau people, one of Sarawak's original settlers. Historically bestowed the name "Melanau" by a Sultan of Brunei, these coastal and riverbank inhabitants have intricately woven their lives with nature. The festival of Pesta Kaul, a ceremonial homage to the sea spirits led by the bapak Kaul, stands testament to this profound connection.
Pesta Kaul is a captivating ritual where offerings of food, cigarettes, and betel nuts are placed on seraheng poles and floated down the river to appease the sea spirit, Ipok. Prayers and chants follow, invoking blessings for the upcoming year. This tradition, rooted in Melanau beliefs, continues to unite the community despite diverse religious practices.
FISHING AND THE RIVERS OF MUKAH
Traditionally, the Melanaus, skilled boat builders and fishermen, have depended on farming, trading, and sago production for their livelihoods. Pesta Kaul, strategically held during the rough northeast monsoon in April, symbolises a challenging period where villagers endure flooding, highlighting the resilience of the Melanau people.
The rivers, revered as the cradle of civilisation in Mukah, persist as vital lifelines. Fishing, a cornerstone industry, provides an abundance of fresh catches like local red snappers, pomfret, stingray, mackerel, terubok, and shrimp, showcased at the bustling local fish market.
MUKAH'S GOLDEN HARVEST
Another economic cornerstone in Mukah is sago production, derived from the sago palm trees that thrive in the fertile, swampy peat soil of the coastal areas. Centuries of cultivation have made sago an integral part of daily life, contributing to local delicacies like tebaloi and kuih sepit—prideful offerings of the Melanau community.
The rivers play a crucial role in transporting sago palm trees to processing factories, exemplifying the harmonious coexistence of nature, culture, and inhabitants in Mukah. As you navigate through this captivating town, Mukah reveals itself as a living example of an ecosystem where nature's abundance intertwines seamlessly with the cultural tapestry of the Melanau people.