VOL.51 JAN-MAR 2019
Highlights visit sarawak . old kuching heritage
SARAWAK BORNEO There is certainly more to discover in Sarawak!
Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg Chief Minister Of Sarawak Minister for Finance and Economic Planning Minister for Urban Development and Natural Resources
Firstly, welcome back to Sarawak, Borneo! For visitors who are here for the first time, this trip might just turn out to be your first of many other trips to come, especially with 2019 promising you ‘More to Discover’ in this enchanting Land of the Hornbills. Sarawak has the most number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Malaysia, including our UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gunung Mulu National Park. Sarawak offer visitors a wide variety of activities, from rock climbing to underwater dives, observing the Orang Utans in the wild to taking selfies with the world’s largest flower, or exploring caves bigger than most stadiums! Along the way, you’ll also experience some of the most interesting, charming and ever-smiling native folks while indulging in traditional delicacies found only in Sarawak. Relax at our resorts and beaches or play a round of golf amidst a lush setting of green hills and verdant jungle. Sarawak is teeming with excitement that will surprise you at every turn; different Divisions throughout the State offer attractions and festivals unique in their own ways too. The diving spots in Miri will charm even the most seasoned of divers with their underwater beauty and forts of the White Rajahs in Kuching, Sibu, Sri Aman, Kapit and Betong will not fail to interest visitors. Meanwhile, we invite you to discover the capital city Kuching’s old heritage. The city offers four heritage trails, each offering something unique as highlights. The Monuments Heritage trail features iconic colonial era buildings like the Old Courthouse and Fort Margherita, the Kampung Heritage highlighting the Malay traditional Keringkam shawl weaving and the Beautiful Heritage Homes trail showcasing some of the exquisite looking traditional houses. The Business Heritage trail seeks to tell a story of how businesses of local communities grew over the centuries while the Riverfront Heritage trail takes tourists to enjoy the sights of different heritage features found along Kuching City’s expansive riverfront. Sarawak is fast changing, with improved infrastructures and amenities to serve the people and enhance visitors’ experience during their stay in Sarawak. Conventions and other similar events are regularly staged in Sarawak, particularly in Kuching, to give participants the opportunity to enjoy Sarawak’s natural beauty. As responsible people of the land, we have pledged to conserve and ensure the sustainability of some of our most unique environments for the benefit of our future generations. Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 3
IN THIS ISSUE
Discarded made purposeful and beautiful • BorneoTalk celebrated its 50th edition since its debut in 2006 by constructing an art installation out of discarded plastic bottles. This was in line with its effort to encourage the public to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat and keep Sarawak clean, green and beautiful by saying NO to single-use plastic bottles. Participate in our #idontdoplastic campaign. So don’t litter and lets reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat. Together we can make Sarawak cleaner for our next generation.
TOURISM (6) Bringing Sarawak to The World (14) Go Wild Mud and Trails (16) Escape Into The Wilds of Lawas (19) Magnetising Mud of Meritam (20) Must See Animals of Sarawak (22) Building Bintulu Into A Friendly City (24) Paradise for Nature Lovers (27) Wet & Wild (28) Beachspots (48) The Glistening Beads of Kampung Long Tuma (50) Where to Find Me? . COE (10) Sarawak Do & See . Old Kuching Heritage (30) Old Kuching Heritage (32) Bask in The Charm of Old Kuching (34) Kampung Heritage of Old Kuching (36) The Enduring Allure of Sarawak’s Keringkam and Songket (38) Preserving a Dying Tradition (39) Songket & Keringkam in Sarawak Malay Weddings (47) Introducing Songket & Keringkam to The Rest of The World . ARTS & CULTURE (40) Myriads of Art, Culture (44) Allure, Mysticism, Folklore in The Dances of Sarawak . EVENTS (12) Kuching to Host Asia’s Biggest Names in TV . Lifestyle (52) BT Fashion File: The Oriental mash-up (54) Big Sound in a Small Package (55) Quality Living Spaces at Cube Condominium (57) CMS Changes Game with New Eco-Friendly Cement . FOOD (58) Bizarre Foods of Sarawak (60) Gastronomic Melting Pot (62) Imperial Hotel Kuching . PlaceS of worship (63) Sarawak’s Spiritual Wonderment . SPORTS (64) Sarawak Welcomes International Bowlers (66) Where Athletes Are Made (68) Kuching First Asian City to Host World Para Swimming Championships . INFO (70) Forest Management Certification (72) Merging Technology for Resource Protection (74) Central Region of Sarawak is The New Growth Area (76) Timber Industry in Sarawak Poised for Growth – STIDC . Hotel (26) Imperial Hotel Miri (46) The Waterfront Hotel (54) Li Hua Hotel & Medan Hotel (56) Samalaju Resort Hotel (78) Dorset Boutique Hotel • Tanahmas The Sibu Hotel . ETC (4) Popular Bookstore (81) Parkson is Now in Bintulu . Health (80) Fibroids - KPJ Sibu
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BorneoTalk is published since 2006 by Bumi Serasi. The contents of the magazine may not be reprinted or reproduced without prior written permission. The publisher is not liable for statements made and opinions expressed in the publication.
Write to us at BorneoTalk, 242E, Lorong Green No. 3, Jalan Green, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. T: +6082 427 423, 238 968 F: +6082 235 152 E: ivypan.bumiserasi@gmail.com The next issue of BorneoTalk will be out in April 2019.
BorneoTalk magazine is a publication audited by The Audit Bureau of Circulations (Malaysia) Endorsed by
Ministry Of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth & Sports Sarawak
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4th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award 2009/2010 Outstanding Contribution to the Tourism Industry - Media: Publication (winner) Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards 2011/2012 Outstanding Media Contribution - Print Media Category (winner)
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John 3: 16-17
Editor-In-Chief Ivy Pan Editor Lester Geres Marketing Ashley Pan, Ivy Pan Administration Ajariah Umar, Nur Hazimah Contributors Sullivan Tan, S C Goh, Edwin Kalom, Dr. Toh Siu Gap, Dato’ Subramaniam Raman, Dr Nadianatra Bt Musa, Dr Dayang Bt Abang Ibrahim Design & Art Direction Steven Yap Photography Lester Geres, David Joseph, Frankie Ng, Alicia Ng, Jordan Chong, STB, UKAS, STIDC, BDA, Forest Department Sarawak, MOTACYS, SFM Ta Ann, Piasau Nature Reserve, Freepik, Social Media Front Cover Image “WOW Sarawak showcasing the Wonder of Wonders of Sarawak; Old Kuching Heritage, Culture, Adventure and More to Discover” Printer ATLAS Cetak (M) Sdn Bhd, No.2, Persiaran Industri Bandar Sri Damansara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
SARAWAK MORE TO DISCOVER WE welcome you to the Land of the Hornbills
Yang Berhormat Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Sarawak
Sarawak, a nature lover’s paradise of immense beauty, is blessed with epic landscapes, abundant wildlife of all sorts and diverse cultures, all thriving in coexistence with the modern cities and towns in the Land of the Hornbills. With the Visit Sarawak Campaign, we invite the world to come experience the Wonder of Wonders we have here. With each place you visit, you’ll realise that there’s always more to discover here in Sarawak that will WOW you! See music and culture in all forms against a stunning forest backdrop at the annual Rainforest World Music Festival, an absolute must when you’re in Sarawak, especially for those looking for some jungle groovin’. Borneo Cultural Festival invites you to witness cultural diversity in forms of stage shows, competitions and more. One will never go hungry in Sarawak, with different cities and towns organising their very own food festivals. Kuching is famous for its Kuching Food Festival, where visitors can savour interesting arrays of traditional and modern food. Bario has its Pesta Nukenen, which showcases not just traditional ethnic food of the highland folk but their culture as well. Local street food are not to be missed too! This is also the year where eco-tourism excursions will be packaged to include variety, fun and thrills for visitors to our parks, centres and resorts! There’s so much more fun and adventure to discover and experience in this very special year; check these out in our website. Naturally, a trip to Sarawak, Borneo is for its nature, adventure, and culture, so brace yourself for an experience that is wildly unique; it’s a trip that will have you and your family going “Wow!” Pack your bags and make your way to WOW Sarawak, more to discover we’ll be more than glad to guide you through to amazing destinations for the adventure of your life!
WOW SARAWAK - more to discover! Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 5
Tourism
Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV)
Bringing Sarawak to the world Actively promoting Sarawak to the world, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), incorporated under Sarawak Tourism Board (Incorporation) Ordinance on Nov 12, 1994, has played a fundamental role in raising the global profile of Sarawak’s tourism products. STB works relentlessly to realise its main objective of positioning Sarawak as a prime destination for culture, adventure, nature, food and festival, or CANFF in short. Their efforts are also geared towards increasing tourist arrivals into the State. STB goes by leaps and bounds in creating awareness among the trade, media and public on the diversity of tourism products in Sarawak regionally and internationally.
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CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board, Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor says it is STB’s role to stimulate the tourism industry to a different level, that they connect all the dots so that they can promote and market the products and services of the tourism industry better. Also, competition from emerging destinations means that it is crucial to develop local tourism products, including price and packaging while advancements in the digital era means that STB must come up with non-conventional marketing initiatives to keep with the times. STB’s promotional focus for the year 2019 is to attract five million visitors into the State. This is achievable by collaborating with all stakeholders in the tourism industry to
Tourism enhance Sarawak’s presence in the global tourism map.
Visit Sarawak Campaign In the previous year leading to Visit Sarawak Campaign 2019, STB worked hard in preparing for this important tourism year, including coming up with a fresh new campaign to invite the world to come experience Sarawak and all it has to offer. Part of this was the launching of Sarawak’s new tourism strap line ‘More to Discover’ to highlight the State’s offering of culture, adventure, nature, food and festival that are not found anywhere else in the world. “We have a kaleidoscope of cultures here, as we have over 27 ethnic tribes who contribute to our rich diversity. Sarawak’s people are like a rich tapestry, woven of different coloured threads into one cloth, united in our shared values of
Sarakraf Pavilion
hospitality and warmth. In Sarawak, one arrives as a guest, and leaves as family,” Sharzede speaks of one of the components in the CANFF. Adventure seekers will never be short of things to do and places to go. Jungle trekking, adventure caving, mountain climbing, rock climbing and jungle expeditions are just some of the things to experience under the ADVENTURE component of the CANFF. Adventure also comes in the form of river activities, diving, water sports, fishing and yachting and plenty more. “For nature lovers, we have 56 totally protected areas, 42 gazetted national parks, five wildlife sanctuaries and 14
nature reserves for exploration. From hornbills to Orang Utans, to flying squirrels to the proboscis monkey, and the Rajah Brooke butterfly, the world’s richest and most diverse ecosystem here that makes for the most exciting expeditions,” said Sharzede. The Festivals component of STB’s CANFF proposition talks about the myriad of events and carnivals held throughout the year. These include culturally-driven festivals such as Kaul, which is celebrated by the Melanau, music extravaganzas like the globallyacclaimed Rainforest World Music Festival and Borneo Jazz, and so many other festivals that make Sarawak such a happening place to be.
Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 7
Tourism
Rainforest World Music Festival
The final component of CANFF highlights the plethora of food we have here in Sarawak. From the iconic “manok pansoh” and “Sarawak laksa,” to the must-have “kolo mee”, delicious “kueh chap” and the signature dish of the Melanau akin to the Spanish ceviche called “umai”, the choice seems endless. Some of Sarawak’s foods have won international recognition, such as the Sarawak laksa and the highly prized Sarawak black pepper.
Sibu Central Market
Sharzede stresses the importance of Experiential and Responsible Tourism as the way forward. And for the Visit Sarawak Campaign, these are where STB’s focus is directed towards.
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When speaking at STB’s Kuching Media Appreciation Night in November, she said, “During VSC, we are focusing increasingly on responsible tourism. Travellers are becoming more determined in making sure their travels reflect their own personal beliefs, focussing spending time and money in ways that contribute directly to the local communities, as well as being as sustainable as possible. Things like city cycling tours that reduce a traveller’s carbon footprint are becoming more and more popular. We are doing our own part, of course, by reducing and reusing waste in our own event, the Rainforest World Music Festival, be it turning our old promotional material into tote bags, or turning food waste into fertiliser.” She went on to say, “Experiential tourism is also on the rise, with visitors not wanting just a simple day trip. They want an experience that will resonate with them on a more emotional level, creating a memory that will stay with them forever. It is our task to show them that Sarawak holds such experiences, just waiting to be discovered. With the use of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, or AR and VR, we have a way of giving potential visitors a glimpse of what Sarawak has to offer, to sell them the dream. And once they believe in the
Tourism dream, they have to come here to see it come true. From there, they experience our diverse products and attractions in Culture, Adventure, Nature, Festivals and Food.”
Winner of many accolades For its hard work in promoting and marketing Sarawak as a globally renowned tourism destination, Sarawak Tourism Board was honoured with many accolades in the past, and continues to do so. Some of their awards include the he Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI)’s Silver Adrian award for Travel Marketing Excellence in Public Relations, Gold Prize in the Print Campaign Category at the Das Goldene Stadttor (Golden City Gate) Awards and a PATA Gold Award (Marketing Media, Print Advertisement) in Macau, just to name a few. Their latest accolades include two awards for their Rainforest World Music Festival Malaysia Tourism Council Gold Award 2018 under Tourism Event and Asia Pacific PR Excellence Award 2018 under Film & Video category.
Mulu National Park
Aiman Batang Ai Resort & Retreat STB CEO, Sharzede Salleh Askor (right) with the Asia-Pacific Excellence Award for the category of Film & Video won in Dublin on Dec 7, 2018, together with Daniella Lupi, STB’s Assistant Digital Marketing Manager.
STB is currently at a pace where there is no slowing down, with more initiatives in the planning, all in effort to make Sarawak a true globally recognised tourism destination in the future. “This land is unlike anywhere else on earth, and I would like to give everyone the opportunity to understand, know and love it as we all do. Being a Sarawakian myself, I believe there is truly no other place in the world like this. Sarawak is deeply and richly part of us all here at the Sarawak Tourism Board, and we would like for Sarawak be a part of everyone too,” Sharzede says.
Non-Timber Forest Products Carnival Sarawak Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 9
COE
DO&SEE 02
4th Plaza Merdeka Lion Dance Competition
Pasar Gong Xi Bazaar
4 »6
Y
AR
RU
Alta Moda Sarawak (AMS)
FEB
jANUARY
01
7 »9
at Old DUN Building, Kuching
(a week before CNY) at Jalan High Street & Jalan Raja, Miri
at Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall, Kuching
An action-packed and exhilarating competition with teams coming from all around the region. The teams will bring their best, showcasing their skills and showmanship on stilts. As teams defy limits and display their skills and talents, spectators will be treated to superb performances and colourful display of lion dance props. Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall
+6082 239 408
9
Hiang THian Siang Ti Temple Procession
at Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple & Carpenter Street
Alta Moda Sarawak (AMS) is a Sarawak brand platform for local designers to come together to showcase their talents and creations in the field of arts, culture and crafts. Alta Moda Sarawak
This is an annual event that takes place a week before Chinese New Year’s eve. Lion dance, dragon dance and cultural performances are part of the merry-making.
8 » 10
Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce
at Pantai Tanjung Kembang, Kabong
+6085 432 570
28 » March3
Miri AfroLatin Fiesta
at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Miri
Kuching Teochew Association
+6082 242 457
11 » 13
23rd Asian Television Awards
at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Kuching Asian Television Awards (ATA), Asian TV industry’s most significant and celebrated event, recognising excellence in programming, production and performance will be held in Kuching, a city given the honour to host the prestigious event for the first time ever in Malaysia. Come experience the glitz and glamour at the 23rd ATA. ATV Awards Sdn Bhd
+6082 423 696
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La Danza Studio Miri
In collaboration with Persatuan Pelayang Johor, this festival aims to promote the kite heritage and the beautiful beaches in Kabong. Come see the colourful kites, enjoy the scenic beaches and experience kampung life at the 2019 edition of the Kabong Kite Festival. Kabong District Office
+6083 411 267
10
Sibu Tower Run at Wisma Sanyan A chance to explore Wisma Sanyan, the tallest building in Sarawak! Sibu Tower Run is another significant event of its kind in Malaysia apart from KL Tower Run. It is truly a mental and physical challenge for sports enthusiasts! Underground Runners Sibu
+6017 753 4699
17
+6016 637 0085
03
Miri Marathon 2019 at Miri
MARCH
Celebrated annually, Carpenter Street comes alive with activities and colourful procession. Thousands of locals and tourists will gather along the streets to witness this celebration, which continues late into the night. There will be skilful displays of lion and dragon dances, dancing to the beats of gongs and drums while pretty maidens, singers and dancers in colourful costumes will perform on beautifully decorated floats.
Miri AfroLatin Fiesta is designed as an opportunity for people to incorporate physical health into their lifestyles through the medium of dance. Dancing promotes better physical and mental wellbeing. With this in mind, the festival aims to benefit the community.
