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You get to Batang Ai via 'longtail' boats, and once there you will witness the distinctive lifestyle and experience the ancient culture of the local Iban people. With emerald green water surrounded by dense jungle, the Batang Ai reservoir is a truly stunning and unique sight.
The tips of treetops still emerge from the surface of the lake, a visual reminder of the valley that was flooded in the 1980s to create the reservoir.
Boat trips
Longtail boat trips upstream from the reservoir are a particular highlight and it is not unusual to come across a bend in the river partially blocked by boulders, forcing your Iban boatman to skillfully maneuver you around these obstacles before continuing upstream.
Local culture in Batang Ai
Once you reach the remote villages of this near-impenetrable jungle there is the chance to have lunch with local Iban families, visiting their longhouses, witnessing their distinctive lifestyle and experiencing their ancient culture.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Batang Ai by calling one of our Borneo specialists at 1-855-838-2120
Suggested itineraries featuring Batang Ai
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Batang Ai, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Jungles & beaches of Malaysia and Borneo
Grand tour of Borneo
Map of Batang Ai
Places & hotels on the map
Places near Batang Ai
- Kuching 69 kilometers away
- Bako National Park 76 kilometers away
- Santubong 90 kilometers away
- Tanjung Datu National Park 164 kilometers away
- Sibu 181 kilometers away
Photos of Batang Ai
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![Iban Headhunter with traditional blowpipe, Batang Ai, Malaysian Borneo]()
Iban Headhunter with traditional blowpipe, Batang Ai, Malaysian Borneo -
![Iban elder, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo]()
Iban elder, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo -
![Iban tribesman with blow pipe, Batang Ai, Sarawak]()
Iban tribesman with blow pipe, Batang Ai, Sarawak -
![Iban tribesman with blowpipe, Batang Ai, Sarawak]()
Iban tribesman with blowpipe, Batang Ai, Sarawak -
![View across Batang Ai Reservoir from the Batang Ai Longhouse Hiton Resort]()
View across Batang Ai Reservoir from the Batang Ai Longhouse Hiton Resort -
![Sunset at Batang Ai, Malaysian Borneo]()
Sunset at Batang Ai, Malaysian Borneo -
![Sunset at Batang Ai, Malaysian Borneo]()
Sunset at Batang Ai, Malaysian Borneo -
![Rhinoceros Hornbill, Malaysian Borneo]()
Rhinoceros Hornbill, Malaysian Borneo
Accommodation choices for Batang Ai
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Batang Ai. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
Lemanak Longhouse
This longhouse has not been set up for tourists. It is the permanent home of the Iban tribe and therefore you will probably sleep on the floor in the communal living area with a simple mattress and mosquito net as your only comforts.
Batang Ai Longhouse Resort
The Batang Ai Longhouse Resort offers a rare opportunity to relax in natural surroundings. Facilities are limited but given the location what is on offer is of a good standard.
Ideas for experiencing Batang Ai
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Batang Ai, and which use the best local guides.
Iban Headhunters & Borneo Jungle
The day is spent exploring the area by longboat and visiting the traditional longhouses of the Iban people. The Iban were notorious head hunters until the middle of this century, slaughtering their enemies and then preserving their heads to bring good fortune.