Malaysia Nature & Wildlife
Price upon request
Nanga Sumpa Iban Longhouse, Ulu Ai
Overview | Nanga Sumpa 4D/3N
The Iban, the largest of the 22 tribal groups in Sarawak, are originally from Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). They began emigrating to present day Sarawak 3 to 4 centuries ago. The Ibans, whose name was synonymous with headhunting in the old days, were highly successful in their military prowess, dominating all the other tribes in Sarawak. Culturally, they are one of the most vibrant ethnic groups. Their superb woven textiles of which are intimately tied to their headhunting rituals, rank in artistry and technique with the finest Persian carpets. The rural communities still practise the ancient form of swidden, or slash and burn, agriculture and are intimately connected with the land.
As you would expect, a visit to an Iban longhouse has become a key component for tourists to Sarawak, and some of the longhouses on the Skrang and Lemenak Rivers have come to resemble a human zoo with tourists flocking by the boat load visit longhouses unnaturally preserved for the tourist camera. This is not where we go.
In contrast, the Nanga Sumpa longhouse is a living example of an Iban community who have embraced a form of respectful, low volume, tourism where visitors meet the local Iban on equal terms and the local people are free to blend their traditional way of life with the benefits of contemporary living.
Nanga Sumpa 4D/3N
Day 1 Kuching ~ Nanga Sumpa [L, D]
Early pick up from your Kuching hotel and depart by air-conditioned van for Batang Ai reservoir (4 1/2 hours). Journey through rural Sarawak, passing pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantation. En-route, a few stops will be made. Visit the colorful 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. Lunch en route. Upon arrival at the Batang Ai reservoir, proceed by longboat (1-2 hours) upriver to Nanga Sumpa. Settle in at Borneo Adventure’s jungle lodge. 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 at the lodge.
Day 2 Selong Jungle Camp [B, L, D]
Following breakfast, hike the jungle trails along the river and continue upriver by longboat, destination the scenic Enseluai Waterfall. Option to visit a second Iban longhouse at Nanga Jambu. Time to relax, swim, explore the rainforest and have lunch or try fishing Iban-style. Then, proceed to the Selong jungle camp. You can help the guides by gathering jungle produce like bamboo shoots or edible ferns for the evening meal. Orangutans occasionally are seen (at dusk or at dawn) in this area. Overnight at the Selong jungle camp.
Day 3 Selong Jungle Camp ~ Nanga Sumpa Longhouse [B, L, D]
In the morning, hike the beautiful rainforest in search of wildlife. Wildlife found in the area could include orangutans, pig-tailed macaques, hornbills and other variety of birds. There will be opportunities for swimming and relaxing before returning down river to the Borneo Adventure’s lodge. Dinner is served in the lodge with local delicacies to enhance the meal. Visit the longhouse in the evening. Woven blankets and handicrafts are available for display upon request and may be purchased directly from the longhouse people. Overnight at the lodge.
(Note: Leeches are found in this area. Insect repellent is effective against leeches)
Day 4 Nanga Sumpa Longhouse ~ Kuching [B, L]
Following breakfast, depart down river by longboat, then overland. Lunch en route. Proceed to Kuching.
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