VOL.56 APR-JUN 2020
Come discover more of Sarawak! 2020 looks to be another exciting year for Sarawak, as we continue to welcome the world to come ”Visit Sarawak”, a land rich in biodiversity where there is More to Discover! Visitors have always been in awe at the immense beauty of our nature and the splendour of our pristine rainforests, where unique wildlife species thrive. Their hearts won by the warmth and hospitality of our people, who come from a multitude of racial backgrounds but living together in everlasting peace and harmony. Their minds blown by the diverse ethnic cultures that remain well preserved despite Sarawakians keeping up with the pace of the modern world. Their need for adventure satisfied after having conquered The Pinnacles, Mulu Caves, Mount Santubong and the likes. Their hunger satiated after sampling Sarawak’s amazing food such as Sarawak Laksa, Kolo Mee, Kampua, Pansoh, Umai and many others. Their thirst for fun and excitement quenched after taking part in various festivals we have here. While experiencing Sarawak’s full breadth of Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals (CANFF) is the main reason why tourists fly here or return for more, some travel here for other, more romantic reasons. With its charming heritage buildings from the Colonial Era, modern masterpieces that make stunning backdrops for pre-wedding photoshoots as well as enchanting locations such as beaches, gardens, resorts and cityscapes, Sarawak is an idyllic destination for weddings and honeymoons. Meanwhile, it’s a double celebration between April and June this year, with the Muslims celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri on May 24 to mark the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan, and the Dayak marking the end of their harvest season with the Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1. The beauty of it all is that during such festive occasions, Sarawakians would go to their friends’ open houses, regardless of their race and religion. Finally, music lovers rejoice; the world-renowned Rainforest World Music Festival and the highly successful Borneo Jazz Festival are among the music festivals expected to be held this year. Keep an eye out for dates and other details.
I would like to invite all of you to come experience these and more, and get ready to fall in love with Sarawak, where there is definitely “More to Discover!”
Puan Datu Hj S Sharzede alleh Ask CEO, Sar or awak Tourism B
oard
Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 3
Destination wedding
Cool places to say I do So you’ve found your soul mate, and you’ve envisioned your dream wedding. Now it’s time to find that magical place for your big day. Sarawak might not spring to mind when it comes to wedding destinations, but with its fair weather and affordable venues, it might turn out to be precisely what you’re looking for. Whether it is a fancy tropical ambience or a seafront wedding, these six venues will surely leave you and your guests in awe.
Borneo Highlands Resort A modern wedding is all about exquisite simplicity, or in other words, misty mountainous views, secluded venue and crisp fresh air all that describes Borneo Highlands perfectly. The beauty of this place is its variety of settings, suited for every need. Exchange your vows at Kalimantan Lookout Point, or at the flower garden. Then proceed with an organic lunch or dinner reception at the resort’s Annah Rais Café. Guests staying overnight can explore the rest of the highland by visiting its organic farm and take part in various eco activities such as bird watching and guided highland tour. Indeed, the quaint venue, incredible natural scenery and attractive activities will surely tick many boxes. For enquiries: email enquiry@borneohighlands or call +60 16 886 0790
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Props and decor by In Esse
Destination wedding
Cove 55 With high profile clientele such as Henry Golding and Diana Moggie, this hideout appeals to couples that wish to tie the knot in a glamorous yet intimate way. Still, one does not need to be a celebrity to have this private paradise for their wedding celebration too. Write your fairy tale here, and they’ll make it happen. The resort’s slogan “your personalised wedding by the sea” is a dream of every bride. One of Kuching city’s most romantic locales, you will fall in love with the venue. With Mount Santubong as its backdrop, Cove 55 is an excellent wedding venue. It has a spacious grass lawn, poolside that looks out to the sea and 16 rooms for your guests to retreat into after the big celebration. If 16 rooms are not enough for you, there are plenty of hotels nearby Santubong, so your extended guests can stay nearby. For enquiries: email contact@cove55.com or call +60 82 846068
Props and decor by In Esse
Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 5
Destination wedding
Sarawak Cultural Village If a beach or a garden wedding does not appeal to you, you might want to consider a traditional wedding, Sarawakstyle at Sarawak Cultural Village. This living museum is an exotic alternative where couples can say ‘I do’ in the style of either Malay, Iban, Bidayuh or Orang Ulu wedding ceremony. Each ceremony comes with its authentic rituals, costumes, settings and feasts, adding a one-of-a-kind charm to your wedding celebration. Scenic backdrops here include breath-taking open fields against the legendary Mount Santubong, traditional houses of various ethnicities in Sarawak, and a bamboo bridge. For enquiries: email scv4you@gmail.com
D’Belian House An avid belian wood collector owns this lovely venue. It’s a 2-storey pagoda built out of belian wood, with a capacity of 180 to 200 persons at maximum. However, the combined area on which D’Belian House is built is sizeable. There is a longhouse next to the pagoda, as well as a kitchen area and BBQ area in the back. There are four en-suite rooms too. The BBQ/kitchen area has a dedicated dining room with a capacity of 50 persons. D’Belian House adds another option to Kuching’s list of outdoor wedding venues. At just RM2,000, it is a place where couples won’t have to burn a hole in their pocket to have a charming outdoor wedding ceremony. For enquiries: call +60 16 807 0100 (Ms Sia)
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Destination wedding
Coco Cabana A dreamy beachfront wedding would have crossed any bride-to-be’s mind at least once. Luckily for us, Sarawak has a couple of seaside locations such as Coco Cabana to host your dream wedding. This postcard-perfect venue is enchanting on a typical day. Imagine how classy it will look on your wedding day when the whole place is decked out in flowers, linens, candles, overlays and et cetera. The décor inside is of rustic accents with intricate wood carvings, automatically lending a romantic and warm ambience for naturally beautiful wedding photos. Have your ceremony out in the open with direct views of the ocean or inside Coco Cabana. It’s your choice. For enquiries: Facebook @cococabana.miri
Old Court House The majestic Old Court House has exploded in popularity for weddings over the last several years. Located in the heart of Kuching City, the Old Court House offers couples a nostalgic venue set in the tone of the early 1900s during Brooke’s family reign. A testament to the elegance of the British Colonial era, its jaw-dropping architecture and classiness are why Old Court House is one of the most romantic and sought-after venues in Kuching City for weddings. Timeless and classic, the majestic white Colonial-style building suits every wedding theme, be it rustic, vintage, modern or garden party. The facade will also add sparkle to your wedding photos. Walk the aisle at the building’s courtyard, proceed with an intimate reception inside The Commons, then have a cocktail or two at Roots. The nostalgic charm of Old Court House is sure to lend your occasion a distinctive flair. For enquiries: Facebook @OldCourtHouseKch or call +60 82 417 601 Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 7
CONTENTS
Destination wedding 4 Cool Places To Say I Do 10 Picture Perfect 14 Gorgeous Spots For Perfect Pre-Wedding Photos 15 Realise Your Dream Wedding 16 Your Complete Host In Romantic Kuching 19 Gifts Of Love 21 Redefining Fun. One Photo At A Time.
COE 22 Sarawak Do & See Adventure 24 A Weekend In Serian For Pesta Tasik Danu 26 Dive & Dine 28 72 hours In Bintulu 32 Gear Up For Bintulu 21KM Run 2020 By Plogging 34 Beauties And The Beasts 36 Reunited With The Waters At Kiulu River 38 Rafting Adventure In Kapit
Festivals 41 A Sarawak Raya 44 Music For The Heart, Mind, Body And Soul
Culture 46 Keeping Bidayuh Gawai Traditions Alive 48 Discover Artisanal Bidayuh Crafts At Bau Handicraft House Museum 50 Museums In Sarawak Nature 54 Taking It Slow In Senah Rayang 56 A Staycation At Pinggir Siak 58 Explore Pustaka’s Beautiful Garden
61
Borneotalk
A Wild Herb On The Rise: Adenosma Nelsonioides
BorneoTalk is published since 2006 by Bumi Serasi. The contents of the magazine may not be reprinted or reproduced
Travel 62 Exploring Beautiful Kuala Selangor 64 A Glimpse Of Surabaya, Indonesia
without prior written permission. The publisher is not liable for statements made and opinions expressed in the publication.
