The Orang Asli are the indigenous people who dwell in the forest of Peninsular Malaysia. The name is Malay for, literally, "original people", and is a collective term to denote the 18 sub-ethnic groups generally classified as Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay. In the Orang Asli census of 1997 number them around 105,000 people.
Orang Asli children.
Orang Asli can be found in many different parts of Malaysia, and their choice of lifestyle is dependent of where they dwell. The Orang Laut, Orang Seletar and Mah Meri live along the coast and are fishermen. The Temuan, Jakun and Semai have taken to agriculture, some even manage to own rubber, oil palm and cocoa plantations. Still, about 40% of the Orang Asli population continue to be forest dwellers. They cultivate hill rice, and engage in hunting and gathering, and trade in forest produce such as petai, durian, rattan and resins. The forest dwellers include the Semai, Temiar, Che Wong, Jah Hut, Semelai and Semoq Beri. A small number continue a nomadic lifestyle deep in the rainforest. This includes Negrito groups such as the Jahai and Lanoh.
It is incorrect to assume that the Orang Asli live isolated and cut off from out outside world. Economic dealings with the communities on the fringes of the forest has been going on for hundreds of years, especially between the Proto-Malay groups with the neighbouring Malay communities. They traded their forest produce for salt, knives, metal axe-heads, among others.
The Orang Asli Today
Visitors hoping to see orang asli in "forest attire" is certainly in for grand disappointment. Yes, they wear modern clothes too. And they would appreciate it a lot if visitors come with used clothes which they can use. As far as appearance goes, they look Malay. Naturally there is a difference between the Orang Asli and the Malays that tell them apart. The majority are stoutl their features are rugged and their height is by average lower than the Malays.
Visits to Orang Asli villages deep in the forest of Cameron Highlands is now available. These are arranged with the ecological guides, who will provide the necessary information on these people, and at the same time, educate visitors on the forest planst and herbs.
Seen inside the Orang Asli hut.
Visitors are happiness, and for good reasons too.
Orang Asli would appreciate it if you bring along a donation of used clothing. The photographs in this gallery are taken from our ecology trip with AsiaExplorers members made to visit the Orang Asli.
(top) Home on the range.
(left) Forest handbag - a rattan basket makes for a handy carrier case.
(below) Living quarters
A demonstration of forest skills - our ecology guide showed us how an orang asli would make a useful implement from bamboo within a matter of minutes. (below)
A blowpipe demo, followed by opportunity for us to try out.
(left) A powwow in the orang asli shed. We were treated to tea by our host, and shown forest products which we could purchase to supplement their income.
(below) Group shot with the Orang Asli kids.
Group shot with our ecology guides.
Sights and Attractions in Cameron Highlands Let AsiaExplorers take you on an online journey to explore the sights in Cameron Highlands. Just click the thumbnails to view details of each sight.
About the Author: AsiaExplorers is researched and written by Timothy Tye. We take reasonable care to check and verify the accuracy of the content. However, we disclaim any responsibility for any inconvenience, mishap, injury or death resulting from following the advice provided directly or indirectly by AsiaExplorers and the comments on its pages. All the photographs in AsiaExplorers are available for publication. Please contact AsiaExplorers at this email address for your enquiries.
