Belian - the Diamond of Tropical Wood

Belian is a much loved wood and is now very expensive.

In Iban culture, belian pillars and poles are in fact heirlooms. When a wooden longhouse is demolished the belian pillars and poles, and planks are given to the inheritors.

They may be used to build another longhouse in another location.

In fact some Ibans also believe that the spirits of their ancestors live in the belian pillars.

Belian is a red wood. It is so heavy that it sinks in water.

Belian lasts forever. No termite can bore through it.