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Since converting to Christianity in the 1920s, the Lun Bawang have adopted more modern and religiously aligned funeral practices.

These typically include:

A formal Christian burial service, often held in a church.

No more traditional rituals like ngeburak (drinking rice wine together).

The caste system no longer plays a role—funeral rites are now equal for everyone, regardless of social status.

While the rituals have changed, the community still stays connected to their cultural identity by celebrating traditions through events like the Irau Aco Lun Bawang—an annual festival that honours their heritage.

Long Semadoh. (2010, August 11). Kematian dan Lun Bawang. WordPress. https://longsemadoh.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/kematian-dan-lun-bawang/

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Irau Aco Lun Bawang 2022 (Lun Bawang Festival)

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The "Rubih" is a ceramic vessel traditionally used for storing human bones.

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Traditional Death Rituals (Mitang Butung)

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Traditional Death Rituals (Mitang Butung)

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The Lun Bawang used to follow a unique two-step funeral tradition called mitang butung.

Step 1: Initial Burial

The body was placed in a wooden coffin shaped like a boat.

It was hung from a tree with a small hole at the bottom to let fluids drain out.

This stage could last for years until the body fully decomposed, leaving only the bones.

Step 2: Secondary Burial

Once only bones remained, they were collected and placed into a ceramic jar called a rubih.

The family would then host a feast with traditional rice wine (burak) and animal sacrifices like pigs or buffaloes.

If the family couldn’t afford a rubih, a relative might donate one in return for inheriting the deceased’s belongings.

These rituals also reflected social status:

Higher-status individuals (Lun Do) had grander burials with valuable items.

Servants or slaves (Demulun) had much simpler ceremonies.

Burial grounds (langutan) were usually near large rocks, believed to be sacred and home to spirits—treated with great respect and caution.

Long Semadoh. (2010, August 11). Kematian dan Lun Bawang. WordPress. https://longsemadoh.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/kematian-dan-lun-bawang/

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The Lun Bawang are an Indigenous community from the highlands of Borneo—including parts of Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and Indonesia—known for their strong farming culture and close-knit values. Their traditional death rituals, once centered on a sacred practice called mitang butung, reflected deep spiritual beliefs and respect for social hierarchy. While many have embraced Christianity, they continue to honour their ancestors and preserve elements of their cultural heritage through modified burial customs.

Anun Bala. (2010, March 23). Root and background. WordPress. https://anunbala.wordpress.com/2010/03/23/root-and-background/

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The Mah Meri are an Indigenous group living along the coast of Selangor, Malaysia, well known for their intricate wooden carvings and deep spiritual traditions. Their rituals, especially those related to death, reflect a strong respect for both their ancestors and the natural world around them.

Teja on the Horizon. (2023, March 10). Hari Moyang: Mah Meri Ancestor Spirits. Teja on the Horizon. https://www.tejaonthehorizon.com/travel-stories/hari-moyang-mah-meri-ancestor-spirits/

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1. Bathing the Body

When someone passes away, close family members gently bathe the body using sacred water.

This step is believed to cleanse the soul and prepare it for its journey to the afterlife.

2. Wrapping the Body

After the body is cleaned, it's wrapped in white cloth or other materials according to tradition.

This shows respect and helps the spirit transition peacefully to the next world.

3. Offering Ritual to the Spirits

Before burial, a special ceremony is held to honor their ancestors and nature spirits.

They call on these spirits to guide the soul safely.

The ritual includes traditional music, dancing, and offerings like food.

4. Burial Process

The Mah Meri usually bury their loved ones in the ground.

The location is chosen carefully to make sure the spirit can rest peacefully.

Family members offer prayers and items to help the soul in its journey.

5. Grave Markings & Ongoing Respect

Graves are decorated with wooden carvings that represent the spirit of the person who passed.

These serve as a way to honor the spirit and are visited regularly by the family with offerings like food or items the person loved.

6. Mourning Period

The family goes through a specific mourning phase where certain things are avoided.

Celebrations and daily activities are paused as a sign of respect.

This period reflects their belief in giving space for the soul to find peace and balance.

Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (JKKN). (n.d.). Adat resam dan budaya masyarakat Mah Meri: Kematian – Mengurus mayat. Pemetaan Budaya. https://pemetaanbudaya.jkkn.gov.my/senibudaya/detail/894/pengenalan

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What Is It?

Every year, the Mah Meri community in Carey Island holds a traditional ritual called "Hari Moyang Laut" or “Puja Pantai.”

