The Batang Rejang is the most important river in Malaysia’s Sarawak Province and it welcomes tourists with rapids and Iban longhouses. A high-octane journey down the river followed by a night in an Iban village is a must-do for visitors.
Sibu is the main town with access to the river. Sibu sits at the river delta, and express speedboats ply upriver to the interior. The tourist information center at Sibu can give you all the information you need to organize your own Rejang river adventure.
While the local highlight is the river itself, longhouse tours are also popular. These are possible from Belaga, a small upriver settlement. Tours lead visitors to old and new villages and offer insight into how the Ibun have integrated into the 21st century. Traditional dance, farming practices and costumes are all presented.
From Belaga, the unofficial gateway to longhouse territory, there are plenty of activities available like trekking and four-wheeling. Sibu is situated where the river meets the sea and this is Sarawak’s second-largest city. The best entertainment, dining and lodging options are found here.
Kanowit lies at the confluence of the Rejang and Kanowit rivers and boasts an interesting 19th century fort built from wood and bamboo.
Getting There & Away
Sibu is the region’s transportation hub and operates its own airport. Direct flights are offered to Kuala Lumpur and take 2 hours. From here, passengers can fly direct to destinations across Southeast Asia and beyond. Flights also link to the well-connected airport at Kuching in just a few minutes.