Borneo / Sarawak
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BORNEO / SARAWAK 3 DAYS SARIKEI IBAN LONGHOUSE ADVENTURE TOURCODE: KCH3DSILS / KCH3DSILP JOINT TOUR (MIN. 2 PERSONS) / PRIVATE TOUR WITH DAILY DEPARTURES KUCHING – SARIKEI IBAN LONGHOUSE – KUCHING Days Tour Meals Overnight Kuching – Sarikei Iban Longhouse Transfer to express boat wharf and boat transfer by express boat to Sarikei Day 1 -/ L /D Sarikei Transfer to longhouse Exploration of the longhouse Evening activities in the longhouse Sarikei Iban Longhouse Day 2 Nature walk to a waterfall B/ L /D Sarikei Afternoon activities at the longhouse Sarikei Iban Longhouse – Kuching Transfer to express boat wharf and boat transfer by Day 3 B/ L /- -- express boat back to Kuching Transfer to city hotel B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner City Budget Category SARIKEI Iban longhouse P a g e | 59 BORNEO / SARAWAK DETAILED ITINERARY IBAN– THE FORMER HEADHUNTERS OF BORNEO The Ibans, at about 30% of the whole population, are the largest tribe in Sarawak. In the old days the Ibans were renowned for practicing headhunting and tribal expansion, having had a fearsome reputation as strong warriors. Nowadays they are found throughout Kalimantan, Brunei and Sarawak, living mostly in longhouses by the rivers. Originating as means of collective defence, longhouses consist of an average of 20 - 25 rooms (bilek) or apartments in which the individual families live, united as a whole village community under one roof. The communal area (ruai), a long-stretched room spreading along the whole length of the longhouse and connecting all family rooms, is the heart of the Iban life. KUCHING – SARIKEI IBAN LONGHOUSE (-/L/D) Day 1 Meet at the lobby of your city hotel in Kuching and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle (20 minutes‟ drive) to the express boat wharf. From here you will depart by express boat for a 3.5 hours ride to Sarikei division, accompanied by your tour guide. Upon arrival in Sarikei, your guide will bring you for a brief walk through the native market before lunch is served at a local café/restaurant. After lunch, depart by car/van (45 minutes) to reach an Iban longhouse. This longhouse consist of 45 families (approximately 300 people) living under one roof and was build out of the hardest tropical wood (iron wood) in 1955. Upon arrival, you will be taken on a guided tour around this longhouse to meet the Ibans and their families and join them in their daily chores. Late afternoon, you can feel free to swim in the cool mountain stream located just in front of the longhouse. Dinner in the longhouse, after which, the Ibans will sound their gongs and perform their traditional dance. Overnight at the longhouse (simple accommodation). Note: Basic accommodation in the longhouse with mosquito net, mattress, pillows and blanket provided. Meals included: Lunch Dinner SARIKEI IBAN LONGHOUSE (B/L/D) Day 2 After breakfast, set off for a nature walk passing through farmlands such as rice fields, pepper farm, fruit orchards, etc., before you arrive at a waterfall. Swim and relax while native lunch is prepared. Afternoon, return back to the longhouse the same way. After tea break, join some of the Iban families in their activities such as rice wine brewing, mat weaving, cooking (activities are according to what is happening in the village and may vary from time to time). Overnight at the longhouse (simple accommodation). Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner P a g e | 60 BORNEO / SARAWAK SARIKEI IBAN LONGHOUSE – KUCHING (B/L/-) Day 3 Breakfast in the longhouse and time to say goodbye. Transfer by car/van from the longhouse to Sarikei town. Early lunch at Sarikei town before boarding the express boat for your journey back to Kuching. Upon arrival at Kuching‟s express boat wharf you will be transferred by air- conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Kuching city. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch P a g e | 61 BORNEO / SARAWAK NOTE: This tour package is only valid from 01. March until 31. October in order to avoid rough sea conditions during monsoon season. Even if the package is booked on private basis, the express boat transfers & activities in the longhouse may be on shared basis in order to minimise impacts on the natural environment or if other circumstances require so. Please travel light for the overnights at the longhouse. Suitcases can be stored at your hotel in Kuching. Due to basic living conditions in the longhouse, be prepared for some discomfort. You will be provided with mattress, mosquito net, pillow, blanket, clean linen and towel. Simple sanitary facilities are available. SERVICES INCLUDED: 2 nights accommodation in the longhouse with fan and shared sanitary facilities Meals as stated in the programme B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner Transfers and tours with local English-speaking driver guides in air-conditioned vehicles Entrance fees and/or boat fees as stated in the programme Drinking water available on the vehicles Package includes GST 6% (Good and Service Tax) SERVICES EXCLUDED: Domestic airfare and/or International airfare to/from Malaysia (quoted separately, if requested) Optional tours Surcharges for other language guides Personal travel insurance Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc. Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme Drinks with meals Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme WHAT TO BRING: Backpack Loose-fitting summer clothing Swimwear Sun hat/ cap Sun block Insect repellent Personal toiletries Flat walking shoes with good grip Raincoat Torch or flashlight P a g e | 62 BORNEO / SARAWAK CONTACT INFORMATION OF HOTELS DURING YOUR STAY: Iban longhouse / Sarikei c/o Diethelm Travel (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd Lot 257, 2nd Floor, Jalan Chan Chin Ann, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak Tel. (+60-82) 412 778, Fax (+60-82) 258 320 “JOURNEYS OF A LIFETIME” P a g e | 63 .