It’s a spiritual ceremony to honor sea spirits and ask for blessings.

Why It Matters

This tradition has been around for over 300 years and shows how deeply rooted their beliefs are in respecting both the land and sea.

Why They Do It

To give thanks to the sea spirits.

To pray for health, safety, good fortune, and protection from harm.

When It Happens

The ceremony lasts for three days and usually ends on the fifth day of Chinese New Year.

Who Joins

Around 200 members of the Mah Meri community take part.

The ritual unites both sea and land spirits through their prayers and offerings.

What They Do

The procession starts from the Tok Batin’s (village leader’s) house.

Everyone dresses in traditional clothing and walks about 4km to the beach.

The final part of the ritual is held at sea, showing their connection to the water spirits.

Things They Avoid During the Ritual

No fishing or going into the sea.

No picking of green leaves like mangroves.

No throwing stones or whistling, as it's believed these actions could disturb the spirits.

What It All Means

Both their death and sea rituals show how deeply the Mah Meri respect their ancestors and nature.

Their traditions are about staying spiritually connected and keeping harmony between humans, spirits, and the environment.

Mat Sidek, M. A. (2024, February 16). Mah Meri – Tradisi memperingati Moyang Laut. Malaysia Gazette. https://malaysiagazette.com/2024/02/16/mah-meri-tradisi-memperingati-moyang-laut/

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Who Are the Melanau?

The Melanau of Sarawak are one of Borneo’s oldest ethnic groups, known for their rich culture and unique burial rituals. These ancient practices reflected deep spiritual beliefs and a strong bond with nature and the afterlife. While no longer performed, they’re still remembered through heritage sites like Kampung Tellian and Lamin Dana.

D’Drift Team. (2021, October 15). Lamin Dana: The resting place where old Melanau souls lie. DayakDaily. https://dayakdaily.com/lamin-dana-the-resting-place-where-old-melanau-souls-lie/

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Social Status-Based Burial
Only Melanau aristocrats (known as bangsawan) received elaborate burials involving hanging coffins and burial totem poles (Jerunai).

Hanging Coffins (Kubur Gantung)

The deceased were first placed in boat-shaped coffins made of belian (ironwood).

These coffins were suspended about 2 meters above the ground to prevent flooding.

Jerunai Poles (Totem Burials)

After some time, remains were transferred into tall, carved ironwood poles called Jerunai.

These poles could reach heights of 15 meters and featured carvings indicating the deceased’s gender and status.

Human Sacrifices (Historical Practice)

One or two slaves were selected during the deceased’s lifetime to be sacrificed during burial.

A female slave was tied above the body, and a male below, both left to die — believed to accompany the soul to the afterlife.

This gruesome practice ended in 1842 under the influence of Rajah James Brooke and later religious reforms.

Present Day Preservation

Several Jerunai poles still stand in Kampung Tellian.

Lamin Dana Cultural Lodge now serves as a heritage homestay where visitors can learn about Melanau traditions, view ancient burial sites, and experience Melanau lifestyle and food.

D’Drift Team. (2021, October 14). Spooky Mukah: Hanging coffins, burial totems and human sacrifices (Travelogue Day 4). DayakDaily. https://dayakdaily.com/spooky-mukah-hanging-coffins-burial-totems-and-human-sacrifices-travelogue-day-4/

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Who Are the Bidayuh?

The Bidayuh are one of the native ethnic groups in Sarawak, mostly found in areas like Bau, Padawan, and Serian. They traditionally lived in longhouses and relied on farming for their livelihood. What makes them special is their strong connection to culture — especially through rituals and ceremonies that bring people together and reflect who they are as a community.

Awang Pawi, A. A., & Ungang, C. (2021). The Bidayuh people of Sarawak Borneo: Ritual and ceremonies. Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities, 13(2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v13n2.26

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Rituals have always been a big part of Bidayuh life, from birth to death. Held in the traditional baruk, these ceremonies often include offerings, dancing, and gongs. Beyond their spiritual meaning, they bring the community together. But with time and the spread of Christianity, many of these traditions have faded, raising concerns about preserving their culture for the future.

Backyard Tour. (n.d.). Discover Bidayuh traditional architecture. Backyard Tour. https://mybackyardtour.com/bidayuh-traditional-architecture-%EF%BB%BF/

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Offerings to the spirits ofhuman skulls found in barukat Kampung Opar Bau.

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Rituals and Worship in Traditional Bidayuh Culture

Rituals were closely tied to worship of powerful spirits and Tampa (spiritual forces).

