The Orangutan Trail will take you through one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems; one that is also refuge to some of the world’s most endangered species, including the orangutan. As a participant on the trek, you may have a rare opportunity to see many of these amazing animals (although we can’t guarantee it) and increase your understanding of this incredible environment. Although you will not have direct contact with orangutans, you will search for them during the trek. You will also be taught basic observational skills and learn how to spot and age orangutan nests. Your Iban guides will also share with you many of their traditional jungle skills. Most importantly you will gain an insight into how modern Iban communities interact with the forest and its wildlife. This, in turn, will help us establish a community based orangutan conservation project, which will ultimately help protect and preserve the orangutan and its fragile rainforest habitat. This is far better than a daily spectacle feeding show.
The start to a great adventure
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.
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 in 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.
What do I get to do?
City tour of Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, deep jungle expedition into Borneo with traditional Iban natives to look out for Orang Utans.
Adventure rating and remarks
4 - This trip is strenuous and tough. You will have to deal with getting wet and muddy, and hike for long hours in dense rainforest. The reward is well worth the effort if you encounter orangutans in the wild (sightings are NOT guaranteed)
Cost
From USD 1366 per person
Itinerary
DAY 1 KUCHING - NANGA JELIA
Pick-up from hotel lobby at 0830 hrs and proceed to Batang Ai reservoir (41/2 hours). Journey through rural Sarawak, passing pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantation. En-route, 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, transfer for 1 hour by longboat to Nanga Jelia, a trekking starting point. Hike about 20 minutes to the jungle lodge. There will be time for relaxing and swimming later in the day. Following dinner, join your guide for a jungle walk. Civet cats can be spotted in these areas. Large toads, frogs and tortoises can also be found in the nearby stream. Overnight at the Borneo Adventure Lodge. (L,D)
DAY 2 NANGA JELIA – PANTU MONG
After morning breakfast, we trek for about 6 hours to Pantu Mong. Lunch en route. Set camp and gathering jungle produce like bamboo shoots or edible ferns for the evening meal. Dinner and overnight in Jungle Camp ridge. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 HIKE TOWARDS KAKI SELIGI – PANTU MONG
After breakfast, we proceed with the journey towards Kaki Seligi. This is one of the traditional /old trails used by local Iban hunters. Our destination is the 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. Overnight camp. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 PANTU MONG - KELADAN PENGIRUP AI
We will hike from Gintung Sesuar to Keladan Pengirup Ai. Lunch along the way. Upon arrival, set camp and gathering jungle produce for the evening meal. Dinner and overnight at Jungle Camp along riverbank. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 PENGIRUP AI - SG. MAWANG
Hiking from Keladan Pengirup Ai to Sg. Mawang. Lunch along the way. Upon arrival, set camp and gathering jungle produce for the evening meal. Dinner and overnight at Jungle Camp along riverbank. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 SG. MAWANG - NANGA SUMPA
Trekking from Sg. Mawang to Nanga Sumpa Longhouse. Trek along Mawang River towards the Delok River. Lunch en route. Settle in at Borneo Adventure’s jungle lodge. After dinner proceed to the longhouse across the river. Overnight at Borneo Adventure Lodge. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 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. (B,L)
END OF TOUR.
What does it include?
- All ground transfers as per itinerary
- Trips as indicated above
- English speaking guide
- Meals as indicated above (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
- Donation to local conservation project.
- What does it exclude?
- Items not mentioned above, and any pre or post accommodation in Kuching.
Best time to visit
This trip is available all year round.
Getting here
Kuching, the capital of Sarawak is accessible from some international cities, There are daily flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. These can be booked via Malaysia Airlines (www.mas.com,my) or AirAsia (www.airasia.com)
This trip is available all year round.