EkoMegah Holidays

Batang Ai & Iban Longhouse Trip

Duration                 :               3 Days 2 Night
Departure              :               09:00 am

DAY 01  KUCHING – BATANG AI (L)
Depart for Batang Ai.  The journey takes about 4½ hours. Along the way, passes fields which may be green or gold with sheaves of paddy (rice) or being left to fallow, pepper plantations and roadside kampungs.  Stop to visit the Liew farm which grows much of their own needs and for income.  The main attraction is their pepper vines and loofah vegetables.  Stop for lunch at the tiny little town of Lachau before continuing your journey.  On arrival at the Batang Ai Dam, you will be ferried across to the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort.  Leisure to explore your surroundings.

DAY 02  BATANG AI IBAN LONGHOUSE (B,L)
Depart by native longboats for one of the rivers that feed into the Batang Ai Lake.  Along this river live the famous Ibans who were once the most fearsome pirates and headhunters. Today they live harmoniously as farmers, fishing and hunting in the surrounding jungles. The highlight of the tour is the traditional welcome with maidens in ceremonial regalia and the Ngajat dance. Tuak, the local rice wine is served and you will have a chance to try your hand at handling the blowpipe.  For those who are game, there will also be a cockfighting demonstration. Then take a boat ride to enjoy a picnic lunch on the riverbanks.  Join the Iban in cooking a traditional lunch using bamboo and BBQ over stone pits. Learn what kind of bamboo to collect and how to prepare the food for cooking in the bamboo containers.  Prepare the stone pits and meat for grilling.  Later return to the resort for the day.

DAY 03  BATANG AI – KUCHING – DEPARTURE (B,L)
Morning return to the city.  Lunch en-route to the city. On arrival, drop off at your city hotel.

THINGS TO BRING:
Light clothing, swim wear, sun block, change of shoes or waterproof shoes, flashlight, plastic bag, raincoat and some local currency for shopping along the way or at the longhouse.

Inclusive of:
Accommodation for 02 nites at Batang Ai Longhouse Resort (3star) with breakfast, return transfer, Lunches as stated, Guided tour & activities in the longhouse as per itinerary.

Lemanak River Iban Longhouse

Duration                :               2 Days 1 Night
Departure              :               0830 hrs

Day 01                   KUCHING – LEMANAK JETTY (L, D)
The journey to the Lemanak River takes about 4 hours, passing padi fields, pepper plantations, farms, roadside kampungs and tropical jungles. Stop at the small town of Serian and later for lunch at Lachau.  At the jetty, board a native boat for the upriver journey to an Iban Longhouse.  On arrival, settle in at the River Lodge while your guide prepares dinner.  After a simple dinner, join the rest of the longhouse folks and enjoy an evening of music and dance with rounds of tuak, their home made rice wine. When the evening winds down, guests can present their gifts to the Iban, small tokens which will be shared equally amongst all those present.

We recommend pens, pencils, child’s reading/coloring/drawing/exercise books, cookies, candy, even canned food – inexpensive things, but well liked and appreciated.

Stay overnight at the River Lodge. Arrangements can be made to stay with an Iban Family.  A note of caution however, dogs are part of the family and you may find yourself sleeping near one.  There are only basic facilities with no hot water for showers at the River Lodge and the longhouse.

Meals:  Lunch & Dinner only.

Day 02                   LEMANAK – KUCHING (B, L)
Breakfast at the Guesthouse. Take part in a blowpipe and cockfight demonstration before proceeding for a nature walk to visit native farms and an Iban burial ground. Later return to the river jetty for your journey back to the city.

Lunch at Ranchan Waterfall, a scenic series of falls with refreshing cool water.  Continue on to the city. Drop off at your city hotel.  Free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch only.

THINGS TO BRING;
Light clothing, swim wear, sun block, change of shoes or waterproof shoes, flashlight, plastic bag, raincoat, insect repellent, towel & toiletries, some local currency for shopping along the way or at the longhouse.

Inclusive of: Guided tour, Activities as per itinerary, return transfer and meals as stated, Accommodation at the longhouse / Guesthouse.

Crocodile Farm Tour

Duration                :               3 Hours
Departure              :               0800 & 1400 hrs
Inclusive of            :               Guided tour, Entrance fee & Return transfer

Jong’s Crocodile Farm is located about 29 km from the city centre.  Take a 40 minutes drive to visit the largest crocodile breeding farm in the country.  The farm supports more than 1,000 reptiles from different species.  The crocs are fed at 1100 & 1500 hrs daily.  Other residents on the farm are sun bear, monkeys, wild boar, mouse deer, leopard cats, monitor lizards, pythons, owls and several other species of birds.

Gunung Gading National Park (Day tour)

Duration                : 6-7 hours
Departures           : 0800 hrs

Gunung Gading national Park is located in the Lundu District, southwest of sarawak. The Park consists of rugged mountain peaks which provides a scenic backdrop to the nearby beaches at Pandan and Siar. The waterfalls in the upper reaches of Sungai Lundu have become a popular recreational destination for both local and foreign visitors. The more adventurous visitors can take a hike right up to the peak of Mount Gading which is 900 meters high.

Gading is the home to numerous rare plants including the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia tuan-mudae (bunga pakma) At full bloom this giant flower streches nearly one meter in width.

The flowers can be found on specific vines like the Tetrastigma. The spores settle on the host plant and develop into a bud which then becomes a gigantic flower, brownish red in colour. It stays in full bloom for about a week only. The main pollinator for this flower is the carrion fly.

A trip to Gunung Gading may be incomplete without catching the rare sight of the blooming Raffesia. However, these unique plants bloom infrequently and have brief flowering period. Visitors are advised to check with the Park Headquarters at Gunung Gading National Park or the National Park Booking Office to find out if any flowers are about to bloom or already in full bloom. even if there is no blooming Rafflesia to see, swimming in the jungle streams, hiking the jungle trails, walkingin the Park and visiting the beaches and the whole of Lundu make the visit just as worthwhile.

Inclusive of:
Return transfer, Guided tour, Entrance fee and local light lunch.

SANTUBONG WILDLIFE & SATANG ISLAND CRUISE

Depart for your mangrove cruise.  The mangrove is a vital eco-system for the health of the surrounding areas.  The cruise offers a chance to glimpse Proboscis Monkeys, a species endemic to Borneo, mud creatures and if your are lucky you may see monitor lizards as they forage for food or storks as they dig in the mud for tasty morsels.  The most prized meeting is with the Irrawaddy Dolphins which sometimes frolic near the river mouth.

Continue tour to Satang Island to enjoy snorkeling in clear seawater around the island.

Please note that wild nature does not perform on demand.  We search for a glimpse of them in their natural environment and may or may not succeed.

Sarawak Cultural Village (Half Day)

Duration            :       4 hours
Departure          :       0900 & 1400 hrs

Visit the Sarawak Cultural Village, nestled in the serene foothills of Mount Santubong about 30 minutes from the city. Popularly known as SCV, the Village is a “living museum” showcasing the seven major ethnic races of Sarawak; Iban, Bidayuh, Penan, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Malay and Chinese.

Each ‘house’ is an exact replica of traditional dwellings down to the type of wood, landscaping, carvings etc. of the various communities. Visit the houses to learn their cultures and traditions. Participate in activities including craft making and preparing their various ethnic goodies. There are daily music and dance performances at the Village Theater in the mornings and afternoons. Transfer back to your hotel after the tour.

Inclusive of:
Guided tour, Entrance fee and return transfer.

Santubong Wildlife & Mangrove Cruise

Duration                : 4 hours
Departure              : 0700 or 1630 hrs  (Time based on tide – to be confirmed)
Inclusive of          : Guided Tour, All land and boat transfer.

