Our Iban guides with the parangs on their waist ready to setup camp
This was my first experience seeing the Ibans bush skills in the jungle. We have walked a good 3 hours to our campsite, along one of the local Iban’s usual hunting grounds. With our packs down on the ground, our guides started to scan the area for a good spot to build shelter and kitchen areas. The chief guide then gathered the rest of the guides…murmurs a few words and they all disappears.
Continue reading Jungle skills with the Ibans of Batang Ai, Borneo
We stopped a couple of times along the way, the beauty of the jungle is mesmerizing
Walking in the jungle with the Ibans of Batang Ai Sarawak is a first for me and many of my friends on this trip. We were walking along a river, most of the time in the river towards a campsite. Set up camp and on the second day continue with our minimum pack towards a waterfall deep inside the traditional hunting grounds of the Ibans.
Continue reading The jungle walk with the Ibans of Batang Ai, Sarawak.
Iban guide Sabang preparing his hunting pack
My aim going jungle camping with the Ibans from the Longhouses of Batang Ai was to experience and learn their jungle/ bushcraft skills. Though most Ibans have adapted to modern style of living, some basic knowledge still exists. The Ibans from the Longhouses in Batang Ai certainly still live off the land and this was a good opportunity for me.
Continue reading Going camping with the Ibans of Batang Ai, Sarawak- Part III
My second trip to the longhouses of Batang Ai, this time to experience its jungle
I was introduced to a local Bidayuh guide Danney Tan from Kuching somewhat early this year. A few months later, we hatched the idea of going camping with the Ibans from the longhouses of Batang Ai. Yes, I have visited the longhouses of Batang Ai before but I knew I had to go back there to see myself the bushcraft traditions of this famous tribe of Borneo.
Continue reading A jungle camping trip with the Ibans of Batang Ai, Sarawak- Part I
It’s a win-win relationship between villagers and bees in Semban
The villagers of Semban, Sarawak make their own artificial bee hive/ nest from natural materials found in the jungles around them. Placed under their wooden houses and huts, the bees in return provide their ‘landlords’ with honey and hard work pollinating the flowering plants in the farm.
Continue reading ‘Bleh-teh’, man made bee hive/ nest in the village of Semban, Sarawak
Part of the trail leading up to Semban village- Pic by Meun
The walk up to Semban village, while painfully slow and tiring for me personally is nevertheless one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences. The trail is a mixture of good jungle, adventure and man’s ability to co-exist with the world around him.
Continue reading The walk up to Semban; village above the clouds. Part III
Imperiall Mall in Miri
It was my first time in Miri, Sarawak and I am in transit to join a group on a jungle expedition into the Upper Baram region, right smack in the heart of Borneo. I expected the trip to be super challenging, therefore arriving early for plenty of rest (and food) is in order.
Continue reading My first time in Miri town; A trip to Sarawak’s jungle Pt. I
