SKRANG RIVER SAFARI
Skrang River is one of the must-visit destinations in Sarawak to experience the authentic Iban lifestyle and culture in a longhouse. Skrang is an exciting destination which is famous for once housing the notorious pirates and head-hunters.
The early Iban settlers who migrated from Kalimantan set up home in the river valleys of Skrang River, and along other rivers, such as Batang Ai, Saribas and Rajang. During the Brooke White Rajahs era in the 1800s, there was a great uproar in among the community at Skrang River, when James Brooke took action to eliminate the Ibans at Skrang because he thought the they were pirates. Rentap, the leader of the Iban community at Skrang then, rebelled against Brooke by attacking his fort at Skrang River called Nanga Skrang. Eventually, though Rentap was defeated, he never once gave in to surrender. Thus, he went down in history as a national hero and freedom fighter.
The Ibans celebrate Gawai Dayak on June 1, to mark the end of the harvest season and to usher in another year of bountiful goodness. It is a feast with colourful rituals, traditional music, food and games. One of the best places to experience this festival is at the Iban longhouse by the Skrang River.
There is also a longhouse safari available, which begins with a 4-wheel drive to the banks of the Skrang River. From there, the safari continues by motorised longboat down the shallow Skrang River, occasionally "shooting the rapids". A thrilling journey along this scenic river brings you to a series of wooden Iban longhouses.
Visitors may also choose to extend their trip by spending the night at a longhouse to experience the traditions and customs of the Dayak Ibans. The highlight of the Skrang River Safari is an evening of entertainment by the longhouse residents, featuring traditional dances and music. Tuak, a specially brewed rice wine, will be served during the evening's entertainment.
The surrounding jungle is also available for exciting trekking and exploration.
The journey to Skrang is about 232km from Kuching. It takes about 5 hours by road, followed by a 90-minute longboat journey along the Skrang river.
The early Iban settlers who migrated from Kalimantan set up home in the river valleys of Skrang River, and along other rivers, such as Batang Ai, Saribas and Rajang. During the Brooke White Rajahs era in the 1800s, there was a great uproar in among the community at Skrang River, when James Brooke took action to eliminate the Ibans at Skrang because he thought the they were pirates. Rentap, the leader of the Iban community at Skrang then, rebelled against Brooke by attacking his fort at Skrang River called Nanga Skrang. Eventually, though Rentap was defeated, he never once gave in to surrender. Thus, he went down in history as a national hero and freedom fighter.
The Ibans celebrate Gawai Dayak on June 1, to mark the end of the harvest season and to usher in another year of bountiful goodness. It is a feast with colourful rituals, traditional music, food and games. One of the best places to experience this festival is at the Iban longhouse by the Skrang River.
There is also a longhouse safari available, which begins with a 4-wheel drive to the banks of the Skrang River. From there, the safari continues by motorised longboat down the shallow Skrang River, occasionally "shooting the rapids". A thrilling journey along this scenic river brings you to a series of wooden Iban longhouses.
Visitors may also choose to extend their trip by spending the night at a longhouse to experience the traditions and customs of the Dayak Ibans. The highlight of the Skrang River Safari is an evening of entertainment by the longhouse residents, featuring traditional dances and music. Tuak, a specially brewed rice wine, will be served during the evening's entertainment.
The surrounding jungle is also available for exciting trekking and exploration.
The journey to Skrang is about 232km from Kuching. It takes about 5 hours by road, followed by a 90-minute longboat journey along the Skrang river.
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