Main purpose: to seek protection, blessings, and avoid disasters.

Believed spirits could harm the village if not properly respected.

Rituals marked all life stages — from birth to death.

Ceremonial Practices

Performed by elders following strict customs.

Required careful preparation, including:

Food offerings (wrapped in leaves by women).

Slaughter of a black chicken, with its blood sprinkled on paths.

Use of gongs to signal beginning and end of rituals.

Took place in the baruk (traditional house) and rice fields.

Offerings were left at the sanggar in the paddy field to honour the spirit of paddy.

Gawai Baak (Skull Offering Ceremony)

Honoured skulls from old headhunting expeditions.

Held in the baruk to welcome the spirit of the skull to its new home.

Ceremony done in stages to give time for spiritual “acceptance.”

Led by the tua gawai (ritual leader) who interpreted if the spirit was pleased.

Villagers gathered with dishes, followed by a nyarra session (community bonding tradition).

Dancers in full costume paraded offering trays around the skulls with gong music.

Unggang, C. A. (n.d.). The Bidayuh people of Sarawak Borneo: Ritual and ceremonies. Council for Native Customs and Traditions. https://nativecustoms.sarawak.gov.my/web/attachment/show/?docid=NnByU29tbTFWZFFhVW1rMDhrTjNiQT09OjpRzezKTpLXLW5hCnYM1G9j

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Who Are the iban?

The Iban are an Indigenous group from Sarawak, Malaysia, well known for living in longhouses and keeping their cultural traditions alive. They carry out sacred death rituals like genselan, nyengai antu, and ngetas ulit to honour the deceased and help their spirits transition peacefully to the afterlife.

Leong, E. (2024, September 29). The Iban people of Borneo: History, religions, and traditions. Sarawak Traveler. https://www.sarawaktravellers.com/culture/the-iban-people-of-borneo-history-religions-and-traditions

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After the ngetas ulit ceremony ends, TR Muyan Maringgai (standing) leads the bebiau ritual. 

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Genselan (Purification Ritual):

Performed when death occurs outside the longhouse.

Involves sacrificing a pig or chickens.

Protects the community from misfortunes related to death.

Nyengai Antu (Funeral Wake):

The body is kept in the longhouse for two days and nights.

Allows family and community members to pay respects.

Animals are kept away to avoid disturbing the spirit.

Nanam Ulit (Mourning Period):

Family members wear black bracelets after burial.

Refrain from loud activities or wearing jewelry.

Duration of mourning is decided by family consensus.

Beserara Bungai (Separation Ritual):

A shaman helps inform the spirit to move on and not linger.

Rituals and taboos are followed to avoid misfortune.

Ngetas Ulit (Conclusion of Mourning):

The mourning period ends with a cleansing ceremony.

Black bracelets are removed, and participants are cleansed with soap, coconut oil, or chicken blood.

A communal feast marks the return to normal life.

The Borneo Post. (2024, January 21). Tending to grief through Iban rituals. The Borneo Post. https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/01/21/tending-to-grief-through-iban-rituals/

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The Kristang, also known as the Malacca Portuguese, are a Eurasian community in Malaysia with a unique culture that blends Portuguese and local influences. Their funeral traditions are shaped by Roman Catholic beliefs and are often elaborate, showing deep respect for the deceased. These ceremonies usually include Catholic elements like Mass, prayers, and hymns, reflecting their strong religious roots. More than just a farewell, Kristang funerals also bring the community together, strengthening cultural ties and identity.

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Masyarakat Tertua Di Melaka, Komuniti Portugis Yang Hampir Pupus

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1. Religious Ceremonies

Catholic Rites: Funerals are conducted following Roman Catholic traditions, including a funeral Mass, prayers, and the use of holy water and incense.

Church Services: Services are typically held at local churches, such as the Church of the Assumption in Melaka, a significant site for the community .

2. Community Involvement

Collective Mourning: Funerals are communal events, with extended family and community members participating in the mourning process.

3. Post-Funeral Traditions

Memorial Masses: It is common to hold memorial Masses on the 7th and 40th days after death, aligning with Catholic practices.