Kabong Kite Festival
2 »3
Kuching Ultra Marathon at Kuching
capital city of Sarawak. Grit Event Management
+6016 878 2809
The third edition of the Road Ultra Marathon. This running event consists of 30KM, 50KM, 70KM, and 100KM categories. Get ready for a meowderful adventure in the
A road running event that covers the distance of Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10KM and 5KM. The event is expected to attract more than 3,000 runners locally and from foreign countries. Miri Marathon Association
+6017 898 6966
COE
Conference 8th Association of Southeast Asia Pain Societies (ASEAPS) Congress April 11 to 14 at Pullman Kuching
8th International Forum on Industrial Bioprocessing May 1 to 5 at Imperial Hotel, Miri
The theme “Building Collaborations in Pain Management” highlights the importance of multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals working together to improve the management of acute, chronic and cancer pain. The congress will also focus on issues and challenges faced in the ASEAN region, in keeping with the ASEAPS’s aim to contribute towards the improvement and advancement of pain management in the region.
IBA-IFIBiop 2019 is an international conference that highly focuses on the recent developments on the frontier areas of industrial bioprocesses and biotechnology that will bring together a multinational body of scientists, engineers, and other experts to deliberate on global developments in the fields of bioenergy or biofuels, food technology and engineering.
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26 » 28
Pesta Tasik Danu Serian
Karnival Sarawakiana
Pesta Tasik Danu is an annual event that began in 2018. This event aims to promote the beauty of Lake Danu as well as help enhance the economy of the local community. Among the activities are water-based event such as kayaking, tug of war, duck catching, food fair, exhibitions, Lake Danu Beauty Pageant as well as Pentas Rakyat.
The carnival aims to showcase the roles of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak as the intellectual centre that provides long-life learning experience through history, cultures and arts. It also helps the youngsters to better understand the history of Sarawak which could be used for their future reference.
at Tasik Danu & Taman Komuniti Serian
at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri
Serian Resident Office
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Samarahan Bike Challenge at The Summer Mall, Samarahan
This bicycle racing event consists of five main categories open for both amateur and professional cyclists. The event is held annually with participation from Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia, Ireland and South Africa. Samarahan District Office & Persatuan Berbasikal Sarawak
+6082 671 105
30
Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri
+6085 422 525
+6082 872 472
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Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival
Pesta Kaul Mukah
at Tapak Kaul, Taman Kuala Dana, Mukah Kaul is a traditional festival celebrated by the Melanau living along the coastal areas of Sarawak. Once a Melanau religious ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea, land, forest and farm, Kaul is today one of many tourism attractions in Sarawak. Among the festival’s highlights are “Tibow” (gigantic swing), a display of Melanau traditional dress, games, dance, music and food (competitions), and live concert with modern and traditional performances.
at Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching
Mukah Resident Office
+6084 872 596
Sarikei Fishing Safari at Sarikei Town
Experience the thrills of landing catches of fish and prawns in the Sarikei river. Blessed with untouched mangrove, Batang Rajang and Sungai Nyelong still blossom with the beauty of nature. Indeed, it is a perfect fishing spot that can captivate the anglers, especially with the abundant fish of various species.
There will be many activities organised throughout the three-day event. The highlights of the festival includes an outdoor setting musical drama based on the Bisaya Folklore; Miss Cultural Harvest Festival; Tribal Ironman competition; Sarawak Ethnic Kitchen Culinary Challenge; Sape’ Concert and workshop and many more.
Sarikei District Office
+6084 655 371
25 » 27
Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari
at Pullman Hotel, Kuching
APRIL
04 5 »7
at Kapit town, Kapit
An annual rafting competition held along the Rajang River. A challenging race that takes competitors through swift flowing rivers and whirlpools. Kapit Resident Office
+6084 799 061
Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV)
+6082 846 108
ASEAN International Films Festival and Awards (AIFFA)
27
8th International Bornean Frog Race at Samajaya Nature Reserve, Kuching
The gathering of film makers and movie stars from the ASEAN region add more charm to the rustic city. Sanctioned by ASEAN secretariat as one of the ASEAN joint activities. World Communication Network Resources (M) Sdn Bhd
+6082 414 661
The event draws public attention to the frogs of Borneo, and target children for programmes on nature conservation. It includes talks on amphibian biology and conservation, exhibition of frog photographs, and the finale will be a frog-spotting race at participating outlets in a designated mall, where participants try to spot the most number of frog species, represented by hidden images. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
+6082 582 996
Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports +6082 319 309 / 313 +6082 441 277 / 5311 www.mtacys.sarawak.gov.my
Sarawak Tourism Board +6082 423 600 www.sarawaktourism.com
(Note: Event dates are subject to change without prior notice. Kindly call The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports for further information) Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 11
Events
Kuching to host Asia’s biggest names in TV The 23rd Asian Television Awards January 11-13, 2019 Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Kuching
Sarawak is set to host the 23rd Asian Television Awards from Jan 11-13, which is timely as it coincides with Visit Sarawak Campaign this year. It is also the first time in history that the award is being held in Malaysia. Major players from the television industry across Asia will be vying for excellence in the upcoming 23rd edition of the Asian Television Awards (ATA), organised by ATA Awards Sdn Bhd with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Sarawak at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). “We are proud to host this prestigious extravaganza for the first time on such glamorous scale, which will see and attract Asia’s top celebrities comprising of leading actors/ actresses, singers, models and public figures walking on the red carpet in the heart of Sarawak, and we are confident that this will directly contribute to the Sarawak Tourism and elevate its vibrant eco-tourism status. It’s going to be an interesting year as we will be launching ‘Visit Sarawak Campaign 2019’ and with the involvement of these top celebrities and the 23rd Asian Television Awards, we 12 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
will be able to further promote Sarawak to the World,” said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Sarawak, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. ATA was launched back in 1996 to recognise the creative efforts and process of programming, production and performance in the region of Asia’s television broadcasting landscape. There is no other award show like this in the region and with the powerful audience reach, diverse homegrown talents can be celebrated by the industry and at the same time, introduce oneself to a whole new legion of fans. ATA manages to attract more than 1,300 submissions yearly, from free-to-air television stations and pay-TV platforms, as well as many independent production houses, across the region. This upward trend of entries goes to show the amount of talented force from behind and in front of the scene. The award show, which will be broadcasted live to 22 countries (500,000,000 households) across Asia Pacific on Jan 12, will see awards given out for the categories
Alvin Chong May Wan
Big names that had participated in the award shows includes Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), Home Box Office (HBO), Al-Jazeera, TV18, Discovery Channel, Imagine Group, Viacom International Media Networks, Media Corp and many more.
Mark Zambrano
SF9
Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad, a pay-TV provider in the region has two nominations under their belt in the Best Live Sports Coverage category for Astro Arena channel’s live coverage of two events, mainly the football match between Malaysia and Thailand, and the 10-metre diving platform discipline during the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games sporting event.
Choy Wan
Via Vallen
of Best Music Programme, Best Reality Show, Best Entertainment Presenter/Host, Best Entertainment (one-off/annual), Best Adaptation of an Existing Format, Best Game or Quiz Programme, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Digital Fiction Programme/Series, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Direction (Fiction), Best Single Drama or Telemovie, Best Drama Series, Terrestrial Broadcaster of the Year and Cable & Satellite Network of the Year among many other categories.
Trong Hieu
Kiana Valenciano
Events
Qu Wanting Gary Valenciano
Gina Tan
Adrian Jalaludin
The star-studded night will be hosted by popular television personalities, twins, Choy and
May Wan. Mark Zambrano, Adrian Jalaludin and Beam Director & Manager will co-host the show as well. The event will spread across three days, from Jan 11 (gala night), culminating in the glitzy award show on Jan 12 and lastly a public concert on Jan 13. It will be one of the most glamorous star-studded events Kuching has ever seen – think Cannes Film Festival in France. Top celebrities who will be making their appearance are Alvin Chong, SF9, Gary Valenciano, Via Vallen, Qu Wanting, Gina Tan and Trong Hieu, just to name a few. Keep up to date with everything and anything that is of ATA by joining their official social media platforms, on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
For tickets or information, call +6082 423 696 or email to management@asiantvawards.com Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 13
Tourism
GO
WILD MUD and Trails
The abundance of natural attractions makes Sarawak an irresistible destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here in the Land of the Hornbills, the vast wilderness is made up of soaring mountains, thick forest canopies, massive caverns and winding rivers; all offering a plethora of activities for tourists and locals alike. Here are some wild destinations you need to visit when you’re in Sarawak.
Iconic landmark at Bako National Park
Gorgeous view from the cliff side at Bako National Park
Bako National Park, Kuching A treasure trove of flora and fauna that offers pristine streams, majestic waterfalls and scenic trails for trekking, Sarawak’s oldest national park of 2,742ha in size is a must visit. For the amount of natural splendours it holds, it’s surprising that this green and blue paradise (gazetted as a protected area in 1957) is located just 37 km from Kuching City. Getting there is just a mere 50 minutes or so drive from Kuching to Kampung Bako. A chartered boat from the terminal in the village will take you to the Park HQ located just 30 minutes away. Prior reservation is required and you can do so via local travel agents. For more information & bookings: Website : www.bakonationalpark.com/tour-packages.php
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Tourism The Pinnacles offer heart-stopping vistas that will fill up your camera’s SD Card with hundreds of shots
Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri This UNESCO World Heritage Site has it all! Adventure, nature, relaxation, splendorous sights that will wow you such as The Pinnacles, Clearwater Cave, Garden of Eden, millions of bats alighting from the caves during the bat exodus, the massive Sarawak Chamber, the Canopy Walk and so much more! To get there, take a flight from Miri, Kuching or Kota Kinabalu, Sabah via MASwings. Shuttle services by the local community will bring you from the airport to the park and vice versa. Contact a licensed tour operator, who will make all the arrangements for you so you can enjoy more and worry less when you’re there. For more information & bookings: Website : www.mulunationalpark.com/tour-packages.php
Gunung Gading National Park, Lundu Come see the rafflesia bloom or explore the seven waterfalls at Gunung Gading National Park. There are three trails to choose from. The Waterfall trail takes you to the beautiful waterfall No.7 just an hour away. If you’re up for it, a 3½-hour hike takes you all the way up to the summit via the Gunung Gading trail. The Batu Berkubu trail leads to a former communist base camp on the slopes of Gunung Sebuloh and takes 5½ hours to get to. Getting there is via van or taxi from Lundu town, two hours away from Kuching, to the park office.
The fascinating rafflesia at Gunung Gading National Park
For more information & bookings: Website : gading.my Tel : +6082 735 144 *Ticket can only be purchased at the entrance.
For more information & bookings: Majestic Leisure & Tours Sdn Bhd
Borneo Adventure
Intercontinental Travel Centre Sdn Bhd
www.borneotravelnetwork.com Tel : +6085 427 751 Email : goh2552@gmail.com
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borneoadventure.com Tel : +6082 245 175 Email : info@borneoadventure.com
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intercont.com.my/v4/inbound-tours/ +6082 256 155
Ecogreen Holidays Sdn Bhd ecogreen-holidays.com +6082 425 281 info@ecogreen-holidays.com
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Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 15
Tourism
Escape into the wilds of
Batu Meregab Waterfall
Lawas The District of Lawas may not have all the things other bigger towns and cities like Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu have. But its rustic charms and pristine nature are what make it so special. Where its town centre now stands - ever growing and moving with the times, simple settlements once stood. And though modernity has extended its reach here, Lawas remains quaint, life is pretty much laid-back and the people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet. Its foremost attractions lie deep in the mountains and out in the mangrove forests. They offer unforgettable experiences and are worth a visit. The rock right below the cascade at Meregab Waterfall is perfect for group photos 16 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
Tourism
One with nature One noteworthy attraction is the Penawan Waterfalls Eco Park near Kampung Pengalih. Getting there is a mere 15 minutes from Lawas Airport, albeit through very rough terrains that offer rollercoaster-like ride once you get off the main motorway and into the mountain paths.
ideal spot for stunning group photos. If you’re up for a bit of hiking, the second, third, eighth and tenth tiers are just as breathtaking. The rivers and waterfalls here are teeming with the much-prized Semah (Tor Duoronensis) and other fish species. So if you’re not too busy having fun at the waterfall, you’d probably spend much of your time
There are four pools, with naturally bluish hot spring water pumped in directly from the source spring nearby. The pools have different temperatures and are of variable sizes. A dip in one of these pools is extremely invigorating. Accommodation with basic amenities is available for those who wish to spend the night. An open dining
Located at Jalan Sungai Penawan, off Jalan Kg. Pa’ Puti, off Jalan Merapok Lawas, the park is a community based project that promotes sustainable tourism, responsible tourism and conservation initiatives. Managed by Koperasi Kota Penawan Lawas Berhad, it includes park amenities for visitors wishing to organise activities like family day, teambuilding and trekking to the waterfalls. Basic accommodation is offered to those who want to spend the night there. For those wanting to sleep out under the stars and amidst nature, a campsite by the river offers enough space for four sizable tents. Penawan Waterfalls Eco Park boasts 10 tiers of cascades, each one a beauty in their own right. The first tier (Batu Meregeb Waterfall) is the easiest one to get to, requiring a mere threeminute or so trek from the park’s main building. The cascade measures 70 feet in height and drops into a large pool down below. A large flat rock below it makes a perfect platform on which one can sit and enjoy a refreshing natural shower. It’s also an
Hornbills perching high up in the trees near Penawan Waterfall Eco Park
Beautifully constructed Merarap Hot Spring Lodge with pools of variable temperatures
looking at the fish swimming about. Also if you’re in luck, you might just catch glimpses of hornbills in flight, making your trip all the more special.
No hot shower? No problem!
Rough roads leading to Merarap Hot Spring Lodge
Roughly three hours or so from Penawan Waterfalls Eco Park and about 70km away from Lawas town centre is Merarap Hot Spring Lodge. It sits snugly next to the raging rapids of Trusan River and accessible only via 4x4 vehicles customised for off-roading. The ride is all rough and tumble through logging roads that climb high up the hills and mountains until you reach the newly built main entrance, at which point the drive will be down a very steep road all the way to the valley where the lodge is located.
hall lets you enjoy a meal amidst a lush jungle setting, fresh air and the sound of water rushing through the rapids several steps away. It’s an ideal retreat for families and friends.
Let there be light - ning bugs Closer to Lawas town centre, some 12km to be exact, is Kampung Punang, an idyllic coastal village in the Brunei Bay. The village is famous for its iconic product known as Tahai - smoked Tamban fish (Fringescale Sardinella). But its mangrove forest also holds a secret that can only be revealed in the dark of night. Go on a mangrove river cruise after sundown and discover magic in the form of flickering lights in the trees Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 17
Tourism A villager of Kampung Punang checking if her latest batch of Tahai is ready
Kampung Punang’s iconic smoked fish known as Tahai
around you. This “magic” is conjured up by sprinkles of fireflies in an attempt to attract potential mates or ward off predators. If you’re lucky, you will see a huge sprinkle of these fascinating bugs gathering on a single tree, lighting it up just like fairy lights on a Christmas tree. Photographing them is incredibly tricky, but if the boat is still, the water stagnant and you’ve got a tripod with you, you might be able to capture that magic moment. With all of the above to experience, plus so much more, Lawas is truly a destination of wild wonders. Come discover the marvels here in this wonderful place.
Suspended bamboo crossing at Penawan Waterfalls Eco Park
Need to know: • Lawas is reachable by flight from Miri, Limbang and Kota Kinabalu. It is also reachable via road from Sabah, Temburong in Brunei and Ba’Kelalan, as well as by boat from Labuan. • Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring appropriate footwear in case you need to get your feet wet. • Bring along a poncho in case it rains, and insect repellent to keep the mosquitoes at bay. • If you’re thinking of travelling to Limbang after by land, be sure you have your passport with you as you need to pass through Brunei.
Semah swimming freely in the river at Penawan Waterfall Eco Park For more information & bookings:
Fireflies putting on a show after the rain has stopped
Penawan Waterfalls Eco Park @penawanwaterfall Tel : +6016 698 3825 Email : koppenawan@gmail.com Facebook :
Heart of Borneo Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd
Merarap Hot Spring
www.heartofborneotours.com Tel : +6085 612 228 Email : sales@hobtours.my
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Website :
18 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
Tel :
@meraraphotspring +6012 661 1160
Borneo Touch Ecotour Sdn Bhd
Borneo Kenyalang Experience Tours
walk2mulu.com Tel : +6013 844 3861 Email : walkomulu@yahoo.com.my
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Website :
www.borneokenyalang.com.my +6012 854 9512 Email : info@borneokenyalang.com.my Tel :
Tourism A child plays in a mud pool at lumpur bebuak
This mudpot can easily fit 5 persons at a time
Contestants for the masking competition make their way to the stage to receive their prize after being announced as one of the winners at Pesta Lumpur Bebuak 2018
Magnetising mud of Meritam Sri Aman has its benak or tidal bore. Miri has its glowing shoreline. Both are natural occurrences that attract tourists (domestic and international) to come and witness for themselves these phenomena. For the village of Meritam in Limbang, it’s their lumpur bebuak. Lumpur bebuak is what the villagers call the warm bubbling mud that form mudpots in different spots on the plains at the edge of Kampung Meritam. Little is known about the origins of lumpur bebuak, whose characteristics are like those found in mudpots at the base of a volcano. What is known about it though is that lumpur bebuak often forms mudpots of variable sizes, some so large that up to five persons can fit into it at a time. As the mud on the rim of a mudpot slowly hardens, it eventually forms a mud volcano reaching over a metre in height.
