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Red Ape Trail - 10 Days/9 Nights
This Trail begins in Kuching, the charming and historic capital of the
white Rajahs. Established by Sir James Brooke in 1841, Kuching still has
many grand colonial buildings, a corner of Victorian England set in a lush
and tropical background.
The State capital of Sarawak, one of the states within the Federation of
Malaysia, Kuching,is like no other city in Malaysia, displaying its charm
with an easy grace. The name "kuching" in Malay means cat. There are many
theories as to how the name came about but the most likely explanation is
that the name comes from Mata Kuching (the Cat's Eye Fruit), a close
relative to the lychee fruit that used to grow in abundance along the
riverbank here.
Kuching's city center is still well preserved and compact and most sights
worth seeing can be reached on foot or by water taxi There are ornate
Chinese temples, quaint Malay villages, many fine examples of architecture
dating from the Brooke Era and a number of interesting museums, including
the world famous Sarawak Museum.
Proceed to into the heartland of Borneo into Iban country, The Iban, the largest of the 22 tribal groups in Sarawak, are originally from Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). They began emigrating to present day Sarawak 3 to 4 centuries ago. The Ibans, whose name was synonymous with headhunting in the old days, were highly successful in their military prowess, dominating all the other tribes in Sarawak. Culturally, they are one of the most vibrant ethnic groups. Their superb woven textiles, which are intimately tied to their headhunting rituals, rank in artistry and technique with the finest Persian carpets. The rural communities still practise the ancient form of swidden or "slash and burn" agriculture and are intimately connected with the land.
We shall visit several rural Iban communities and partake of their hospitality between a challenging walk/trek through quite mountainous areas where the orang utan still occur n the wild. Apart from field observations, have an insightful look at how the modern day Iban community interact with the indigenous orang utan population. Learn about how conservation measures could work in these communities to ensure the survival of one of the world's great apes.
Rates (per person):
$1,895 per person - 2 travelers
$1,570 per person - 3 or 4 travelers
$1,490 per person - 5 or 6 travelers
$1,418 per person - 7 or 8 travelers
Not available for Single Travelers. Minimum 2 persons required
Valid till March 31, 2009
Itinerary
- Day 1 Kuching – Nanga Tibu
Pick-up from hotel lobby at 0830hrs and proceed into a journey through rural Sarawak, passing pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantations. Along the way, a few stops will be made. Visit the colourful native market in Serian town where a variety of jungle produce such as edible ferns, bamboo shoots and unusual tropical fruit are on display. Visit a pepper garden and stop by to view wild orchids and several species of pitcher plants. Lunch en route.
Upon arrival at the Batang Ai reservoir, proceed by longboat (1 hr) across the lake then into the Ai River. Very soon you will be shooting up rapids (1 hrs) as the river narrows under overhanging trees. Upon arrival, settle into the Borneo Adventure Tibu lodge. After dinner, join your guide for a short night walk. Wildlife that may be spotted includes the shy civet cat as well as the more common large toads, frogs and other nocturnal animals. Return to the lodge for overnight.
(Overnight Tibu Lodge - Includes: Lunch and Dinner)
- Day 2 Batang Ai National Park - Nanga Tibu
After an early breakfast, walk over to Park Headquarters to pick up your National Park Ranger, then follow the trail to Bebiong Besai that leads deeper into the National Park. Walk through old secondary & mixed dipterocarp forest, crossing a few creeks along the way. After a packed lunch, trek to boat lending point . You will have time to relax in the pristine waters before return to Tibu lodge. Have dinner at the lodge. After dinner spend a quiet evening at the lodge or join your guide for another short night walk. (Overnight Jungle Camp - Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Day 3 Nanga Tibu – Kerangan Maloh
After an early breakfast we will enter briefly into the Batang Ai National Park. Walk through a secondary mixed dipterocarp forest, crossing a few creeks. Today’s climb is less strenuous and if fortunate will encounter Orang Utan, pig tailed macaques, leaf monkeys and hornbills. Additionally, more orang utan nests can be seen along the way. After that, proceed on a hike (about 6–7hrs) to Kerangan Maloh. Upon arrival at Kerangan Maloh, set camp and overnight (Overnight Jungle Camp - Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Day 4 Kerangan Maloh – Keladan Pengirup Ai
Hike to Genting Sesuar after breakfast. Ascend slowly and go through virgin forest to Keladan Pengirup Ai. (Note: Most of the orang utan nests are found within this area) This is one of the traditional “pusaka” forests of the Ibans, a forest where it is taboo to fall any tree. Huge trees (as high as 100m in height) can be seen. Have lunch along the way before set up camp for the night. (Overnight Longhouse - Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Day 5 Keladan Pengirup Ai - Kaki Seligi - Keladan Pengirup Ai /b>
After breakfast, proceed with the journey and a short but strenuous climb up to Kaki Seligi. This is one of the old traditional trails used by local Iban hunters. A short distance from here is cliff with “salt leaking from the walls”. This salt lick is where the orang utans normally congregate. This trail is also quite narrow and slippery and since it is under shade, there is an interesting moss forest. Return to Keladan Pengirup Ai for overnight.(Overnight Longhouse - Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Day 6 Keladan Pengirup Ai – Pantu Mong - Keladan Pengirup Ai
Free at leisure or depart to Pantu Mong. Join your guide and gather some jungle produce like edible ferns and wild sago palms for the evening meal. Wildlife can also be seen in this area. Return to Keladan Pengirup Ai for overnight. (Overnight Jungle Camp - Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Day 7 Keladan Pengirup Ai – Sg. Mawang
Hike to Sg Mawang. The journey down hill to Sg. Mawang a scenic area with many tiny waterfalls. Set camp and overnight.(Overnight Jungle Camp - Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Day 8 Sg. Mawang
After breakfast, explore the surrounding area in search of more wildlife. Overnight at Sg Mawang camp.(Overnight Jungle Camp - Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Day 9 Sg. Mawang – Nanga Sumpa
Following breakfast, hike for 3hrs from Sg. Mawang to Nanga Sumpa Longhouse. The trail will follow the banks of the Sungai Mawang and you may need to walk in the water. Settle in at Borneo Adventure’s jungle lodge. Time to relax, swim, explore the rainforest and have lunch or try fishing Iban-style. Return to the lodge. Dinner is served in the lodge with local delicacies to enhance the meal. After dinner, visit the longhouse. Woven blankets and handicrafts are available for display upon request and may be purchased directly from the longhouse people. Overnight at Borneo Adventure’s Lodge. (Overnight Jungle Camp - Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Day 10 Nanga Sumpa – Kuching
Following breakfast, depart down river by longboat, then overland. Lunch en-route. Proceed to Kuching airport directly or drop-off at Kuching hotel.(Includes: Breakfast and Lunch)
Package Includes
- Airport transfers
- Accommodations as described
- English speaking Guide
- Porter services
- Overland transportation as described
- Meals as listed in itinerary
- Donation to local conservation project
Not Included
- Meals not stated
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Items not mentioned above
- Tips to guides and drivers
- Accommodations in Kuching
- Travel Insurance - Highly Recommended
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