Editorial Team
Trade News 66 Trade News 68 Sarawak Pool Of Young Designers Goes To Milan
Editor-In-Chief Ivy Pan Editor Lester Geres Marketing Ashley Pan, Ivy Pan Administration Ajariah Umar, Nur Hazimah Contributors S C Goh, Farihah Fuaad, Dr Pui Wei Chieng, Dr Li Hie Ing Design & Art Direction ST.Y Photography Lester Geres, Ashley Pan, David Joseph, Farihah Fuaad, STB, STIDC, KPJ Miri, KPJ Sibu, SEDC, SCV, PUSTAKA, Ik Wadell, Robert Liman Deli, Limbang Resident’s Office, Peter Sawal, Broadway Wedding House, CCC Photography, Andy Phe Photography, Pichin Home Stay, Sarawak Museum Department, Tourism Malaysia, Freepik, Social Media Front Cover Image Destination Wedding - Taken at Borneo Highlands Resort by CCC Photography, with props and decor by In Esse, suits and gowns by La Bella Sposa Printer ATLAS Cetak (M) Sdn Bhd, No.2, Persiaran Industri Bandar Sri Damansara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Food 2 Perfect Lunch Bites - Nando’s 70 You Be The Cook! 75 Salivating Salmon! AQUAculture 76 Sarawak’s Unforgettable Fish
Winner of 4th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award 2009/2010 and 5th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award 2011/2012 for outstanding media contribution.
Hotel 9 Imperial Hotel Kuching 18 Samalaju Resort Hotel 20 Imperial Hotel Miri 60 The Waterfront Hotel 72 Dorset Boutique Hotel Tanahmas The Sibu Hotel 74 Li Hua Hotel & Medan Hotel
Write to us at BorneoTalk, 242E, Lorong Green No. 3, Jalan Green, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. T: +60 82 427 423, 238 968 F: +60 82 235 152 E: ivypan.bumiserasi@gmail.com The next issue of BorneoTalk will be out in July 2020.
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Health 80 Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - KPJ Sibu 81 Colorectal Cancer - KPJ Miri
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Destination wedding
Picture Perfect 2-day / 1-night pre-wedding adventure in Kuching
You know what’s a good idea before you have your big wedding day? A short holiday trip with your soon-to-be Mr or Mrs to a place that also doubles as your pre-wedding shoot location. A wedding happens only once in a lifetime, so this will not be like any other ordinary holiday. It is THE time for the bride and groom to get away from routine and take advantage during their intimate escape to curate that everlasting pre-wedding memory - killing two birds with one stone. One of many places in Sarawak where you can make this happen is Kuching. A charming city, Kuching has many locations within the city proper and surrounding areas that make ideal backdrops for pre-wedding photoshoots. The sunny weather this time of the year makes it the perfect time to come to Kuching with your significant other for picture-perfect pre-wedding photos. Logistics might incur unnecessary costs. Good thing there are some amazing bridal houses and photography studios available locally, that can make your dream pre-wedding photoshoot a reality. Our recommendations: La Bella Sposa Wedding Gallery for amazing collections of European-inspired bridalwear and Chun Chow (CCC Photography) for creative pre-wedding photos that are out of the ordinary.
Day 1 Upon touching down in Kuching, before anything else, it’s a great idea to discover a bit of the city. Delicious local foods like Kolo Mee or Sarawak Laksa are a must-have for breakfast. 10 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
Destination wedding
After your hearty Sarawak breakfast, head over to La Bella Sposa for your bridal wear fitting session. The gorgeous multi-storeyed wedding gallery located at Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce carries an eclectic mix of Europe-inspired wedding gowns to suit every budget without compromising on style and quality. The beautiful pieces of bridal gowns are displayed in stylish specially designed showcases and racks to make it easier to select the pieces you desire most. There is a special room on the ground floor of La Bella Sposa where exclusive wedding gowns by renowned designers, famed for their exquisite designs, are displayed. On the first floor you’ll find among many, gowns that look like they came straight out of a fairy tale. From classic to contemporary, they have it all. There are even traditional Chinese style wedding attire on the second floor, if that’s what you’re looking for. If you are unsure on which pieces to go for, let the stylists at La Bella Sposa assist you on what goes best for you, for the type of photoshoot you want. Once you’ve settled on the bridal pieces you want for your shoot, it’s time to head to Borneo Highlands Resort in Penrissen, where your photoshoot will start the next morning. The best time to arrive there is around 3pm, where you will be able to check in to your room first before heading out to explore the place. Take a walk around the resort to identify some spots that you might want your photo to be taken at. The resort’s Annah Rais Café serves local vegetarian food featuring fresh ingredients from their organic farm. A light meal here at sundown and a spa afterwards to relax and rejuvenate would be ideal before you call it a day. Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 11
Destination wedding
Day 2 Your day starts early on Day 2. Make-up starts at 5.30 am with make-up artist Joanna Lai from La Bella Sposa. Make-up takes two hours at least to complete. Fuel up with a morning breakfast so you’ll have enough energy for the long day ahead. Don’t worry about ruining your flawless make-up afterwards. Joanna’s at the ready to fix that lipstick smudge. It’s time for your first shoot with a classic white wedding dress and a dark tuxedo around the picturesque Borneo Highlands. It’s still foggy 7.30 am, at the highlands. This dewy effect adds an ethereal look to your photos, particularly at its flower garden. Alongside the garden is a wooden treehouse. A photo on the staircase of the treehouse, or on the steps underneath the garden’s rustic floral arch will turn out enchantingly lovely. The many beautiful lawns here provide a plenty picture-perfect options. Time for the second wardrobe of the day and some touch up for the indoor shoot. Right next to the resort’s Bidayuh spa is an utterly charming open-space lounge for some romantic twirls for that perfect dance shot. All these should not be more than half a day. Take a lunch break at the resort before you check out and proceed to Annah Rais Longhouse for a more casual pre-wedding shoot. Stop by Simangas Waterfall, a 10-minute drive down from the resort. The flowing cascades in background are gorgeous. In front of the waterfall is a scenic bridge, providing another photo option. There are stairs to help you reach the prime photo spot next to a big boulder. 12 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
Destination wedding
Annah Rais Longhouse is another 10 minutes away from the waterfall. Not your typical hotspot for pre-wedding shoots, the 80door Bidayuh longhouse provides opportunities to achieve out-of-theordinary pre-wedding photos. You’ll also get a sneak peek into the lives of the Bidayuh (Land Dayak) as a bonus. Also, do not miss the chance to sample their homemade tuak (rice wine) that comes in various flavours including rambutan and apple. Finally, head back to the city around 6.30pm to catch the golden hour from the iconic Darul Hana bridge. This makes for another great photo, this time featuring some of Kuching City’s iconic structures in the background, such as the Floating Mosque, Astana, new DUN building, the Square Tower and the beautiful city skyline of Kuching. You will reach there in about 1hr 30mins from Annah Rais Longhouse. The bridge itself is a beautiful structure that makes an amazing backdrop for your photo. End the day by rewarding yourself with a pint or two of your favourite brew at one of the bars along Carpenter Street. The perfect end to your prewedding adventure in Kuching.