It’s no surprise why many people come to Kampung Meritam to take long dips in the warm bubbling mud. Recognising the potential of the lumpur bebuak, the area was therefore developed and infrastructures were built to turn it into a tourism attraction for Kampung Meritam. In 2016, a festival centred on the mud was introduced, aptly named Pesta Lumpur Bebuak Meritam (Meritam Bebuak Mud Festival). Besides having visitors come to get down and dirty in the mud, various activities were introduced to enliven the festival. Visitors come from near and far to lumpur bebuak to cover themselves in mud and emerge invigorated and with noticably smoother skin afterwards
Research carried out on the lumpur bebuak mud found it to be free of bacteria and is safe for humans. The locals have also claimed the mud from lumpur bebuak to have healing properties and smoothens the skin.
Last year, Pesta Lumpur Bebuak Meritam was held on Nov 10 & 11, 2018 and lured visitors from as far as Sabah, West Malaysia and Brunei. Activities and competitions included mud futsal, mud dodgeball, mud masking competition and Mr. Lumpur Bebuak, which saw a contestant from Brunei bagging the title trophy. Locals engage in a game of futsal in the mud during Pesta Lumpur Bebuak Meritam 2018 on Nov 10
Festival or no festival, Kampung Meritam’s lumpur bebuak needs to be experienced. So if you’re planning a trip to Sarawak, this should definitely be added to your itinerary.
For more information & bookings: Limbang Travel Service Sdn Bhd
Tel :
+6085 413 228
Email :
itsmiri@yahoo.com
Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 19
Tourism
MUST SEE ANIMALS of SARAWAK Sarawak’s wildlife is among the world’s most unique. If you’re here for the first time and it just so happens that you’re into wildlife, then you need to see these eight animals synonymous with Sarawak up-close before you go back home.
Rhinoceros Hornbill Scientifically known as Buceros Rhinoceros, this particular species of hornbill is an icon of Sarawak and is the State emblem. They are easily recognisable by the large yellow casque on top of their beak, as well as feathers of black and white. They nest and care for their young in tree cavity until the young ones are ready to take flight. If you’re lucky, you can spot them in the jungles of Sarawak. You can also see them at Taman Tumbina in Bintulu and Matang Wildlife Centre in Kuching. For more information & bookings: Matang Wildlife Centre Website : www.sarawakforestry.com/parks-and-reserve/ matang-wildlife-centre/ Tel : +6082 374 869 Taman Tumbina Website : www.tumbina.com.my Tel : +6086 337 701
20 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
Orang Utan The Pongo Pygmaeus or commonly known as Orang Utan needs no introduction. Yes you can see them in zoos all over the world but seeing them in their natural habitat is an entirely different experience. Translated into English, the name of this magnificent member of the great apes means ‘person of the forest’. Semenggoh Nature Reserve is a wildlife rehabilitation centre where you can see them in the wild. For more information & bookings: Semenggoh Nature Reserve Website : semenggoh.my Tel : +6082 618 325
Proboscis Monkey They are the largest of monkeys in Asia and the males are easily identifiable by their unusually large nose, which they use to attract the females. Endemic to Borneo, the Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis Larvatus) thrive in the mangroves and swamps of Sarawak. Bako National Park is a popular hot spot where tourists can see them in the wild. For more information & bookings: Bako National Park Website : www.bakonationalpark.com
Tourism
Crocodile
Clouded Leopard
Yes, Sarawak is famous for this fearsome reptile, especially the giant man-eating white back crocodile Bujang Senang that now remains a legend. You can see them up close and from a safe distance at Jong’s Crocodile Farm in Kuching and Miri Crocodile Farm & Mini Zoo in Miri.
One of the most elusive animals in Sarawak, the Bornean Clouded Leopard is unique to the island of Borneo. A completely separate species from the one found elsewhere in Southeast Asia, the Bornean Clouded Leopard is darker in colour and has small cloud markings with distinct spots in them. Matang Wildlife Centre in Kuching and Taman Tumbina in Bintulu are among the places you can see this fantastic feline in person.
For more information & bookings: Jong Crocodile Farm and Zoo Website : www.jongcrocodile.com Tel : +6082 863 570 (Farm) +6082 242 790 (Office)
For more information & bookings: Matang Wildlife Centre Website : www.sarawakforestry.com/parks-and-reserve/ matang-wildlife-centre/ Tel : +6082 374 869
Rajah Brooke Birdwing This beautiful winged insect was first discovered in 1855 by naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace, who named it after Rajah James Brooke. The males are more flashy, with its black wings beautifully contrasted with bright green markings. They can be spotted at Mulu National Park among other forested locales. Taman Tumbina Bintulu’s butterfly park has this species as well. For more information & bookings: Mulu National Park Website : mulunatinalpark.com Taman Tumbina Website : www.tumbina.com.my Tel : +6086 337 701
Taman Tumbina www.tumbina.com.my Tel : +6086 337 701 Website :
Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 21
Tourism Only at Taman Tumbina can you find flamingos in Sarawak
Deer gazing curiously at visitors outside their enclosure looking in
In Sarawak, the Panthera Tigris, better known as the tiger, can only be found at Taman Tumbina
Orchids of many kinds can be found at Taman Tumbina
Building bintulu into a friendly city Part 1 Discover exciting flora and fauna at Taman Tumbina Bintulu One of the ‘local residents’ roaming freely, occasionally coming out to say ‘Hi’ to visitors
22 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
Tourism
Humankind’s fascination with animals began probably as soon as our species started to walk the Earth. Sounds dramatic? Maybe, but it is quite true. In cave drawings dating back thousands of years, we see animals depicted amidst man. In the ancient pyramids of Egypt, hieroglyphs indicate half-man half-animal figures being worshipped as gods or deities and cats were considered to be the guardians of the underworld. Fast forward to the ‘here and now’, our fascination with animals these days are satisfied through visits to safaris and national parks, where animals can be viewed in their natural environments. There are also zoos, where animals from other continents can also be viewed in specially designed spaces that replicate their natural environment. In Bintulu, there’s Taman Tumbina Bintulu, a park for plants and animals that continues to receive a steady stream of visitors since it officially opened to the public on Aug 2, 1991. Established in 1990 by Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and declared a Special Area under the Public Parks And Greens Ordinance, 1993 on June 17, 1993, Taman Tumbina Bintulu spans over an area of 57 hectares and offers an impressive collection of flora and fauna. In fact, the park’s name itself is a combination of the words ‘tumbuhan’ (Malay for plant) and ‘binatang’ (Malay for animal). Hence, ‘Tumbina’.
One of many plant species that can be found in Taman Tumbina
The first of its kind in Sarawak, the park has various mammals, reptiles, birds and fish of both local species and those of other continents around the world. As far as animals are concerned, the Panthera Tigris, or simply known to all as the tiger, is the star attraction at Taman Tumbina Bintulu. Within the same area, you can also find the much smaller Leopard Cat and other felines. Bearcats, sun bears, civets and deer are among other mammals that inhabit this park.
A White-Bellied Sea Eagle at the eagles section of the aviary
In the trees and sometimes on the ground, squirrels roam the park freely. If you’re lucky, they might just come down to take a closer look at the rather peculiar looking humans that enter their domain. Taman Tumbina Bintulu is also the only place in Sarawak where you can catch sight of the Greater Flamingos, one of many species of flamingos found across the globe. They are the star of the park’s aviary, along with the Ostrich and other birds like eagles, owls and hornbills. If you’re a big fan of the Jurassic Park series, you’ll find that the hornbills make sounds like that of the movie’s famed Velociraptors. Besides the aforesaid, the park is home to the gigantic Arapaima Gigas from the Amazon Basin, the estuarine crocodile and colourful butterflies too! And then there are, of course, the ‘flora’. Cacti, ferns as well as wide variety of trees and shrubs thrive here at Taman Tumbina Bintulu. The park houses the largest collection of orchids in the Northern Region of Sarawak, including the must-see Normah Orchid. Towering trees provide plenty of shades that are perfect for leisurely strolls up and down the hilly slopes of the park. Ideal for outings with family and friends, with plenty of fun activities like ostrich riding, bird feeding and jungle trekking, Taman Tumbina Bintulu is one place you should include in your bucket-list of attractions to visit when you’re in Sarawak’s booming Industrial Town. Just 5 kilometres away from Bintulu Town Centre, it’s fairly easy to get to and fun to be at. For more information, visit www.tumbina.com.my or call +6086 337709. You may also contact BDA at +6086 332011 or visit their website at www.bda.gov.my.
Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), Wisma Bintulu, No.1, Tanjung Kidurong Road, P.O Box 55, 97007 Bintulu, Sarawak. +6086 332011 (10 lines) +6086 336066, 332255, 315811 bda@bda.gov.my www.bda.gov.my Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 23
Tourism
Paradise for nature lovers Sarawak’s is a paradise of a huge diversity of species of flora and fauna, and its biodiversity is legendary. It is home to amazing national parks and nature reserves. Featured here are just two of them.
Similajau National Park beckons
interference. Birders will be amazed at the number of different species of birds they will be able to spot.
The pristine Similajau National Park never fails to wow those who visit it. Located about 30 kilometres northeast of Bintulu Town, it was designated as a national park on Dec 1, 1976.
The park also offers an exciting night-time crocodile spotting by boat along Likau River. Be sure to bring along a powerful torchlight so you can easily spot these ferocious reptiles that have been around since the times of the dinosaurs. Meanwhile, a private boat can be hired for sea cruises along Batu Mandi and Golden Beach.
Similajau National Park covers a total area of 89.96 km², encompassing beautiful coastlines and rugged outcrops, and offering countless adventures for thrill seekers. The park offers seven different walking trails that cater to every nature lovers’ dream. Notable trekking trails are the Selunsur Rapids, which demands a two-hour hike. But the long hike will be worthwhile once you get to take a refreshing dip in the clean, cool waters that rush down the river past the rocks along the river. Another excellent choice for a nice quick bath after a hot day of trekking is Sebubong Pool, which is only accessible via boat. The wildlife viewpoint’s lookout post located at the headlands of Kuala Sungai Likau takes about 50 minutes to reach by foot from the park’s headquarters. The area provides hidden shelters or outposts built especially for nature lovers to watch marine life, birds and other creatures safely around the park without causing 24 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
Similajau National Park offers a chance to spot dolphins unique to Bintulu, namely the Irrawaddy, Bottlenose, Indo-Pacific Humpback, Finless Porpoise and Pantropic Spotted dolphin. If you are lucky enough, Gibbons, Banded Langurs and Long-Tailed Macaques may just make a special appearance. The park’s Golden Beach, Turtle Beach One and Turtle Beach Two are regular landing spots for various species of turtles that come here to nest. Come between March and September for a chance to witness the turtles nesting. Similajau National Park is perfect for family outings and leisurely activities such as picnicking, barbecuing and snorkelling as well. You can stay overnight at the chalets provided by the park.
Tourism
Piasau Nature Reserve Located within 20 minutes from Miri town, the reserve covers 92.65ha of inland coastal forest with a mixture of sandy beaches and vegetation. It is home to 107 flora and 75 fauna species. The reserve acts as sanctuary and nesting place for amazing Oriental Pied Hornbills, majestic birds of Borneo characterised by their long down curved bills and a casque that sits on it’s upper bill. Look out for the reserve’s official hornbill ambassadors and lovebirds, Jimmy and Juliet. After a dismissal of Jimmy’s long-time partner Faridah in 2013, Jimmy has finally found a new life partner in Juliet, another Oriental Pied Hornbill. Together, their love story has become a talking point of the place. Be sure to take your time to spot them when you are there. Other bird species that can be found at the reserve are Buffy Fish Owl, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Collared Kingfisher, BlueThroated-Bee-Eater and White-Bellied Eagle to name a few. Besides soaking in the astounding beauty and majesty of the birds at the reserve, visitors can learn a lot about the plant life in the park. A highlight of your visit will be the Tapang trees found within the area. It can grow up to a stunning height of 80 metres and is a keystone species in the ecosystem, providing homes to many creatures at the nature reserve.
Other parts of the reserve that are opened up for locals and tourists are spots for recreational activities. One can go for a hike, have a nice breezy jog, or paddle a bicycle along the designated trails at the reserve. Come be immersed in pristine nature at Similajau National Park and Piasau Nature Reserve. And if time permits, do check out some other incredible parks and nature reserves here in enchanting Sarawak.
For further inquiries, please contact Forest Department Sarawak, Bangunan Wisma Sumber, Alam, Jalan Stadium,Petra Jaya, 93660 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. +6082 442 180 +6082 441 210 www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 25
Tourism
Wet & Wild Sarawak’s rivers make stunning backdrops for unforgettable outdoor adventures. From scenic cruises to discovering sweeping views along calm winding rivers to surfing river waves, Sarawak’s river excursions offer a wide variety of activities to experience and enjoy.
Sungai Sarawak Kiri kayak tour The river welcomes visitors with an exhilarating tour by kayak. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned kayaker, kayaking offers an unforgettable adventure through the picturesque Sungai Sarawak Kiri. Local tour operator offers numerous packages such as one-day beginner’s level kayaking to more advanced options for thrill seekers. Opt for packages that include other activities such as bird watching, long house stays and jungle trekking for a more wholesome experience. Kayakers making their way down the Sungai Sarawak Kiri
Sungai Semadang raft tour If wading a day through the upper river of Sarawak by raft while enjoying the scenic views along the river is your cup of tea, look no further than this tour. It’s both relaxing and exciting at the same time, as you slowly make your way down the meandering Semadang River balancing on a bamboo raft. Top things off with a Bidayuh style home cooked lunch, a stopover at Aruang Pi’in Trusan Mini Waterfall and a refreshing swim at Sibudak.
Travelling down the Semadang River on bamboo rafts
Sri Aman’s benak experience
Tourists surfing the tidal bore during Pesta Benak, Sri Aman
The Batang Lupar River in Sri Aman promises some of the most unique river attractions in Sarawak, where the month of August draws local crowds and foreign tourists to Sri Aman’s waterfront to witness a natural phenomenon known as benak or tidal bore. On certain times during the Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Festival), water rushes up the Batang Lupar river and causes waves reaching three metres in height to form. Some of the people who come for the festival, which centres around the tidal bore, would take the opportunity to ride the waves on kayaks, longboats and surfing boards.
For more information & bookings: One Wayang Tours Sdn. Bhd. Website : paradesaborneo.com Tel : +6012 897 9068 , +6082 238 801 Email : info@paradesaborneo.com
Semadang Kayak (Kayaking & Bamboo Rafting) Website : semadangkayak.com Tel : +6013 804 2118 Email : info@semadangkayak.com
The Rucksack Rainforest Kayaking Website : rainforestkayaking.com Tel : +6013 804 8338 Email : rainforestkayaking@therucksackgroup.com
Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 27
Tourism
BeachSpots sand, sun and sea
Sarawak boasts numerous beaches that cater to every taste. Many offer scenic views and beautiful sunsets, while some are tucked away someplace hidden, perfect for those who seek serenity and solace. Whether you’re looking to go for a dip, getting that tan you’ve always wanted or simply sink your toes into the sand, these recommended beaches are definitely worth discovering for all you beachspotters out there.
Pandan Gold Coast Beach, Lundu • Nestled in a secluded location in Kampung Pandan, Lundu, a twohour drive to this beach is well worth the trip. Check into the affordable accommodation at Pandan Gold Coast villa and head out to the beach just in front of it for a great time with friends or family. You can even have a barbecue by the beach. But be sure to clean up afterwards. As the sun makes it descent, its rays turn the sand and the sea golden, hence ‘gold coast’.
Tourists head out early to catch this beautiful sunrise that turns the sea and sand golden at Pandan Gold Coast Beach, Lundu
Address: Jalan Kampung Pandan, Panda Beach, 94500 Lundu, Sarawak.
Damai Beach is perfect for weekend getaways
Damai Beach, Santubong • Just 45 minutes away from Kuching City, this famous beach is a haven for locals and tourists who enjoy not only the beach but the accommodation and amenities that come with it. And if sun and sea are not enough to entice you, how about a stunning backdrop featuring the iconic Mount Santubong? Address: Teluk Bandung Santubong, 93756, Kuching, Sarawak.
