Stopping Locations - From Sibu on the Rajan and Igan rivers
Itinerary:
Day 1: Sibu (Rajang River)
Transfer from the airport to the ship. Take a guided walk through Sibu and its attractive streets lines with old Chinese shops and houses, reminiscent of Malacca or Penang and still relatively untouched by tourism. Sibu is a big port with sea going ships coming and going and from where the fast express boats depart for the interior.
Day 2: Dalat (Igan River)
Cast off down the Igan river to the Islamic Melanau village of Sangai. After a village walk and refreshments, we will continue on small boats through the Kut Canal, which was built in 1790 to connect the Igan with the Oya river. Walk through Dalat with its Chinese temple, “Nunok” tree and its “Kelidieng’, a traditional sacrificial burial pole. Return to the ship and cast off. In the afternoon, visit Kampung Bungan Kecil, a traditional Melanay village and one of the very few places left where sago production is still essential to the villagers’ everyday lives.
Day 3: Kanowit (Rajang River)
This morning, travel by long boat up the narrow Kanowit river, passing by longhouse villages and fish traps and an areas which is excellent for watching bird life. Stop at a rubber plantation and a walk to the nearby village where the community manufactures the rubber. Return to the ship for lunch. Afternoon walk through Kanowit with a visit of Fort Emma and the handicraft centre.
Day 4: Kapit (Rajang River)
Morning walk through Kapit, the last major administrative post on the Rajang River dating from the days of the White Rajahs. Visit the Teresang Market, full of intriguing fresh jungle products and a fascinating mixture of people. It also offers a variety of local ‘kuih’ (cakes)! The Chinese temple and Fort Silvia, originally called Kapit Ford, was built in 1880 by Rajah Charles Brooke to prevent the Iban from moving upriver and fighting with the Orang Ulu. In 1924 a peacekeeping ceremony between the infighting tribes (Iban, Kayan, Kenyah and Kajang) was held here. We will continue to visit the handicraft museum and tattoo studio.
In the afternoon, visit a traditional Longhouse. We will experience the traditional “miring” (goodwill) ceremony, taste the ‘tuak” (local rice wine) and will be able to witness the ‘ngajat’ (Iban warrior dance) and perhaps take part in it.
Day 5: Pelagus (Rajang River)
Spend a full day at Pelagus resort, built in the longhouse style, overlooking the famous Pelagus rapids. There will be the opportunity to trek in and around the Pelagus resort in this primary rain forest rich in fauna and flora, otherwise inaccessible to the casual visitors. Enjoy lunch at the resort and continue to enjoy the facilities and surrounding area during the afternoon.
Day 6: Song (Rajang River)
Stop at the river station Song. We will make a boat trip up the Katibas river to the Nanga Kebian to taste the palm wine " Ijok", which is unique to the Song area. There is the option to continue with small boats upriver or return to ship. Then cruise downstream into the heart of the Rajang delta.
Day 7: Sarikai (Rajang River)
Walk through the bustling village with our ships’ Executive Chef. Explore the vegetable and fish market, watch the Chinese settlers producing fresh noodles and possibly buy the famous pak cheng (herbal soup). In the afternoon, visit a pepper plantation where the famous Sarawak pepper is grown. Continue to a newly built longhouse which is famous for its rattan production, even exporting it as far as the Americas. If time allows, we will visit the Sebangkoi deer farm.
Day 8: Thanjung Manis (Rajang Delta)
Stop at the ‘pineapple island’. After a 30-minute walk through vegetables plantations, we will have the opportunity to taste the famous Sarikai pineapple, fresh from the field. Return to the ship and continue to Thanjung Manis.
Our ship will dock alongside the fisher wharf of the Rajang village, at the mouth of the Rajang River. A small Melanau village which keeps its traditional cottage industry alive. We will see how the community transforms freshly caught fish into delicious, crispy fish crackers. Learn and taste the art of baking Melanau cookies and visit the famous Songkat Weaving workshop. This is one of the very few weaving factories left where fine cloths are made by hand. It counts the royal family and Sultan of Brunei amongst its customers.