For more information, contact the La Bella Sposa Wedding Gallery at Sublot 2, Survey Lot 3274, Lot 2089, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak. +60 14 683 9048 LaBellaSposaWeddingGallery { Business hour : 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sunday }
The curator of your dream wedding La Bella Sposa (Italian for “The Beautiful Bride”) is Kuching’s premier wedding gallery, offering beautiful luxury wedding gowns and designer dresses inspired by European fashion and high-end labels, for weddings with a touch of the extraordinary. Started in 2019, the gallery is the pride and joy of female entrepreneur Joanna Lai, who over a decade ago was no more than a small-town girl with big plans for the future. Today, Joanna is relentless in her mission of helping brides-to-be have their wedding fantasies become a reality through La Bella Sposa. Each dress is personally handpicked by Joanna from her travels to different countries around the globe. The result is a catalogue of exquisite wedding gowns, and designer bridalwear offered nowhere else locally. Apart from guiding brides-to-be on finding that perfect gown for their wedding, La Bella Sposa’s array of services extend to wedding make-up, decor and beautiful flower arrangements fit for fairytale weddings. La Bella Sposa is housed in a four-storey shop lot and is a one-stop centre offering a full breadth of wedding and pre-wedding products and services. Their fourth floor houses their new photo studio with six different indoor scenes – minimalist theme, Korean and European, among others. Have your dream wedding become a reality at La Bella Sposa wedding gallery. Bridalwear: La Bella Sposa Wedding Gallery . Hair & Makeup: Joanna Lai . Photography: Chun Chow (CCC Photography) . Decor & Props: Dolly Lau (In Esse Event & Design) . Models: Roy Lee & Andrea Liu . Artistic Director: Ashley Pan, Azariah Umar . Location: Borneo Highlands Resort, Annah Rais Longhouse, Simangas Waterfall and Darul Hana Bridge
Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 13
Destination wedding
Kuching General Post Office, Kuching
Mural art at Padungan Road, Kuching
Coco Cabana, Miri
Friendship Park, Kuching If you’re looking for a Chinese Culture themed pre-wedding photoshoot, Friendship Park is a great option. Popular among couples and visitors alike, the elaborate Chinese architecture and zig-zag bridge make for lovely backgrounds for that perfect shot you want. Siniawan, Kuching
Piasau Bridge, Miri Fancy a romantic setting on top of an antique steel bridge? Built in the 1950s from steel reinforced with cables and a single wooden lane, it is a unique spot contributing a distinct backdrop to your photos.
Siniawan, Kuching Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Kuching
Just an hour away from Kuching, this 100-year-old town is simply magical at night. The chilled ambience, rustic wooden shops and red lanterns dangling above eliminate the need for extra props.
Perahu Tambang, Waterfront Kuching
Fort Sylvia, Kapit
Perahu Tambang, Waterfront Kuching
Gorgeous spots for perfect pre-wedding photos Pre-wedding photoshoots have become a necessity for modern couples. It lets them build rapport with their photographer, and doubles as a practise session in preparation for their big day. Check out these lovely locations for that perfect pre-wedding photoshoot:
The Penambang (Perahu Tambang) are like precious treasures moving about along Kuching Waterfront. These traditional modes of transportation of Kuching offer a refreshing alternative for your pre-wedding shots instead of the usual earthy or leafy backdrop.
Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Kuching The Sarawak State Library is a treasure trove of photo locations, be it the grand archways, the colonaded walkway, the garden or the scenic lake. Enjoy the fresh air and gaze on the beautiful lavenders, sunflowers, and peach lilies in the Library’s beautiful gardens while you do your shoot.
Fort Sylvia, Kapit Permai Lake Garden, Sibu Have your intimate pre-wedding photoshoot done at Taman Permai. The vast green landscape surrounding its lakeside will sweep both you and your loved one off your feet!
Located in Kapit, this historical fort is a living reminder of Rani Sylvia Brooke, the wife of Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke, whom the fort was named after. Built in 1880, the antique backdrop and timeless architecture of Fort Sylvia will create a sense of classical romance for your pre-wedding photo.
Other photographers to help you capture those special moments on your wedding and pre-wedding: Andy Phe : info@bespokephotographics.com . www.bespokephotographics.com . Andy Phe Photography . andyphephotography Brian Ang (Broadway Wedding House) : +60 19 874 1000 . bwh_617@hotmail.com . Broadway Wedding House 14 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
Destination wedding
Realise your dream wedding Sometimes, planning that perfect wedding can be a real challenge for both bride- and groom-to-be. But with these experts on board, you can rest assured that your every whim and fancy is met. This group of talented people are always at the ready to help you make all the arrangements you need for your pre-wedding right up to the big day itself. The multitalented Joanna is a make-up artist and hairstylist whose capable hands and eyes for all things beautiful will make sure that you look your absolute best for your pre-wedding photoshoot and your actual wedding day. Joanna’s talents extend beyond just hair and make-up. This beautiful and chirpy owner of La Bella Sposa Wedding Gallery also makes beautiful bridal flower arrangements.
Joanna Lai
Dolly Lau Dolly Lau is a vastly talented and passionate wedding designer cum coordinator, who has handled many successful weddings. From arranging
for fantastical wedding ceremonies and elaborate parties to providing gorgeous decorations for both wedding ceremonies and pre-wedding photoshoots, Dolly does it all. Founded by Kelvin Ngui in 2008, In Esse is a highly reputable homegrown creative event and styling company that specialises in customised designs and decorations for weddings and events. In Esse offers a wide range of services, from conceptualising one-of-a-kind settings for their customers’ dream wedding ceremony, to meeting their customers’ specific needs according to their budget. Their high level of professionalism and expertise will ensure stress-free and smooth events for their clients.
In Esse
For information, contact In Esse at Mobile / Whatsapp / Wechat: +60 16 893 8883 (Kelvin Ngui), +60 16 885 8883 (Dolly Lau) info@inessewedding.com Check out In Esse at: In Esse Event & Design
In Esse Event & Design www.inessewedding.com Highly creative and passionate, Chun Chow of Kuching-based CCC Photography has taken on countless projects from discerning couples that want the most creative, out-of-thebox wedding and pre-wedding photographs that will last them a lifetime. Wherever the location may be and whatever the situation, Chun Chow is sure to capture that perfect moment that will carve a big smile on his customers’ face.
Chun Chow
These fitness instructors will get you from where you are to where you want to be in terms of getting in shape for your wedding day and pre-wedding photoshoot. At their fitness studio BW Fitness Kuching, Roy and Andrea offer customised fitness classes to get you in shape without using any exercise machine or any typical equipment/ devices you can find in a gym.
Roy Lee & Andrea Liu
Photoshoot team: Chun Chow (1st left), Joanna Lai (3rd left), Andrea Liu (4th left), Kelvin Ngui & Dolly Lau (front right) and Roy Lee (prone position) Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 15
Destination wedding
Your complete host in romantic Kuching
16 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
Destination wedding
Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) has ever been at the forefront of the local hospitality industry, with a list of hotels and resorts that are
The perfect representation of a romantic wedding venue in Sarawak, the 4-star Grand Margherita Hotel Kuching sits on the bank of the scenic Sarawak River, overlooking the charming Malay villages namely Kampung Boyan and Kampung Gersik. Being the first international hotel in Sarawak, Grand Margherita Hotel Kuching exudes the charms of old Kuching, even with its refreshed guestrooms and its contemporary interior styling. Make your wedding a memorable affair here with wedding packages that include options for Chinese, Malay or Western style weddings, offering lavish menus, complimentary function room for wedding receptions, complimentary Bridal Suite, one-day use room and one Deluxe King/Twin room among others.
among Sarawak’s finest. For wedding couples who are looking to have memorable wedding receptions and honeymoons, they make the ideal venues for such
Honeymooners will find Grand Margherita Hotel to be a delightful accommodation option that offers easy access to some of Kuching’s key attractions. Step out of the hotel and go on a leisurely romantic stroll along the Kuching Waterfront. You’ll discover interesting sights such as the majestic New DUN Building across river, which lights up with bright colours and lively music as the Darul Hana dancing fountain comes to live. Just next to it is the imposing Darul Hana Bridge, one of many must-visit landmarks in Kuching. And further down is the beautiful floating mosque of Kuching – the latest of the city’s new landmarks on the waterfront area.