Pick up for a Mangrove Wildlife Cruise at the Kuching Wetlands National Park (designated a wetland of international importance under the RAMSAR Convention in 2005).  We explore the river estuaries at the Park.  The mangrove shoreline offers sightings of many exciting wildlife including proboscis monkeys, long tailed macaque monkeys, silver-leaf monkeys and monitor lizards. A range of bird life, including kingfishers, white-bellied sea eagles and other shore birds can also be found there. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the illusive Irrawaddy Dolphins as they frolic around the estuaries in the morning hours or near sunset.

Please note that these animals are wild and therefore, there is no guarantee that visitors will see them.

Inclusive of:
* Return transfer, Guided Tour, Entrance fee and boat ride.

Annah Rais Bidayuh Longhouse

Duration                 :3 – 4 hrs
Departure              :0900 hrs

Most Bidayuh longhouses are located nearer villages and towns. This has led to urban migration especially for the younger generation and the result is a new take on communal living.  On arrival at Annah Rais, the sight that greets you is a thriving village which bears no resemblance to a longhouse.

As you navigate the detached homes you will notice that they are interconnected by walkways which in itself is still an affirmation of extended family living – perhaps just not in the traditional “entire village under one roof” longhouse sense.  As you approach what is the heart of the village, this is where the original longhouse structure is, over a century old. Some old folks still cling to their original home.  Annah Rais is considered one of the most beautiful longhouses in Sarawak, cradled by the mountains and a beautiful freshwater stream.

Inclusive of:
Return transfer, Guided Tour & Entrance fees.

Bako National Park Overnight Tour

Duration                : 2 Days 1 Night
Departure              : 0830 hrs

Day 01                   KUCHING – BAKO BOAT TERMINAL
Depart in the morning for Bako National Park. A half hour ride takes you to the fishing village of Bako to board a boat for the Park headquarters.
Bako is the oldest gazette national park in Sarawak. It offers the perfect introduction to Sarawak flora and fauna.  The 16 square kilometers of primary forests is home to seven distinct ecosystems; beach vegetation, cliff vegetation, mangrove, peat swamp forests, mixed dipterocarp forest, heath forest and grasslands.

Constant erosion over millions of years has turned the Bako coastline into a unique geographical landmark. Cliff faces, sandstone structures, sea stacks and pristine sandy beaches dot the area.  Wildlife thriving in the area include the rather intrusive long tailed macaques which roam all over and their shier cousins, the silver leaf monkeys and the long-nosed, pot bellied proboscis monkey. Other denizens include flying lemur, mouse deer, bearded pigs, bats, tarsiers, slow Loris and palm civet cats.  Please note that these animals are wild and therefore, there is no guarantee that visitors will see them.

There are 16 trails, each offering close-up look at different aspects of the Park.  Discuss with your guide, what your interests are, to get the most out of your time at the Bako National Park.  A night walk allows Visitors to take a closer look at the night denizens of the Park, the flying lemur, bats, tarsiers, slow Loris and palm civet cats.  Again, there is no guarantee that you will see them as wild nature does not perform on queue.

Lunch and dinner at the Park canteen provided. Accommodation is at the Park Guesthouse, with basic amenities and facilities (no hot water shower).

Meals:  Lunch & dinner only.

Day 2                     BAKO –  KUCHING
An overnight stay at the Park affords Visitors more time to explore and enjoy the wonders of this diverse area. If you missed seeing the proboscis monkeys the evening before, take an early morning trek to see the proboscis monkeys as they start their day, feeding on the river banks.  Spend the morning exploring more of the Park.

Lunch will be served at the Park canteen before returning to the city.

Meals:  Breakfast & lunch only.

Inclusive of:

# Accommodation for 01 night at Forest Lodge.
# Local meals at Park’s Canteen
# Guided tour by Park Ranger.
# Return transfer ex Kuching City.