For more information & bookings: Pandan Gold Coast Beach, Lundu Website : www.pandangoldcoast.com Tel : +6010 277 0706 Email : info@pandanholiday.com Damai Beach, Santubong Website : damaibeachresort.com Tel : +6082 846 999 Email : general@damaibeachresort.com
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Tourism
Tusan Beach is famous for this unique cliff that resembles a horse taking a drink
Tusan Beach, Miri • This gem of a beach is situated in Miri and is known for its unique rock formation that stands out especially when the beach is on low tide. Besides a stunning beachfront, an outstanding feature here is its cliff edge, which resembles a horse drinking water. Tusan Beach is also well known for a natural phenomenon where the edge of the water glows bright blue at night, which is actually a large concentration of bioluminescent phytoplankton. Address: Exit Jalan Bekenu-Miri Coastal, 98150, Miri, Sarawak.
Leave your stress out the door and head to Pantai Temasya Bintulu
Pantai Tanjung Batu Bintulu, Bintulu • Pantai Tanjung Batu Bintulu or Tanjung Batu Beach Bintulu is an ideal place of the people of Bintulu to unwind after a hectic day… or week. It’s a wildly popular place for everyone to have picnics and participate in recreational activities as well. It was redeveloped in the 1980’s and beach facilities were added. Today, this beautiful piece of heaven facing a rocky seafront outcrop receives visitors even from beyond the borders of Bintulu itself. Address: Tanjung Batu Road, 97000 Bintulu, Sarawak. Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 29
Old Kuching Heritage
Old Kuching Heritage Keeping Kuching’s heritage alive
While the rest of Cat City continues to move forward with the times, efforts are being taken at the same time to preserve Old Kuching and what treasures it holds. A visionary project that aims to transform Old Kuching into a World Tourism Heritage Site, the Old Kuching Heritage initiative, initiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg, encompasses the city’s monuments, Malay villages, riverfront and businesses. The Old Kuching Heritage initiative is a collaborative effort between the local authorities, private sectors and business industries, Sarawak State agencies, institutions of higher learning, training centres, nonGovernmental organisations, media fraternities
Old shophouses on Gambier Street 30 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
Old Court House overlooking Sarawak River with DUN Building in the background
as well as local communities coordinated by Old Kuching Heritage Secretariat in the Chief Minister’s Department. There are six strategic thrusts put into place to accomplish this noble mission and its objectives, namely to preserve and conserve historical infrastructure, to establish smart infrastructure, to improve the socio-economy of the local community, to encourage the community to embrace technology, to manifest Old Kuching and to promote local cultures, arts and sports. These thrusts are grouped under four “Heritages” namely Monuments Heritage, Kampung Heritage, Riverfront Heritage and Business Heritage. The objectives of the Old Kuching Heritage include heritage preservation and conservation, whereby the safeguarding of historical infrastructure is done through digital advancements. The initiative also aims to establish smart infrastructure through the use of IT and cutting-edge technology, thus helping to create a smart community where everyone gets involved and embraces technology. Under the initiative, local cultures, arts and sports will also be promoted. Overall, these will help to boost the socio-economy of the local community.
Old Kuching Heritage “Thirty years down the line, what we want to see happen in Kuching is that with the talents among the people in relevant industries and the heritage products that we have, we will be able to help build up the local community in participating in the development,” said Deputy State Secretary, Datu Dr Sabariah Putit when speaking to BorneoTalk last November. She said it was important to connect participants in the tourism industry with relevant packages to promote local products and boost the local economy.
give them more prominence with proper trails to achieve and see more during their time in Kuching,” said Sabariah.
The museums and other heritage products in Kuching have been around for decades, but without concise routes some heritage sites could have been missed out. So by putting these attractions under one of the four Old Kuching Heritage trails, tourists will instantly know what is on offer and are excited to explore them.
The Old Kuching Heritage covers large areas of the city, from old Padungan all the way to Kubah Ria. Depending on which trail visitors choose to take, they will be able to see and experience everything from age-old Keringkam making, a look at the Brooke legacy, a visit to the world-class Sarawak Museum, beautifully maintained buildings from Sarawak’s Colonial past, seeing heritage businesses that have existed since the early days of Kuching and a stroll through a scenic Malay village just to name a few. With four trails each offering distinctively different types of heritage products, tourists will be able to choose exactly which trail they want to take for what they wish to see and what activities they want to take part in.
“Many a times before when tourists came to Kuching all these years, they missed out on a route that covers all the heritage sites. Through Old Kuching Heritage, we are telling them that there are things to discover. So what we’re doing here is, we are repackaging these products under Old Kuching Heritage to
The Old Kuching Heritage initiative plays a big role in ensuring that Kuching’s historical past lives on for many generations to come as the city continues to grow and prosper. It is also the perfect platform with which to showcase the very colourful side of Kuching that not very many people have seen before.
Old shophouses on Khoo Hun Yeang Street, in front of Open Air Market
General Post Office
Old State Mosque Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 31
Old Kuching Heritage
Bask in the charm of Old Kuching Old Kuching Heritage (OKH) invites you to discover Cat City in different light. Four separate heritage trails offer unique experiences to tourists.
Old Court House
Monuments Heritage Trail Another component in the OKH is the Kampung Heritage project, which focuses on the conservation of traditional structures and premises in all of the villages that are covered in this trail. The project also aims to preserve the local arts and culture here and in other villages within the area while at the same time develop new features such as the village riverbank beautification, where some of the prominent features along Kampung Bintangor are accentuated with LED light strips. The Kampung Heritage Trail takes tourists to all the above as well as other attractions such as heritage houses and their keringkam and crafts-making industry. See it all while you travel around in an eBike the perfect way to explore the trail. - Check out the pull-out trail map for a Kampung Heritage adventure. - Watch out for more trail maps in the upcoming editions. 32 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
Darul Maziah / Rumah Bentara
The Monuments Heritage Trail takes you on a trip to discover Kuching’s old buildings and historical monuments. Featuring more than 20 stops, the trail is perfect for history buffs to learn more about the city, its beginnings and the legacy of the White Rajah among many things. Structures built in the 18th Century, including British Colonial buildings, temples and old shophouses still stand today along the trail as a reminder of Kuching’s past. Some of the most iconic buildings along the Monuments Heritage Trail are the Brooke Memorial, Old Courthouse, Textile Museum, General Post Office, the old Sarawak Museum and Fort Margherita, which currently are some of the most popular historical sites among tourists. There is also the famous Old State Mosque, Old Fire Brigade Station, Indian Mosque, Tua Pek Kong temple, Square Tower, St. Thomas Cathedral, Astana, Chinese History Museum and the old Sarawak Steamship building.
Rumah Tan Sri Abang Mat Urai
Rumah Warisan Hajah Rapiah
Kampung Heritage Trail Pangkalan Kampung Boyan
Old Kuching Heritage
Old Kuching’s Business Heritage Trail takes you to some of the city’s thriving businesses located within the earliest trading districts in Kuching. They are mainly located along the Kuching Waterfront, Courthouse Road, Carpenter Street, India Street and Gambier Street, just to name a few. Old shops from the early 1800’s still stand to this day, many of them kept in their original state so as to retain their unique features that can no longer be seen in more modern areas within the city. Carpenters, blacksmiths, fabric sellers, old coffee shops as well as handicraft and souvenir parlours selling and manufacturing some of the most unique local products are to be expected when you venture along this trail. It’s the perfect trail to discover amazing souvenirs and little keepsakes to remind you of your travel here.
Harmony Arch at the entrance of Carpenter Street Main Bazaar
Old shophouses on Wayang Street
Business Heritage Trail Explore Old Kuching from a different perspective. The Riverfront Heritage Trail covers areas along the Kuching Waterfront, including the beautiful esplanade and the Main Bazaar along the river. You can choose to either walk along the esplanade and see the historical features of the Kuching Waterfront, or take the iconic Perahu Tambang to get a different view of all the landmarks along the trail, such as the Astana, Fort Margherita, Square Tower and the Malay villages on the banks of the Sarawak River. For a higher vantage point, the Darul Hana Bridge offers a gorgeous view of the Kuching Waterfront, the DUN Building and beyond.
Darul Hana Bridge with the new State Legislative (DUN) Building in the distance.
Riverfront Heritage Trail
Come see Kuching’s latest attraction, the colourful and whimsical Darul Hana Musical Fountain at the city’s iconic Waterfront, nightly at 8.30pm and 10pm.
See Old Kuching like you’ve never seen it before via the Old Kuching Heritage Trails. It will be an experience you will truly treasure.
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Old Kuching Heritage Led lighting creates a beautiful view near the Kampung Bintangor Bridge at night
Kampung Heritage of Old Kuching Sarawak is blessed with its people of various races each with their unique language, varying traditions, customs and culture. The State is also blessed with numerous historical sites and heritage buildings, many of them located in Old Kuching.
physical infrastructure, provide advice and expertise, open up new markets, provide a platform to promote products and conduct relevant training. The private sector provides endowment for the community to come out with quality products and services.
“By harnessing the significance of these assets, the State’s tourism industry’s ultimate mission is to develop Old Kuching into a competitive ‘Heritage Site Tourism’ destination in the world, thus elevating the socioeconomic status of the local community,” explained Deputy Chief Advisor for Digital Economy in the State and the Project Leader of Old Kuching Kampung Heritage, Professor Dr. Al-Khalid Othman.
There are a number of ways the community can uplift their socio-economic level. One is by preserving and conserving their age-old historical homes as tourist attraction. Another is by converting them into galleries where they can showcase traditional handicrafts and local products and sell them. Some may choose to convert theirs into living museums where they display antiquities such as traditional items, costumes and old photographs and charge tourists and visitors entrance fees. Another initiative is to furnish and convert their houses as homestays for tourists and visitors who wish to experience the kampung atmosphere. Others may prefer to convert their homes into village cafeterias serving local ‘kuih’, drinks and traditional fares.
Kampung Heritage This heritage provides a platform and support system for the socio-economic wellbeing of the local community living in the kampung (villages) that are part of the Old Kuching Heritage. “By employing our rich history and showcasing our tradition, culture and products through high quality and efficient services, we can offer tourists and visitors a unique, enriching and memorable experience. This requires the involvement and participation of the public sector, the private sector (such as the industries and NGOs) and the local community itself,” said Prof Al-Khalid. Towards this end, a number of strategic implementations have been set in motion. One of them is encouraging the setting up of individual or cooperative businesses by the community. The public sector (Government) would provide sponsorship and support system, such as funding on 34 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
The community members are also encouraged to set up enterprises such as making souvenirs and products from local
Old Kuching Heritage raw material, such as medical herbs, and providing services such as transportation, traditional spa and massages.
a Kiwibike mobile application. More information can be found on kuchingkampungheritage.my/e-bike/.
Villagers who own boats may venture into the river transport rental business for tourists who wish to explore up or down the river. For visitors who wish to try their luck in fishing, the villagers may rent out fishing lines and nets.
Discover unique treasures from the olden days, still kept well preserved. Among them are the Haji Taha Heritage House and Jalan Masjid Heritage House both at Jalan Haji Taha, Muslim Malay Madrasah, Abang Kassim Heritage House at Kampung Masjid, Old State Mosque at Jalan Masjid, Tan Sri Abang Mat Urai residence, and Bentera Heritage House – Darul Maziah. You can also see heritage businesses along the trail, including the Air Periuk Set, Rehana Herba Kpg Masjid, Kuih Sengkaruk and the traditional Sarawak Malay embroidery using gold thread known as Keringkam.
Explore the Heritage Villages Take a journey along the Kampung Heritage Trail, through scenic kampung streets. Amidst kampung houses are surau where the villagers go to pray and various public spaces where they get together to go about with their daily activities. Along the streets and alleys, villagers set up wooden stalls offering everything from Nasi Lemak to banana fritters. Bigger shops sell everyday household needs and basic groceries. There are six villages involved in the Kampung Heritage Trail, namely Kampung Patingan, Kampung Sungai Lajim, Kampung Muhibbah, Kampung Bandarshah, Kampung Seguling and Kampung Munggu Kubur. You can travel along the trail through these villages (now known as Kampung 1 - 6) on an e-Bike that comes complete with
E-bike is a great way to explore the Kampung Heritage Tail
Head back over to the trail at night to discover a whole different view. Start your journey from the Old State Mosque and onto the waterfront. On your left you will see the waterfront beautifully decorated with strips of LED lights. The trail leads to a concrete bridge that connects Kampung Bintangor Kechil and Kampung Bintangor Besar. The area around the bridge was developed by the State Government in 2006 and was dubbed Tebingan Sungai Bintangor. The area is beautifully lit, with the bridge itself lined with LED strips to give it prominence at night.
Challenges and the way forward
Keringkam
This grand mission requires continuous community engagement and involvement, especially from the more literate youth. They should have confidence in venturing into businesses that bring larger market, especially in the product and service sector. The private sectors as well as stakeholders should provide the inspiration and motivations, relevant skills and entrepreneurship training and assistance to the community to ensure success.
Congkak Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 35
Old Kuching Heritage
The enduring allure of Sarawak’s Keringkam and Songket Keringkam and Songket are two of the most precious heritages of the Malay community in Sarawak. Painstakingly produced by hand, they fetch high prices and were once worn only by the nobles of Sarawak. The fine arts of keringkam embroidery and songket weaving are still alive and well today, and efforts are being made to preserve and conserve these precious crafts.
Keringkam Sarawak Keringkam, the traditional art and craft of gold embroidery is the pride of Sarawakian Malay women. Instead of threads, thin gold or silver plated ribbons are threaded through a special flat needle created just for this purpose, and embroidered onto sheer fabrics such as voile, kasa rubia or silk organza. This is a meticulous process that can take months to complete. A fully embroidered piece usually finds purpose as a luxurious head covering called ‘selayah’ or selendang (scarf), which Sarawakian Malay women use to adorn themselves for special occasions. No Sarawakian Malay wedding garment will be complete without a Keringkam accessory to add prestige to the event. Margaret Brooke, the Ranee of Sarawak adored the Keringkam and even wore it on many occasions. “I was taken aback by the charming sight of that awaited me as I entered the dining-hall. The rows of women and young girls seated on the floor round the room, with 36 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
their silken brocades and gauzy veils of rose, green, blue and lilac, reminded me of an animated bed of brightly coloured flowers. I noticed that what beautiful complexions most of these women had, of the opaque pale yellow kind, like the petals of a fading gardenia...” she was quoted as saying.
Old Kuching Heritage
Songket Sarawak Songket symbolises the hand-woven textile of the Malays. The term Songket is derived from the Malay word, leveraged with woven yarn (gold and silver). There are some evidence that since the 16th century Songket has been created in the region, which became the official dress of the Malay nobility. The Songket was woven by the Malays who inhabited coastal areas exposed to external influences. Traditionally, Sarawakian Malay women would pair Songket with Keringkam, while the men would wear Songket as ‘sampin’ (cloth worn by Malay men around the belly, covering the stomach up to the knees or just below them) or ‘sabok dua jari’ as an accessory to the Baju Melayu and Songkok (cap typically worn by Muslim men). In creating the motif of Songket, Sarawakian Malays stayed true to their Islamic belief and centre most of their inspiration around the cosmos and flora. Weavers would form stylised patterns based on the abundance of nature around them - the rose, leaves and ‘daun paca’ (leaf of the Mulberry plant). However, some motifs are also based on the beauty and symbolic meaning of certain animals like the sea horse, peacock, rooster and duck.
Ibrahim from UNIMAS and Institute Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak, Kota Samarahan.
Young Weavers from Seri Gedung
Sarawak Heritage Innovation This project, which is under the patronage of Datuk Amar Datin Patinggi Hajah Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang as its patron, the project is a joint venture between Old Kuching Kampung Heritage, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Tun Abdul Razak Teachers Training Institute as well as CENTEXS, with the Keringkam and Songket community. A model that is based on community participation to ensure its sustainability. The Project Chairperson, Deputy State Secretary Datu Dr Sabariah Putit said that the main goal of this project was to study and produce a more comprehensive Keringkam and Songket ecosystem in terms of logistics management, supply chain, education, skills and training, sales and marketing, commercialisation, IP protection, copyright and pattern, digital technology utilisation, establishment of Keringkam and Songket community and collaboration with other institutions, Government agencies, private and non-Governmental agencies. Key researchers are Dr Nadianatra Bt Musa and Dr Dayang Hanani Bt Abang
Preserving, sustaining and nurturing Keringkam and Songket have been very challenging due to a lack of expertise in weaving and embroidery, difficulty in obtaining weaving and embroidery materials as well as traditional art elements that have disappeared in Malay society. This innovation project will revive the craft of Keringkam and Songket on a domestic and international level. Among initiatives and its development of reviving Keringkam and Songket heritage are Weaving Skills Proficiency, Entrepreneurial and Digital Skills Proficiency, Developing a network between the Keringkam and Songket communities in Sarawak, Exposition and Exhibition of Songket and Keringkam, Publication on Sarawak Heritage Innovation through ‘Songket and Keringkam: Warisan Melayu Sarawak’ coffee table book and a fashion show on Keringkam and Songket.
