SARAWAK TOURS

Borneo Highlands Kayaking

Tour Code: KCH9

Duration - 8 hours

Treat yourself to a fun filled kayaking adventure in some of the most beautiful natural settings in the vicinity of Kuching. Paddle leisurely from the upper reaches of the Sugai Sarawak. Savour the sights of unique limestone formations and towering riverine trees while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the rainforest. Discover the facinating carnivorous Pitcher plants Nepenthes in their natural habitat. Get to know some local herbs, spices, vegetables and fruits in a native Bidayuh village. Take a cool dip and eat your packed lunch on a sandy bank. Finish the trip at Kampong Semadang in the Borneo Highlands.

Pick up from hotel at 08.00 hrs.

Enjoy the one hour ride from Kuching to the countryside of Borneo Highlands.

You will see towering limestone mountain ranges which separate Sarawak from Kalimantan Indonesia. Pass by rustic Bidayuh villages, small chapels, village schools, padi fields, pepper, rubber and cocoa trees, and also see the protected carnivorous pitcher plants.

Your kayaking begins at Kampong (Kpg.) Bengoh, a native Bidayuh village. After about 20 minutes of paddling, head into a small tributary, get off your kayaks, walk for 3 minutes to a waterhole. Enjoy a brief swim, and have your back massaged at a waterfall!

After the cool, refreshing break at the waterfall, get back on to your kayak, and head back down the river. View some spetacular rock formations along the way. You will see rock formations which look like.......

• Centurion Head
  Centurion Head Rock
  
  
  
• Oriental Lady
  Oriental Lady Rock
  
  
  
• Puppy Head
  Puppy Head
  
  
  
• Rhino Head
  Rhino Head Rock
  
  
  
• Broke Back Mountain
  Broke Back Mountain
  
  
  
• Phantom of the River
  
• Skull Cave
  

Try your hand at climbing a thick woody liana vine - just like Tarzan!

Climbing the Liana Vines

Alight from your kayak at the small village of Kampung Danu, and take a short walk at this Bidayuh village. Meet some of the locals, as well as the native herbs, spices and vegetables.

Continue the kayaking trip down stream - try your hand at navigating through some rapids (not too much skill is required - but be prepared to get wet).

You will mmake a stop for lunch on a sandy river bank with a magnificent view of soaring limestone mountains riddled with caves. Enjoy swimming or take a nap or soak in the sun.

After 3-4 hours, or about 11km on the river, you come to the end of your kayaking adventure at Kampong Semadang.

Suspension Bridge to Kampong Semadang

Return to Kuching around 16.00 hrs.

What to wear: - T-shirt, shorts or tights over swimwear, sports sandals (or other footwear you can wear in the water which is easy to get on and off). Thongs (flip-flops) are not ideal.

What to bring: - Insect repellant, sunblock, hat, change of clothes, small towel.

Most people would be capable of doing this trip. The water is generally shallow enough to stand in. If you get tired from paddling, the river current will help you along. Small children can be accommodated in the middle of the kayaks. Safety vests are supplied

Small child on a kayak

You will get wet - be prepared to enjoy yourselves!

 

Tour Code	Destination	Duration	Inclusions	1 Person	2 People	3 People
KCH9	Borneo Highlands Kayaking	Full Day	Lunch	$209	$105	$105

Prices per person in Australian Dollars and valid to 31 December 2010

Photographs on this page are courtesy of Ivy Chin and Phil Youdale