longhouse-iban

Iban Longhouse

The Ibans (or Sea Dayaks) migrated by boat from Kalimantan in the 16th century and built their longhouses beside rivers. Initially they clashed constantly with the locals and there are many bloody battles recorded. They became fierce headhunters, believing that the more heads they displayed in their longhouses, the more feared they would be and so less likely to be attacked. Today they are extremely hospitable and love to share their culture, performing their music, traditional dances and games, demonstrating their weaving, fishing and blow-pipe hunting techniques.

We offer two Packages to the Iban longhouses located on the Lemanak River or at Batang Ai. Note that the longhouses offer basic amenities – mattresses, pillows, blankets and mosquito nets. The shower facilities are cold water only and you will need to provide your own toiletries, toilet paper, medications and insect repellent.

Itinerary


Package 1

2D/1N includes an English speaking guide, return transportation by car & boat, one night accommodation at the longhouse, meals as specified on the itinerary & drinking water.

Day 1 – L, D

Depart your hotel at 8am. On route to the longhouse, you will visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre for the morning feed.

At Serian you will visit the traditional jungle market and can purchase some food supplies for the longhouse.

Lunch will be at the small village of Lachau after which you will continue on to the river jetty where you will be met by a boat from your longhouse. It is a peaceful and relaxing one hour glide down the river to the longhouse community. You will receive a friendly welcome and it is traditional to accept a glass of tuak rice wine from your hosts. The Iban will encourage you to join in with any of their communal activities, and during the evening there will be games and dancing.

Day 2 – B, L

Departure from the longhouse will be at 10am after a blow pipe demonstration!

Package 2

3D/2N includes an English speaking guide, return transportation by car & boat, two nights accommodation at the longhouse, meals as specified on the itinerary & drinking water.

Day 1 – L, D

Same itinerary as Package 1.

Day 2 – B, L, D.

After breakfast, you will go for a jungle walk, visiting the surrounding farms to see the local agricultural activities of the Iban communities.

You will have an Iban-style picnic lunch cooked in bamboo over hot coals. Weather permitting, you can hike to a waterfall for a swim. There will also be time in the afternoon to relax at the longhouse and chat with the families or play with the children. Social interaction is very welcome in these communities!

Day 3 – B, L

Departure from the longhouse will be at 10am after a blow pipe demonstration!

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