* Due to limited accommodation in the park, please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Wind & Fairy Caves Tour

Duration                :  3-4 hours
Departure              :  0830 & 1400 hrs

Fairy Cave and Wind Cave are about 50 min drives from Kuching City. The Fairy Cave is about 3-storey high. After a quick climb through the cave with torchlight, the cave opens up into a main chamber. Sunlight streams into the chamber, enabling you to view the limestone formation of several types. View the beautiful and some eerie shape of nature creations, the stalactites and stalagmites. There is a formation that has been likened to the Goddess of Mercy which at about 3 meters in height resembles a woman dressed in classical Chinese robes, complete with hat, look down benignly upon worshipers. Another formation looks like an old man crouching down. Then proceed to the Wind Cave which only about 10 min drive away. Walking along the platform, you will find that this dark-tunnel like cave is filled with bats and swiftest. Look around the wall of the cave with torchlight and you might be lucky to spot the bird nest with some eggs in it. Return to hotel or airport.

Inclusive of:
Return transfer, Guided Tour & Entrance fees

Bako National Park Tour

Duration                                :               6 – 7 Hours
Departure                             :               08:30 am

Depart in the morning for Bako National Park. A half hour ride takes you to the fishing village of Bako to board a boat for the Park headquarters.
Bako is the oldest gazette national park in Sarawak. It offers the perfect introduction to Sarawak flora and fauna.  The 16 square kilometers of primary forests is home to seven distinct ecosystems; beach vegetation, cliff vegetation, mangrove, peat swamp forests, mixed dipterocarp forest, heath forest and grasslands.

Constant erosion over millions of years has turned the Bako coastline into a unique geographical landmark. Cliff faces, sandstone structures, sea stacks and pristine sandy beaches dot the area.  Wildlife thriving in the area includes the rather intrusive long tailed macaques which roam all over and their shier cousins, the silver leaf monkeys and the long-nosed, pot bellied proboscis monkey. Other denizens include flying lemur, mouse deer, bearded pigs, bats, tarsiers, slow Loris and palm civet cats.  Please note that these animals are wild and therefore, there is no guarantee that visitors will see them.

Inclusive of:
Return land & river transfer, Entrance fee, Guided tour and local lunch.

Kuching City Tour

Duration                :               3 hours
Departure              :               09:00 am / 02:00 pm

Take a sightseeing tour of Kuching, city of contrasts represented by the architectural styles, from the structures of the White Rajahs and British colonial eras to modern concrete and steel high-rise. Drive through Chinatown in the heart of the city and through a quaint Malay kampung. You will see sights such as the majestic former State Mosque, the Astana and Fort Margherita.  Your tour includes stops at the Cat Monument, the oldest Chinese Temple in the city and a visit to the famed Sarawak Museum.  If time permits, take a walk on the Waterfront with its outdoor cafes and watch sampans plying the Sarawak River ferrying passengers from one side of the river to the other.

Inclusive of:
Tours as per itinerary & service of tour guide.

Semenggoh Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Nature Reserve

Duration                :               3 Hours
Departure              :               08:00 am / 02:00 pm

Depart your hotel to visit the Semenggoh Nature Reserve. The entire facility occupies an area of 740 acres, the only remaining green belt near the city which acts as a sanctuary for Orang Utans.

The main attraction is undeniably the Rehabilitation Centre, a temporary home for displaced Orang Utans that have been rescued from captivity and young orphaned primates. These animals are trained or re-trained to survive in their natural habitat.  They learn how to forage for natural food and build nests in the trees. Many have been returned into the surrounding area. However there are a few those will never re-learn their wild skills due to their long association with and resulting dependence on humans.

Take a walk on the trails and try to spot semi-wild Orang Utans. There are feeding times scheduled everyday at the feeding platform.  However always bear in mind that the main aim of the Centre is to return these animals back into their habitat. Do not be disappointed if you do not see any roaming the jungles or coming back to feed as this means they are able to forage on their own and do not need human assistance.

Inclusive of:
Tours as per itinerary, Transportation during tours, Entrance fee and service of tour guide.