occasions. W : grandmargherita.com/
Riverside Majestic Hotel offers a more modern feel, especially its newly-added Astana Wing that not only commands the sweeping view of the Sarawak River but also includes views of the city from higher vantage points. Besides enjoying all the perks included in the hotel’s wedding packages, wedding couples can also take delight in everything else the hotels as to offer, from its exclusive restaurant Suasana On 18 Fine Dining (18th floor) at the Astana Wing to the Sky Lounge on Level 17 where they can enjoy cocktails and live music, or relax in seclusion at The Club Lobby Lounge at the Puteri Wing. Like the former, this hotel is also located close to Kuching’s chief attractions. For wedding couples and honeymooners who love food, dining amidst a busy cluster of F&B stalls at Top Spot food court some footsteps away from the hotel is an unforgettable experience. Here, you can enjoy some of the best seafood Kuching has to offer. The hotel is also close to many heritage sites, such as the Old Court House and the Brooke Memorial just in front of it (which also happens to be Kilometre Zero). The museums of Kuching, mostly house in charming Colonial buildings around the city, are also great places to visit, and make the perfect backdrops for your romantic honeymoon photos. W : riversidemajestic.com/ & astana.riversidemajestic.com/
A wedding on the beach is a dream for many. Make that dream a reality for you and your partner, at the award-winning Damai Beach Resort, a 4-star beachfront property located in Santubong. After a fabulous beach wedding, you can retreat into the chalet near the beach, or the 65sqm Baruk Suite at the hilltop for more privacy and breathtaking views of the South China Sea, especially at sunset. Take the opportunity to visit nearby attractions, including the famous Sarawak Cultural Village and the Damai Central just next to the resort, where you can enjoy local delicacies, enjoy the sea breeze and take photos with the giant hornbill sculpture overlooking the sea at sunset. W : damaibeachresort.com/
Kuching is a charming city, a perfect venue for that romantic wedding you’ve always dreamed of, and a perfect getaway for honeymooners, SEDC is proud to be part of it all. For more information, contact: Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Menara SEDC, Lot 2878, The Isthmus, Off Jalan Bako, 93050, Kuching, Sarawak. +60 82 551 555 . +60 82 551 222 . info@sedc.my . www.sedc.com.my Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 17
your dream wedding venue
A romantic setting overlooking the ocean, with facilities and services that are on-point. These are the makings of a perfect wedding.
Enjoy our special promotions, with our Hot Deals Room Promotion at just RM199.00nett per room, Honeymoon Package and Birthday package at RM299.00nett. Also, for the month of Ramadan we are offering our Sahur Set Meal at RM25.00nett/pax and Sungkei Set Meal at RM25.00nett/pax.
Lot 132, Block 1, Kemena Land District, Samalaju Industrial Park, 97000 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +60 86 291 999 Fax: +60 86 291 888 Email: enquiries@samalajuresorthotel.com
www.samalajuresorthotel.com
Destination wedding
Gifts of Love There is nothing like a gift to show your gratitude towards your guests for being a part of your magical union with your significant other. But finding a meaningful item that would not end up collecting dust after the reception is tricky. These are some favours that your guests will actually use, as a token to remember the celebration by.
Litsara Gift Set 1 Say thank you to your nearest and dearest by handing out a gift set from Litsara. Filled with exotic scents from the healing Litsea Cubeba plant found in the highlands of Borneo, the set contains one 60ml Natural Body Wash, one 60ml Natural Shampoo, one 3.5g Sniff Jar and one 90g Natural Bar Soap. Wrap the box in decorative fine papers, featuring a short and sweet note from the newlyweds. Contact Litsara at www.litsara.com or +60 82 610 610.
You marked our new chapter! Wooden Bookmark 2 A handmade item is sure to leave a lasting impression. Place a wooden bookmark engraved with your initials, adding a personal touch to your table setting. Match the beads tied to the bookmark with the colour scheme of your reception’s theme. For more information, contact +60 82 427 423 / +60 11 1405 8400.
A cup of love Mug and coasters
Love is brewing! Sarawak Liberica Coffee Beans
3 These pretty mugs will surely become one of their favourites for that morning coffee or tea. Handcrafted by local pottery experts, these mugs keep your drink, and your heart warm! Enhance these favours by pairing up with a ceramic or rattan coasters. For more information, contact +60 82 427 423 / +60 11 1405 8400.
4 If coffee is more of you and your other half’s thing, go all the way with Sarawak Liberica Ground Coffee Beans. Fill them in small jars or tubes. Or you can also opt for whole coffee beans instead for naturally scented air freshener. Even if some of your guest might not drink coffee, whole coffee beans will serve as a reminder of your nuptials each time they smell its roasted and chocolatey aroma. Available at Black Bean Coffee Tea & Company, No. 87, Ewe Hai St, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak at +60 82 751 276.
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It’s a beau-tea-ful life with you! Gaharu Tea Leaves 5 Obsessed with tea? Maybe your guests are too! So why not gift them some tea leaves specially harvested from Agarwood (gaharu) plant. Naturally aromatic, gaharu is rich in nutty and woody flavour with a tinge of spice. It will be a wonderful surprise for tea lovers. For more information, contact +60 13 818 2977 (Dr Elli Luhat), E: dr.elliluhat@ gmail.com, FB: dr.elliluhat
Light up the love Belian Tealight Holder Spicing up our special day Pepper Sweets 6 Speaking of sweets, pepper sweets does the trick. Hinting the right balance of sweet and spicy, pepper sweets will awaken all your senses – perfect for that mid-day slump. Pop them in colourful sacks that guests can reuse. Available at most souvenir shops and local markets in Sarawak.
7 This one will make the guests smile on the way out of the reception. Pass out these pretty Belian Tealight Holder, bearing your favourite romantic quote. Pair the tealight holder with a scented tealight for an added surprise. It will serve as a happy reminder of the big day. For more information, contact +60 82 427 423 / +60 11 1405 8400.
Meant to Bee! Sarawak’s stingless bee honey 8 Honey is an everyday item in any households that your guests will absolutely consume. 100% harvested in Sarawak, this stingless bee honey is superior in quality and loaded with medicinal qualities. Who wouldn’t want to receive a petite honey jar packed with a punch of nutritious goodness! For more information, contact +60 111 405 8400 Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 19
Destination wedding
REDEFINING FUN. ONE PHOTO AT A TIME. Creative Photo-installations Set up in 2013 as WowPhotobooth, is today the go-to provider of attractive and engaging photo booths for all occasions. is known expanded its services into Sarawak in 2016. While most for its photo booths, the company offers a lot more than just that. In fact, the company has a breadth of services that are integrated with conventional social media and digital marketing platforms for successful events and products injected with elements of FUN! The company’s star product, WOWBOOTH is an iconic popsicle shaped photo booth that you see in many of today’s events, from weddings to corporate functions. You can choose from the classic snap & print booth to more advanced options like green screen, animated GIF overlays or slow-mo. Other products are MOVISH™, WOWGRAM and WOWROVER, just to name a few.
“
aims to provide Photo-installation services with great quality & design aesthetics”
Need more information on how you can add a touch of to your event? Contact them at +60 16 894 3999 or go to wowsome.com.my wowsomeswk wowsomeswk Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 21
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DO&SEE Pesta Kaul Mukah
Kaul Oya
Kaul is a festival celebrated by the community in coastal areas of 18 » 19 Melanau Sarawak. Traditionally a ritual of APR purification and thanksgiving, and a propitiation for good fortune, today it is observed to keep the heritage alive. Kaul also marks the beginning of the Melanau calendar, which begins at the end of April every year.
Kaul Oya sees everyone coming together in celebration, where everyone can have fun, play games and APR enjoy traditional delicacies. An offering ceremony is usually held at the ‘kuala’ or confluence of two rivers and is significant to the fishing community there as it is said to give them fair weather and good catch.
Mukah Resident Office & Persatuan Melanau Mukah
Oya District Office
at Tapak Pesta Kaul, Taman Kala Dana, Mukah
+60 84 872 596
at Oya, Kala Oya
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+60 84 865 218
SBC Biodiversity Day in conjunction with International Day on Biological Diversity 2020 at Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC), Semenggoh As part of the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre’s (SBC) Awareness and Appreciation Programme, SBC organises its Biodiversity Day annually, in conjunction with the International Day of Biological Diversity, observed worldwide. This event features research and development work carried out under the State Government’s initiatives. MAY
Sarawak Biodiversity Centre
+60 82 610 610
Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari
Pesta Bung Bratak
at Kapit Town, Kapit
3»5 APR
at Bung Bratak Heritage Centre, Bau
The Baleh–Kapit Raft Safari is an annual event held along Rajang River. This challenging boat race takes contestants on an adventurous journey through rapids and whirlpools.
1 MAY
Bau District Office
Kapit Resident Office
+60 84 796 230
Asia Mountain Bike Series Bintulu at Kampung Jepak, Bintulu
3»5 APR
This event sees international riders participating to collect points from UCI to qualify for Olympics 2020 in Tokyo, Japan.
DNA Sports Bintulu
+60 19 855 0311
Pesta Kaul Mukah
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This festival portrays the culture and traditions that honour the history of Bung Bratak, where the Bidayuh first settled.
