Long House In SarawakIn Sarawak, the dominal tribul group are the Dayak. The longhouse is the very centre of communal life in Sarawak. There are over 4,500 longhouses in Sarawak. These communal houses may contain up to 100 individual families in separate 'apartments' built under one long roof. The Iban grow rice and fruit, hunt and fish. There are the Iban (Sea Dayak), and the Bidayuh (Land Dayak). Longhouse inhabitants are very well known for their hospitality. It is normal for people to just turn up and expect to be invited in by the headman. As you arrive at the longhouse, it is customary to be greeted by the longhouse maidens and young men performing traditional dances and playing ceremonial gongs. At the entrance to the longhouse there is a wooden arch with small baskets made of palm leaves hanging from the top. Offerings such as a few coins or a cigarette are occasionally put into the baskets and help keep evil spirits out of the longhouse. From the moment you step inside the longhouse you will be treated as an honoured guest. Visitors will be offered a glass of tuak - the very palatable local rice wine.