SARAWAK TOURS

Ulu Ai Nanga Sumpa Longhouse

Tour Code: KCHNS3

Duration - 3 Day/2 Night

Day 1

Depart Kuching by air-conditioned van for Batang Ai reservoir situated about 4 1/2 hours away. You will travel through rural Sarawak, passing pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantation. En-route, a few stops will be made. Visit the colourful native market in Serian town where a variety of jungle produce such as edible ferns, bamboo shoots and unusual tropical fruit are on display. Visit a pepper garden and stop by to view wild orchids and several species of pitcher plants. A stop will be made for lunch en route (lunch not included in price). Upon arrival at the Batang Ai reservoir, proceed by longboat about 1 to 2 hours upriver to Nanga Sumpa which is recognised as one of the region's best examples of village based tourism. Michael Palin of Monty Python fame, has also been a visitor to Nanga Sumpa Longhouse.

Settle in at the jungle lodge. the accommodation is in a separate lodge to the village Longhouse, which provides simple, clean lodging with Western style toilets, mosquito netting, mattresses and clean linen. The meals are prepared in the lodge and feature fresh jungle vegetables and other local delicacies. Activities during your stay in the area include trekking or travelling by longboat up the river, visiting the longhouse and surrounding farms and participating in the daily activities of the Iban people.

The longhouse is situated just by the banks of the river and upon arrival, the village headman or one of his people will welcome you to the longhouse. The Iban are legendary when it comes to good hospitality and you will be immediately made welcome to their home. You can hold conversations with them through your guide, and learn their way of life and maybe even experience some of it for yourself. You can also take a stroll on the grounds and take in the simple, relaxed lifestyle that is longhouse living.

After dinner proceed to the longhouse across the river. Relax on the ruai (common verandah) and spend time with the Iban people. Interact with the community; learn about their culture and enjoy some local rice wine. Overnight lodge. (Lunch and Dinner included)

Day 2

Following breakfast, hike the jungle trails along the river. Your destination is the scenic Enseluai Waterfall. There are a number of ways to reach the waterfall - the quickest route will take you about an hour. A longer route will take you about three hours. Your guide will explain the different options to you prior to departure, and your itinerary for the day determined on the spot. Time to relax, swim, explore the rainforest and have lunch or try fishing Iban-style. Return to the lodge. Dinner is served in the lodge with local delicacies to enhance the meal. After dinner, visit to the longhouse. Woven blankets and handicrafts are available for display upon request and may be purchased directly from the longhouse people. This is also another form of income for the inhabitants. Visitors can purchase these items, usually things like rattan mats, pua kumbu, bamboo crafts, beads, pottery, wooden carvings and so on. Prices are quite reasonable but visitors are free to negotiate with the families selling the items. (Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner included)

Day 3

Following breakfast, depart down river by longboat, then overland. Lunch en route. Proceed to Kuching. Check in at hotel or transfer to the airport for departure. (Breakfast and Lunch included)

Tours to Ulu Ai can be arranged for periods of up to 5 days, including other longhouses in the region. Please contact us for details.

Tour Code	Destination	Duration	Inclusions	1 Person	2 People	3 People
KCHNS3	Nanga Sumpa Longhouse	3 Day/2 Night	Full Board	$1,119	$622	$485
KCHNS3	Nanga Sumpa Longhouse	3 Day/2 Night	Budget Version	$1,202	$621	$621

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

Photograph courtesy of Borneo Adventure and Phil Youdale