The Batang Ai river system
The Batang Ai river system lies 200km east of Kuching. This is where 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 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 Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort
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!
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!
Paddle boats
| Activities around Batang Ai |
Batang Ai waterfalls
Canopy Walk
Fishing
Kayaking
Longhouse visit
The hallway of the longhouse guestrooms
The guestroom lounge area
The veranda to enjoy the outdoors
Dine at the Nanga Mepi Restaurant
Outdoor dining is part of the Malaysian lifestyle.....join us!
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 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.
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 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.
| By Travelling Gecko |
View of the pool from the "Guest" long houses
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