2 DAYS 1 NIGHT
It is well known in Mukah, and other places in the vicinity, that the women close their doors and will not receive their husbands unless they procure fish.
Rajah Charles Brooke: Ten Years in Sarawak
Central Sarawak is the location of Malaysia's longest river, the mighty Rajang. This tour goes off the beaten track, using both land and water transport to explore the lower Rajang and other inland waterways, visiting the riverine town of Sibu and ending in Mukah, the heartland of the Melanau people.
DAY 1
Sibu - Kut Canal - Dalat - Kampung Tellian (Mukah): Pick up at your Sibu hotel after breakfast. Take a stroll along Malaysia's longest and widest river at the Rajang Esplanade, visiting the Tua Pek Kong Temple and its stunning Seven-Storey Pagoda, then visit the biggest central market in Malaysia, with over 1,200 stalls selling a huge variety of produce and commodities, some found only in Sibu. We then proceed to Dalat via speedboat (2 hours approximately), cruising through the mighty Rajang and Igan Rivers, passing by Malay villages, shipyards, timber and sago processing factories, Iban longhouses, and Melanau villages. We turn into the Sungai Kut, an ancient hand-dug canal connecting two major river systems, and stop in a traditional Melanau village to stretch our legs and enjoy the atmosphere of this serene and peaceful place.
We continue along the Sungai Kut for 15 minutes, fringed by rainforest and mangroves, to arrive at the small fishing port of Dalat. At Dalat, we visit the Church by the River with its remarkable altar piece, made from a traditional burial pole, or jerunei, and view another impressive burial pole at the Jerunei Garden. After a short drive to Kampung Tellian, a water village near the town of Mukah, we arrive at Lamin Dana. An authentic replica of a traditional Melanau Tall House, Lamin Dana is both a Melanau cultural centre and a comfortable homestay. Take a brief walk around the water village and watch the traditional boat builders at work. Enjoy an exotic Melanau dinner while watching fireflies among the trees. Overnight in Lamin Dana.
Lunch and dinner are provided.
DAY 2
The Melanau Way of Life - Mukah - Departure: After breakfast, take a boat ride along the Tellian and Misan Rivers to visit the local sago processing centre, which continues to produce sago pearls by hand the traditional way. We then cruise along the Mukah River to Mukah Market, where we can try local delicacies such as Siet (sago worms), Umai (a fresh raw fish salad), and Tebaloi (delicious sago crackers). Return to Lamin Dana for a traditional Melanau lunch before proceeding to Mukah Airport for the flight to Kuching (1:15pm) or Miri (2.20pm).
Note: Guests may also return to Sibu by road or boat for a modest surcharge - please notify us in advance.
Breakfast and lunch are provided.
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