9th International Bornean Frog Race at Gunung Singai, Bau, Borneo Tribal Village, Bau
+60 82 763 022 , +60 17 898 8055
Miri May Fest at Miri City
This event draws public attention to the frogs of Borneo, and targets 18 children for programmes on nature APR conservation. It includes talks on amphibian biology and conservation, and exhibition of frog photographs, etc.
Anniversary.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Miri City Council
+60 82 583 802
Pesta Bung Bratak
1 » 31 MAY
A festival featuring activities held by organisations, clubs, associations and groups in Miri to promote tourism in the city. The festival will also be held in conjunction with Miri City Day’s 15th
+60 85 420 215 , +60 19 487 4826
Miri May Fest
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Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak +60 82 319 309 / 313 +60 82 441 277 / 445 311 mtac.sarawak.gov.my
Sarawak Tourism Board +60 82 423 600 www.sarawaktourism.com
( Note: Event dates are subject to change without prior notice. Kindly call The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak for further information )
Irau Aco Lun Bawang
Pesta Gaak Danu
at Lawas Town
at Danu Village, Padawan
Traditionally held as a celebration of the Bawang’s rice harvest, this festival 31 MAY » Lun sees the largest gathering of Lun 2 JUN Bawang communities in Sarawak. Today, it serves to showcase Lun Bawang culture, including traditional music and dances, handicrafts and cuisine.
26 » 28 JUN
The festival aims to introduce Danu village to the public, along with its beautiful rivers and its highly successful Tagang system, which was first implemented in 2016.
Padawan Sub-District Office JKKK Kpg. Danu Padawan Pejabat Daerah Kecil
+60 12 899 9007
Lun Bawang Association (LBA) Sarawak
+60 10 220 9455 , +60 10 537 4430
Pesta Tasik Danu Serian
Karnival Pantai Belawai
at Dewan Masyarakat Serian, Serian
at Belawai Beach, Sarikei
Held for seven days on the 10km white sandy Belawai Beach, this annual festival JUN features powerboat race, fishing competition and cultural showcases. Local food, crafts and knick-knacks will be available from over 200 stalls set up on the festival ground. Tanjung Manis District Office
+60 84 815 221
22nd Sarawak Chief Minister Cup at Eastwood Miri
This international tournament for players 21 years old and below, under World Junior Golf Ranking and Global World JUN Junior Golf Ranking, is ranked as the best junior golf tournament in Malaysia. Twenty-five countries are expected to participate.
5»7
Kelab Golf Sarawak
+60 82 440 966 , +60 17 451 0699
Pesta Babulang & Buffalo Race Festival at Tapak Pesta, Kampung Batu Danau, Limbang
Steeped in tradition, this cultural festival - the biggest in Limbang, includes the quintessential buffalo race. Another JUN highlight is the ‘Ratu Babulang’ or ‘Babulang Queen’ contest, which sees young Bisaya ladies in traditional costumes display their most mesmerising mannerisms in a bid to win the title crown. Pesta Babulang also showcases traditional Bisaya costumes, culture performances, exotic native food and other unique activities.
5»7
Sarawak Bisaya Association
+60 82 311 381
Bario Trail Run 2020 at Bario
Pesta Tasik Danu is an annual event that began in 2018, with an aim to promote the beauty of Lake Danu and JUN help to enhance the local economy. Look out for activities such as kayaking, tug of war, duck catching, food fair, exhibitions, Lake Danu Beauty Pageant and Pentas Rakyat.
26 » 28
The Bario Trail Run is an annual event that takes runners into the trails of the wild and beautiful Borneo tropical JUN rainforest. The event is an off shoot of previously Runners Wild Bario which was held for the last time in 2017. The route will be enjoyed by those who love a bit of a challenge, a bit of mud and a test of strength.
Serian Resident Office
Specialized Sports Services
at Pasar Sematan, Sematan
Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament
Pesta Sematan is an annual event held for three days and packed with variety of events including beach sports, JUN triathlon, exhibitions, local food exhibitions and bazaar. Local tradition of the Salako are also exhibited in this particular event during the cultural performances.
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+60 3 2082 5829
at Marina Bay, Miri
This tournament will see anglers from Sarawak and beyond attempting to reel in the big catch. Jointly organised JUN by Miri Anglers Club, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak, Maritim Malaysia, Jabatan Perikanan Laut Sarawak and Miri City Council.
18 » 21
+60 82 872 472
Pesta Sematan 26 » 28
Lundu District Office
+60 82 735 008
Pesta Matu
at Matu Town, Mukah
Miri Anglers Club
+60 17 802 9002
Samarahan Food Festival at Aiman Mall, Kota Samarahan
20 » 28 JUN
JUN / JUL
The annual Matu Festival brings together people from the villages around Matu to partake in various activities.
Matu District Office
+60 84 832 231
An annual tourism event for Kota Samarahan District, the festival showcases local food, along with splendid cuisines from Indonesia and Thailand.
Kota Samarahan Municipal Council
+60 82 671 023
Irau Aco Lun Bawang
Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament
Pesta Babulang & Buffalo Race Festival Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 23
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A weekend in Serian for Pesta Tasik Danu JUNE 26-28, 2020 Debuting in 2018, Pesta Tasik Danu or Danu Lake Festival, this year held from June 26 to 28, is an annual carnival organised by the Serian Resident’s Office to promote the beauty of Lake Danu to visitors outside of Serian.
Visitors to Pesta Tasik Danu can expect to witness numerous waterbased sports events like kayaking, duck catching and remote-control boat event. One of the highlights will be the crowning of the festival’s beauty pageant winner. Browse around the food fair and exhibitions for interesting finds and finger licking good food! 24 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
When there are no events on Lake Danu, it makes a perfect spot for recreation or even pre-wedding photography.
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Fun-filled weekend While you’re in Serian for the Pesta Tasik Danu weekend, take the opportunity to explore the town and its attractions to make your trip worthwhile. For one, Lake Danu itself is a picturesque lake in the middle of Serian town. When there’s no activity going on at the lake, it is a perfect spot for family picnics. The scene around the lake make it a perfect location for pre-wedding photography as well, especially with the blue mountain in the background and the greens all around. If the weather’s hot and humid and you feel the need to cool down, head to Ranchan Recreational Park, located just 10 minutes away from town. It’s probably Serian’s most popular spots for a weekend getaway, where families and groups of friends come for a dip in the cool water of the Ranchan Falls. The streams and cascades are easily accessible by foot, and there are bridges that take you across streams as you walk along the pathways leading to different locations within the park. You certainly wouldn’t want to miss crossing the suspension bridge near the parking area. Taking a leisurely stroll here is just as relaxing, and you will find yourself enveloped in a rich and pristine jungle surrounding with lush plant life. There are sheds for relaxing, as well as BBQ spots that are certainly popular among visitors looking to have a picnic. Accommodation and F&B outlets are available as well, should you decide on staying the night. Contact the Serian District Council at +60 82 874 154 or 874 155 for more details.
