Ida'an

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Ida'an
Idahan / Eraan

Total population
16,000–30,000[1]
Regions with significant populations
Malaysia (Sabah)
Languages
Ida'an, Malay
Religion
Islam
Related ethnic groups
Orang Sungai, Murut, Bonggi

The Ida'an (Idahan or Eraan or Sabahan) people are an ethnic group residing primarily in the Lahad Datu and Tawau districts on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. Their current population is estimated to be around 6,000 (1987 estimate), but it appears that they once inhabited a much larger area along the east Sabah coast than present. For centuries, the Ida’an have owned exclusive rights to the collection of edible bird's nests in the limestone caves of the region, notably the Madai Caves. Most Ida'an are Sunni Muslims.