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DAY 1
You will travel 232km by car/coach,
with a few stops along the way : we stop at
Serian town for refreshments. You may wish to do some last minute
shopping, for insect repellent or for gifts for the Ibans at Serian
or visit a fascinating native fruit and vegetable market. Other
stops include a visit to the pepper farm and a stop at a place where
you can observe plenty of wild orchids and also pitcher plants,
insect eating plants. The last stop will be at "Lachau", a small up
country Chinese village, where we will stop for lunch. You can still
observe barter trading being held between the natives of Kalimantan,
the Chinese shop owners and the natives of Sarawak. After lunch we
proceed to the final stage of the journey, and arrive at the jetty.
We proceed by native longboats, and travel by boat further up the
river to arrive at an Iban longhouse. On arrival at the longhouse,
we will be tour the longhouse, to meet the natives and their
families. Activities for the evening include dining in the longhouse
/ guesthouse. The Iban women will display their handicrafts for
sale. As a tourist, do not feel obliged to buy. Just smile and nod
your head… showing "No, thank you" or if you wish…in Iban "Ngai,
terima kasih". The Ibans will then sound their gongs and perform
their traditional war dance in full ceremonial regalia. One is often
invited to join in… don’t be shy… it can be fun… even if you don't
understand their language. Don't leave without tasting their rice
wine "Tuak". Overnight spent in the longhouse/guesthouse with the
Ibans. (L,D)
DAY 2
On the second day, you venture further
up the river, in exploration of the river and its surroundings : the
jungle. If you are up to it, ask your guide to bring you on a
off-the-beaten trek and venture into the nearby jungle, on
exploratory treks. You have also the opinion to visit another
longhouse along the river. A picnic lunch by a sandbank of the
beautiful river, surrounded by tropical forest, will be one of the
simple pleasures of spend another night with the Ibans. By the end
of this tour, you may guarantee with a few native words, and some
lessons of wood carving, weaving and maybe some Iban warrior tales
or legends to bring back home!! (B,L,D)
DAY 3
On the third day, you make your way
down the river and proceed back to civilization - Kuching
NOTE
Because of primitive conditions, be
prepared for some discomfort. Please travel light.
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