The Batang Ai river system
The Batang Ai river system lies 200km east of Kuching. This is where
the Skrang, Lemanak and Engkari rivers flow into the Batang Ai Lake.
The area used to be cultivated by the Ibans practicing crop rotation
until 1985 when the Batang Ai Hydroelectric dam was built and the only
artificial lake in Sarawak created. Today the dam supplies up to 60% of
Sarawak's energy needs. Conservation is practiced here and the local
community is involved in its management. You can see this in the
hotels and businesses around the area.
The Batang Ai river system is also the Batang Ai National Park, which is
rich in timber, aromatic oils and resins. The park is home to many
wildlife including hornbills, gibbons and one of the world's endangered
species, the Orang Utan.
The major attraction to the Batang Ai area is the Iban longhouses.
These longhouses can be found upstream from the dam. Visiting the
Ibans and their longhouses can be an adventurous experience. Since
the main mode of transportation is the waterways, getting to the
longhouses will require a boat and a guide....since there is always
adventure on the waters!
The boat ride to the longhouses takes about an hour...if you don't
encounter any strange sightings along the way. If you get there....I
mean WHEN you get there, you might want to try some 'Tuak' which is
the local distilled wine. Chatting on the veranda of a longhouse and
making friends... with a glass of wine in your hands... really is a
'worldwide' tradition....well at least the 'wine' and the 'making friends'
part.
The Batang Ai river system lies 200km east of Kuching. This is where
the Skrang, Lemanak and Engkari rivers flow into the Batang Ai Lake.
The area used to be cultivated by the Ibans practicing crop rotation
until 1985 when the Batang Ai Hydroelectric dam was built and the only
artificial lake in Sarawak created. Today the dam supplies up to 60% of
Sarawak's energy needs. Conservation is practiced here and the local
community is involved in its management. You can see this in the
hotels and businesses around the area.
The Batang Ai river system is also the Batang Ai National Park, which is
rich in timber, aromatic oils and resins. The park is home to many
wildlife including hornbills, gibbons and one of the world's endangered
species, the Orang Utan.
The major attraction to the Batang Ai area is the Iban longhouses.
These longhouses can be found upstream from the dam. Visiting the
Ibans and their longhouses can be an adventurous experience. Since
the main mode of transportation is the waterways, getting to the
longhouses will require a boat and a guide....since there is always
adventure on the waters!
The boat ride to the longhouses takes about an hour...if you don't
encounter any strange sightings along the way. If you get there....I
mean WHEN you get there, you might want to try some 'Tuak' which is
the local distilled wine. Chatting on the veranda of a longhouse and
making friends... with a glass of wine in your hands... really is a
'worldwide' tradition....well at least the 'wine' and the 'making friends'
part.
One of the best places to stay while you are in the Batang Ai area is
the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort. Four hours from Kuching, and
a thirty minute boat ride across the Batang Ai Lake, the Hilton Batang
Ai Longhouse Resort is a retreat surrounded by nature. Although
secluded, this resort is packed with nature activities. Just be prepared!
the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort. Four hours from Kuching, and
a thirty minute boat ride across the Batang Ai Lake, the Hilton Batang
Ai Longhouse Resort is a retreat surrounded by nature. Although
secluded, this resort is packed with nature activities. Just be prepared!
| Paddle boats |
The Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort
Poolside and a view of the double story longhouse guestrooms
| Activities around the Hilton Batang Ai Resort |
| Batang Ai waterfalls |
| Canopy Walk |
| Fishing |
| Kayaking |
| Longhouse visit |
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES of the
Hilton Batang Ai
A host of activities and excursions can be
arranged at the resort; guided jungle
trekking and nature walks, longboat river
cruises, waterfall and fishing trips.
The following excursions are also
available and must be arranged prior to
arrival at the resort.
• Historical Site
All the forts in Sarawak were given a lady’s
name, such as Fort Sylvia, Fort Lily, Fort
Margherita and the Stalwart Fort Alice in
Sri Aman (Simanggang) an hour and a
half drive from the resort. While in Sri
Aman town, do not miss the colourful
native market.
• Visits to oil palm, rubber, cocoa &
pepper plantations.
