Stay in a traditional Malaysia longhouse and explore the heart of Sarawak in Borneo on this 5 day journey. Begin in Kuching, where you can soak in the charm of Sarawak’s capital before visiting the Semenggoh Nature Reserve to witness rehabilitated orangutans in their natural habitat. Travel to Sri Aman, stopping at native markets and a pepper plantation along the way. Discover the historic Fort Alice, marvel at the rare tidal bore phenomenon, and experience life in an Iban longhouse with traditional dances and rice wine tasting. End your adventure with a visit to Bako National Park, home to stunning coastal landscapes, carnivorous plants and rare wildlife.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Kuching
Upon arrival at Kuching International Airport, a representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel in Kuching. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
For those arriving in the morning, an optional city tour is available.
Overnight: Kuching
Orangutans & Sri Aman
Kuching - Semenggoh Nature Reserve - Sri Aman. After an early breakfast, we head to Semenggoh Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned orangutans. Observe these fascinating primates during their scheduled feeding sessions (sightings are not guaranteed as they roam freely in the reserve).
We then continue our journey to Sri Aman, with stops along the way. We'll visit the Serian Market to browse for local produce and traditional goods. We'll also stop at a pepper plantation (may take place on the return journey instead, depending on timings) and will make a lunch stop in the Chinese village of Lachua.
On arrival in Sri Aman, check in to the hotel, then take a guided tour of the town. Visit Fort Alice (closed on Mondays) and the historic Tze Yin Khor Chinese Temple, located along the Lupar River.
Estimated driving time & distance: 4 hours / 193 kilometres.
Overnight: Sri Aman | Breakfast, Lunch
Iban Longhouse Stay
Sri Aman - Iban Longhouse. After breakfast, begin your day with a short guided walk to the nearby native market, where you’ll discover an intriguing mix of local and unusual items.
By mid-morning, check out and travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the serene Batang Ai Lake (approx. 1¼–2 hours). From the jetty, board a traditional longboat for a scenic 45-minute cruise across the lake to your lunch stop. Here, surrounded by nature, enjoy a unique meal prepared by the Iban and your guide—traditional bamboo-cooked dishes, steamed over an open fire.
After lunch, join a guided walk through the lush jungle with members of the Iban tribe. Along the way, learn about the medicinal and practical uses of native plants before arriving at their longhouse. Enjoy a relaxed tea break and meet the Iban families.
In the evening, you’re welcome to help your guide prepare dinner and observe how simple tools and local ingredients create a delicious meal. After dinner, enjoy a cultural performance as the Ibans sound their gongs and perform their traditional war dance in ceremonial dress. If invited, join the dance—it’s a fun and interactive way to immerse yourself in their culture! You will also have the chance to sample their locally brewed rice wine, "tuak". you'll be spending the night at the longhouse, accommodation is simple, but this is a unqiue cultural experience! Find out more in the "Hotels" section of the itinerary or Trip Notes.
Please note:
Facilities are basic, so pack light and bring essentials in a day bag. Bedding and towels are provided. Be sure to pack a torch, mosquito repellent, toiletries, and a change of clothes. Earplugs can also be helpful, as jungle sounds travel easily. A separate block with basic cold showers and Western-style toilets is available—plan to shower before dark due to limited electricity.
Overnight: Lubok Antu | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lubok to Kuching
Lubok - Kuching. Enjoy a relaxed morning before departing back to Kuching. Lunch will be provided en route. The remainder of the day is at leisure in Kuching.
Estimated driving time & distance: 5 hours / 290 kilometres.
Overnight: Kuching | Breakfast, Lunch
Bako National Park Adventure & Kuching
Kuching - Bako National Park - Kuching. After breakfast, check out of the hotel. But we have one more destination to visit (you can leave your luggage at the hotel). We head to Bako National Park, Sarawak’s oldest national park, known for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails. Look out for the carnivorous pitcher plant which can be seen. The park is also home to a healthy population of endangered proboscis monkeys, found only in Borneo.
After the tour, transfer back to Kuching and on to Kuching International Airport for your departure flight or choose to extend your stay.
Please note: The exact time we arrive back in Kuching depends on a number of factors such as weather and traffic. Please do not book your flights out of Kuala Lumpur to depart before 19:00.
Breakfast, Lunch
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching
In a stately building adjacent to the Plaza Merdeka mall, this modern hotel is 3 minutes' walk from the Kuching Waterfront's restaurants and shops along the Sarawak River, and 10 km from Kuching International Airport. Warm rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities; some add views of the waterfront. An airy restaurant has views of the river, and there's a laid-back lounge offering light fare. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a gym and a ballroom.
Seri Simanggang, Sri Aman
This relaxed hotel is an 8-minute walk from Fort Alice, 9 minutes on foot from the Taman Panorama Benak riverside park and 10 km from Highway 1. Unpretentious rooms come with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi access, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Guests can enjoy halal Malaysian, local, and international cuisines at the on-site restaurant. The hotel provides free WiFi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. The hotel features a lift, 24-hour front desk, housekeeping service, room service, and luggage storage. Paid on-site parking is available for guests.
Iban Longhouse, Lubok Antu
Experience an overnight stay in a traditional Iban longhouse in the rainforest of Malaysian Borneo. This authentic cultural encounter offers basic communal accommodation in the main hall, with mattresses, mosquito nets, pillows, blankets and clean linen provided. Simple shared facilities include cold-water showers and Western toilets in a separate jungle block, with limited electricity after dark. You may encounter cats, dogs, chickens or pigs around the longhouse, adding to the rural charm. Privacy is limited, and conditions are rustic, but the experience offers a unique insight into indigenous life. Luggage can be left in Kuching—please pack a day bag with essentials such as loose-fitting clothing, walking shoes with good grip, a raincoat, torch, insect repellent, sun protection, toiletries, and a change of clothes. Towels are provided, but earplugs can be helpful due to jungle sounds. Showers are best taken before nightfall. This is a rare opportunity to connect with Sarawak’s living heritage.
At a Glance