Datu Dr Sabariah (front left) at a Keringkam Training Programme by Centexs Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 37
Old Kuching Heritage
Preserving a dying tradition Amirul with a stunning Keringkam he made for his own keep
Keringkam maker Amirul Zacky of Tampan Keringkam is one of very few people left who are skilled at the art of Keringkam embroidery. The master craftsman said that the Keringkam used to be afforded only by the rich and important and there were many Keringkam makers back in the olden days. Today, many more people can afford to own the Keringkam, but it has become very difficult to find embroiders skilled at producing it. Amirul said Keringkam nowadays could cost anything from RM5,000 up to over RM10,000, depending on how difficult it was to produce and how much gold thread was used. He told BorneoTalk that a motif could be quite simple but required more thread while a complicated motif sometimes required less amount of thread compared to the simpler one. 38 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
“Keringkam is mostly worn by Malay women in Kuching, up to Samarahan and Sri Aman for special occasions, especially marriages. Some have theirs specially made for the occasion while some wear a piece that they inherit from many generations past. I would be lying if I were to say that no single Malay lady in Kuching dreams of wearing a Keringkam at their wedding,” he said. Amirul understands the importance of keeping the tradition of Keringkam
embroidery alive, saying that it is too precious a heritage to let die. “Given the chance, I would love to teach Keringkam embroidery to anyone interested to learn this delicate art,” he shared. “In fact, my niece is very interested to learn as she knows the value of the Keringkam. But she’s still too young for me to impart my knowledge of Keringkam making on. But once she’s old enough to learn, I will definitely teach her everything I know about this beautiful heritage craft”.
Old Kuching Heritage
Songket & Keringkam in Sarawak Malay weddings during their wedding day, along with embellishments of gold and silver from the head down known as Gajah Olen. The bride typically wears ornaments of gold-plated silver, with a Keringkam worn over her shoulders and a Songket sarong wrapped around her waist. The combination of Keringkam selayah, a Kebaya Labuh (traditional blouse dress) and a Gajah Olen gives the wearer grace and beauty unlike any other. A Keringkam selayah with rich, intricate patterns is indicative of a wearer who is a noble or comes from a wealthy family. For the groom, there are three variations of traditional wedding attire. The first includes a buttonless robe, a Keringkam selendang (long shawl), Baju Melayu and a headgear embroidered with Jasmine flower patterns. The second variation consists of a jacket made out of Songket, worn over a short sleeved Baju Melayu, a Songket Sampin around the waist and a traditional Malay headgear known as Kolok with ‘Bunga Tajok’ embellishment. This variation has elements of the Malays of Brunei. The third variation includes a Baju Melayu with a jacket worn over it, a Keringkam long shawl over the left shoulder and a headgear with influences of West Sumatera and Sanggau West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Synonymous to the Malays of Sarawak, Songket and Keringkam are still worn today as they were traditionally worn in the past for important occasions. Today, the precious garments are mainly worn by bride and groom
The models in this page are seen wearing typical Sarawak Malay wedding attire that includes Songket, Keringkam and Gajah Olen. Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 39
Arts & Culture
Myriads of art, culture As Sarawak progresses steadily into an era of modernisation and digitalisation, so grows its art scene. And here, art takes many forms and appeals to a growing number of art fans from near and far. Modernity has also left plenty of room for local cultures to thrive and continue gaining interests of many. That’s what makes Sarawak so special, there is a great balance between modern development and age-old tradition.
Tribal Tattoo • Body art enthusiasts often look to Sarawak for tribal tattoos. Designs like the Bungai Terong, a right of passage into adulthood for Iban boys, have found their way to international shores, thanks to tattoo masters like Ernesto Kalum, who has brought his work to international tattoo conventions and shows in Switzerland, Canada, Italy, UK and US. Want to get your own hand-tapped Sarawak tribal tattoo? Ernesto’s Borneo Headhunters Tattoo at No.47, Wayang Street, Kuching provides world-class tattooing service.
Street Art & Murals • Artists are taking to the streets with their art, painting giant murals on buildings to depict the culture and lifestyle of the local communities among others. Some buildings in Kuching have colourful murals painted on them. In Sibu, there’s even a festival held to celebrate the town’s colourful murals and the people they depict, titled ‘Sibu Street Art’.
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Art Classes • One of the best stress-busting activities is painting. But if you don’t know how to paint, what is supposed to be a relaxing activity might turn out otherwise. But don’t fret, there are art classes you can take that will make an artist out of you in no time! - Mary Anne Vaz is a Penangborn, Miri-based artist with a passion for both creating and imparting knowledge on art.
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Evolution Of Sape • Sape is a traditional lute of the Orang Ulu community of Central Borneo that has stood the test of time. Carved out of a single wood and usually featuring traditional Orang Ulu motifs, this musical instrument was originally used to play some forms of ceremonial music. Today, the sape is no longer restricted to ritualistic use and is played as an accompaniment to traditional dance performances of the Orang Ulu or just for entertainment. The sape has gained worldwide recognition, thanks to international events like the annual Rainforest World Music Festival and sape masters like Mathew Ngau Jau, who has introduced the world to this beautiful stringed instrument. Sape is also evolving, with people like Julien Cottet from Paris, France not only taking great interest in the instrument, but taking it to a whole new level by adding modern touches not only to the instrument but also to the way sape music sounds. (Mr. Julien Cottet at +6011 2992 20523)
She teaches art at her home in Miri and takes in students both young and old. Learn to paint everything from forest animals to portraits with stepby-step easy-to-learn painting techniques without having to sketch beforehand. Check out maryannevazartist for more information. Narong Daun is a household
name here in Sarawak with her very own signature style. Her artwork has graced many homes, offices, restaurants and hotels locally and internationally. Learn how to paint like Narong in her art class, which she conducts in her comfortable studio in her village (Kampung Garong) in Penrissen, Kuching. Contact her at silkpaintingartist.
Arts & Culture
Old ring ladies • It is unfortunate that the tradition of wearing coiled brass rings – rasung for the calves and forearms, as well as ruyang for the neck – by the Bidayuh folk of Kampung Semban is dying. Also the last of the Ring Ladies, as they are lovingly known, have been relocated to the Bengoh Resettlement Scheme (BRS) near Kampung Semadang, from their original home in Kampung Semban, up in the mountains of Padawan. Today, the last of the Ring Ladies make appearances in a number of cultural and tourism events to showcase the beautiful tradition of these beautiful indigenous ladies.
Lanterns Galore • Come October, Sibu’s town square lights up with multitudes of bright colours as the sun sets on the horizon. Around that time, Sibu holds its annual Lantern and Food Festival, which pays homage to the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is the perfect time for families and friends to come out at night and see hundred of lanterns in all their glory. Contestants go all out in creating their best works of art, displayed at the town square for the public to see and admire. The festival is a perfect example of local culture that has evolved into a major attraction for the town of Sibu.
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Arts & Culture Celebrating culture of the highland folk (Nukenan) • Along with the array of exotic and specialised foods displayed at the exhibition stalls, Pesta Nukenan Bario invites one and all for a feast of culture in the Kelabit Highlands. Experience life in the highlands and take part in many different activities while you mingle with the local residents dressed in their traditional attire for that very special occasion. Happening in July, the Pesta Nukenan Bario is your chance to experience the full cultural offering of the Kelabit folks of Bario.
A thriving tradition • The Iban tradition known as Miring is still widely practised today. It is a ritual ceremony performed to appease the gods and the spirits, and ask for blessings. Gawai Dayak and Gawai Antu are just two occasions where the Miring is performed. Traditionally, a pig would be slaughtered and its blood offered as sacrifice to the gods and spirits, along with rice, egg and other offerings. Today, the ceremony is also performed occasionally during major events like the Borneo Cultural Festival in Sibu and the Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching, but with a rooster in place of a pig, with the rooster spared after the ceremony.
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Allure, mysticism, folklore in the dances of Sarawak The diversity in the traditional dances of Sarawak is a result of having people from so many different cultural backgrounds living harmoniously, proudly calling themselves Sarawakians. This Visit Sarawak, come and be fully immersed in the cultural dances of Sarawak. Among the most fa mous cultural dances are the Ngajat of the Iban folk, the Hornbill Dance of the Kenyah tribe, the Eagle Dance of the Bidayuh and the traditional Melanau dance known as Alu Alu.
Ngajat The origins of the Ngajat (Iban for dance) can be traced back as far back as the 16th Century. It is an integral part of the cultural identity and folklore of the Iban tribe of Sarawak. It was originally performed as a celebratory ritual to welcome a warrior’s return from battle. Today, it is still performed during Gawai Dayak as thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest or as a celebratory welcome to visitors to the longhouses. Audiences would be greeted with female dancers adorned with elaborate headdress and dresses with intricate woven motifs. The male dancers will be wearing a ceremonial loincloth, while carrying a long sword, thumping their feet away in an aggressive manner, in a warrior like stance, prancing and at the same time, looking around with caution as if to stalk their enemies.
Ngajat Indu This variation of the Ngajat performed by women displays the grace and beauty of the culture and tradition of the Iban. The dance depicts the daily activities of the Iban community, such as weaving the Pua Kumbu. The dancers would wear a stunning ensemble that features a colourful Marik Empang, an outer garment of beads and hand-stitched cotton worn around the neck when performing this dance.
Rejang Beuh (Eagle Dance) The Rejang Beuh or Eagle dance is a popular dance among the Bidayuh tribe of Sarawak. According to folklore King of the Pleiades, the gods of the sky instructed hero Madu Sawan to battle with the legendary bird of the sky known as Tingkilang Ramang or The Spirit Eagle. This was to ascertain who had the right to take the King’s daughter, Dara Buda for a wife. The Rejang Beuh is usually performed after the harvest season as a form of entertainment for guests to the longhouse. The dancers would stretch their arms out wide, imitating the movements of the eagle as they flap their wings in flight. The male dancers, like their female dancing counterparts, will dance to the beat of the drums and gongs with accompaniment of little bells hanging from the bangles on their ankles. They are adorned with a necklace of wild boar tusks hung around their neck.
Arts & Culture
Kanjet Ngeleput The Kanjet Ngeleput is a warrior dance of the Orang Ulu tribe, performed by a male dancer in full warrior attire. This includes a vest made of animal skin, a headgear featuring colourful beads and hornbill feathers, a long knife, along with a container full of darts tied around his waist and a blowpipe in hand. The dance portrays the nimble but stealthy gait of the warrior as he goes on a hunting trip in the jungle. He sees his target, he takes aim and shoots a dart, seldom missing the mark.
Alu Alu The Alu Alu, is dance of the Melanau tribe in Sarawak, is an integral part of the funeral rites of the tribe. The Alu Alu, which is not considered a traditional dance but a new creation dance, is performed as a means to comfort the relatives and friends of the deceased; the dance is usually performed at night over a span of four days. There is no specific movement to the dance and can be derived from most simple and mundane of action, from everyday activities of the tribe such as cooking, bathing, farming and many more. The movements of the dance can also be inspired by dreams, from work or by nature. The dance reaches it climax when one of the male dancers climbs to the top of a bamboo pole with support of his fellow dancers holding the pole up. The dancer then rests his stomach on the tip of the pole and is spun incessantly to the beat of the music and stops when the music has slowed down. This portion of the dance requires feats of strength and bravery.
Datun Julud Another dance, steeped in folklore and tradition of the Orang Kenyah tribe, is the Datun Julud, also known as the Hornbill Dance. From generation to generation, word of mouth dictates that a prince named Nyik Selung had conceived the idea of the dance to celebrate happiness and gratitude. There is no limit to how many dancers are to perform the dance. Occasionally, a single female dancer will grace the stage. Sometimes it can be up to four dancers or more, depending on the occasion. The dancers will be wearing ceremonial sarongs in beautiful patterns and designs, accompanied by a beautiful headpiece and a pair of fans made from hornbill feathers, the national bird of Sarawak. Today, the practice of using hornbill has been stopped completely, and the feathers are replaced with fake ones. The dance includes gentle flicks of the wrist, in a slow and graceful up and down motion accompanied by the fans. The dance pays homage to the graceful flight movements of the majestic bird. It is always accompanied by the beautiful sounds of the sape, a traditional lute instrument that produces soothing and melodious sounds - a perfect combination.
See it all at one place See these dances at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong. Performances are staged by awardwinning dancers and musicians at 11.30am for the morning show and 4pm for the evening show. Call STB at +6082 846 108 / 846 078 or email enquiry@scv.com.my / scv4you@gmail.com for more information. Not sure how to get there? Book a Grab car from your smartphone to get there or check if your hotel can help you out with bookings and transportation to Sarawak Cultural Village. Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 45
The perfect concept for the perfect location With emphasis on local art and an exterior that reflects Kuching’s colonial past, The Waterfront Hotel blends seamlessly into the surrounding in Kuching’s Historic District. Its 208 smoke-free guestrooms offer modern comforts presented in artful flair. Its 31 suites and 2 lofts offer some of the most stunning views of Kuching. It’s location? Within walking distance to the city’s prime tourist hotspots, food ports and shopping streets. No other hotel gives you an experience quite like The Waterfront Hotel does.
The Waterfront Hotel
68, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Online booking at www.thewaterfrontkuching.com or contact +6082 227 227
Old Kuching Heritage
Introducing Songket & Keringkam to the rest of the world Sarawak’s traditional gold embroidery better known as the Keringkam has stood the test of time. This stunning art and craft is the pride of the Malay community in Sarawak, particularly those originating in the Malay villages of Old Kuching, where this unique art and craft originates from. As far as design goes, the motifs on Keringkam worn on a daily basis, such as for dinner, are usually rather basic and not so extravagant. However, Keringkam worn on weddings and important ceremonies are usually adorned with luxurious motifs.
Keringkam on the runway The Sarawak Keringkam was showcased to an international audience on Oct 31 last year, when the inaugural Malam Pesona Songket dan Keringkam Antarabangsa (International Fashion Show of Sarawak Malay Heritage Textiles) was held at the Waterfront Hotel, Kuching. The fashion show was participated by Sarawak, Indonesia and Brunei and showcased outfits that ranged from traditional textiles to stylish contemporary. Deputy State Secretary Datu Dr Sabariah Putit said the main objective of the event was to globalise and to uphold the heritage and textile industry of Keringkam and Songket to the world. Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg, Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani; Indonesian Consul-General in Kuching Yonny Tri Prayitno; and Brunei Consul-General in Sarawak Pengiran Kartini Pengiran Tahir were present at the event. Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 47
Tourism
The glistening beads of Kampung Long Tuma Visit any souvenir shop in Sarawak and you will find beaded products like necklaces, purses, headgears and clothing. They make excellent souvenirs to bring back home with you and great gifts for your friends, family and even corporate clients. The fact that Sarawak is famous for its beads is a known thing, but did you know that authentic Sarawakian ceramic beads come from a village in Lawas known as Kampung Tuma? It is the only village in Sarawak where ceramic beads are made. Kampung Long Tuma is also the only village in Sarawak with a kiln. At Pusat Kraftangan Manik Seramik (ceramic beads handicraft centre) under Kampung Long Tuma’s village industry development programme, a mixture of powdered river clay and water is hand rolled into beads of varied shapes and sizes. Designs are then meticulously carved into the beads using a toothpick before they are baked at 800°C for eight hours, expertly hand-painted and glazed then baked again at 1,800°C for another eight hours. Ideally the designs are kept traditional and the colours red, white, black and yellow are typically used. However, modern designs are also available to keep with current trends, with many other colours included such as green, blue, pink and purple. What’s special about these beads is that the clay used to make them can only be found near the banks of Sungai Lawas. The clay is usually taken from the bottom of the river 48 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
Tourism
during low tide by a group of more than five women. Doing so during high tide is risky seeing how the river is also home to crocodiles. The clay is left out to dry in the sun before it is pounded into powder, sifted, then mixed with water to form a dough before it is rolled into beads. Forty-nine-year-old Patricia Busak, who takes charge of the beads handicraft centre, specialises in painting and glazing the beads while the other artisans who work at the centre are in charge of other tasks like kneading the clay and designing the beads. With the amount of work that goes into producing these beads, it’s no surprise that they can fetch considerably high prices. But although
traditional and heirloom beadwork can fetch thousands, the modern ones can be far more affordable. At Pusat Kraftangan Manik Seramik Kampung Long Tuma, visitors can purchase ready-made beadwork including necklaces, bracelets, beaded traditional clothing and souvenirs at very good prices from the showroom just next to the production facility. They also offer personalised beadthreading service so you can have your necklace or bracelet made using all the beads that you yourself choose. Beads produced at the crafts centre in Long Tuma are mainly distributed to handicrafts centres and souvenir shops all over Sarawak, so it’s relatively easy
to get your hands on the beautiful handicrafts of the Lun Bawang folks in Long Tuma. However, if you want to see in person how the beads are made and maybe try your hand at making your own bead from scratch, Pusat Kraftangan Manik Seramik Kampung Long Tuma is definitely worth a visit.
