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Within the Kelabit tribe, the tradition of welcoming guests and warriors is carried out with great respect and in an orderly manner. This tradition includes several ceremonial stages to honor guests and celebrate returning warriors, including:

i. Serving Pineapple Juice.

Pineapple juice is an exceptional welcome drink served at the main entrance before entering the longhouse. This refreshing drink symbolizes a warm welcome to guests or warriors, easing their fatigue and thirst after a long journey.

ii. Singing Petabi Medting or Welcome Song

After the guests and warriors enjoy the pineapple juice, they are welcomed with the singing of a traditional welcome song. Once the song concludes, guests and warriors are escorted to the main hall. This welcome song is meant to honor the guests, whom the Kelabit tribe believes bring luck and blessings.

iii. Tubong Drumming

From the main entrance to the tawa (guest hall), guests and warriors are usually celebrated with the rhythmic beats of tubong drums. This performance serves as a festive welcome for newly arrived guests and a proud acknowledgment of the returning warriors.

iv. Arang Kadang, Arang Decur, and Arang Delai Dance Ceremonies

Upon reaching the living room, guests and warriors are presented with unique Kelabit dances. The Arang Kadang dance is performed in a single long line by a group of dancers in front of the guests. Additionally, a solo female dance known as Arang Decur and a solo male dance called Arang Delai are performed to entertain the guests and warriors. To enhance the celebration, guests or warriors are often invited to join the dance following the established rhythm.

v. Singing Tutu Udan Na Perah

This special song is sung collectively by Kelabit women while serving pineapple juice to the guests. Each guest is attended to by a woman who offers a glass of pineapple juice to drink. Guests are expected to finish their drink as soon as the Tutu Udan Na Perah song ends.

vi. Serving the Meal

Approaching the highlight of the event, guests and warriors are served food in the main hall. The menu depends on the host’s choice and resources. Therefore, the dishes served vary based on the timing of the guest or warrior's arrival. There is no specific meal prepared each time the Kelabit welcome guests or celebrate returning warriors at the longhouse.

vii. Playing Traditional Games

During the meal, the Kelabit tribe entertains guests with traditional games often played within the community. The most popular games among the Kelabit include raut nekab tising (ring-seeking game), ngurad bigan (spinning plate game), and upun aluh (bamboo jumping game).

In traditional Kelabit society, these games serve as a social medium between men and women. Through these games, members of the Kelabit community find an opportunity for close and friendly interaction while maintaining social boundaries.

viii. Mekasur Ceremony

Once guests express their intention to depart or retire for the evening, the hosts prepare for the mekasur ceremony. This involves the attendees lining up in a single line, starting from the tawa to the main entrance of the longhouse, allowing the guests to leave the event and the longhouse.

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