Travel that gives back – Batang Ai & Nanga Sumpa

How tourism in Sarawak supports conservation & communities

When tourism first arrived, it brought new financial opportunities. Instead of leaving to find work elsewhere, people were able to earn money within their own community, doing jobs such as guiding, cooking, hosting visitors, or helping with transport.

That income has made a real difference. Families stay together, communities remain strong, and women have more opportunities to work locally. Money earned in the village tends to stay there, supporting education, healthcare, and small businesses, while reducing reliance on a single source of income like rice farming.

It has also had a positive knock-on effect on the rainforest and its wildlife. Visitors come to see orangutans in the wild, walk through untouched forest, and experience life along the river. Protecting these things now makes economic sense.

Even small changes played a role. Guides began receiving tips when guests spotted wild orangutans. It wasn’t about the amount; it was the connection. Wildlife had value, and that value encouraged local communities to protect it.

A real example: protecting orangutans in Ulu Ai

So, surveys were carried out, counting orangutan nests across the area. The results showed that this forest was home to up to 200 orangutans, which is more than 10% of the entire population in Sarawak. These finding changed everything!

With clear data in place, the logging licences were revoked, and the area was designated for conservation. Tourism played a role here too. Local communities were already earning an income from wildlife-based tourism, showing there was long-term value in protecting the forest.

Today, sightings of wild orangutans in the area have increased, and the forest remains standing.

The Ulu Ai Conservancy

Our local partner in Borneo was a key player in making this happen. To support the project, they ensure that a portion of each trip we book to the area contributes directly to the conservancy. That funding goes towards projects that support both the rainforest and the people who depend on it.

Projects supported by the conservancy include training farmers to grow crops like pepper, which provide a reliable source of income without putting pressure on the forest. There are also skills-based courses, such as mechanical and appliance repair, helping communities maintain essential equipment without needing to travel long distances.

First aid and safety training ensures that each village has people equipped to respond in emergencies. Other initiatives focus on nutrition, healthcare, and small-scale enterprise, giving families more options and resilience.

Ongoing challenges

It’s not all straightforward. As wildlife populations recover, there can be challenges. Orangutans and other animals sometimes move closer to villages in search of food, which can lead to crop damage.

Rather than ignoring this, efforts are being made to address it. Community-led solutions, conservation bonuses, and new approaches to crop protection are all part of the process. It’s about finding a balance that works for both people and wildlife.

Why your trip matters

When you travel to Borneo with Rickshaw Travel, you’re part of this story. Your visit helps create jobs, supports local communities, and contributes to conservation efforts on the ground.

While you’re there, you’ll also get a closer look at the forest itself. Think early morning walks along quiet trails, the sound of rivers running through dense greenery, and the chance, if you’re lucky, to spot an orangutan moving through the canopy. Along the way, you’ll also meet local communities and gain an insight into daily life in and around the forest, where people live closely connected to their surroundings.