Kuching Holiday Package 7D/6N: An Off-the-Beaten Path Experience

Welcome to Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia. The land of culture, adventure and nature! This is your first day in this charming capital city of Kuching. Meet and greet your tour leader at the airport and for a briefing on the tour. Drop off at the hotel for checking in. Do a relaxing stroll at the scenic Waterfront before enjoying a good night’s rest.

Accommodation: The Marian Hotel

Meals: On your own

Embark on a scenic journey along Sarawak’s coastal way, away from the usual tourist route. You will discover remote fishing villages and experience authentic Malay culture. Enjoy picturesque landscapes and visit a fishing market. Along the journey, you’ll cross two rivers. One is via a 1.48-km long bridge and the other on a unique 2.8-km car ferry crossing. Explore Maludam National Park for its iconic wildlife; the red-banded langurs. And take part in traditional activities and entertainment.

Things to Do:

• Stop by a fishing market and take photos of the catches of the day.
• Immerse in the vibrant atmosphere and see how the local fishing industry operates
• Cross the mighty Sadong and Batang Lupar river
• Check into a Kampung Hilir Maludam homestay.
• Experience the warm hospitality of the locals.
• After lunch, embark on a thrilling speedboat ride to Maludam National Park. A park famous for the endangered Red Banded Langur. Note that sighting is not guaranteed
• Search for proboscis monkeys
• Take part in a Malay traditional baking class in the neighbourhood. Learn age-old techniques and create delicious local delicacies.
• If it’s the season, take a kampong walking tour to witness jellyfish and dry fish processing,
• Get insights into the village’s unique way of life and cultural practices.
• Join your host for a memorable authentic Malay family dinner on the dining floor.
• Take part in traditional Malay dance and music performances.

Accommodation: Maludam Homestay

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a journey into the interior of Sarawak. Lush vegetation in all shapes and sizes flow before your eyes. Encounter authentic longhouse hospitality, witness rubber tapping and pepper processing. Partake in hiking activities. And immerse yourself in the simplicity of longhouse living.

Things to Do:

• Stay at Ulu Bayor, a century-old longhouse.
• meet the longhouse chief, who will serve as your host during the visit.
• Immerse yourself in the community
• Explore the longhouse with your host for a first-hand experience of longhouse traditions.
• Observe the process of raw rubber drying in front of the longhouse.
• Gain insights into pepper processing and its economic benefits to the community.
• Take a 20-minute hike to a beautiful nearby waterfall to cool down in the tropical heat.
• Take part in traditional farming practices. And in the process, connect with the land.
• Spend dinner time with the longhouse community seated on the floor.
• Share stories and immerse yourself in the warmth of longhouse hospitality.
• Sleep on a mattress under a mosquito net.

Ulu Bayor Longhouse Stay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you bid goodbye to your host at Ulu Bayor longhouse after breakfast. From here, you take a drive to Sarawak’s districts of Sri Aman and Betong. Where you’ll discover historical forts, scenic landscapes and intriguing longhouses. Visit Fort Lily and Fort Alice, delve into the rich history of the Brooke era. Admire the picturesque countryside and savour the delights of traditional cuisine.

Things to Do:

• Enjoy breakfast and spend leisure time at the kebun (garden) and the ruai (communal area) of the Ulu Bayor longhouse.
• Take a scenic one-hour drive to Betong and explore Fort Lily. It is a historical fort built in 1855 to fortify the area during the Brooke era.
• Learn about the turbulent times of Iban chief Rentap’s challenges to the White Rajah (king).
• Discover preserved cannons at the Betong District Office.
• Enjoy another stretch of picturesque driving as you make your way to Simanggang. This town is the administrative center of Sri Aman,
• Along the way, appreciate the charm of interesting longhouses nestled among rice paddy fields and trees.
• You arrive in Simanggang in time for lunch. Then, you explore Fort Alice perched on a hill. The fort had served as a defence, administrative headquarters and prison. It commands a landscape view of the famous Batang Lupar river. At certain times of the day, one can witness the spectacular tidal bore surges up the river.
• That evening, relish the charming atmosphere of the modern town of Simanggang. Savour local cuisine in a restaurant.
• Then settle into a 3-Star Hotel to cap a day of historical exploration and scenic wonders.

Accommodation: Sri Simanggang 3-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Embark on a captivating riverine adventure in shallow-draft longboats. You ride through a river that’s home to a healthy crocodile population. You may witness the tidal bore phenomena. Explore the fascinating Iban villages of Banting. This settlement is an important padi farming area. In historical terms, the place was a rallying point for the Ibans. Discover the legacy of the Anglican church dating back to 1859. Take part in longhouse cultural and traditional activities. And add some excitement to your day with a night boat ride for crocodile spotting.

Things to Do:

• After breakfast, travel by car from Simanggang to Lingga jetty. where the riverine adventure begins on the mighty Batang Lupar River.
• Learn about the history of Lingga, a township once ruled by two feisty Malay women of the aristocratic class . They were known for their courage in warfare.
• Board a shallow-draft longboats at Lingga for the Iban village of Banting. You will be cruising along a river, home to a healthy crocodile population.
• Enjoy the scenic boat ride. Passing by longhouse villages, farms, and rice paddy fields. Watch rural life along the river banks go by.
• If timing is right, witness the tidal bore roar pass by during the boat ride; a unique and awe-inspiring sight.
• Enjoy the warm longhouse welcome and refreshments upon arrival. Stroll around the village to observe artisan weavers at work. Weaving mats and other handicrafts.
• Interact with the community.
• Visit St. Paul’s Church that dates back to 1859. Its hilltop location offers panoramic views of Banting.
• Ask your guide about the intriguing rock formations near the river. They unveil the mysteries of the area.
• Interact with school children if school term is in session.
• Explore the nearby rice fields and vegetable gardens. Get insights into the agricultural practices of the region.
• Enjoy a traditional dinner prepared by the host family at the ‘ruai; a the longhouse’s common area.
• Enjoy the merriment of a longhouse community.
• If the tide/weather permits, embark on an adventurous night crocodile spotting experience.

Longhouse stay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we set off early for the 1.5 hours longboat ride back to Lingga. From here, you will do a 5-hour overland land transfer, stopping by a market for lunch. You get dropped-off at the city hotel. Dinner is free and easy.

Accommodation: The Marian Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

With a full-day at your disposal, you may want to consider day tours to the popular Bako National Park or the Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary.