The word "Batang" in Iban means main river and "Ai" means water hence "Batang Ai" means Water River. Batang Ai is a river source on the West Kalimantan side of the border. The state constituency of Batang Ai ia one of the constituencies under Lubok Antu. The other state constituency under Lubok Antu is Engkilili. Lubok Antu is a district in Sri Aman Division.
The name ENGKILILI is a type of tree found abundance in Pekan Engkilili. This tree grow low and bear purple fruits in stalk. Pekan Engkilili were believed to adopt it's name from this tree.
How Lubok Antu Got Her Name.
The History of District Lubok Antu is unique. Based on the folklore tales from the local residence, that:-
Once a upon a time there were two brothers name Chiri dan Jampi. One day, they went to Ngamboh parang (Nempek parang). While on the way back from ngamboh, they stumble upon Bunga Nuing (an Angel - Orang Panggau atau Kayangan).
Bunga Nuing challenge both of them to a duel on the sharpness of their dagger (parang). In that duel Bunga Nuing slash (mansap/menetak) a rock at bank of the pond (Lubok). Ever since that faithful event, the whole district had been known as Lubok Antu because Bunga Nuing who slashed that rock were no ordinary human and the locals believes at that time that pond was haunted.
The Rock That Bunga Nuing Slashed Which Exist Till This Day.
How to go to Batang Ai?
The journey to Batang Ai from Kuching is long and diffficult (about 250km), especially for independent travellers. Express buses leave for Sri Aman at 0800 and 1300 (RM15, one way). Buses to Batang Ai via Lubok Antu cost an additional few Ringgit and the journey take about 4 hours.
For those self drive, go to Kuching-Serian highway (pass by 10th mile bazaar) to Serian.
Once you are at Serian roundabout, turn left(9 o'clock turn) - bypass Serian town, and you will reach a small roundabout. Turn left (9 o'clock turn) and you are on your way to Sri Aman (bypassing Sungai Tenggang, Lachau).
Once you reach the junction to Sri Aman, turn right and you will pass by Engkilili junction. Continue and you will reach Lubok Antu junction. Turn in till you see the sign Batang Ai. Thats the only road leading to Lubok Antu.
Pekan Engkilili is about 56 Km from Pekan Lubok Antu, 37 Km from Bandar Sri Aman and 210 Km from Kuching city.
Map: Kuching - Engkilili - Lubok Antu
Map: Kuching - Engkilili
Map: Engkilili - Lubok Antu
Accommodation.
Shin was told that accommodation in Pekan Lubok Antu of about eleven rooms had been all taken up by PR. BN left with no accommodation, thus they had made arrangement to stay in government quarters.
The nearest pekan to Lubok Antu is Pekan Engkilili (56km). One can stay in Pekan Engkilili Rumah Rehat (Rest House) which is the only available accommodation in Pekan Engkilili. This Rumah Rehat manage by Pejabat Daerah Kecil Engkilili consist of 3 bedroom (1 VIP Room and 2 normal room), guest lounge, dining area dan kitchen. Booking can be made at Pejabat Daerah Kecil Engkilili.
Engkilili Rest House.
The next nearest pekan is Betong (probably around 45 min drive). Shin was told that there is accomodation but not sure how many rooms are available.
The nearest town is Bandar Sri Aman (abt 93km) from Lubok Antu. There are plenty of hotels here. Shin had enquire that there is internet access facilities and room rate for single bed ranges from RM35.00 to RM55.00 / night. Shin is a Lone Ranger coz Tanto were up in Bukit Gantang/Bukit Selembau and will be staying in Sri Aman.
Map: Bandar Sri Aman
Map: Sri Aman - Engkilili
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