Itinerary
Tour Highlights
- Visit the Iban community and experience their way of life
- Explore Eastern Borneo by foot, boat and overland
- Enjoying the wildlife whilst relaxing under the Enseluai Waterfall
This trip really throws you into the culture of the indigenous people of the island. Over 3 days, you will learn about new beliefs and ways of life that you would never have experienced otherwise. Immersing yourself in a new culture is, after all, the perfect way to learn about the history of the island from those who have inhabited it for a very long time. If you have ever wanted to experience a world very different to your own, then this exciting tribal tour cannot be missed. Having the chance to interact with the former headhunters of Borneo in their famous longhouse is certainly an opportunity which won't come around often.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the Iban community and experience their way of life
- Explore Eastern Borneo by foot, boat and overland
- Enjoying the wildlife whilst relaxing under the Enseluai Waterfall
You will be collected from your hotel in Kuching at around 8.00am to meet your team leader and begin the journey to Batang Ai Reservoir. On your way, you will stop at the Lachau Bazaar to look around the local shops and market stalls, grabbing lunch at one of the coffee houses. After this pit stop, you will continue your journey going through rural Sarawak, passing pepper gardens as well as rubber and cocoa plantations.
Upon arrival at the Batang Ai Reservoir, you will enjoy a 1.5-hour longboat ride upriver to Nanga Sumpa which is home to the original inhabitants of the Borneo Island, the Iban. The former headhunters will welcome you with open arms and show you how they live, including their famous longhouse accommodation.
The Iban will be your hosts until you check into the Nanga Sumpa lodge across from the Longhouse and enjoy a relaxing evening which is free for you to do as you please. Lunch and dinner are included today.
After breakfast, you will begin a trek through the jungle, following the path of the river. Once the tiredness starts to set in, a longboat will come to your rescue and take you upriver to the Enseluai waterfall. Before you reach the waterfall, you may have the chance to see your boatman (weather permitting) demonstrate the traditional Iban method of fishing, using a Jala or net casting. After this, you will make your way up to the Enseluai waterfall where you will have the chance to cool off and splash around! Lunch will be served BBQ style at the riverside by your Iban hosts and after this you can make your way back to the lodge for dinner and some much-needed sleep. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.
Today you will enjoy breakfast in the lodge, and afterwards travel downriver to the Batang Ai Lake jetty. After reaching the jetty you will then begin your journey back to Kuching whilst tucking into some lunch. The estimated arrival time to arrive in the city is 16.30, and after this you will be dropped off at your hotel or Kuching airport for your onward flight. Breakfast and lunch are included today.
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Dates, Availability & Price
Please find below the rates for this tour in 2019:
$744 per person on a twin share basis
$1,119 as a solo traveller
To secure a place on this tour a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due any time up to 60 days prior to your start date. This tour runs throughout the year so please send us an enquiry if you have any questions or would like to check the availability.
Accommodation
Tour Comfort: Rustic
This tour has been categorised as Rustic. This is based on the standard of accommodation used throughout the tour, transport involved whilst the tour is in motion, and what modern facilities are available. This is more suited for travellers looking for a cost friendly experience at a basic level.
Nanga Sumpa Lodge
Night 1 & 2:
The Nanga Sumpa Lodge is located on the banks of the Delok river and has been in business since 1987 in partnership with the people of the Nanga Sumpa Longhouse so you know you’ll be in safe hands. The facilities on offer are basic yet well suited to the environment and perfect as a base to explore from, so once you have been out trekking and swimming during the day you will be happy to return to the comfortable bed provided.
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Tour Details
GETTING THERE
You will be picked up from your hotel in Kuching at 8.00am by one of our representatives and then taken overland to the Batang Ai Reservoir, stopping on the way at the Lachau Bazaar.
If you would like help booking your flights, please visit our flights page and fill out the form. A member of our team will get back in touch as soon as possible with a suitable quote.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
There is no visa required for most nationalities to enter Malaysia as these are granted on arrival. Please do however, check the Malaysian Immigration website for detailed information.
MEALS AND BEVERAGES
Meals will be traditional local cuisine, with BBQ food on your second day all prepared by your Iban hosts. This is a great chance to experience the lifestyle and eating habits of the natives.
FITNESS AND SKILLS
A moderate level of fitness will be required as swimming and walking may be required for certain parts of the trip.
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RATES
The Malaysian currency is the Ringgit. The conversion rate is around 1 MYR to 0.19 GBP, 0.23 EUR and 0.31 USD.
What's included in the price of the Tour?
- Accommodation
- Meals
- All transfers
- Longboat excursion
What's not included?
- Expenses of personal nature like tipping, telephone/fax calls, medical expenses
- All flights
- Insurance
- Beverages
- Equipment recommended for the longhouse including; raincoat, hand-torch, toiletries, light (preferably cotton) clothing, a towel, walking shoes, anti-malaria tablets, insect repellents, sun protection and a first aid kit.
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