Ethnic Bidayuh Cooking Class (Incl. Semenggoh)

This morning at 07.30 (Sept-June) or 7.45 (July-Aug), meet with the guide at the hotel lobby and depart for the 45-minute transfer to Semenggoh Orangutan Wildlife Centre. Established in 1975 and just outside Kuching, Semenggoh Nature Reserve is home to many Orangutans. For over 20 years, the wardens here trained young Orangutans, who had been orphaned or rescued from captivity, how to survive in the wild.

At 09:00, arrive at Semenggoh for the first feeding of the day. Take a short 15-minute walk through the rainforest to the feeding platform where the rangers will put fruits out for the semi wild Orangutans who spend most of their time roaming the forest but frequently come back to the centre for a free meal.

At 10:00 leave for a scenic drive passing through rice fields, rubber, cocoa and pepper plantations, luxuriant tropical forests, rivers and mountain ranges to reach a Bidayuh village nestled in the valley.

Cook an authentic lunch with your hosts: food is grown locally in the family farm and collected from the jungle.

Along the way you will be introduced to the local flora and wild herbs/vegetables and their various uses. This is the chance to carry out jungle shopping: collecting edible fruits, shoots and leaves to be cooked and consumed at the farmhouse. There are also varieties of crops planted for local consumption or sold for daily sustenance.

At the farmhouse, you are invited to participate in bamboo cooking. All the dishes are prepared and cooked in the specially cuted bamboo utensils. Even the herbal tea is sourced locally from the jungle, cooked in bamboo and served in bamboo cups... Those delicacies cannot be found in any restaurant!

After lunch, it is time to relax in the farm house. You can also decide to take a refreshing dip in the cool mountain stream and see the local fish species or participate in the farm work.

Late afternoon, trek back to the village and leave back to your hotel.

Distances and journey time:

Kuching Hotel to Semenggoh (20km): approx. 45 min

Semenggoh to Bidayuh Village (43km): approx. 1.15hrs

Bidayuh Village to Kuching Hotel (63km): approx. 1.30hrs

The fitness level required for jungle or nature treks in Malaysia can vary depending on the specific trek and the difficulty level of the terrain. While some jungle treks may be relatively easy and suitable for beginners, others may require a moderate to high level of fitness and endurance. The duration of the trekking may be affected by the individual fitness levels of each participant, as those with higher fitness levels may navigate the trails more efficiently, while those with lower fitness levels may require additional time to complete the same trek. Jungle treks in Malaysia typically involve navigating through dense vegetation, uneven terrain, and often steep or slippery trails. The hot and humid tropical climate can also add to the physical demands of the trek. Trekking in Malaysia's rainforests may require walking for several hours each day, sometimes uphill or downhill, and crossing rivers or streams. It is recommended to assess your fitness level, discuss with your guide and choose jungle treks that are suitable for your physical abilities. It's important to be adequately prepared for jungle treks by wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, carrying sufficient water, and using insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

Notes:

- Wildlife spotting is not guaranteed (even in Semenggoh Orangutan Centre)
- Recommended kit: sunblock, mosquito repellent, hat, raincoat, trekking shoes, long pants & sleeves, waterproof bag.
- 13 pax maximum for pick up/drop off (2 vehicles: 9 & 4 seaters)
- Guide rates subject to increase during public holidays https://publicholidays.com.my/. Ask to your travel consultant