Malaysia’s Indigenous Black People
Taman Negara is home to the world’s oldest rainforest, and unknown to many, home to a large number of Malaysia’s indigenous Black people. Months before my trip to Malaysia, I watched a documentary about the black presence in Asia. I was captivated by the natives of Malaysia. Their short statue, dark pigment, and Afro-textured hair was certainly far from the image I had of a typical Malaysian. I wanted to connect with these indigenous Malaysians and show the world that such people did exist. I was determined to meet them.
The native people here are called the Batek people. Contrary to what people may believe, these people are some of the first inhabits of Malaysia. Malaysians refer to them as “Orang Asli”, which translates to “Original People.” These aboriginal Blacks aren’t just limited to Malaysia but throughout Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines.
They are a peaceful people who live small communities. The Batek don’t believe in land ownership and believe it is their fundamental duty to share with others. They are equal as all adults share equal power; however, due to this, there is a lack of leadership at the top.
How I Met Them
I booked my bus ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara the day before. Getting the ticket was relatively easy. There are several places to purchase the ticket; I opted to get mine at the Hotel Mandarin Pacific for a fee of 75 RM ($16). Getting to Taman Negara however was not a straight shot; from KL I was dropped off at a small town called Jerantut 3 and a half hours away. From there, I took a shuttle bus to Kuala Tembeling jetty. When I arrived at the jetty I hopped onto a motorized boat headed for Taman Negara, which was another 3 hours. The ride was scenic, but entirely too long for a boat ride.
Taman Negara itself was beautiful and everything you’d imagine a jungle to be.
After checking in my room, I grabbed a bite to eat at the floating restaurant. I ordered freshly caught fish and washed it down with a beer while enjoying the view.
The next morning, I started the day off with roti and tea before heading off to see the natives.
Batek Village
After a 15-minute boat ride from my hostel I arrived. My first impression was simply “Wow.” It was like one of those National Geographic documentaries you see on rural villages, but this was real. The atmosphere was peaceful and the natives seemed very content with their life. I was well received by the children and their big smiles made me feel at ease.
The elder of this particular village greeted me and immediately gave me a tour of the village. Here, I learned how to make fire and use a blow gun. Through my bilingual guide, I asked the elder a series of questions about life in the village and learned more about their ways.
He informed me that the Batek people have had their troubles with the Malaysian government in the past and present. Many argue that the government has encroached on their land and continue to do so, which has led to these people being confined to the forest and the surrounding areas around it. When I asked my guide to ask them what they desired most, one man replied “We just want to live peacefully.”
The more I observed the village, the more I realized that happiness isn’t predicated on material goods or wealth. Here was a group of people who did not have to worry about taxes, mortgages, or paying bills; they lived in tune with nature and enjoyed life to the fullest.
I parted ways with the villagers an hour later and made my way back onto the boat. On the ride back I was overcome with a sense of happiness. At last, I finally made it. To think that a guy from a small town in the U.S. was able to connect with some indigenous Malaysians in a jungle was truly humbling and inspiring.
Interested more in the Negritos of Asia? Click here to read how I met the natives in the Philippines.
18 Comments
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Ajuba Grinage Bartley
I’m so happy that you went, l’d like to go.
Ajuba Grinage Bartley
Its refreshing to see the beauty & appreciation you have for our people, throughout the diaspora.
Mugabe
Those are my brothers.
Mugabe
Well done the creator of this site. Regards from uganda!
Tyreek
Thank you, sir! I’d love to visit Kampala one day!
Olaniyan Adefumi
I am writing a book named Various Issues of Black History. It covers not only popular issues but it has a focus not just on the United States of America, where I was born, but it travels to Africa, South America, and other locations. The information you gave helped me address issues of Black people of Asia. The connection to Asia is extremely important.
I like to send you a copy of my book. The price is only $0.00 and shipping is free.
Addressing freedom, how are the schools and the college acceptance rate of Blacks. What languages do students learn?
Are there any scientific discoveries, besides the boomerang, that you can report that was discovered by Black Southeastern Asians?
WHat religions are there? Yes, I know of the Christian churches. Is Islam there? Also, do the people have there own traditional religions?
Write me, unless you don’t like people who were born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States of America. There, my email address is
oadefumi@yahoo.com
and I will respond quickly.
Corinne Maronie
My son is filipino and I am amazed at your blog as I need to educate myself and ensure that I educate him to ensure we can help our people… and I say our with pride…. Thank you for sharing your journey and well done for the education.
Tyreek
Thank you for reading Corinne:) I appreciate the support!
Nicole
Hi Tyreek, may I know the name of the documentary you watched before your trip? Thank you
Mia
Awesome! I dream one day to travel and learn all cultures 👍🏽
Nyathi
For example the siddis of India and Pakistan trace their origins in Africa east Africa in particular. Where does our brothers and sisters in Malaysia and Thailand come from. Or are they indigenous to the region. Another question did you find out from them as to whether to know about us (Africa)
Am from Zambia
Regards
Adrian Sammy
Awesome! I dream that one day I should travel to those places and learn from those people.
Lomeling
As an African from the Nile Valley, it must be truly at home away from home being among Batek sistas and brathas.
Ben
You are an hero to these forgotten people. Visiting them is more ‘humanise’ them that they live in a global commuity despite the inherent indifference they face in their own country. Everyone is here only temporiarly and dead is the leveler!
Toni Dzodzomenyo
As a African American from the US it is wonderful to learn of the Beautiful people of The Batek family. I had no knowledge. Thank you young man for sharing your travels with us. One question. Is their a school or medical care of any kind?
Aziz Jones
As a black North American aboriginal, I find so wonderful that my kind are being noticed for who we are to this planet.
frances dee
I meet with some of the Batek in 1973 when driving a van through Malaysia and yes they hunted with blow guns that had beautiful engraving… same with the long arrows…. I have never forgotten what happy ,kind and spiritual people they were with nature….I can still see his smile now