Take an educational tour of the famous
Sarawak Pepper gardens and learn how
“black” and “white” pepper is processed.
Palm oil, rubber, cocoa & pepper are the
major agricultural products of Sarawak.
• Visits to Batang Ai Hydro-electric
power plant and fish hatchery.
Sarawak’s first hydro-electric power plant
and the local fish hatcheries can be visited
by appointment. The State Fishery
Department has turned the lake into a
giant fish pond to cater for local and
visiting ‘fishermen’.
• Visits to nearby trading towns
All the small towns such as Engkilili, Lubok
Antu, Betong and Sri Aman (old name
Simanggang) are old Chinese
settlements. You can come across
interesting native wood carvings, textiles,
basketry, etc. in some of the shops to
enrich your art collection.
• Skrang/Lemanak/Ulu Ai/Engkari
River Safaris
These rivers are running almost parallel to
one another and into the Batang Lupar
river. Together they form the Iban
“territory” which was famous during the
Brooke era. Today tourists get a chance
to experience the Iban culture and
traditions.
• Longhouse Trips
Imagine a world where native tribal
dwellings have been preserved.
Traditional Iban longhouses are
accessible from the resort. Please arrange
with your handling agents for a visit to the
longhouse.
*Provided by Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse
Resort.
Hilton Batang Ai
A host of activities and excursions can be
arranged at the resort; guided jungle
trekking and nature walks, longboat river
cruises, waterfall and fishing trips.
The following excursions are also
available and must be arranged prior to
arrival at the resort.
• Historical Site
All the forts in Sarawak were given a lady’s
name, such as Fort Sylvia, Fort Lily, Fort
Margherita and the Stalwart Fort Alice in
Sri Aman (Simanggang) an hour and a
half drive from the resort. While in Sri
Aman town, do not miss the colourful
native market.
• Visits to oil palm, rubber, cocoa &
pepper plantations.
Take an educational tour of the famous
Sarawak Pepper gardens and learn how
“black” and “white” pepper is processed.
Palm oil, rubber, cocoa & pepper are the
major agricultural products of Sarawak.
• Visits to Batang Ai Hydro-electric
power plant and fish hatchery.
Sarawak’s first hydro-electric power plant
and the local fish hatcheries can be visited
by appointment. The State Fishery
Department has turned the lake into a
giant fish pond to cater for local and
visiting ‘fishermen’.
• Visits to nearby trading towns
All the small towns such as Engkilili, Lubok
Antu, Betong and Sri Aman (old name
Simanggang) are old Chinese
settlements. You can come across
interesting native wood carvings, textiles,
basketry, etc. in some of the shops to
enrich your art collection.
• Skrang/Lemanak/Ulu Ai/Engkari
River Safaris
These rivers are running almost parallel to
one another and into the Batang Lupar
river. Together they form the Iban
“territory” which was famous during the
Brooke era. Today tourists get a chance
to experience the Iban culture and
traditions.
• Longhouse Trips
Imagine a world where native tribal
dwellings have been preserved.
Traditional Iban longhouses are
accessible from the resort. Please arrange
with your handling agents for a visit to the
longhouse.
*Provided by Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse
Resort.
| BATANG AI SARAWAK Dawn Walk Guided Nature Walk Blowpipe demonstration Video presentation and Nature Talk Games Tennis Water Activities Jungle Trekking Upriver cruise Longboat Fishing |
The hallway of the longhouse guestrooms
The guestroom lounge area
The veranda to enjoy the outdoors
The wooden interiors of the Nanga Mepi Restaurant
Outdoor dining is part of the Malaysian lifestyle.....join us!
Borneo Oasis
Wellness Centre
As you can see, there are lots of things to do while at the Hilton Batang
Ai Longhouse Resort and the nature park as well. Dawn Walks or
Nature Walks are always uplifting if you are an early riser. If you prefer
Jungle Trekking, there is always a chance of seeing the Orang Utan
(they say don't look him in the eye) or other wild life in the area. Water
activities are plentiful with fishing and river cruises at the top of the list.
If you haven't seen a blowpipe you must attend the blowpipe
demonstration or visit the Iban longhouses upstream. Now that
demonstration is something you will talk about when you get home.