Zainudin, Z. (2015, November 10). Amalgamasi antara etnik Portugis dan Melayu di Melaka. Itqan. https://zahirzainudin.blogspot.com/2015/11/amalgamasi-antara-etnik-portugis-dan.html

A/P SARCKUNADASAN, L. (2023, February 23). Budaya Serani - PDFCOFFEE.COM. Pdfcoffee.com; PDFCOFFEE.COM. https://pdfcoffee.com/budaya-serani-pdf-free.html

Herald Malaysia. (2016, March 23). Continuing centuries-old traditions. Herald Malaysia. https://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/continuing-centuries-old-traditions/28430/5

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The Penan are one of Borneo's last nomadic groups, traditionally living as hunter-gatherers in the rainforest. Though many have settled, some still maintain a nomadic lifestyle. Divided into Eastern and Western groups in Sarawak, they speak a unique Kenyah language and live in an egalitarian society where resources are shared and gender inequality is minimal. Even settled Penan continue to rely on the forest for food, medicine, and spirituality.

I Love Borneo. (n.d.). Kaum Penan: Gaya hidup nomad yang unik di Sarawak. I Love Borneo. https://www.iloveborneo.my/kaum-penan-gaya-hidup-nomad/

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The long-standing traditions and cultural practices of the Penan people

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The long-standing traditions and cultural practices of the Penan people

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Everyone in the longhouse community will come together to help with the burial process, whether they are related to the deceased or not.

There's a strong spirit of gotong-royong (mutual cooperation), where people of all ages—young and old—work side by side in the same space.

As part of the tradition, a chicken is usually slaughtered as an offering or prayer to honor the spirits of those who passed away long ago.

Every time someone passes away, it also becomes a moment for the community to visit the graves of their loved ones who died in the past.

During the burial, it's a must to place a leaf behind the ear—this is done as a form of spiritual protection and to respect their beliefs.

Food is also prepared in advance to serve everyone who attends the burial, as part of the communal practice.

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ADAT TRADISIONAL PEKEBUMIAN ,DAYAK PENAN SARAWAK #dayak ##fypyoutube #borneo

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Deep Respect for the Dead and Ancestors

The Penan people strongly believe in the spiritual world and the importance of harmony between the living and the spirits.

Their worldview is rooted in animism — the belief that spirits live within nature (forests, rivers, etc.) and that ancestors continue to play a role in daily life.

Avoidance of the Deceased’s Name

The name of someone who has passed away is never spoken again.

This is done to:

Avoid disturbing the spirit of the deceased.

Prevent bad luck or spiritual imbalance from calling the spirit back.

This practice relates to their beliefs in malie (spiritual danger) and tulah (taboo).

Burial Practices

The Penan traditionally practice earth burials.

Graves are simple and located near the community, but with respectful separation.

The body is prepared by close family members — washed and wrapped in natural materials like bark cloth or woven mats.

Personal or symbolic items may be buried with the body to help the spirit in the afterlife.

Unlike other Bornean groups that may have elaborate rituals, the Penan keep their burial customs simple due to their nomadic and egalitarian lifestyle.

Connection to Forest and Land

Death customs are deeply connected to nature and the forest.

Burial sites are carefully chosen to respect the land and its significance to the community.

Death is seen not as an end, but as a return to nature — the spirit rejoining the forest and becoming one with the ecosystem again.

Dayak Pride. (2016, May 23). Etnik Penan, Sarawak, Borneo. WordPress. https://dayakpride.wordpress.com/2016/05/23/etnik-penan-sarawak-borneo/

Awang Pawi, A. A., & Unggang, C. (2019). Simbol pakan dalam ritual masyarakat Penan: Satu kajian awal. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (ICOSSH 2019) (pp. 1–6). Universiti Putra Malaysia. https://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/76496/1/ICOSSH2019-27.pdf

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A Story of Change: Penan Journey Through Funeral Rituals

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A Story of Change: Penan Journey Through Funeral Rituals

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According to Frecella Jane Lajo from the Penan community shared that funeral practices have changed over time. In the past, if a mother died during childbirth, the baby was buried with her—even if still alive. She recalled a story of a woman who tried to save a baby by hiding it. Eventually, the community let go of this tradition. Today, they follow more modern burial practices, keeping only rituals that align with their Christian faith (Lajo, personal communication, 2025).

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Culture (Penan Selungo): Frecella Jane Lajo

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“I wish that one day it will change, so that we will not be recognised as ‘Dan Lain-Lain’ … I think it starts from education. What I remembered in Buku Sejarah is only like 0.5% of Penan, they just showed a photo of a guy with the blowpipe, that’s about it. What do you get from that?” - Frecella J. LajoWe spoke to Frecella Jane Lajo, or Frecella, as her friends would call her in short. Frecella is a Christian and came from the ethnic background of Penan Selungo. Penan Selungo originated from the