For more information: Pusat Kraftangan Manik Seramik Kampung Long Tuma, 98850 Lawas, Sarawak Tel : +6013 565 6951
Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 49
Tourism
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Tourism
Where to find me? Pua Kumbu
be purchased at reasonable prices from pottery factories dotting both flanks of the 5th Mile Penrissen Road.
A traditional ceremonial cotton cloth with elaborate motifs, the pua kumbu is an integral part of the life, folklore, and culture of the Iban tribe in Sarawak. Today, besides being used for ceremonial purposes, the cloth is also used as an everyday wear or as a fashion statement. If you are interested in purchasing the pua kumbu as a souvenir, look no further than Fabriko, located at India Street.
Kek Lapis Sarawak The sweet-toothed on a search for a signature Sarawak dessert must try the Kek Lapis Sarawak. The delicious cake is baked layer by layer for up to several hours. Some are even painstakingly stacked up to create fancy patterns found only in the layered cakes of Sarawak. The attention to detail and intricacy of the motifs on the cake will astound you. Mira Cake House at Kampung Boyan across the Kuching Waterfront is well-known to sell some of the best Kek Lapis Sarawak. Take a ride on Kuching’s famous Penambang or Perahu Tambang from Kuching Waterfront to get there. A taxi can take you there as well. Mira Cake House is located at 44A, Tebingan Permaidani BGS, Kampung Boyan, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching. (T) +6082 440077, (E) miracake@gmail.com.
Sarawak Pepper An essential ingredient in many cuisines around the world is the black pepper, and Sarawak is home to some of the world’s best black peppers! Sarawak black pepper has an extra burst of spiciness with a robust and delicious aftertaste that lingers in your mouth. Add a dash of Sarawak black pepper to really bring your dishes to life. Buy some from Sara Spice, located at Lot 1115, Jalan Utama, 93916 Kuching.
Beadworks Beads play an integral part in the cultural identity of the indigenous people of Sarawak. It is mainly used to create jewellery such as a beautiful neckpiece or a stunning bracelet. In the past, beads were indicative of the social status and wealth of the wearer. Nowadays, artisans incorporate them into modern designs and statement pieces that pair excellently with your favourite clothes. Available at most shops along the Main Bazaar near the Kuching Waterfront.
Sape
Terendak
The Sape is a traditional lute instrument of the Kenyah tribe of Sarawak, carved out of a single bole wood with at least two strings attached to it. The sape known for its enchanting and melodious sounds, has a more ceremonial purpose in the past, but is now played on world stages either traditionally or infused into modern music. Bringing one back home can be a challenge, but you can buy miniature ones, framed or otherwise, or in the form of key chains and fridge magnets from many of the shops located along the Main Bazaar near the Kuching Waterfront.
The Terendak is a traditional headpiece worn by the Melanau ethnic group of Sarawak. Used to protect oneself from the scorching heat of the sun, the Terendak is adorned with designs of bright colours that represent the tribe. One of the festivals associated with this headpiece is the Kaul Festival in Mukah. Nowadays, the Terendak can be seen adorning the walls of many homes. Beautiful and purposeful, it makes an excellent souvenir to bring home with you.
Pottery
Combining beautiful tribal designs and practicality, Sarawak’s tribal bags and purses are the perfect accompaniments to your look of the day, adding a touch of tribal chic to your overall get-up. Each tribe in Sarawak produces a distinctive design representing their culture. Collect all of them or at least some of them from many of the shops dotting the Main Bazaar.
Earthenware makes a great souvenir that will remind you of your travel to Sarawak. Vases of different sizes, shapes and colours are produced by highly-skilled craftsmen and artisans, who expertly carve or hand-paint Sarawak motifs to give each product its unique design. They can
Tribal bags
For more shops: Bintulu Sagong Handicraft Souvenir Level 1 - Lot 28, Shop Parkcity Commercial Square, Jalan Diwarta, 97000 Bintulu, Sarawak. Tel : +6086 360591 . +6019 4866626
Miri Miri Handicraft Centre Corner of Jalan Brooke and Jalan Merbau, 98000 Miri, Sarawak. Tel : +6085 433 501
SIBU Visitors’ Information Centre Heritage Centre, Jalan Central, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak.
Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 51
Lifestyle
Miss World Malaysia 2018, Larissa Ping Liew of Kuching Sarawak is a shining example of beauty with a purpose. One of the top 30 finalists in Miss World 2018, she is pictured here in a stunning pleated pink dress from ODDHAUS, bringing a hint of sexiness with elegance worthy of her status as a beauty queen. To complete the look, Larissa wears a pair of elegant earrings from ODDHAUS and white heels with mesh from Najla Shoes. Make-up by Joanna Lai Wei Shing, a highly sought after local make up artist specialising in bridal make-up.
BT Fashion File
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Lifestyle
The Oriental mash-up Lunar New Year brings good luck and prosperity. In conjunction with the upcoming festivity, here is a Chinese New Year inspired ensemble to spice things up in the coming celebration. Eastern elegance : These earrings from ODDHAUS are the perfect accompaniments to your festive fashion this Chinese New Year.
Subtle sassiness : This fun yet sophisticated Burgundy three-tiered spaghetti strap dress from ODDHAUS is perfect for parties.
Blissful batik : These batik clutches ooze Asian chic and are incredibly versatile. Complement a variety of looks.
Understated : Pair up your dress with these understated but classy Pua Kumbu style sheer covered stilettos by Najla Shoes for something that is distinctively local.
One pair for all : Parties? Formals? Get-togethers? Put on these white shoes with mesh from Najla Shoes for a touch of subtle chic to your entire get-up..
Najla Shoes
Established in 2015 in Kuala Lumpur by Sarawakian shoe designer Najla Sarbini, Najla Shoes produces sophisticated shoes in bold colours and timeless design. Perfect for modern women who want something elegant and comfortable.
Oddhaus was founded in Kuching back in 2013 and features ready-to-wear womenswear that are comfortable and stylish without breaking the bank. Find them at their boutique and be part of this local fashion movement. Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 53
Sibu (No.7) (opposite to Sibu Bus Terminal) +6084 218 338 +6084 218 339
Mukah (No. 5) (at Medan Mall) +6084 874 888 +6084 874 666
Bintulu (No.10) (at Wisma Li Hua Bintulu Sentral Bus Terminal) +6086 257 888 +6086 257 887
Bintulu (No. 2) (near to JKR’s Office) +6086 335 000 +6086 335 222
lihuahotel.com.my
Budget-friendly business accommodation Location is everything, and Medan (in Sibu & Betong) / Li Hua (Sibu, Bintulu & Mukah) hotels are conveniently located within close proximity to where the buzz is. Medan and Li Hua hotels provide comfortable accommodation with amenities for business travellers, minus the non-essentials, all at prices that are friendly to your wallet. Sibu (No. 9) (at UNICITY, Jalan Wawasan) +6084 255 333 +6084 255 353
Sibu (No.1) (next to Sibu Express Wharf) +6084 324 000 +6084 326 272
FOR UCTS HOSTEL
Sibu (No.8) (at UNICITY, Jalan Wawasan ) +6084 367 300 +6084 367 301
medanhotel.com.my
Sibu (No. 3) (next to Sibu Bus Terminal) +6084 216 161 +6084 215 151
Sibu (No. 6) (next to Medan Mall) +6084 353 888 +6084 353 555
Betong (No. 4) (next to Medan Supermarket & Bus Terminal) +6083 471 919 +6083 472 727
Big sound in a small package The amazing audio you hear in movies has been meticulously mixed by sound engineers into surround sound tracks to offer total immersion and audio realism as you enjoy your favourite flicks. To fully enjoy your movie, it is crucial that you choose the right sound system for exceptional quality and performance, minus the distortions. One such product is the 5.1 Satellite StarkeSound ECHO speaker system, pictured here in gloss red (available in gloss black). Priced at RM7,499, this system will put you right at the heart of the action without taking too much space in your home. Available at Sound Fusion, Saradise Kuching.
Sweet satisfying sound Get the most of your new sound system with these tips: - Keep em healthy: Keep your speakers dust-free. A blower helps to keep dust at bay. Clean them regularly (no liquid cleaners please). Speakers should be placed away from magnetic sources and static electricity. Use anti-static floor mat, spray or anti-static chemicals for the latter. - Technical maintenance: Speakers should not be under direct sunlight and wiring should be in proper order. Good ventilation means longer life for the speakers. When in doubt, just follow all steps in the maintenance manual. - Power is crucial: Uninterrupted power supply and voltage stabilisers help juice up your speakers, but be careful not to overload them. Not sure? Seek professional assistance.
Visit Sound Fusion’s new showroom at SL40, Block C1, Saradise Kuching and get ready to experience audio like never before. Details also available at www.soundfusion.asia.
Lifestyle
Quality living spaces at Cube Condominium “Since blue is the primary colour of the space, we balance it with furnishings of warmer hues to achieve a more balanced look.”, added Jennifer Liew, Brand representative from Instarmac.
“The aesthetic value of any given space is mainly driven through the interior design. More tangibly, it also has immense impact on how people live and interact within the home environment,” said Dyilon Sia, in-house architect of property developer Instarmac Group.
“The living room area is styled with a modern built-in TV console. Its frame is crafted of wood structure with laminate and a neutral finish.” she added. It features two open shelves for placing your essential, as well as the centre shelf is ideal for staging your flat-screen TV and some lightweight decorative objects. A built-in upper shelf offers even more space for storage and display.
“In the dining area, surfaces have been painted light blue in reference to bring an upscale appeal to the dining atmosphere. In addition, rectangular dining table are common and befitting for any dining space. Dining table with marble texture top adds a classy charm to the dining environment.” said Mr. Dyilon The Cube Condominium features an iconic design and is conveniently located at close proximity to important amenities and institutions like Aeon Kuching Central, Timberland Medical Centre and Kuching International Airport. For enquiries, please call +6082 570 400.
“The colour scheme of this particular living room include different shades of blue and white. Coupled with the wood element, it creates a modern yet calming atmosphere of the living space.” he continued. Dyilon is speaking to our magazine at The Cube Condominium, Kuching - a project by Instarmac Group. Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 55
Lifestyle
CMS changes game with new ecofriendly cement Sarawak’s foremost infrastructure facilitator Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad’s (CMS) cement division recently launched a new product called Portland Limestone Cement (PLC), thus marking a major milestone for the company. The product is eco-friendly and is made using a mixture of clinker, gypsum and high quality limestone, all ground up and manufactured under strict quality control. The PLC’s high level of fineness gives it better water retention and cohesiveness. The new product is also easier to work with in mortar and concrete and finishes more smoothly compared to conventional cement. Product applications include brick laying, tiling, floor topping, plastering, floor screeding, soil stabilisation binder and general concrete structures. Speaking at the launching event of the PLC, CMS Cement Division head Suhadi Sulaiman said the PLC’s strength class of 32.5N targets low-rise concrete structures including single storey residential, office and commercial buildings.
“It can also be used in the construction of drains in rural areas or kampung roads,” he said, adding that PLC is more affordable compared to their flagship Portland Cement with a strength class of 42.5N. This will in some small way help to reduce the construction costs in Sarawak. Furthermore, it has always been the guiding philosophy of CMS to ensure that every product and service that it offers has the right qualities and fulfils customers’ requirements. It has always been CMS’s intention to offer its customer options in cement types so that they can have the advantage of using products that match their job requirements and budgets. Early trials were done with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) on soil stabilisation using the PLC, whereby it was found that some of the properties it had made it the ideal choice for such conditions. The PLC took almost two years to develop. With significant advantage and benefits, the PLC will definitely be a boost for Sarawak’s construction industry.
For further information, please contact CMS Cement Industries Sdn Bhd (49256-V) (a subsidiary company of Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad) sales.cement@cmsb.com.my www.cmsb.com.my MAMBONG PLANT Lot 571, Block 4, Sentah Segu L.D. Jalan Mambong, O Jalan Puncak Borneo, P.O.Box A599, 93810 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 610 229
PENDING PLANT Lot 5895, Jalan Simen Raya Pending Industrial Estate P.O. Box 2000, 93740 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 332 111
BINTULU PLANT Lot 766, Block 20, Kemena Land District Kidurong Industrial Estate, P.O. Box 2012, 97007 Bintulu, Sarawak. +6086 254 727 Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 57
Food
Kelatang Otherwise known as the Bario tree grub, the kelatang is commonly enjoyed by the people living in Bario Highland. It can be eaten as is although it is enjoyed most in rice porridge.
*Bario Food and Cultural Festival (Pesta Nukenen) in Bario is your best bet at trying this delicacy for yourself.
Bizarre Foods of Sarawak Surely you’ve already had everything thought out before you arrive in Sarawak for a holiday – food included. While Sarawak Laksa, Kolo Mee, Kampua, Bee Hoon Belacan and Kompia are the quintessential Sarawak delicacies not to be left out of your “to-eat” list, the adventurous might want to try something more unusual. Here are 5 bizarre foods to try in Sarawak.
*Sometimes available at local markets. If not, Awah Café in Kuching serves it as well. Awah Café – Lot 964, Block 10, Jalan Kumpang, Taman Ridgeway, 93200 Kuching, Sarawak. +6013 565 0091 58 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
Kasom Ikien Delicious on its own or with steamed white rice, kasom ikien is raw fish rubbed with salt and pounded rice and preserved in a jar for about a month at least. The end result is a pungent and sour tasting fish that’s so delicious eaten raw, steamed or fried, although its an acquired taste.
Food
Linut / Ambuyat Okay, maybe this is not the most bizarre food ever, but Linut or Ambuyat does take a little getting used to. The dish is made from sago flour, which is mixed with room temp water before boiling hot water is added until a thick, gooey consistency is achieved. To be eaten with sambal belacan or tempoyak (fermented durian) soup.
*Easily available at local restaurants with some Melanau dishes included in their menu. Kedey Kamek – Q309, Taman Fah Tah, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 513 167 Barong Tinuk – Lot 12295, Jalan Semarak, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. +6019 818 8145
Tebah Dewon Bandung The Bidayuh folks love it. Others maybe not as much. But it’s definitely worth a try. Tebah Dewon Bandung basically translates as preserved tapioca leaves. Sourish and pungent, it’s definitely an acquired taste. Those who eat it would stir fry it with anchovies and chilli or with three-layered pork.
*Curious to try? Awah Café stir-fries it with onion, chilli and anchovies and serves it together with white rice. Awah Café – Lot 964, Block 10, Jalan Kumpang, Taman Ridgeway, 93200 Kuching, Sarawak. +6013 565 0091
Sago grubs Now this one is kind of a superstar of bizarre foods in Sarawak. The sago grub is a larvae of a large species of beetle called the sago palm weevil. It may look like something born out of a nightmare but it’s actually incredibly nutritious and is a delicacy here in Sarawak.
*Live ones are sold at local markets sometimes. Or would you prefer to sample a sago grub pizza from Lasan Denak Food Garden in Taman BDC, Kuching instead? Lasan Denak Foof Garden – 433, Lorong B4, Taman BDC, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak. +6013 818 2977
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Food
Gastronomic Melting Pot Kuching is the ultimate gastronomic melting pot that brings together foods in various forms, from different ethnic backgrounds. We list here some of the must try food on your visit here that will satisfy your curiosity (and hunger) throughout the day.
Second most iconic food here after Sarawak Laksa, the Kolo Mee is much loved for its characteristically springy egg noodle, drenched in BBQ pork drippings to give it a red tinge, and topped with char siew pork, minced pork and spring onion. As far as Sarawak is concerned, it’s the typical way to start your day.
If you’re hankering for traditional baked Chinese snacks, try the delectable siew pau with generous portion and delicious pork filling. Choices vary with additional fillings such as yam. That ought to satisfy your ravenous appetite.
Kim Joo Kolo Mee - 73, Jalan, Ewe Hai Street, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 243 053 Oriental Park Café - Gertak Lane, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 419 124
Chong Chon Biscuit Maker - Kai Joo Lane, No.3, Lorong Jalan Kai Joo, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak.
For Halal options: Kedey Kamek - Q309, Taman Fah Tah, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 513 167 Sepinang Sari Café & Restaurant - 206 Lotong Eb 1 | Jalan Satok, Section 11, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 422 206
Kolo Mee
Sarawak Laksa The late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain was particularly fond of this dish, so much so that he adopted it in one of his food establishments in New York and he calls it ‘Breakfast of the Gods’. Rice vermicelli is flash boiled and topped with bean sprouts, succulent prawns, shredded chicken and egg before a spicy and creamy broth made from coconut milk and a mixture of herbs and spices is poured over. If you want to taste the exact same Sarawak Laksa so loved by the late Bourdain, look no further than Choon Hui Café. Choon Hui Café - 34, Jalan Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 243 857 Dong Guan Food Court - Lot 2742-2745, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, Central Park Commercial Centre, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 239 949 For Halal options: Pak Amit Cafe - Jalan Merdeka off Jalan Astana, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. Mom’s Laksa Café - Lot 276, Jalan Haji Taha, Kuching Town Land District, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak. +6019 812 8587
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Siew Pao
Food
Kompia is better associated with Sibu, although the tasty traditional bread is also enjoyed here in Kuching. It’s also known as Chinese Bagel. It is commonly eaten plain and fresh out from the charcoalheated oven. With a twist of juicy minced pork filled in the kompia, surely brings the whole dish to a new level. Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre - Lorong 15 (off Jln Padungan), 93100 Kuching, Sarawak.
