Nanga Sumpa Lodge

A visit to a longhouse is often the highlight of a trip to Sarawak, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the various tribes who have for generations lived in the remote interior of Borneo. While there are many areas in Sarawak where longhouses can be visited, Ulu Ai is one of the best.

What makes Ulu Ai so special is the natural environment and stunning scenery. Clean rivers and jungle streams, refreshing waterfalls and undisturbed tracts of rainforest allow you to combine a range of outdoor activities with a longhouse visit.

In 1986 Borneo Adventure approached the Iban community at Nanga Sumpa and asked them if they would like to cooperate with us in bringing visitors to their village. The longhouse was receptive to the idea but requested that we build a lodge nearby rather than have visitors stay in the longhouse itself.

Under the guidance of the village headman, a tourism committee was formed within the longhouse to ensure fair play and that there was an even distribution of work within the community. Today, Ulu Ai is recognised as one of the region’s best examples of village-based tourism and our operations and partnership with the community at Nanga Sumpa have won a number of awards.

Borneo Adventure’s tours and activities at Ulu Ai are centred on our Nanga Sumpa Lodge. The lodge serves as a base for a range of nature-based activities and excursions and offers visitors the chance of learning about the culture and lifestyle of the Iban community who live in the adjacent longhouse.

Located approximately a 1½ hour longboat ride from the Batang Ai Lake, Nanga Sumpa Lodge provides clean lodging with western-style toilets, mosquito netting, mattresses and clean bedding. Meals are prepared in the lodge and feature fresh jungle vegetables and other local delicacies.

Nanga Sumpa is a jungle lodge located in a relatively remote area of Borneo. The facilities reflect the remote location and are somewhat basic. Many of our guests don’t mind this as the beauty of the area and the Iban people are the real attractions. However, we appreciate that the accommodation may not be as luxurious as some travellers require. If you are looking for a bit more luxury the Batang Ai Longhouse Resort by Hilton offers hotel standard facilities and air-conditioned rooms.

Activities during your stay at the Nanga Sumpa include travelling further upriver by longboat to have a swim at a waterfall; visiting the longhouse and surrounding farms; participating in the daily activities of the Iban people; and jungle trekking on trails that take you along streams and through farmlands to primary rainforest. Orangutan live in the Ulu Ai area and sometimes it is possible to see the “man of the forest” in its natural environment.

For tailor-made programmes, tours and activities centred on Nanga Sumpa Lodge please contact info@borneoadventure.com.

The following tour programmes include a stay and activities at Nanga Sumpa.