Day 01 – Iban Longhouse Cultural Experience (L/D)

Meet and greet with your guide at the hotel lobby between 8:00am and 9:00am before beginning the journey along the Pan Borneo Highway, passing through rural landscapes and local settlements. A stop will be made at Lachau Bazaar, offering a glimpse into everyday life in this rural town., where you may explore the traditional market and observe local trading practices. This is an opportunity to purchase small gifts for the Iban community. An early lunch will be enjoyed at the local restaurant at Lachau before we continue our journey.

After lunch, we proceed to Batang Ai Jetty. Expected time to arrive at the jetty is between 1:00pm and 2:00pm. From here, travel by traditional longboat across the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Dam and through pristine tropical rainforest to reach the Iban longhouse. This scenic journey provides insight into the natural environment that has shaped Iban culture for generations.

Upon arrival, settle into the ruai (communal area) and begin your cultural immersion. Spend time interacting with the Iban people, learning about their customs, beliefs, and communal way of life. Dinner is served at the longhouse, followed by a cultural sharing session with the community. There will be a traditional dance called Ngajat. Observe the moves and participate freely. You may try some traditional rice wine (non-halal) such as Tuak and Langkau, an important part of Iban hospitality and social gatherings.

Overnight:
Sleep in the ruai (communal area), experiencing the traditional longhouse lifestyle.

Day 02 – Longhouse to Kuching (B/L)

After breakfast, observe a traditional blowpipe demonstration, showcasing the skills once used for hunting, followed by a cockfighting demonstration, a long-standing rural tradition. A short walk around the longhouse and surrounding area offers further insight into daily village life.

Depart the longhouse by longboat, travelling downstream before continuing by road. Lunch will be served in Serian, a small town along the Pan Borneo Highway.

After lunch and refueling, return to Kuching, with drop-off at your hotel in the late afternoon.

INCLUDES:
Accommodation (Ruai), Admission fee, Round-way Transfer, Boat, Chief & Village Tax, Local Guide, Meals (1B 2L 1D), Bottled Water.
EXCLUDES:
Tipping, Travel Insurance, Additional Beverages and Any Items Not Mentioned.

TRIP NOTES:

We highly recommend that guest(s) leave their big luggage in Kuching and bring a smaller bag for the journey to Batang Ai. There is limited space on the boats for large suitcases or bags,  bring only what guest(s) need for the three-day journey.