Kompia
Chicken Rice Comfort food for many, chicken rice is essentially chicken poached and then drained when perfectly cook. The rendered fat in the remaining stock is used to cook the rice with ginger and garlic added in for an unforgettable aroma and taste. SUUKEE The Original Hainanese Chicken Rice serves authentically prepared chicken rice that would satisfy the most ardent fans of the dish. The cosy ambience makes for a more pleasurable dining experience.
For all seafood lovers, you came to the right city. Most seafood restaurant in Sarawak serves seafood freshly caught from the sea and cooked in various flavours such as Laksa Crab, Salted Egg Crab, Butter Prawns, Crispy Oyster Omelette, Assam Fish, Curried Bamboo Clams and many more mouthwatering dishes.
Gula Apong ice-cream
Top Spot Food Court Jalan Padungan | Bukit Mata Kuching, Kuching, Malaysia, right above the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) Kuching, Sarawak. +6019 888 5940 Muara Tebas Seafood - 10 Muara Tebas, Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 438 219 I-cafe - Lot 295-296, Rubber Road & Lorong 9, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 428 878
A local twist for a decadent frozen dessert to satisfy the sweettoothed. Delicious velevety textured icecream mixed with sweet gula apong (palm sugar) and topped it off with more palm sugar drizzle. DP Ice-Cream Gula Apong - Jalan Chan Chin Ann, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak. Ais Krim Gula Apong Jalan Power (Open Air Market), 93000 Kuching, Sarawak.
Seafood
SUUKEE - Lot 11376, Ground Floor, Block 11 MTID, Jalan Song, Tabuan Height Phase 7. +6082 462 268
Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 61
Places of worship
Sarawak’s spiritual wonderment Sarawak’s places of worship are among the major draws for the State, especially those that are steeped in history. That being said, here are some of Sarawak’s iconic places of worship you should visit.
Mosques Built between 1987 and 1990, the new Sarawak State Mosque, also known as Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak is an iconic place of worship located in Petra Jaya, Kuching. The special-grade mosque officiated by former State Governor Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce Mohammad Noor in October 1990 can accommodate over 10,000 worshippers at a time. Its design concept takes after mosques in Istanbul, with spectacular architecture and a 99-metre tall representing the 99 names of Allah. A new icon is in the works on the Kuching waterfront, namely the Floating Mosque. It is built on a platform over the Sarawak River opposite the former Masjid India Kuching at Gambier Street.
Hosanna Chapel Jalan Kuching - Sri Aman, 95000 Sri Aman, Sarawak
Sarawak State Mosque Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Rahman Yaakub, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
Churches Christianity found its way to the shores of Sarawak in the early 1800s, with St. Thomas’s Cathedral Kuching being the place of worship for Kuching’s Anglicans since 1848. The church is characterised by its high vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows, overlooking Padang Merdeka. Sri Aman’s unique Mount Hosanna Chapel sits on a picturesque hill, flanked by lush trees. Its three towers at the entrance resemble three white candles and you need to climb 185 steps to get to the chapel.
Temples Sibu’s Yu Lung San Tian En Si (Jade Dragon) Temple, known to be the biggest Buddhist temple complex in South East Asia, attracts both worshippers and shutterbugs. It also boasts a culture and resource centre, two bell-and-drum towers, a theatre, a hall of ancient scriptures, and the 7 heavenly Sisters Statues among others. The Hiang Thian Siang Ti (Deity of the North) Temple in Kuching, first built over one and a half centuries ago by Teochew immigrants from China, is one of Carpenter Street’s most prominent features. Major renovations were done in 1968 and the statues of Deities in the temple were covered in gold foil. A grand procession is held annually since, on the 4th day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar to commemorate this momentous occasion. This year, the celebration will be held on Jan 9.
Yu Lung San Tian En Si (Jade Dragon) Temple 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia (on the way from bintulu to sibu)
There are many more places of worship to be discovered here in Sarawak, and these are certainly some of the best ones to start your journey to discovery with. St. Thomas’s Cathedral McDougall Road, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
Hiang Tiang Siang Ti (Deity of the North) Temple 22, Lebuh Carpenter, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 63
Sports
Sarawak welcomes international bowlers Young bowlers throughout Asia will be calling Kuching their home when the 20th Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships takes place in the city from April 17 to 25. The championship is one of several international sporting events that are to be held in Sarawak this year, which will include among others the Sarawak International Open 2019 in September, the 2019 World Paralympic Swimming Championship and the 21st Asia Masters Athletics Championship (21st AMAC 2019) in December. The 20th Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships is set to be an exciting event, where Sarawak’s own team will be going head to head with other bowling powerhouses across Asia including Singapore and Korea, all member countries of the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF). Other nations that will be sending their youth bowling teams to compete in the championships include Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Philippines and Hong Kong among others. Contested categories include Singles, Doubles, Team, All Events and Masters.
Equipped and ready The championship will be held at Megalanes Sarawak in e-Mart Batu Kawa, Kuching, a facility well equipped to host
international bowling events. Opened in 2016 just in time for the 18th SUKMA Games, the 80,000sq ft Megalanes Sarawak is home to the largest and most advanced bowling alley in Borneo, with 42 lanes utilising state-of-the-art equipment. Lanes that glow and advanced monitor units at the end of each lane ensure some of the best bowling experience. Spectators can watch from the comforts of plush couches and chairs placed strategically in front of each lane. Those who wish to have a bird’s eye view of what’s happening on the lanes can do so from the grand stand that overlooks the vast bowling alley. Cafés, restaurants and bistros with specially curated menus offer a breadth of F&B options for both spectators and athletes. While those taking a break from all the bowling action can engage in a game of pool or dart. Meeting facilities and private function rooms as well as a family park ensure a wholesome experience for all. Having such facility puts Sarawak close to, if not at par with other bowling destinations around the world. And having the 20th Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships held here further boosts Sarawak’s presence on the world map as an up and coming international sports destination.
Sarawak State Sports Council D/A Stadium Negeri Sarawak, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 536 108 , 536 142, 536 370 +6082 510 827 info.msns@gmail.com www.majlissukannegerisarawak.com
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Sports
Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 65
Sports
Aerial view of State Stadium, Kuching
Where athletes are made Sarawak has long been regarded as one of Malaysia’s sporting powerhouses, what with the State’s many successes in events like diving, archery and bowling, to name a few. Sarawak has therefore been trying its absolute best in maintaining, even enhancing this reputation. And it has been a long process of doing so.
Sarawak Indoor Stadium
Besides producing some truly outstanding athletes, a few of them are even making it to the global stage like our beloved Pandelela Rinong. Sarawak has continuously 66 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
proven itself worthy of hosting high profile sporting events as well. This is achieved by making available sporting facilities and venues well equipped for such a purpose. The 1980s saw the opening of a large multi-purpose venue - the Sarawak State Stadium. It was the first and largest facility of its kind in Kuching when it officially opened in 1989. Numerous football tournaments and other events have been hosted there, the largest back then being the 3rd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in 1990, which remained the most impressive SUKMA to have ever been held in Malaysia, until 2016 when the 18th edition of SUKMA returned to Sarawak. The Sarawak State Stadium seats 26,000 spectators and had served many official State functions and private events. As the popularity of sports grew in Sarawak, the State desperately needed a new venue and thus Sarawak Stadium was built. The iconic multi-purpose sporting venue located in Petra Jaya, about 30 minutes away from Kuching City, became the largest stadium in Sarawak with seating for 40,000 spectators. It hosted a myriad of athletics events, notably the 18th SUKMA in 2016 and 18th Malaysian Paralympic Games that same year. The 31st Malaysia International Open Masters Athletics Championships was also held there from July 22 to 23, 2017.
Sports best squash players. The facility boasts eight courts and seats 200 spectators. The 4th Cahya Mata Sarawak (CMS) Borneo Junior Open Squash Championship on June 24, 2018 was one of the events held there. In anticipation of bad weather, the Sarawak Indoor Stadium or Stadium Perpaduan Negeri Sarawak was built as a multi-purpose sporting and entertainment centre in Petra Jaya, Kuching. It was declared open in 1988 and is fully air-conditioned. Built at a cost of RM22 million, it seats 4,200 spectators. A number of world-class badminton championships have been held there, including the Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open in 2017, which saw some of the world’s best badminton players battling it out in Kuching. The finals of RTM’s Bintang Kecil 2017, Kuching City International Dart Open and the International Wu Wang Wushu Championships 2017 were among other events held there. Sarawak Aquatic Centre
Seeing the potential of field hockey, the Sarawak Hockey Stadium was built near the Council of the City of Kuching South (MBKS) building, about 5km from the city centre. Opened on June 30, 1991, the stadium spans 1.09 hectares and in compliance with the FIH (International Hockey Federation) requirements and certification on the tiger turf pitch.
Sibu’s state-of-the-art Indoor Stadium is the Swan City’s pride and joy. The multi-purpose sports facility seats 4,250 people and has hosted events such as the 2016 Sukma Games (badminton championship), the 2017 Malaysia Master Grand Prix Gold tournament, 2017 AGE (Artistic, Game and Entertainment) convention and the 2017 Borneo International Martial Arts Tournament. It boasts 479 parking lots for cars, 89 parking lots for motorcycles and 16 parking lots for stagecoaches.
The Pandelela Rinong Aquatics Centre in Petra Jaya, Kuching is the newest and one of the largest aquatic facilities in the region. Equipped with current state-of-theart diving and swimming facilities, it was built at a cost of RM32 million. Aquatic events for the 2016 SUKMA and Malaysian Paralympic Games were held there. The centre consists international-standard competition, diving and training pools. Formerly known as the Sarawak Aquatic Centre, the facility was renamed to honour the State’s Olympic medallist (individual diving platform - London 2012, 10m synchronised - Rio 2016), Pandelela Rinong. The Sarawak Squash Centre located at Jalan Diplomatik, Petra Jaya, is the official training ground for the region’s
Sarawak Squash Centre
Sarawak Hockey Stadium
With these facilities, Sarawak is poised to rise as a premiere sporting destination in Malaysia in the future.
Sibu Indoor Stadium Sarawak State Sports Council +6082 536 108 , 536 142, 536 370 www.majlissukannegerisarawak.com
+6082 510 827
info.msns@gmail.com Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 67
Sports
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Kuching first Asian city to host World Para Swimming Championships The 2019 World Para Swimming Championships (WPSC2019) will be hosted by Kuching City from July 29 to Aug 4 at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre. Kuching has been given the honour to be the first Asian city to host this prestigious championship, which would also be a qualifying event for those who aspire to compete in Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games. The Sarawak State Government has taken many initiatives to host major sporting tournaments regularly. We have the infrastructure and resources as well as organisational capabilities to deliver world-class sport championships. For this event, we have assembled a team of competent personnel who will work to deliver Kuching 2019 World Para Swimming Championships as the best ever with a touch of Malaysian hospitality. 68 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
This championship is held every two years in cities around the world. Valetta, capital of Malta hosted the first World Para Swimming Championships in 1994 and Mexico City hosted last championship in 2017. Kuching has the honour to host the 9th edition of the championship and most importantly the first time ever this championship is being hosted in an Asian city. WPSC2019 is jointly organised by the State Government of Sarawak and Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) under the patronage of Chief Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg. Kuching Para Swimming Organising Committee 2019 (KUPSOC2019) has been formed to deliver the championship to beyond the expectations of the stakeholders, namely International Paralympic Committee (Championship Rights Holders), National Paralympic Committees (Participating Countries Worldwide), Malaysian Government (Who Granted
Sports Approval), Para Swimmers Worldwide (Potential Participants) as well as event sponsors. Members of KUPSOC2019 are from various agencies of the State Government headed by Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Sarawak, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who shall be the joint chairman with Minister of Welfare, Community Well-Being, Women, Family & Childhood Development Sarawak, Dato’ Sri Hajjah Fatimah Abdullah. Both ministers will mobilise various State agencies to provide the necessary support systems to deliver the championship. The Paralympic Council of Malaysia headed by its president, SM Nasarudin Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama SM Nasimuddin, shall manage the technical aspects of the championships with a pool of team members from the council. International technical officials shall be appointed by International Paralympic Committee to ensure that the championship is executed in accordance with international standards. WPSC, being a premier para swimming competition, attracts some 800 of the world’s best swimmers from 80 countries to compete in Kuching. There shall be four main categories of para swimmers competing, namely the Physically Disabled (Amputees & Les Autres), Visually Impaired (Blindness), Cerebral Palsy (Spastic) and the Intellectually Disabled.
Championship Factsheet Expected Date of Arrival: - 25th July 2019 Expected Date of Departure: - 5th August 2019 Opening Ceremony: - 29th July 2019 Closing Ceremony: - 4th August 2019 Estimated Number of Competitors: - 800 Estimated Number of Team Officials: - 600 Countries Expected: - 80 Best Nations: - China, United States, Russia, UK, Ukraine Number of Events (Maximum): - 170 Gold Medals – For Both Men & Women Type of Events: - Free Style – 50m / 100m / 200m / 400m - Back Stroke – 50m / 100m - Breast Stroke – 50m / 100m - Butterfly – 50m / 100m - Individual Medley – 150 / 200 - Relay – 4 x 100m Free Style - Relay – 4 x 100m Medley - Relay – 4 x 100m Mixed Free Style - Relay – 4 x 50m Mixed Free Style
What has taken place to date? The following activities have taken place since the contract to host the championship was signed between International Paralympic Committee and Paralympic Council of Malaysia in September 2017: •
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Visit by Malaysian delegation to WPSC 2017 in Mexico City led by Abdul Karim and Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Sarawak, Dato Snowdan Lawan to deliver the ‘Welcome to Kuching’ address by Abdul Karim and to accept the honour to host the 2019 championship in Kuching. Launching of Kuching 2019 World Para Swimming Championships. The ceremony was done in Kuching on Jan 29 last year by Abdul Karim. Purpose was to start the ball rolling to commence organisational activities to host WPSC 2019. Signing of MOU between Sarawak State Government & Paralympic Council of Malaysia at Pullman Kuching on May 14, 2018. The MOU was signed by the Permanent Secretary Youth, Sports & Tourism Sarawak, Hii Chang Kee and the President of Paralympic Council of Malaysia, SM Nasarudin Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama SM Nasimuddin. Purpose was to create a working relationship between both parties to deliver WPSC 2019. ‘Countdown 360 Days’ ceremony on Aug 3, 2018 at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre by Abdul Karim to create media hype to publicise WPSC 2019. Launching of WPSC2019 website on Nov 27, 2018 in Kuching to support promotional and marketing activities.
Sarawak State Sports Council +6082 536 108 , 536 142, 536 370 www.majlissukannegerisarawak.com
+6082 510 827
info.msns@gmail.com Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 69
Info
FOREST MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION Sarawak implements internationally recognised sustainable policies Under the Rio Summit, the Malaysian Government has pledged to keep at least 50% of land cover under forest and Sarawak has always maintained this pledge. In fact, systematic management of the forests in Sarawak began in 1919 with the establishment of Forest Department Sarawak. Since then the State has introduced other laws to protect the forests, from Forest Order in 1934 to govern protected forest to the Forest Policy of Sarawak 1954 and most recently the Forest Management Certification in 2013, which is mandatory for all long-term forest timber licences today. “There is a need for balance between conservation, economic practices and social needs of the local people when it comes to forest management,” said Director of Forests Sarawak, Hamden Mohamad. “These are the basis on which sustainable forest management can
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be implemented successfully and be practical as well. The State policy has clearly set aside forests under PFEs (Permanent Forest Estates), TPAs (Totally Protected Areas) and State land for other uses whereby timber production is systematically managed to comply with internationally recognised standards for sustainable forest management,” he added. These include good management in timber production areas, selective felling systems with detailed harvesting plans and diameter cutting limits. The Forest Management Certification was first applied in 2013 to all licence holders within the Heart Of Borneo area before being extended to all long-term forest timber licences. Under the system, all Forest Management Units operate under direct supervision of the Forest Management Certification provisions to carry out Forest Resource
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Assessments, establishment of Permanent Sample Plots, assessments on environmental and social impact as well as High Conservation Value Forests. In addition, committees have also been set up to address issues from the local communities under the forest management areas, which include safety and conflict resolutions in a comprehensive Forest Management Plan. The other international standards used for forest certification include Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme, which is endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification and the Forest Stewardship Council, which are the standards used by certification-accredited bodies internationally. The main benefits to having third party verified sustainable forest management system include sound forest management practices, habitats protection as well as cultural assets. Through compliance with all these certifiable practices, timber sourced from these certified forest areas will meet the demand for certified logs thereby benefiting all parties in the process. As such, certification and sustainable practices working together for the betterment of all is a holistic approach, which brings rewards to all involved as well as the society, country and our planet Earth. Presently Sarawak has 423,000 hectares of certified natural forest with an additional 101,000 hectares of planted forests certified.
