DAY 1 - 2
Kuching
For many, Kuching is the cultural capital of Borneo, and it's a wonderful place to learn about Sarawak’s history, with plenty of colonial past preserved for the modern visitor. It’s an energetic city, but not overcrowded, and much of it can be explored on foot. When you arrive at the airport, our local guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of your first day is at leisure. On Day 2 you will explore Kuching by bike, starting with a short trip by sampan across the Sarawak River. Hop in the saddle for a leisurely cycle ride through the rural side of Kuching, past coconut groves and kampongs (Malay villages) where you'll see traditional wood & thatch stilt homes, and stop off to meet a local family.
For many, Kuching is the cultural capital of Borneo, and it's a wonderful place to learn about Sarawak’s history, with plenty of colonial past preserved for the modern visitor. It’s an energetic city, but not overcrowded, and much of it can be explored on foot. When you arrive at the airport, our local guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of your first day is at leisure. On Day 2 you will explore Kuching by bike, starting with a short trip by sampan across the Sarawak River. Hop in the saddle for a leisurely cycle ride through the rural side of Kuching, past coconut groves and kampongs (Malay villages) where you'll see traditional wood & thatch stilt homes, and stop off to meet a local family.
DAY 3 - 4
Iban Longhouse
After visiting the community of semi-wild orang-utans at Semenggok Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, journey deep into Batang Ai National Park, where the locals typically live in communal longhouses. Batang Ai is home to the Iban people, whose way of life goes back for centuries. They rely predominantly on hunting, fishing and small scale agriculture, although the trickle of adventurous tourists also provides an income. Tonight you'll stay at a riverside longhouse, whose Iban residents will treat you to traditional entertainment and, if our own experiences are anything to go by, copious home-brewed tuak (rice wine).
After visiting the community of semi-wild orang-utans at Semenggok Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, journey deep into Batang Ai National Park, where the locals typically live in communal longhouses. Batang Ai is home to the Iban people, whose way of life goes back for centuries. They rely predominantly on hunting, fishing and small scale agriculture, although the trickle of adventurous tourists also provides an income. Tonight you'll stay at a riverside longhouse, whose Iban residents will treat you to traditional entertainment and, if our own experiences are anything to go by, copious home-brewed tuak (rice wine).
DAY 5
Kuching
Today you'll say kami ka mupuk dulu to your Iban hosts, and clamber back into the longtail boat to begin today’s rather long but necessary journey back to Kuching, passing through the fascinating landscape of Sarawak. Once you reach the city, the remainder of your day will be at leisure.
Today you'll say kami ka mupuk dulu to your Iban hosts, and clamber back into the longtail boat to begin today’s rather long but necessary journey back to Kuching, passing through the fascinating landscape of Sarawak. Once you reach the city, the remainder of your day will be at leisure.