Day 01 – Iban Longhouse Cultural Experience (L/D)
Meet and greet with your guide at the hotel lobby between 8:00am and 9:00am before beginning the journey along the Pan Borneo Highway, passing through rural landscapes and local settlements. A stop will be made at Lachau Bazaar, offering a glimpse into everyday life in this rural town., where you may explore the traditional market and observe local trading practices. This is an opportunity to purchase small gifts for the Iban community. An early lunch will be enjoyed at the local restaurant at Lachau before we continue our journey.
After lunch, we proceed to Lemanak. Expected time to arrive at the jetty is between 1:00pm and 2:00pm. From here, travel by traditional longboat across the lemanak river and through pristine tropical rainforest to reach the Iban longhouse. This scenic journey provides insight into the natural environment that has shaped Iban culture for generations.
Upon arrival, settle into the ruai (communal area) and begin your cultural immersion. Spend time interacting with the Iban people, learning about their customs, beliefs, and communal way of life. Dinner is served at the longhouse, followed by a cultural sharing session with the community. There will be a traditional dance called Ngajat. Observe the moves and participate freely. You may try some traditional rice wine (non-halal) such as Tuak and Langkau, an important part of Iban hospitality and social gatherings.
Overnight:
Sleep in the ruai (communal area), experiencing the traditional longhouse lifestyle.
Day 02 – Longhouse to Kuching (B/L)
Walk up early and experience the morning chores. Breakfast in the longhouse, followed by a traditional blowpipe and cockfighting demonstration, some traditional activities of the tribe. Continue with a nature walk to visit native farms and an Iban burial ground, offering insight into local agricultural practices and ancestral traditions.
You will enjoy one last longboat ride before continuing by road. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Serian, a small town along the Pan Borneo Highway. After lunch and refuelling, return to Kuching, with drop-off at your hotel in the late afternoon.
