Kuching, Sarawak

Malaysia, though our neighbouring country I feel that it is UNDERATED. Apart from Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Genting Highlands, Langkawi, and all that other touristy places … I highly think (quite confident as well) that there is so much more to explore. I will one day go on a road trip just around Malaysia to experience how it’s like to live as a ‘Nelayan’(fisherman) in Kedah or go snorkelling in Perentian Island.

A couple of month back I got a chance visit Kuching in Sarawak for work. A good number of backpackers could be seen around out and about during the trip but seems to sell short on tourists from Asia. Nothing to complain about that and yes you I am selfish in that manner. I don’t really fancy being around too many tourists. I would say Borneo is a gem with magnificent tropical landscapes and especially its flora and fauna. There is so much to see and learn. And if you’re into cultural immersion like me, living with the indigenous people in their long houses would be an eye-opener. I would want to come back one day for the internationally acclaimed Rainforest World Music Festival. #bucketlist

Cool guy Teddy, who is the guide for this trip, is knowledgeable beyond my expectations. He has worked with BBC, Nat Geo, ABC, and may many more other film companies to shoot documentaries and reality tv shows. Amaze balls!!

 Rice padi field. 

Sireh Cave

Prehistoric cave painting

Kayaking at Semadang

 While lunch is being prepared, we took a walk around a nearby village

Lush greenery plus sunny sun up is an equation to a perfect kayak day.

BBQ lunch. the amount of meat is TOO GENEROUS. And yes, though the weather was all good, my tummy wasn't really functioning well. Imagine having to paddle with a diarrhea. Local instant-remedy to diarrhea was the liquid in the clear plastic bottle on the photo above. It worked out really well for me. Diarrhea was gone instantly (within 10-15 minutes) ;)

 

Bako National Park. I appreciate all the efforts the locals put into preserving this place. For example, there aren't any roads here at all for motorized vehicles.

 My favorite photo for this trip :)

 You don't typically find this sort of scrubs and bushes in Malaysia. Looks very similar to the outback! I miss going for expeditions in Aus by being here :( 

 Yay-yerss

 Photo-taking-ception #sosingaporean

 Found a Horseshoe Crab while I was taking a stroll down the beach.

 Photo above is very similar to the 12 apostles you can find at the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne!

 

Iban longhouse homestay. Ibans are one of the native peoples (Dayaks) in Borneo. Spent a couple of nights there just immersing myself into their culture. It was a rich experience that everyon who visits Borneo ought to give it a go. 

 What happens when you let Iban kids take hold of your camera? "Memory card full". 

 I've always wished for a brother. Well, close enough. 

 Lending a helping hand in the kitchen

 Part of being here is to man-up and try out the Dayak delicacies like the one on top,

 Time to harvest for some Sago worms(Larva stage of Sago Palm Weevil)

Is it weird that I don't have that :/ feeling?

 Is it even weirder that this thing actually tastes good?! It's high in protein guys!!

 

Lemang making (Coconut sticky rice)

 Before leaving the longhouse, I've obviously gained weight from all the food generously provided :(

 Iban kids bidding farewell to us. I love love love them. They are very hospitable towards us. I wouldn't be able to thank them enough. My house mum gave me a bag of bananas and a 1rm note. Naaaaw!!

 Wished I had taken more photos without students. Argh! I can't possibly post photos of students freely on the net. Bummerrrrr. That's all folks 

XX