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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 skilfully manoeuvre 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 contacting one of our Borneo specialists
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01993 838 92501993 838 120
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Suggested itinerary featuring Batang Ai
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Batang Ai, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Batang Ai
- Sibu 75 miles away
- Bako National Park 108 miles away
- Kuching 114 miles away
- Santubong 119 miles away
- Tanjung Datu National Park 170 miles away
- Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park 257 miles away
- Mulu National Park 285 miles 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 -
![Sunset at Batang Ai, Malaysian Borneo]()
Sunset at Batang Ai, Malaysian Borneo -
![Sunset at Batang Ai, Malaysian Borneo]()
Sunset at Batang Ai, Malaysian Borneo -
![Fisherman and his dogs, Batang Ai, Malaysian Borneo]()
Fisherman and his dogs, Batang Ai, Malaysian Borneo -
![View across Batang Ai Reservoir from the Batang Ai Longhouse Hilton Resort]()
View across Batang Ai Reservoir from the Batang Ai Longhouse Hilton Resort
Our expert guides to exploring Batang Ai
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Batang Ai, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Batang Ai at its best.
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Honeymoons in Borneo ![Lankayan Island, Malaysian Borneo]()
Honeymoons in Borneo
Honeymoons in Borneo
Plan your perfect honeymoon to Borneo with Audley. Discover some of the best properties, places and wildlife on offer and how we can make your honeymoon in Borneo extra special.
Read this guide -
The top 7 experiences in Borneo ![Food stall, Kuching]()
The top 7 experiences in Borneo
The top 7 experiences in Borneo
In this bitesize guide, Borneo specialist Sophie has picked out her top seven experiences on the island. Yes, she’s included orangutan spotting, but there’s a lot more to this jungle-covered island.
Read this guide
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.
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![Iban Longhouse, Lemanak River, Sarawak]()
Lemanak Longhouse
Batang Ai
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.
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Iban Headhunters & Borneo Jungle ![Iban tribesman with blow pipe, Batang Ai, Sarawak]()
Iban Headhunters & Borneo Jungle
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 headhunters until the middle of this century, slaughtering their enemies and then preserving their heads to bring good fortune.
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