After years of being known as the Hilton Batang Ai Resort, new management will be taking over this unique longhouse resort and re-branding it as Aiman Batang Ai Resort in Sarawak.
In a recent briefing held in Kuala Lumpur on the 17 December 2015, a local Malaysian company called Aiman Agro Park had purchased the property from Tradewinds Hotels and Resorts in December for an undisclosed sum.
The managing of the property will also be done through its subsidiary, Planet Borneo Lodge Management from 1 January 2016.
Aiman Batang Ai Resortv Review
This unique resort property is located 250 kilometres east from Kuching city and is the only resort in the Batang Ai National Park here in Sarawak.
The national park covers an area of 24 square kilometres of extensive tropical rainforest with several rare and protected animals surrounding the massive artificial lake created by the Batang Ai hydroelectric reservoir.
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| Swimming pool at the Aiman Batang Ai Resort, Sarawak |
Aiman Batang Ai Resort Facilities
• 100 Longhouse-style rooms with native Borneo design and modern amenities
• Outdoor 25 meter swimming pool, spa and tennis court
• Three meeting rooms for up to 220 people
• Nanga Mepi, an ethnic Sarawak restaurant offering succulent jungle barbecues
The Aiman Batang Ai Resort staff will be kept back, along with 14 new additions, many of which are senior positions including a new general manager and an F&B manager.
Industry rumours were stating that the property which is 20 years old, would be closed after the Hilton made their exit at the end of 2015 too.
A recent check on TripAdvisor saw the latest review on the current place which stated:
“Nice, but needs fixing up”
The location is wonderful, as are the views, but the hotel is in desperate need of an upgrade. Everything is old and on some places even rot. That being said, the rooms (that are open) are nice, the food is good and the staff very friendly and helpful.
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| The main lobby of the Aiman Batang Ai Resort |
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| The function room at the resort |
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| One of the rooms at the Aiman Batang Ai Resort |
Gracie Geikie, director of operations at Aiman Batang Ai Resort, said current contract rates will be honoured and maintained until March 31, 2017, as there have been many international packages sold before the new management taking over.
As for immediate plans, the new management will give it an extensive refurbishment with minimal disturbance to guests and there will be no major construction or demolition works done during this period.
The Aiman Batang Ai Resort is one of the most unique resorts in the world where it represents the traditional Iban culture and the rooms follow the centuries-old Longhouse style.
This resort was also featured in CNN Travel's Amazing Rainforest Resorts in Malaysia on November 2015 and also on Free Malaysia Today. It is truly a nature lovers paradise as there is nothing out there but pure flora and fauna to fall in love with.
Conclusion
Malaysia Asia also visited this amazing resort back in 2009 and did an article titled Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort which was received well with international travellers.
We look forward to re-visiting this property again for a product update, possibly in 2016 when it is re-branded as the new Aiman Batang Ai Resort in Sarawak.