Sarawak
Iban Longhouse
A highlight for many visitors to Sarawak is a stay with one of the tribes in a traditional longhouse, home to many families under one roof. Sarawak has over 40 ethnic groups, each with its own traditions, culture and language. The Iban tribe (also known as Sea Dayaks because of their history as pirates and fishermen) were once feared as head hunters, but are now better known for their traditional weavings, silver craft, wood carvings, beadwork and friendly nature.
The accommodation is in the Iban’s rustic longhouses, most equipped with some modern facilities such as electricity. There will be a designated guest mattress with mosquito net and the family will provide you with dinner and drinks.
Facilities
Mattress and mosquito net.
Optional Activities
Cultural activities.
Jonathan Morris
Area Specialist
It’s traditional to bring presents to share with the villagers. You will stop at a local market on the way but best to bring something from home if you can. Postcards work well as they are cheap, easy to carry and are a good talking point. Please avoid taking sweets for the children.
If you have any questions regarding our Borneo tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
We had a brilliant trip to Borneo and (apart from Clouded Leopard) we saw everything we anticipated and more. If we were doing it again we would probably add another night or two to Deramakot and leave rest the same. Deramakot is a fantastic location, so remote and peaceful. Accommodation is basic but adequate considering the location. We were actually the only guests there most of the time.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge – fantastic location, enhanced by our upgrade to a deluxe chalet with a view across the river. We woke at 5am on the first morning and watched a male Orangutan vacate his nest in the tree right above us and climb down nearer to us and start finding his breakfast while we were in the outside bath! Amazing.