LakeDanu) Danu Danu Lake (Tasik
One of the cascades at Ranchan Recreational Park
Suspension bridge at Ranchan Recreational Park
Scene at the Serian Market on a Saturday morning
Modern-day Serian is booming, with rapid development taking place. On top of the newly-built Serian Pan Borneo interchange that will undoubtedly open up more possibilities for the town, there are hotels and multiple retail as well as F&B options. But despite all that is new, Serian remains popular for its existing attractions like Lake Danu itself, as well as the Serian Wet Market where one can find so many exquisite jungle produce, handicrafts, food and more. It’s a perfect way to spend your time in Serian while there for the Pesta Tasik Danu. Oh, and don’t forget to take a picture with the giant durian at the Serian Durian Piazza commercial centre. Serian is, after all, well known for producing the King of Fruits. Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 25
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An underwater journey at Satang Island
Dive & Dine There is no limit when it comes to exploring the beautiful underwater world. After all, about 70% of the Earth is covered in water, so surely it makes sense why we are naturally drawn towards it. Such is the case in Kuching. If you are aching for a few hours of diving into turquoise waters to discover strikingly colourful underwater life, look no further than Satang Island. Better yet, you can spend a day of diving at Satang Island and top it off with some great dining in Buntal; both situated close to one another in Santubong, just 40 minutes’ drive away from Kuching. That said, take a plunge into our dive and dine day-trip guide! 26 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
Satang Island is the diving wonderland of Kuching. To get there, you must first make your way to PMSC Dive Station, Santubong early morning. There, you will set up your diving equipment and meet with the local diving guides and your new diving buddies. Once everything is ready, you will depart from the station to Satang Island on a boat ride. The journey takes about 40-50 minutes. Along the way, you may munch on light snacks and enjoy the breathtaking view of the vast ocean before you venture underneath the surface. As gravitational pull on humans isn’t as strong underwater, diving will take up a lot of energy. So it is advisable to fuel up well enough to keep yourself energised throughout your underwater adventure. The calm waters make Satang Island an ideal place for all kinds of underwater activities, be it diving or
Adventure
Seafood galore in Buntal village
snorkelling. Within a 5km radius of the island, you can quickly encounter micro marine life such as nudibranch and feather star around the fringing reefs. As you dive underneath the clear blue waters, expect various marine species such as stary pufferfish, copper banded butterflyfish and even blue clawed lobsters or “apek” as the locals call them. If you’re in luck, you can spot a pod of bottlenose dolphins swimming in unison and some sea turtles coming ashore at Satang Island. Wreck dives are big in Kuching. The Katori Maru wreck, a 10,000-tonne Japanese invasion ship that was taken down by a Dutch submarine, is a wonderful sight to behold. It is a reminder of the Imperial Japanese Navy’s (IJN) attempt on capturing Kuching, as part of its plan to take control of Borneo, after the invasion of Pearl Harbour. Its main portion is pretty much still intact along with other war relics in the rubble. Visibility ranges around 7 to 10 metres, with its deepest point at around 25m. What’s interesting is that the Katori Maru is not the only historical wreck one can explore. Advanced PADI divers can also explore other World War II Japanese wrecks: Hiyoshi Maru wreck and the recently discovered Sagiri wreck. However, they are not for the faint-hearted! Premier Marine & Scuba Centre (PMSC) is a leading dive operator in Kuching since 2011. PMSC offers day-trip diving adventures around Kuching, led by professionally trained PADI dive guides. Those without a PADI licence need not worry, as PMSC also provides an exciting allinclusive snorkelling programme for those that wish to explore the fascinating underwater world around Kuching. For more details on Premier Marine & Scuba Centre (PMSC), log onto divekuching.com. Note: There are no regular boat services to Satang Island. Prior arrangements are needed to visit the island.
After a tiring half-day underwater excursion, treat yourself to some fresh seafood for lunch at Kampung Buntal village. Located a mere 10-minute drive away from PMSC dive station, Buntal is a small fishing village known for being a seafood haven. The village is pretty much quiet during the day but is loaded with plenty of seafood restaurants that are usually full of locals from evening onwards. Most of them are open from noon onwards, offering seafood dishes that are going to satiate your post-diving hunger. When in Buntal, 88 Buntal Seafood Centre is a must-visit seafood restaurant that is famous among the locals. Situated next to the sea, this restaurant has several big round tables, making it a suitable eating place for families or big groups. For the appetiser, share a piece of the generously big crispy fried oyster pancake, dipped into chilli sauce. Experience an authentic seafood meal, just like the locals. Dig into some salted egg crab, sweet and sour fish, stir-fried midin belacan (local ferns cooked in fermented shrimp paste) and not forgetting the unusual yet delicious bamboo clam curry. Available in most South-East Asian countries, bamboo clams (or ambal in local dialect) in Sarawak are said to be the best and is the most sought after in Buntal. Don’t forget to order a refreshing coconut drink, straight from the coconut tree itself. At the same time, you enjoy the unobstructed sea views at Buntal. Once your stomach is singing happy songs after the fresh and tasty meal, go ahead and explore the rest of Buntal. Make your way down to Buntal Esplanade, a seafront esplanade surrounded by mangrove swamps. Bask in the calming ambience in Buntal and witness the fishermen return to shore with plenty of fresh catch. These may include mud crabs, cockles and the seasonal ambal. If you stay a little bit longer, you can also catch the sunset at the picturesque Esplanade. It’s indeed the perfect way to end the day of undersea adventure. Lunch can be arranged earlier with 88 Buntal Seafood Centre if you want it served immediately upon arrival from your diving excursion. Contact +60 16 576 3338 for further details. Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 27
Adventure
72 hours in Bintulu
Bintulu is a coastal town located in the central region of Sarawak. It’s a booming town whose growth was fuelled by the discovery of natural gas reserves off its shores in 1969, and the establishment of Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) in 1978 by the State Government of Sarawak to develop its infrastructure. Despite being a major industrial hub, Bintulu is one of the cleanest towns in Sarawak, thanks to close cooperation between the locals and the authority in keeping the town as spotless as possible. It’s also a lovely place with plenty to do. That being said, here’s how you can experience Bintulu in 72 hours.
Bintulu Monument
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Belacan Bintulu
A food vendor reheats a barbecue chicken for a customer at the Bintulu Night Market
Tanjung Batu
Friday would be a great day to come for a visit, so you can still experience a little bit of Bintulu on a weekday before things change as the weekend arrives. Hotel check-in time is usually at 3pm, so in the meantime, perhaps you can head over to Kampung Jepak, a fishing village located across the Kemena River from Bintulu Town. A boat ride there offers a more authentic experience. See the lifestyles of the villagers. Perhaps follow one of the fishing boats out on a fishing trip and witness what they go through daily to earn a living. The village is famous for its fermented shrimp paste, otherwise known as belacan. Incredibly pungent yet intensely flavourful, the belacan is a favourite ingredient that can be used in anything from sambal to curries. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to see them prepare cincalok, also fermented shrimp but is watery, pungent and deliciously salty. DAY
1
It’s 3pm – time for hotel check-in. Get settled in and freshen up in your hotel room. Take a nap if you must. But if you’re all up for more activities, go ahead and head back out. If you love animals and are fascinated by different species of plantlife, Bintulu’s Taman Tumbina should be next in your itinerary. Interestingly, the word “Tumbina” in the name is derived from the words “TUMbuhan”, which is Malay for plants, and “BINAtang”, Malay for animals. Among exciting animals to see here are flamingos, snakes, crocodiles, eagles and owls, hornbills, as well as wild cats, including a tiger. Plants include fruit trees, flowers and
shrubs. The park is set on a hill so it also lets you do a bit of exercise while you move from one area to the next. Still not feeling like going back to the hotel? How about a trip to Tanjung Batu Beach just minutes away from Taman Tumbina. You can either book a Grab car to take you there, or you may also choose to take a scenic walk down from Taman Tumbina all the way to the beach. Besides, the air is fresh and the trees provide shade so going on foot isn’t a bad idea at all. Relax, enjoy the sea breeze and maybe grab a refreshing drink from one of the F&B stalls there. Sunset from Tanjung Batu Beach is splendid! Before you call it a day, book a Grab car and have the driver send you to the Bintulu Night Market. Located at Shahida Commercial Centre, across the road near Bintulu Paragon and the Old Bintulu Airport, the night market opens from 5pm to 10pm daily. Discover a plethora of exotic food and jungle produce such as tepus, kampung chicken along with their undeveloped eggs and innards, sago grubs, and dabai. And when durian is in season, you’ll see piles of the King of Fruit sold at the night market as well. When hunger sets in, you needn’t look far. The Bintulu Night Market has a section where food vendors, sell everything from fried rice and noodles, local dishes like curries and stir-fried vegetables to freshly made local pancakes, whole barbecued chicken, and a whole lot more! After a good hour or two at the night market, it’s time to head back to the hotel for some much needed rest. Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 29
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2
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, to give you loads of energy for the day’s activities. Once you’ve got that covered, you’re good to go.
For some good fun amidst a pristine natural setting, with beautiful beaches, untouched jungle and breathtaking waterfalls, go on a trip to Similajau National Park (30 mins or so from Bintulu Town Centre). Home to 185 species of birds and 24 species of mammals, it’s a haven for nature lovers, with activities ranging from river cruises, dolphin watching, jungle trekking and crocodile spotting among many other activities.
