Embark on a unique 3-day tour to experience life as part of the Iban Tribe!
This action-packed three day tour will take you right into the heart of Borneo, giving you the unique opportunity to experience being a part of the Iban tribe: the former head hunters of Borneo! Fortunately, these days the Iban have adopted a peaceful agrarian lifestyle, so this is a great chance to experience their tradition of warm hospitality to all visitors. You will be welcomed in the longhouse which is the traditional dwelling of the Iban and an amazing experience in itself.
Before you get arrive at the homes of the Iban, you will have the chance to purchase some mementos of your trip from the Lachau Bazaar, home to shops and a small native market. Pick up a trinket to remind yourself of your adventure long after you've returned home!
Don't leave your walking boots behind: you'll have the chance to trek up the jungle trails alongside the river, taking in all of the sights and sounds of the nature which surrounds you. Hiking completed, you'll head off up the river to see the scenic Enseluai Waterfall, maybe even witnessing your boatman stop and demonstrate the traditional Iban method of net fishing if the weather permits.
Whether it be wildlife or a cultural experience you are looking for, this three-day trip packs it all in. You'll be travelling up and down the river watching the abundance of life on the riverbanks before meeting up with two different groups and hopefully making some friends. You'll be so busy you won't have a chance to catch a breath!
This action-packed three day tour will take you right into the heart of Borneo, giving you the unique opportunity to experience being a part of the Iban tribe: the former head hunters of Borneo! Fortunately, these days the Iban have adopted a peaceful agrarian lifestyle, so this is a great chance to experience their tradition of warm hospitality to all visitors. You will be welcomed in the longhouse which is the traditional dwelling of the Iban and an amazing experience in itself.
Before you get arrive at the homes of the Iban, you will have the chance to purchase some mementos of your trip from the Lachau Bazaar, home to shops and a small native market. Pick up a trinket to remind yourself of your adventure long after you've returned home!
Don't leave your walking boots behind: you'll have the chance to trek up the jungle trails alongside the river, taking in all of the sights and sounds of the nature which surrounds you. Hiking completed, you'll head off up the river to see the scenic Enseluai Waterfall, maybe even witnessing your boatman stop and demonstrate the traditional Iban method of net fishing if the weather permits.
Whether it be wildlife or a cultural experience you are looking for, this three-day trip packs it all in. You'll be travelling up and down the river watching the abundance of life on the riverbanks before meeting up with two different groups and hopefully making some friends. You'll be so busy you won't have a chance to catch a breath!
Tour Highlights
- Visit the Iban community and experience their way of life
- Explore Eastern Borneo by foot, boat and overland
- Witness the wildlife whilst cooling off at the Enseluai Waterfall
- Enjoy an Iban riverside BBQ
- Shop at the Lachau Bazaar
Itinerary
Tour Highlights
- Visit the Iban community and experience their way of life
- Explore Eastern Borneo by foot, boat and overland
- Witness the wildlife whilst cooling off at the Enseluai Waterfall
- Enjoy an Iban riverside BBQ
- Shop at the Lachau Bazaar
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.
![Day 1]()
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.
![Day 2]()
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.
![Day 3]()
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.
Start Dates & Price
Unfortunately, it is not possible to book this project online, so please give us a call or send us an enquiry if you would like to discuss it or check availability.
Thank you, The Great Projects Team
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.
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.
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.
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Meals
- All transfers
- Longboat excursion
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Travel Insuranci
- Beverages during meals (both soft and alcoholic)