“Currently, Forest Department is working on a manual for Forest Management Certification in the State that includes guidelines on matters related to all aspects of forest management in the State,” the director added. With such policies in place, the forest will continue to provide invaluable resources to the State and its people in the future. Naturally these policies and conditions will change over time but the core essence of protecting these forest resources will remain through sustainable practices. “It will be a sad day should the next generation wake up to find the forest gone and pinpoint us as the ones responsible for the loss. Therefore it is our responsibility to ensure that our forests will continue to flourish for now and the future.”
For further inquiries, please contact Forest Department Sarawak, Bangunan Wisma Sumber, Alam, Jalan Stadium,Petra Jaya, 93660 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. +6082 442 180 +6082 441 210 www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 71
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Sarawak has a total landmass of 12.4 million hectares with 63% of it under forest cover, and huge steps are being taken to protect the State’s precious natural resources. Forest Department Sarawak (Forest Department) has achieved excellence in the management and conservation of tropical forests. It manages and develops forest resources for social-economic and environmental responsibility through various initiatives. There are many challenges in managing such resources. In Sarawak, the geography makeup of the region makes it difficult for the implementation of forest management the traditional way. Factors such as harsh mountain terrains, numerous rivers and tributaries and in most cases, the poor conditions of the roads make access a nightmare.
Saving Sarawak’s Forests: A technology revolution for management and protection to curb illegal logging 72 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
Forest Department has taken many steps in the management of forests. One of it is by merging its objectives with the state-of-the-art facility, Sarawak’s very own Systems Application and Development Unit (SADU) – the first of its kind in Malaysia. It includes a dedicated rapid response team tasked to carry out day-to-day forest monitoring activities. The Rapid Strike team is a group of dedicated “forest warriors” aided by monitoring systems.
Info The heart and lifeline of the department is the war room, a centralised command Centre for the collection of onthe-field data. These data are sent back for analysis as soon as possible (ASAP) so that a faster course of action can be taken. One of the examples and a more efficient method of on-the-field data collection is the hyper-eye in the sky technology, also known as the Hyper Spectral technology sensor. The device is mounted on a fixed wing aircraft or a helicopter for a more comprehensive use in aerial monitoring. It works by picking up electromagnetic radiations reflected from the canopy below. This produces high-resolution images. It had been a difficult and timeconsuming task previously as back then survey works were done using on-the-ground methods. The device has other uses as well. Particularly important is the detection and mapping of illegal logging activities in the jungles of the region. This significantly minimises illegal logging. The equipment can be used to detect oil palm trees that are infected with the fungus Ganoderma Boneninse, which causes rotting of the Basel stem of the tree and can lead to huge financial losses for plantation owners. Another usage is to determine special tree species composition where highly prized species like the dark aromatic heartwood tree is also monitored using this similar method. This particular tree species produces a special resin that is used in perfume-making, pharmaceutical and furniture industry.
Sarawak Forest Department’s efforts have been acknowledged through numerous collaborations and sharing of expertise. The department received a visit from the First Secretary of Defence, British High Commissioner Singapore in December 2011 (geospatial data centre). In March 2012, a group of researchers from Japan visited the State to gain insight on how forest management is done here. That same year the department was invited by the United Nations Development Programme and the Korea Forest Service to share their expertise on the use of Biomass (carbon measuring tool) at the National University of Seoul, Korea. Current researches include on-the-field sensing approach for legality verification for logs, a spatial assessment of soil characteristics in mangrove and Resource Assessment Applications such as mixed Dipterocarp forest spectral database. The drive to protect the land is testament of the Forest Department of Sarawak’s commitment in the management and conservation of forests in the region, for the benefit of future generations.
For further inquiries, please contact Forest Department Sarawak Bangunan Wisma Sumber, Alam, Jalan Stadium,Petra Jaya, 93660 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. +6082 442 180 +6082 441 210 www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my
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Central region of Sarawak is the new growth area
When STIDC was established in 1973, it was envisioned to be the catalyst for the growth of the timber industry in Sarawak and has transformed the industry for the past 45 years into a progressive and modern industry today, stated General Manager, Haji Hashim Haji Bojet at the 45th Anniversary celebration of STIDC in Sibu recently. Sibu was one of the branch office for STIDC in the Central Region that opened its doors in 1983 with similar offices opening in Sarikei in 1989, Tanjung Manis in 2002 and Mukah in 2004, signifying the growth of the industry over the years. In terms of growth, the export earnings from timber in 1980 was RM1 billion while in 1990 it had rose to RM3.4 billion, 2016 it was RM6.7 billion and in 2017 it was RM6.1 billion comprising mainly of plywood, logs and sawn timber, the General Manager informed. The timber industry is assured that the supply of timber in Sarawak will continue to be abundant as a tree plantation had been set up in 1990 with a target planted area of 1 million hectares. Harvesting from the planted area started in 2011 and by 2017 the annual production reached about 44,000 m3. In addition to the development of the timber industry in Sarawak, STIDC was given the additional task of overseeing 74 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
the development of Tanjung Manis in 1991 with the aim of developing the central region into another dynamic growth area for the State. Since then Tanjung Manis has become the key port for the central region for timber products, food and other goods and services with a thriving hub of activities available ranging from ship building to fishing, chemicals and oil distribution, palm oil industry clusters and related commercial activities, Hashim stated. Looking ahead, a number of activities are being studied for setting up in Tanjung Manis like fish cage culture, aqua-culture, pineapple and coconut plantations as well as feed stock for the halal hub in the area, he revealed. Given the large hinterlands surrounding Tanjung Manis and the central region, the potential for growth in
Info the region is huge and similarly the timber industry is well poised for further growth in the years ahead, Hashim added. The influx of infrastructures like roads and amenities including the supply of water will give impetus to investors to locate in the region and with the construction of a one-stop centre building to be set up soon, the ease of doing business here will be another advantage for the region, Hashim stated.
Tanjung Manis Economic Growth Area poised for more development The timber industry in Sarawak exported RM6.13 billion worth of timber related products in 2017 with furniture and its components amounting to RM46.7 million reaffirmed Assistant Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Sarawak, Datu Haji Len Talif Salleh at the STIDC 45th Anniversary Dinner celebration in Sibu recently. While logs export were the main products in the past today the focus is on finished timber products which will spur more local enterprises, skilled labour and higher revenue to the State, he added. The timber industry is expected to achieve further growth in the coming years from transformation of the industry envisaged by the Government with STIDC leading the way in cooperation with related ministries and agencies and usage of digital technology, the Assistant Minister assured. One key development of the timber industry in Sarawak was the development of Tanjung Manis Economic Growth Area (T-MEGA) which started in 1991 in the Central Region. Originally T-MEGA was just a port for timber processing and export which had since grew to be a district in 2015 and poised to achieve its aim of becoming an Industrial Port City by 2030. Plans for the expansion of the airport to accommodate ATR flights and other roads and amenities infrastructures for the area will spur more activities within the
surrounding hinterland, the Assistant Minister said. With the active participation from the private sector and government inputs in terms of infrastructure, T-MEGA now has numerous economic activities including timber processing, halal industry, ship building, fishing industry, palm oil industry clusters, oil and gas industry, aquaculture and food processing which will continue to attract more economic activities into the area, he added. Also in the pipeline is the construction of a 16-storey building which will be the main administrative centre and act also as a one-stop centre for related activities involving the State ministries and agencies. To meet the growing demand for skilled and semi-skilled labour, the State Government has put in place vocational institutions to train workers for the furniture and related industries while also initiated programmes to increase business entrepreneurs with agencies including the Chief Minister’s Office, CIDB, STIDC, Agriculture Department, MARDI PPKS and others, Datu Len added. Hence, with all the necessary things in place, T-MEGA is well on its way to achieve its aim and this will be another feather in the cap for STIDC.
For more information, contact the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) at Wisma Sumber Alam, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, +6082 473 000, +6082 441 169 / 442 691, Sarawak. www.sarawaktimber.gov.my
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Timber industry in Sarawak poised for growth – STIDC “The timber industry in Sarawak is the fourth largest contributor to the State’s revenue; from January to August 2018, it had contributed RM3.6 billion in export revenue for the State. The industry also employs over 50,000 people and with the transformation plans for the industry, the number of people involved in the industry will continue to increase in the future,” stated STIDC General Manager, Tuan Haji Hashim Haji Bojet. Speaking at the STIDC 45th Anniversary dinner celebrations in Miri recently, the General Manager also pointed out that to ensure higher productivity and quality of products for the export market, STIDC had also put in place programmes to raise the human resource capabilities of the workforce in the industry and is the main agency for such leadership programmes in the State. As a responsible corporate entity, STIDC is also heavily involved in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) projects
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throughout the State, especially in schools while providing information on the industry as well as highlighting prospects for those with aspirations to join the industry in future. Foremost, the timber industry is a very dynamic one and ever changing; STIDC cannot remain static but must continue to remain active through learning, sharing experience and expertise while keeping up with the changing expectations. On a global perspective, the timber industry faces a number of challenges, which are unique and of international importance including global trade, sustainability and legality, which include illegal logging activities and illegal sales of timber products internationally. These are the ongoing issues which timber exporting nations like Malaysia will continuously have to face and to ensure that the industry is soundly based in long term planning for a sustainable future. On the local front, STIDC will have to be responsive to stakeholders’ issues as well as changing environments by focussing on knowledge and expertise to stay ahead. As
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such, staff of STIDC must keep abreast of the paradigm shifts necessary to remain relevant in matters pertaining to sustainability and development in the industry. STIDC will continue to work with the relevant agencies and ministries to promote timber products from the State globally to further increase market share and bring additional revenue to the state. With the establishment of the planted forest initiative in Bintulu for Acacia trees, the State’s timber industry is poised to remain at the forefront of the pulp and paper products development with utilisation of modern technologies in processing. With the inputs from well researched and recognised practices, the planted forest initiative also serve as contributing to the ecological well being of the area and environment. On the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between STIDC and FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia) in 2016 on bamboo planting, management and products developments, the General Manager informed that the project is centred at the Sabal Forest reserve. This is also another project, which is part of the sustainable initiative programmes by STIDC in enhancing the development of the timber industry in the State for the foreseeable future.
Transforming the timber industry In conjunction with its 45th Anniversary celebrations, STIDC organised a dinner in Miri, Sarawak’s Resort City which was graced by the Assistant Minister for Entrepreneur and Small Medium Enterprise, Assistant Minister for E-Commerce, Datuk Haji Mohd Naroden Bin Majais. In his remarks at the dinner celebration, Datuk Naroden noted that STIDC Northern Region which is located in Miri, led the state in export of timber products amounting to RM2.3 billion which is about 65% of the State’s export for 2018 (January to August) underlying the importance of the area for the state in terms of timber earnings. Overall, for the first eight months of 2018, the value timber products export from the State amounted to RM3.6 billion, which was slightly lower than for the corresponding period in 2017 which was RM4 billion, due largely to the world economic slowdown which also affected the timber products industry. STIDC Miri Branch was established in 1981, about 37 years ago, with the aim of facilitating the growth of the timber industry in the Northern Region and providing assistance Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 77
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Lot 277, Block 5, Jalan Kampung Nyabor, P.O. Box 240 96007 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6084 333188 Fax: +6084 333288 Email: info@tanahmas.com.my www.tanahmas.com.my
No. 175, 175A-C, Jalan Sekama, 93300 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. T: +6082 347 799 F: +6082 346 799 E: reservations@dorsetboutiquehotel.com
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to industry players in the Northern Region. Majority of the timber products from the Northern Region include plywood, which alone accounted for RM800 million in export value for the first eight months of 2018. Logs export were valued at RM8300 million and sawn timber products contributed RM265 million during the same period. While the export of timber products continues to be an important revenue earner for the State, the Assistant Minister also pointed out that STIDC had since 2015
implemented its timber industry transformation plan, which will change the structure of the industry here from one of heavy dependence on export of primary and secondary timber to one exporting high value timber products by 2030. In fact, the transformation plan envisages export earnings by 2030 to reach RM10 billion. To achieve the target set, STIDC had envisioned the setting up of six anchor companies through collaboration partnerships with primary industry players and also SMEs. Additionally, University Sarawak Malaysia (UNIMAS) has also been tasked with developing a pool of young designers for the development of the furniture and timber products in the coming years. As part of the transformation plan, STIDC has encouraged the usage of Acacia wood as the main source of material for the industry in the coming years. The State Government had established the planting of Acacia trees in Bintulu under the Sarawak planted forest programme to provide the materials necessary for the growth of the timber industry in the coming years. The programme is a collaboration between the Government and industry players, which will ensure a steady supply of raw materials for the industry under the sustainable timber management plan.
For more information, contact the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) at Wisma Sumber Alam, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, +6082 473 000, +6082 441 169 / 442 691, Sarawak. www.sarawaktimber.gov.my Jan-Mar2019BorneoTalk | 79
Health Uterine Leiomyomas (Fibroids)
Fibroids Uterine fibroids are tumour Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist growths that MBChB(Dundee), MFFP(UK), develop in or RCR/RCOG Dip Advanced on a woman’s Obstetric Ultrasound(UK), Cert. of Fetal Medicine (UK) womb. They typically occur in women of child bearing age . Up to 80% of women have fibroids by the age of 50. However, most women may never know they have fibroids as majority do not have symptoms. by Dr Toh Siu Gap
The exact cause of fibroids is unknown. Genetic predisposition appears to be an important factor as fibroids run in the family. Fibroids are also known to be hormone dependent and may develop or rapidly increase in size during pregnancy. After menopause, when the levels of female hormones drop significantly, many fibroids shrink in size. Women that are obese have higher tendency to develop fibroids. Fibroids can be divided into many types, depending on their location in or on the womb. Intramural fibroids are the most common type and they develop within the wall of the womb. Subserosal fibroids grow outwards away from the womb. Submucous fibroids form close to the cavity of the womb. Intramural and submucous types may cause troublesome symptoms even when they are relatively small in size, while the subserosal type only cause symptoms when they become very large. Many fibroids are incidentally discovered during a routine pelvic ultrasound or antenatal scan. Common symptoms include heavy bleeding between or during periods, pain in lower abdomen or lower back, period pain, prolonged periods, pain during sexual intercourse as well as feeling of fullness in lower abdomen. In addition, submucous fibroids have been associated with difficulty to conceive and increased risk of miscarriage. While very large fibroids can be easily detected by palpating the abdomen, ultrasound scan is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis. For larger fibroids, transabdominal ultrasound scan (scanning through abdomen) can easily detect and assess their location. For smaller fibroids and women with inborn back-tilted womb, transvaginal ultrasound scan (scanning through vagina) can visualise the fibroids better. However, transvaginal ultrasound alone may miss even large subserosal fibroids. Occasionally, ultrasound
scan fails to provide a definite diagnosis, and particularly when there is suspicion of cancerous changes, MRI may be needed to give a more in-depth picture. As the risk of cancerous changes is very small with fibroids (7 per 100,000 fibroids), not all need treatment. Many are small and do not produce any symptoms, these can be left alone but regular monitoring of their size by ultrasound scan is recommended. Only those that produce symptoms affecting the quality of life, those that cause infertility or pregnancy related complications, and those that are very large in size and continues to enlarge need treatment. Treatment options depend on age, severity of symptoms, fertility needs and past medical history. Young single women or women near menopausal age with mild period pain or moderately heavy periods may be managed conservatively with simple painkillers and medications to reduce bleeding. Women who do not want surgery but have significant symptoms of period pain or heavy prolonged periods may be treated with Mirena intra-uterine system (IUS) or Esmya. Mirena IUS is a special hormone-containing contraceptive device placed within the womb that can significantly reduce bleeding. Esmya is a new medication that has proven to be effective in shrinking the fibroids and controlling fibroid related bleeding. When on Esmya treatment, liver functions need to be monitored as there is a very small risk of liver damage. Surgical treatment of fibroids may be necessary when medical treatments fail. Women with infertility or recurrent miscarriages in the presence of relatively large submucous fibroids may benefit from hysteroscopic resection. This involves putting a camera inside the womb cavity and removing the fibroids from within. Women with significant symptoms in the presence of relatively large intramural or subserosal fibroids may be treated with laparoscopic myomectomy. This involves putting a camera inside the abdomen and ‘shelling’ out the fibroids. The advantages of this so called ‘key-hole’ surgery are small scars, fast recovery and reduced risk of post-operative adhesions. Not all cases are suitable for laparoscopic removal though, the traditional open surgical removal method may be more appropriate for those with very large fibroids, those with a past history of multiple abdominal operations and those with very large numbers of fibroids. In summary, fibroids are very common and vast majority do not produce any symptoms. Treatment of symptomatic fibroids must be tailored to individual needs.
KPJ Sibu Specialist Medical Centre 80 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2019