Just make sure your camera is charged up because they are not going
to believe you without the proof!
Batang Ai is a special place. Since it is remote, it still keeps it's rich
tribal heritage and has a spirit of it's own. Perhaps it is the culture of
the Ibans that intrigue visitors to Batang Ai. It might be knowing that
within the rainforest of these parts lie ancient burial grounds of Iban
warriors (so don't forget to look for them when trekking through the
jungle). Whatever it is, the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort and the
Batang Ai river system is unique. In a sense it is a self contained
natural park, resort and waterway all rolled up in one.
Perhaps that is what brings visitors to this area, being one with the
spirit of Batang Ai. Batang Ai - Definitely a place to experience.
Definitely a stop for your Sarawak vacation.
Ai Longhouse Resort and the nature park as well. Dawn Walks or
Nature Walks are always uplifting if you are an early riser. If you prefer
Jungle Trekking, there is always a chance of seeing the Orang Utan
(they say don't look him in the eye) or other wild life in the area. Water
activities are plentiful with fishing and river cruises at the top of the list.
If you haven't seen a blowpipe you must attend the blowpipe
demonstration or visit the Iban longhouses upstream. Now that
demonstration is something you will talk about when you get home.
Just make sure your camera is charged up because they are not going
to believe you without the proof!
Batang Ai is a special place. Since it is remote, it still keeps it's rich
tribal heritage and has a spirit of it's own. Perhaps it is the culture of
the Ibans that intrigue visitors to Batang Ai. It might be knowing that
within the rainforest of these parts lie ancient burial grounds of Iban
warriors (so don't forget to look for them when trekking through the
jungle). Whatever it is, the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort and the
Batang Ai river system is unique. In a sense it is a self contained
natural park, resort and waterway all rolled up in one.
Perhaps that is what brings visitors to this area, being one with the
spirit of Batang Ai. Batang Ai - Definitely a place to experience.
Definitely a stop for your Sarawak vacation.
| From deep inside the magnificent jungle of Borneo comes the ancient art of therapeutic treatments and herbal healing knowledge of ancient Bornean tribes......says the brochure. Yes, I did visit the Borneo Oasis at the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort and had a very relaxing massage. This is a great place to check in after a long day on your feet. |
| Design Your Travel Package 2 - 6 Travel Guests - Private Tours You have a car and driver You see what you want to see On your own time, At your own pace Tourist sites, Shopping, Cultural Shows Your choice of hotels/resorts Five Star, Beach front or Treetop It's YOUR design YOUR Fantastic Vacation We just make it happen! |
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| What is a Pua Kumbu? You are just going to have to find out for yourself! |
| Pua Kumbu |
| By Travelling Gecko |
View of the pool from the long houses
| Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort |
| Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort is located on the shores of a spectacular freshwater lake surrounded by mountains and the unspoiled rain forest of Sarawak. Its' design is based on the traditional Timber Longhouses of the regions native Iban tribes. The resort has 100 rooms. Check out the Nanga Mepi Restaurant, Wong Irup Bar, the boat jetty and the outdoor terrace. Nearby Is The 27,000 Hectare Batang Ai National Park. |
| Go antique shopping in Melaka Go there..... |
| French ambiance in Colmar Tropicale Go there..... |
| Genting Highlands Resort - Casino, Theme Park, International Showroom Go there..... |
| Visit Orang Utan Island Go there..... |
| Visit the Sarawak Cultural Village. Go there..... |
| A Malaysian Spa Experience Go there..... |
| Explore Batu Caves Go there..... |
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Find out how
charcoal is made.
Go there.....
charcoal is made.
Go there.....
Walk the Skybridge
Go there.....
Go there.....
Visit Bako National
Park
Go there.....
Park
Go there.....
| Alamanda Putrajaya Mall Located in the Putrajaya Admin Center. Go there..... |
| Mid Valley Mega Mall |
| Located in the Klang Valley, half hour from the KL International Airport, neighbouring Petaling Jaya, Damansara and Shah Alam. Also accessible by the KTM Komuter train. Go there..... |
| Destinatio n Malaysia |
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