Longhouse and Jungle

Longhouse and Jungle: An Expedition to Sarawak by Guy Arnold is a vivid travel and adventure narrative first published in 1961. The book recounts Arnold’s journey into the interior of Sarawak (on the island of Borneo), a region then still remote and little known to Western readers. Drawing on his firsthand experiences, Arnold explores the rainforest, rivers, and tribal communities that characterize Sarawak’s hinterland, offering detailed and engaging descriptions of both landscape and culture.

Central to the narrative is the longhouse – a traditional communal dwelling of the indigenous Dayak peoples which serves as a focal point for Arnold’s encounters and observations. Through these experiences, he vividly captures daily life, social customs, folklore, and the rhythms of jungle existence, blending travelogue with ethnographic insight.

Written in a lively and accessible style, Longhouse and Jungle combines adventure, cultural reflection, and natural history, making it appealing to readers interested in exploration, Southeast Asian cultures, and mid?20th?century travel writing.