Batang Ai

A remote inland area featuring a hydroelectric lake surrounded by rainforest, offering longhouse visits and pristine jungle experiences far from tourist crowds. It represents authentic Sarawak with traditional Iban communities accessible only by boat or helicopter.

Things to do

• Longhouse Visit — Stay overnight or day-visit a traditional Iban longhouse community along the lake, participating in daily activities and learning about indigenous culture directly from residents.
• Batang Ai Lake Boat Tour — Navigate the expansive reservoir by motorboat to explore hidden coves, spot wildlife including proboscis monkeys and hornbills, and access remote jungle areas.
• Jungle Trekking — Hike through primary and secondary rainforest trails surrounding the lake to experience pristine biodiversity and encounter endemic Sarawak flora and fauna.
• Fishing on Batang Ai Lake — Cast for freshwater fish species in the calm waters during early morning or late afternoon, a peaceful activity often arranged through local guides.
• Waterfall Exploration — Trek to cascading waterfalls hidden within the rainforest, accessible by boat and foot from the main lake area for swimming and photography.
• Wildlife Spotting — Join guided early-morning or dusk boat trips specifically designed to observe orangutans, gibbons, clouded leopards, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat.

Food to try

• Manok Pansuh — Chicken cooked in bamboo with turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass, a signature Iban dish traditionally prepared over open fire and served at longhouses.
• Ulat Goreng — Fried bamboo worms seasoned with salt and spices, a crunchy protein-rich delicacy prized in Iban cuisine and considered a local specialty.
• Ikan Bakar — Grilled freshwater fish from Batang Ai Lake wrapped in banana leaves with sambal and aromatics, often prepared at longhouse communal meals.
• Bubur Manok — Chicken rice porridge with turmeric and spices, a comforting Iban breakfast or light meal commonly served in local guesthouses and longhouses.
• Terubok Salted Fish — Preserved river fish that carries cultural significance, traditionally made and eaten during festivals or special occasions in Iban communities.
• Jungle Plant Vegetables — Foraged ferns, shoots, and leafy greens like pucuk ulap cooked simply with garlic and chili, representing the longhouse reliance on forest resources.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Longhouse Protocol — Always remove shoes when entering a longhouse, ask permission before photographing residents, and accept food and drink offerings graciously as refusal can be considered disrespectful.
• Learn Basic Iban Greetings — Greeting elders with 'Selamat pagi' (good morning) and using 'Terima kasih' (thank you) shows respect and significantly enhances your welcome in these tight-knit communities.
• Participate in Community Activities — Engaging in cooking, weaving, or evening social gatherings demonstrates genuine interest in Iban life and fosters authentic connections with longhouse residents.
• Understand Gawai Dayak Festival — If visiting during June, respect that Gawai Dayak is a significant harvest thanksgiving celebration; invitations to attend are special honors requiring appropriate gratitude and modest behavior.