Preface
When people think of Southeast Asia, the first things that may come to mind are busy cities, tropical climates, and some famous tourist destinations. Whenever people want to relax and get around, they hardly think about it.
This country, in another part of East Malaysia, is an island and a seaside city. It is better known as the "Little Hong Kong" tucked away in Malaysia.
The toilet ban wedding and mysterious customs of the Taidong people
In the mysterious, vast, rainforested and culturally diverse island of Borneo, surrounded by the South China Sea and the Sulawesi Sea to the north and east, and adjacent to the Java Sea to the south, the natural environment is unique and charming, and people of different races live in harmony to form a rich and colorful national landscape.
The Taidong people of Borneo are an ancient and mysterious people. They have deep eyes, a healthy complexion, and are dressed in traditional attire, and they always attract the attention of people when they walk the streets of Borneo. Not only are they eye-catching, but they also attract tourists from all over the world with their unique culture and traditions.
Most of the Taidong people follow a primitive religion, and their beliefs are deeply rooted in every detail of life. If you're planning to set foot in this magical land, an in-depth understanding of their culture and customs is essential.
For example, the Thai Dong people have a very peculiar wedding custom: the couple is not allowed to go to the toilet for 72 hours after the wedding. During these three days, the newcomers are quarantined by relatives and provided with only a small amount of food and water. They believe that if there is any "cheating" at this important moment, it will bring bad luck to the newlyweds and may even lead to the early death of their first child. However, if the bride and groom are able to persevere, they are considered to be able to live happily ever after.
Borneo's natural beauty is equally breathtaking. Lush rainforests, crystal clear rivers and magnificent waterfalls make for a stunning picture of nature. The architecture of Borneo also incorporates a variety of cultural elements, and the colorful decorations are dotted throughout, highlighting the unique artistic style of Borneo.
Borneo also has a very close relationship with China. The two sides have extensive cooperation in the economic, trade, cultural, and other fields. Many Chinese choose to travel to Borneo to experience the unique charm of this land.
Borneo is blessed with a unique geographical location and is blessed with abundant natural resources and biodiversity. The dense rainforest is home to a large number of rare flora and fauna, providing a valuable resource for scientific research and ecotourism. In addition, Borneo is also rich in mineral and fishery resources, which has injected vitality into the local economic development.
When it comes to Borneo's famous cities, people always think of exotic attractions and unique cultural experiences. The peculiar wedding customs of the Taidong people make tourists full of curiosity and yearning for this land.
Visa-free policy
From December 1, 2023, Chinese tourists can enjoy a 30-day visa-free entry to Borneo. This means that if you're eager to explore Borneo's amazing landscapes, all you need is your passport and plane ticket, and you'll be on your way to a whole new adventure.
The locals are predominantly speaking Malay, so if you're concerned about the language barrier, you can choose to join a tour or use translation software to communicate. Of course, in some places, you can also meet locals who can communicate in English.
Borneo is heavily influenced by primitive religions and traditional cultures, so don't be surprised when you encounter indigenous people in traditional costumes performing mystical rituals on the streets.
When planning a trip to Borneo, you'll find that the level of spending is comparable to that of China's second- and third-tier cities.
Shopping in Borneo, you'll feel a similar homely vibe as you would back home. At a street market or stall, if you feel that the price of your goods is too high, it is perfectly okay to have an honest conversation with the stall owner and propose your desired price.
The vendors here are usually very friendly and happy to negotiate a mutually acceptable price with you, and the whole shopping process is very relaxed.
In Borneo's culture, rainforests and the natural environment are considered sacrosanct. Walking through the streets of Borneo, you can see the greenery and birds everywhere.
The awe and love for nature is palpable, and they cherish every inch of land and every green leaf.
Borneo specialties
1. Laksa: This is a noodle soup that combines Chinese and Malay flavors, the main ingredient is rice noodles, soaked in a spicy coconut curry soup. Shrimp, fish cakes, eggs and chicken are also often added.
2. Fish Head Curry: This dish is a dish of huge fish head cooked in a curry with vegetables and enjoyed with rice or bread. It is usually served with a glass of "lime water" or authentic lime juice.
3. Spicy Crab: This dish features hard-shelled crab cooked in a semi-thick gravy and tomato chili sauce. After steaming, the hard shell of the crab cracks slightly, and then it is slowly stir-fried in a thick sauce made of chili sauce, tomato sauce and eggs, and is usually served with bread.
4. Grilled Manta Fish: This is a dish that was originally a street food dish and is now a popular seafood dish at hawker stalls. Manta fish are usually marinated in a thick sambal sauce and then wrapped in banana leaves and slowly grilled on the grill. Samba sauce is a spicy seasoning made from tomato grains, chili peppers, and shrimp paste, which has a unique taste.
In addition, Borneo's cuisine also includes fried ice cream, which offers a variety of flavours, including cantaloupe, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. In addition to the above-mentioned specialties, Borneo is also home to a variety of traditional delicacies such as Nasi Campur, Bamboo Chicken, Kuih Penyaram, Umai, and Mille-Feuille and Linut.