A Highland Homeland of Culture, Farming & Community Strength
Betong Division, located in the mid-western region of Sarawak, is a land of rolling hills, paddy fields, and deep-rooted Iban traditions. It was formed to give greater administrative focus to the rural and interior development of this predominantly indigenous region.
Formation & Historical Background
Officially formed in 2002, separated from Sri Aman Division
Historically part of the Iban heartland, home to many longhouses and traditional customs
Known for anti-colonial resistance (e.g., Rentap’s stronghold at Bukit Sadok)
Plays a key role in Sarawak’s rural transformation and cultural preservation
Basic Information
Category
Details
Division Name
Betong Division
State
Sarawak
Division Center
Betong Town
Area
Approx. 4,180 sq. km
Population (2025 est.)
Approx. 135,000
Main Ethnic Groups
Iban, Malay, Chinese, Bidayuh
Districts in Betong Division (2 total)
District Name
Administrative Center
Known For
Betong
Betong Town
Regional capital, government offices, Iban communities
Saratok
Saratok Town
Agriculture, hill farming, border trade
Local Governance & Representation
Position / Role
Name (2025 est.)
Remarks
Resident (Commissioner)
Encik Roland anak Andrew
Coordinates all divisional administration
District Officers
Located in Betong & Saratok
Supervise rural infrastructure and agriculture
MPs & ADUNs
Represent rural Iban constituencies
Work on connectivity, education, culture
Key Features & Attractions
Fort Lily (Betong) – Historical British fort in Iban territory
Bukit Sadok – Historic site of Rentap’s rebellion against Brooke rule
Layar River & Paku River – Central to transport, farming, and daily life
Traditional Iban Longhouses – Villages like Rumah Panjai, Nanga Tiga
Paddy & Pepper Fields – Iconic for rural scenery and seasonal harvests
Economy & Livelihood
Agriculture:
Paddy farming, pepper (Betong is a major producer), fruits, oil palm
Fisheries & Livestock – Small-scale poultry, goats, and river fishing
Handicrafts & Traditions:
Wood carving, pua kumbu weaving, traditional silverware
Eco-Cultural Tourism – Longhouse homestays, cultural trails, historical trekking
Transport & Connectivity
Connected via Pan Borneo Highway to Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu
Feeder roads reaching most longhouse villages
Local buses and van services available in town centers
Rural transport by boat along river routes
Education & Healthcare
Government and mission schools in rural and town areas
Betong District Hospital, rural health clinics, mobile outreach units
Boarding schools for remote Iban students
Community-based education on farming, heritage, and livelihood
Culture & Local Cuisine
Dominated by Iban culture, with Ngajat dance, tattoos, and warrior legends
Gawai Dayak, Betong Festival, Traditional Iban Storytelling Nights
Summary
Betong Division is a place of deep stories, green hills, and great hearts. From the historical courage of Rentap to the quiet strength of Iban farmers, Betong is a region where Sarawak’s cultural soul thrives amid rice paddies and forest trails.
