Orang Asli (Aborigines)Settlement


Blowpipe Demonstration

Blowpipe Demonstration

Orang Asli Children

Orang Asli Children

Setting up fire

 

Orang Asli simply means original people in the Malay language and refers to the aboriginal tribes who were the fisrt human occupants of the Malay Peninsular.

The Orang Asli who continue to live a nomadic, hunting-and-gathering lifestyle in Taman Negara call themselves Batek. There has, however, of recent times been some intermarriage with the neighbouring Semokberi group.

The Batek are a gentle race of people, short in stature, dark-skinned and with tight curly hair. (The Semokberi have wavy hair). Their habitations are simple, palm-thatched shelters, one for each family group, with several families usually staying together. You may see some of the shelters alongside the trails.

The men earn some cash income as guides for Gunung Tahan parites, but still the Batek depend largely on forest produce for their food supply-fruits, yams, and small animal life such as monkeys and squirrels which are hunted with a blowpipe.

The Batek have their own language, but also speak Malay. As guides they will willingly share with you their intimate knowledge of the rain forest, and the beliefs and customs that form the basis of their way of life.

Please respect the privacy of individuals and families in the Batek settlements, and if you wish to take photographs, ask beforehand.