Kuching & Sarawak Longhouse Stay

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.

Tour Style: On this tour you will enjoy sightseeing at all included sights with expert local guides, and all of your travel arrangements are included. You will travel without a tour guide between destinations.

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.

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.

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.

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.