Borneo Exploration Tours & Travel

bett55@hotmail.com
76, Wayang Street, 93000 Kuching,Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: (6) 082 252137 Fax: (6) 082 456186 / 252526
Secondary E-mail: bett56@hotmail.com
ICQ URL: http://www.members.icq.com/32218180

Batang    Ai    National    Park

Spread over 24,040 hectares, this beautiful national park is home to one of the world's most endangered species, the Orang Utan. Besides being home to many other protected wildlife like the hornbills and baboons, it is also the water catchment area to Sarawak's only artificial lake. This huge lake stretches up the Engkari and Ai valleys. The dam is part of the Batang Ai Hydro-electric complex.

Beyond the artificial lake, more than an hour's boat ride upriver from the dam, visitors can see beautiful lowlands with mixed dipterocarp forest and drooping trees overhanging the rivers. River transport is the main mode of communication here. The rivers are fast flowing, clear and very refreshing. During dry periods, the water level gets quite low and visitors may have to help push their boats upstream - an enjoyable experience.

Another major attraction upriver is the Iban longhouses. Visitors can get to experience the authentic longhouse atmosphere as most of the longhouse dwellers still practice traditional lifestyle. The Ibans also produce local handicrafts like their ceremonial blanket "Pua Kumbu", rattan backpack 'selabit", rattan mats and even gourd for collecting water.

At the moment, the National Park does not have any visitor facilities yet. Visitors will have to put up at nearby longhouses. For visitors seeking luxurious accommodation, Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort is nearby. Trails are now available in the park. There are 4 trails to choose from and they pass through mixed dipterocarp forest, old secondary forest, active shifting cultivation and ancient burial ground.

The Park is located about 250 km from Kuching City. The uniqueness of this Park lies in the fact that it has the local communities involved in its management. The communities have formed a cooperative called "Kooperasi Serbaguna Ulu Batang Ai' and is helping the Forest Department to conserve the park. All boats used by our company are catered by the cooperative and all the funds contributed are kept within the community for continued development purposes.

INCLUDES

· Transfer and tour as per itinerary · Accommodation for overnight-trippers on share basis · Meal/s · Tour Guide · Air conditioned vehicle and boat ride · Entrance fees & Permit

EXCLUDES

· Camera & Video fees · Items not mentioned


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