IBAN LONGHOUSES
IBAN LONGHOUSES
A unique opportunity to spend time with local tribes
In Sarawak , the Iban tribes people form the largest percentage of Sarawak ’ s population and in times past were reputed to be the most formidable headhunters on Borneo . Today , they are generous , hospitable and placid people with a deep spiritual connection to the rainforest . Unlike other tribes who hunt and move around every few days , the Iban are settlers who live in communal longhouses lying along the main rivers and their tributaries . Often housing as many as 20 or 30 families , the longhouses are usually wooden structures built on stilts , with one side sectioned off into a row of separate rooms and the other used as an open social area . This amazing short tour provides a real insight to the tribes , allows you interact with your hosts and learn about their daily lives . A stay in a longhouse makes for an unforgettable experience which is sure to live long in the memory .
IBAN LONGHOUSE
UNIQUE
2 night escorted tour from £ 399pp
Being unique means you can expect simple but clean facilities at the longhouse with accommodation in a communal room . Bedding and towels are provided with a separate block offering cold showers and toilets , which are in the middle of the jungle . With walls made of bamboo , there is little privacy and no electricity , so bring a torch and perhaps some earplugs .
HERITAGE TRAIL TO IBAN LONGHOUSE
2 NIGHT ESCORTED TOUR BY AIR-CONDITIONED CAR
DAY 1 Kuching / Sri Aman
Travel by road ( 4 hours ) to Sri Aman Division , stopping to visit a native market in Serian and , if time allows , also a pepper plantation before reaching Lachau , a small up-country Chinese village , where you enjoy lunch . Continue to Sri Aman and this afternoon , take a guided stroll around Sri Aman town , visiting Fort Alice and the century old Tze Yin Khor Chinese temple .
DAY 2 Sri Aman / Iban Longhouse
After breakfast , join your guide for a visit to a nearby native market . Later , travel onwards by road for 1½ hours and then board a longboat for a 45 minute journey along the river to the longhouse . If weather permits you ’ ll stop enroute so your Iban guide can cook you lunch . On arrival at the longhouse meet the Ibans and their families and this evening join them as the prepare dinner . Later , you ’ ll be treated to a war dance in full ceremonial regalia .
DAY 3 Iban Longhouse / Kuching
After breakfast , join in a blowpipe demonstration with your guide before saying goodbye to the Ibans . Transfer by longboat to the jetty and continue by road back to Kuching , with a stop enroute for lunch .
AFTER YOUR TOUR , WHY NOT ADD ON A VISIT TO THE SEMENGGOH ORANG- UTAN CENTRE ? Please ask for details .
Getting there : Travel to the longhouses involves a journey along the river by longboat , which usually takes around 45 minutes .
Premier recommends : Adding on a visit to the Semenggoh Orang-utan centre . Please ask for details .
Best time to go : As the longhouses are within the rainforest you may well experience some rain . Drier months tend to be between March-October .
SERI SIMANGGANG
3H Sri Aman
Standard room
Make yourself at home at this 158 room hotel , which is centrally situated within the town of Sri Aman , within easy reach of main attractions . Facilities include a restaurant and coffee shop , while each of the deluxe rooms have a shower and include FREE WiFi .
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Daily from Kuching ( minimum of two passengers )
Accommodation : Seri Simanggang in Sri Aman for 1 night ; and Iban longhouse for 1 night .
Meals : Breakfast & lunch . Dinner is also included on day 2 .
Tour price : The price shown includes return travel from Kuching , two nights accommodation , boat transfer , activities at the longhouse , entrance fees and services of an English speaking guide .
A good level of fitness is required for the tour especially on day 2 and is therefore , not recommended for the less mobile .
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