One such operator is Rickshaw Travel, whose carefully constructed new itineraries in Borneo allow you to do just that.

30 years ago, Rickshaw Travel’s local partner in Borneo decided to design a tour that would provide real interaction between tourists and a longhouse community in Sarawak, one of the two Malaysian states in Borneo. Reaching the furthest points of the Delok river, they came across the Nanga Sumpa Longhouse in Batang Ai and met the Iban tribe who settled there in the 15th century.

Because their key objective was to involve the longhouse community in a meaningful way, in order to not disrupt their way of life, it was important to see how receptive the community would be to hosting visitors. Following discussions with the elders of the community, they agreed to build a lodge for travellers adjacent to the longhouse to minimise disruption to the families living there.

The Nanga Sumpa Lodge, Borneo

What began as a simple camp is now the Nanga Sumpa lodge housing up to 18 guests at a time. As well as offering guests a glimpse into the tribe’s lifestyle, visiting the lodge provides a substantial income to the Iban communities in some of the remote areas such as Sumpa, where around 2500 visitors come each year.

In Rickshaw’s new Brilliantly Borneo itinerary, travellers can stay in the longhouse and learn about the Iban ‘headhunting’ culture. Offering a mix of wildlife-spotting, rugged and pristine beaches, adventure and magical sights, this Borneo itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to see everything that Borneo has to offer. Whether its staying with the famous Iban tribe and learning about their traditional way of life, or exploring the Mulu caves in search of bats and keeping eyes peeled for wildlife, there’s a whole host of activities to keep travellers busy. And, with some added beach time at the end, travellers can relax and recuperate on the shimmering shores of Lankayan.

This 24-day trip is priced from £3495 pp including accommodation (price based on two sharing) with breakfast, permits and other meals, transport and excursions as described in the itinerary.

Sarawak Family Adventure

Rickshaw Travel has also put together a new itinerary in Sarawak that is ideal for families who want an off the beaten track adventure together, with real local encounters:

Sarawak with the Family: Frogs, Fireflies and Flowing Waterways
Take the family on a fun-packed and active wildlife adventure around Sarawak. Cycling through the streets of Kuching, families will go searching for frogs in the Kubah National Park before hopping on a jungle boat on the mighty Santubong, a haven for wildlife. No trip to Borneo would be complete without seeing King Louis and his fellow orangutan friends, so next up is Semenggoh where there is a rehabilitation centre for endangered, rescued or orphaned wildlife. Finally, it’s time to take it easy on Damai Beach before heading home.

This nine-day itinerary is priced from £989 per adult / £585 per child (under 12) including accommodation (price based on two sharing) with breakfast, permits and other meals, transport and excursions as described in the itinerary.

Monkeys, Fireflies & Dolphins

Those looking for an adventure-filled trip to Borneo, look no further. Travellers on Rickshaw’s new Rainforests, Rivers & Remote Tribes itinerary will begin the trip by cycling through the streets of Kuching taking all the sights. They will then stay in a lodge in the Batang Ai, home to an emerald green reservoir with winding rivers and hidden waterfalls. Next, travellers will go cruising down the Santubong River where they’ll have the chance to spot monkeys, fireflies and even Irrawaddy dolphins. Travellers will also kayak through the jungle before ending their trip on a paradise beach.

This 13-day itinerary is priced from £1758 pp including accommodation (price based on two sharing) with breakfast, permits and other meals, transport and excursions as described in the itinerary.

To see the full range of trips and itineraries visit www.rickshawtravel.co.uk or call Rickshaw Travel’s team of experts on: 01273 934 823.