Tanjung Batu Beach
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If you happen to plan a trip to Bintulu around the third weekend of April this year, you might want to opt for a day trip to the town of Mukah, just 2hr 15m away from Bintulu (roughly 148 kilometres via Jalan Kuala Tatau and Route 3110), for the annual Kaul Mukah. Taking place on April 18 and 19 this year, the modern-day Kaul Mukah offers a glimpse into the age-old religious ceremony of the Melanau, which was traditionally held to appease the spirits of the sea, and, forest and farm. It was also originally held as a ritual of purification and thanksgiving, and a propitiation of good fortune. Today, it is symbolically celebrated with traditional Melanau cultural showcases, games, food, trade expos and the must-see/experience traditional game of Tibow. Spend maybe two to three hours at the festival and then make your way back, just in time for dinner before you head back to your hotel to catch some ZZZs.
Similajau National Park
Adventure It’s your last day in Bintulu, and best reserved for more relaxing activities – sightseeing, perhaps? DAY
3
Before anything else, head over to Bintulu Esplanade, overlooking the Kemena River. Right opposite the esplanade is Tua Pek Kong Temple, a very old temple with ornate carvings on its walls, ceilings and rooftops. It’s a magnificent structure that oozes ancient splendour amidst a modern surrounding. Next to the esplanade is Pasar Utama Bintulu, a market with two roofs that resemble the Melanau sun hat or terendak. On one section of the market, you’ll find fruits, vegetables, and groceries. The other section houses a wet-market, where you will find fish and seafood that are as fresh as they come. Head upstairs for some brunch. Highly recommended are braised or souped prawn noodles from Chua Kee Seafood that are topped with succulent giant prawns!
Bintulu Esplanade
Just next to Pasar Utama Bintulu is Pasar Tamu Bintulu, where you can find more exotic goods such as jungle produce and “Belacan Bintulu,” touted to be the best-tasting belacan in Malaysia. For a bit of history, head to the Council Negeri Sarawak monument at BDA Shahida Commercial Centre, near the old airport. The small structure commemorates a significant event in the history of Sarawak, namely the first State Legislative Assembly meeting on Sept 8, 1867. See Bintulu’s unique architecture at some of its iconic landmarks, such as the Assyakirin Mosque, located just opposite Bintulu Medical Centre at Jalan Tanjung Kidurong and the Bintulu Development Authority building, also built in the shape of a terendak. Cap it all off with a leisurely stroll along the esplanade, all the way to one of Bintulu’s latest malls, tHe Spring Bintulu, where not only can you do a bit of shopping, but also enjoy the rest of the evening looking out to the Kemena River and the open ocean beyond it, with drink in hand as you wait for the sun to set over the horizon. The perfect ending to your weekend in Bintulu. Check out sarawaktourism.com/ attractions_location/bintulu/ for more attractions in and around Bintulu.
Pasar Utama Bintulu
Preserved vegetables for sale at the Night Market
Mee Sup Udang Galah from Chua Kee Seafood at Pasar Utama Bintulu
Bintulu Development Authority building
tHe Spring Bintulu
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Adventure
The annual Bintulu 21KM Run returns! The half-marathon will take place on July 18 & 19 and will have participants running amidst scenic views along Tanjung Kidurong and Bintulu Town. Taman Tumbina, Pasar Tamu Bintulu and the Council Negri Monument are some of the attractions along the way.
If you are thinking of joining the Bintulu 21KM Run, you best make preparations for it. And what better way to prepare for the half-marathon than by doing plogging? This funky term is actually a combination of the words “jogging” and “plucka upp” (Swedish for “picking up”).
The Swedish fitness craze started in 2016 is highly beneficial as not only does it help you keep fit and ready for Bintulu 21KM Run, it also does a great deal keeping trash off the streets! And this goes in line with Bintulu Development Authority’s (BDA) campaign mission to keep the city clean and beautiful, and its people fit and healthy.
Keeping Bintulu clean is not BDA’s responsibility alone, but a collective effort involving Government agencies and departments, schoolchildren, the business community and the general public. Hence, plogging is the perfect way for the community to help keep the town spotless, and it’s highly beneficial for their health as well, General Manager of BDA, Rodziah Haji Morshidi commented.
Picking up litter as you jog means that you will be doing various movements such as stretching, bending and squatting, and is, therefore, a great and fun way to get in shape. That’s killing two birds with one stone! Not literally, of course.
Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), Wisma Bintulu, No.1, Tanjung Kidurong Road, P.O Box 55, 97007 Bintulu, Sarawak. +60 86 332 011 +60 86 336 066, 332 255, 315 811 bda@bda.gov.my www.bda.gov.my 32 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
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3 Months to 21KM
Gearing up for Bintulu 21KM Run 2020 by plogging
Of course, it helps to add more to your routine as you prepare for the run. The three months to 21KM programme is a great way to help you gear up. But important to note is that you should already be running at least for two months, and about 8 to 10 km a week. Here’s the breakdown of your daily routine, which you will repeat for three whole months in preparing for the run: Day 1 & Day 3: Run at a moderate pace, but remember to do warm-up exercises before you do. At the end of your session, it’s essential to do some cooling down exercises and stretches. Day 2: You may choose to rest on this day, but if you’re up for it, do some easy to moderate crosstraining for about 30 to 45 minutes. This includes biking, walking, and swimming, among others. Day 4: Do some cross-training activities like going on an elliptical trainer, do some walking or riding a bike. These are easy to moderate activities that can be done from 30 to 45 minutes. But if you feel a need to rest, do so because you need to be well-rested and ready for more training the next day. Day 5: Go for a long-distance run at a predetermined distance. Bintulu has beautiful clean streets with great views for a leisurely run. Do so at a slow pace and remember, if you’re breathing easily and can talk normally while running, you’re doing it right. If not, then you need to slow down a touch. Day 6: You’re starting to do some recovery on this day, although you will still be running, albeit a short one and at a very comfortable and easy pace. This helps to lessen the tension in your muscles. If you prefer, you can do cross-training instead. Whatever it is, remember to cool down and stretch after. Day 7: Rest is crucial in helping you recover and prevent injuries. So go ahead, relax and unwind and let your body recuperate so you can get ready for another week of training.
Remember to throw in some overall body strength training for endurance and injury risk prevention. Once a week at least should be sufficient. You can also switch things up by swapping your training days and rest days, depending on what works best with your daily schedule.
re gis ter With all that done, you’ll be all geared up for Bintulu 21KM Run 2020 for sure! But first thing’s first; register for the run NOW at https://www. checkpointspot.asia/. Registration is open from March 1 to May 31 (normal rate) and June 1 to June 15 (late registration). Check out https://www.facebook. com/btu21kmrun/ for details.
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Beauties and the beasts Though generally peaceful and quaint throughout the year, the small town of Limbang is not without its buzz. Sure, life goes on as it does every other day of the year in this border town in Northern Sarawak, but every mid-year in a place called Batu Danau, crowds of people come together in celebration of an annual festival known as Pesta Babulang.
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Adventure The festival is a celebration of the cultures and arts of the Bisaya folks in Limbang. To be held from June 5-7 this year (dates subject to change), the festival is highlighted with two particularly significant events. The first is a buffalo race, which pits teams of buffalo racers against each other. It’s a rigorous sport that includes contestants riding on the back of brawny buffaloes, racing across a muddy field in an attempt to win first place and earn the bragging rights of being the champion of the buffalo race. Contestants, who come from Limbang and other parts of Sarawak, along with those from Sabah and neighbouring country Brunei Darussalam, will find themselves splattered with mud, if not completely covered in it by the end of the race. But that is, of course, the best part about the buffalo race – contestants get to have tons of fun and get a chance at winning something at the end of the day. Another significant event held as part of Pesta Babulang is the Ratu Babulang (Babulang Queen) beauty pageant. For the young ladies
Check out Limbang Pesta Babulang, which will be held from June 5 to 7 this year, is a great excuse to come to Limbang, especially if you haven’t been to this part of Sarawak. After all, being the town’s biggest festival, it is organised as one of the ways to promote Limbang as an exciting tourism destination here. While in Limbang for the festival, make time to visit some of the local attractions. Kampung Punang, located 12km from Lawas, is excellent for firefly spotting or Proboscis Monkey watching. When the seas are calm, and weather permits, a trip out to Kuala Lawas presents you with an opportunity to dive and watch the gentle dugongs graze on the seagrass. Limbang Museum, not at all that far from the centre of Limbang Town, is a great place to discover Limbang’s history, archaeological finds and ethnic artefacts.
from the Bisaya community, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase not only their beauty, but also their talent and their personality, and is the ideal platform for them to embark on a journey to perhaps being a model someday. In any case, Ratu Babulang is not just about promoting beauty and grace but is also a showcase of Bisaya culture through the traditional costumes worn by the contestants, among other things.
