Day 1 – From Kuching to Batang Ai
It’s an early start today. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Kuching and driven inland towards the Batang Ai region. The drive takes you through rural Sarawak, with a stop at Lachau Bazaar where you can stretch your legs, browse small local stalls and grab an early lunch in a simple coffee shop.
By early afternoon, you’ll reach Batang Ai Lake. From here, you swap roads for water, boarding a longboat and travelling upriver into the rainforest. The journey itself is part of the experience, passing dense jungle and remote riverbanks before arriving at Nanga Sumpa. Your accommodation for the next two nights is a simple jungle lodge by the river.
After settling into your lodge, you’ll visit the nearby Iban longhouse. Spend the evening on the ruai (the shared verandah), chatting with the community and getting a glimpse into daily life in the forest. You might try a glass of local rice wine while stories are shared.
Meaningful Travel
Travelling here isn’t just about what you see, but how you experience it. In Batang Ai, tourism is closely linked to the local Iban communities, who host visitors and share their way of life on their own terms. Your stay directly supports local livelihoods—from guiding and cooking to river transport—while helping to protect the surrounding rainforest.
Part of this is through the Ulu Ai Conservancy, a non-profit focused on conservation and community development in the region. A portion of each trip contributes to projects that make a real difference on the ground, from supporting farmers to grow sustainable crops like pepper, to practical skills training and healthcare initiatives. It’s a simple idea: by travelling here, you’re helping to strengthen communities while keeping the forest intact.
For more information about Nanga Sumpa and the Ulu Ai Conservancy, read our blog post.
Day 2 – Jungle trekking & waterfalls
After breakfast, set off on foot along jungle trails that follow the river. Later, you’ll continue by longboat deeper into the rainforest, heading towards the Enseluai waterfall. Here, you’ll have time to swim, relax and take in the surroundings. Your hosts prepare a simple BBQ lunch by the water, which you’ll enjoy together.
Back at the lodge in the afternoon, there’s time to unwind before returning to the longhouse in the evening. It’s another chance to connect with the Iban community: spend time learning more about their traditions and daily routines.
Day 3 – Departure from Batang Ai
After an early morning breakfast it’s back to the jetty, where you’ll say goodbye to your lodge and the jungle and make your way back to Kuching with your guide. You’ll stop enroute for lunch, and arrive back to Kuching late afternoon.
Accommodation