A fascinating site to visit in Limbang would be the mud volcanoes of Kampung Meritam, located 35 kilometres away from Limbang Town. These volcanoes are located within a gated site in the village, with facilities that were built given the rising popularity of the Lumpur Bebuak festival held there every year. Prior arrangement with a local tour operator is highly recommended if you were to visit the Meritam mud volcanoes. Lastly, if you’re planning on staying a little longer, do include in your itinerary visits to Penawan Waterfalls Eco Park, Merarap Hot Spring, Taman Tasik Bukit Mas, Limpaki Wetland or even Paya Maga Highlands. These will truly make your visit to Limbang more memorable while you’re there for Pesta Babulang.
Visitors to Pesta Babulang will find plenty of reasons to enjoy their time at the festival. Besides the main events, a host of other activities will also be held to add to the merriment of the festival, including a colourful “Kuntul Berhias” (decorated goods carrier) parade and the “Nakod Babulang” feast featuring traditional Bisaya cuisine. Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 35
Adventure
Reunited with the waters at Kiulu River By Farihah Fuaad
My love affair with the waters began last October, at one of the turtle Islands in Malaysia. There is a unique sensation to being near and in contact with the waters. Ever since then, I am hooked, and I could not stop thinking about going back to the waters, wherever that may be. Finally, for the first time ever this year, the waters and I were reunited on Valentine’s Day, at Kiulu river, Sabah.
I came prepared with my new water shoes, and ready to embark on my first rafting adventure at Borneo’s longest white-water rafting stretch, covering up to 15km journey. Having never done it before, I mustered just the right amount of confidence, thinking, “how hard can it be, I just need to paddle.” Upon our arrival at the starting base, one of the rafter guides took my glasses and tied rubber bands around its handles for extra protection. Then, I strapped on my life jacket, wore a helmet, chose a paddle, and joined in the rest adrenaline junkies around the riverbank for our safety briefing. I listened attentively to a detailed safety briefing by Miquel Junior (Max), one of the rafter guide, as he demonstrated the proper way to hold the paddle by gripping on the t-handle and a few must-know rafting commands: forward, backward, jump jump and head down. “If you fall into the water, do not panic. Just float on your back, with your eyes and nose closed, knees slightly bent, and wait until the next raft comes to get you,” Max reassured us help will come if the worst-case scenario happen. Hearing this surged a jolt of fear in me someone with the very least swimming skills diminishing every ounce of confidence I nonchalantly gathered before. But the trail of ‘what-if’ thoughts dissipated five minutes post-safety briefing. That is the minute I stepped into our raft, and was splashed with cooling waters by the paddle stick of our rafting captain, Kang Chai Meng. It is simply impossible to not get splashed once you are inside the raft. With me are four other esteemed Filipino writers and photographers part of our Mega Familiarisation trip. Altogether, our raft was divided into three people on both sides. “This is a muscle test guys,” said Jessica Pag-Iwayan, a fellow rafting comrade, reminding us that our arms and hands are the driving force of this 2-hour white-water rafting excursion. 36 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020 BorneoTalkJan-Mar2020
Once we jammed our feet in between the thwarts of raft’s floor, we embarked on our rafting adventure at a relatively easy pace. Navigating down Kiulu river was absolutely serene. Being Class I-II river, the channels are wide, and the obstacles are not difficult to manoeuvre. Besides, Valentine’s had blessed us with a lovely weather. I felt the timidly warm sunrays bouncing off my cheeks as I inhaled the fresh, crisp air in Kiulu. After paddling for some time, we encountered the thrill we’ve all been waiting for: the first rapid of the day. Boy, were we excited to see the frothy, white water waves splashing amidst rocky, turbulent areas of the river! ‘Forward’ paddling pace quickened, we braced ourselves towards Kiulu’s natural slide. Just when we thought our raft would glide swiftly down the slightly steep rapid, it came to halt, and got stuck in between the rock crevices. “Jump jump!” yelled Chai Meng, signalling us to move our upper body up and down as a way to pull the raft’s heavy load (that would be us!) easing the raft to float downstream. Shortly after, came the other rafts heading towards our spot, caught up in the same situation, which caused our rafts to bump against one another. Being stuck in between the shallow rapids echoed a trail of laughters from the nine rafting boats that consisted of all 36 people in our Mega Fam group. Having passed through our first hurdle, we stumbled upon a group of South Koreans swimming in the still part of Kiulu river. “Swimming time!” exclaimed Chai Meng. Puzzled to be given a swimming break, I wide-eyed questioned him “We can swim? How deep is it?” “The bottom of this part of the river is untouchable by foot, but you can swim in it. Try first,” he reassured me. Seeing how joyful the rest were swimming, I had to plunge, ever so slowly at first to ensure the water did not enter my nose. But once I was in the green cooling water, I felt unstoppable. The quote ‘life begins at the end of your comfort zone’ rang louder than ever at the moment.
Adventure Out here in nature, poring (bamboos in Kadazandusun dialect) and hanging bridges connecting Kadazandusun villages to the other side of the river were plenty. What dazzled me was how still relevant these hanging bridges were in today’s age, seeing a couple of villagers walking on them. In rare times our rafts turned against the current flow, Chai Meng shouted “backward!” telling us to sweep the waters with our paddles in the opposite direction, manoeuvring the raft downstream. Back in the raft after three swimming sessions, we let our bodies and souls relax, and eyes wander in a state of awe at the lush forests’ expanse surrounding us. The waters are indeed a blessing. It took us away from our quad-camera smartphones safely tucked in our dry bags. Having limited access to smartphones allowed us to actually talk with each other, with conversations turned to swapping folktales of Malaysian Princess Santubong and The Philippines’ Manananggal. During the 2 hours Kiulu rafting excursion, I experienced it all: rocky mild rapids, swift turns, cooling splashes, glimpses of the Kadazandusun people’s lives, sunburnt hands, inter-cultural bond and a spectacular country-side scenery. All nourished my famished soul and fulfilled my longing of the waters. Back at the rafting’s end base, I hungrily devoured a delicious black pepper lamb meal prepared at an open-spaced wooden hut, while thinking, on where to go for my next watery adventures. For more information, get in touch with Riverbug Sabah at +60 19 820 4921.
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Adventure
Rafting adventure in Kapit Come April 3rd, the quaint town of Kapit will be transformed once again into a hive of activity as the popular Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari makes a comeback for its 25th edition. The safari is a major event for Kapit, as far as tourism is concerned. It is held annually along the Baleh River tributary and takes place from Apr 3 to 5 this year.
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Organised by the Kapit Resident’s Office in collaboration with Sarawak Tourism Board, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, as well as different government agencies in Kapit, the event showcases the importance of river transport to the townsfolk. According to Kapit Resident Nyurak Keti, the event reminds people of how important river transport was in Kapit division back then when roads were non-existent. In fact, it remains one of Kapit’s foremost modes of transportation. For participants of the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari, the event presents a great opportunity to experience a rafting adventure like no other. On top of enjoying an adventure aboard a bamboo raft along a scenic water route, where they are surrounded by pristine greenery, the participants will also be spending the night at two Iban longhouses located along the river - Rh Johnny Nyenggat and Rh Rantai. This means first-hand experience of the lifestyles, cultures, traditions and gastronomy of the longhouse Iban communities along the river, a rare opportunity even for many local folks in Sarawak.
Ready, set, go! The safari will have contestants paddling hard to reach the finish line, making their way down along the Rajang River all the way to the finishing point at the Kapit Express Boat Terminal. The first leg of the safari will begin at Rh Johnny Nyenggat at Ulu Sungai Sut on Apr 4, and will take participants along the river over a distance of 68.9 kilometres. The route will take them all the way to Rh Rantai, Nanga Semunteli along Baleh River, where they will spend the night before continuing on their journey. The next day on Apr 5, flagging off will take place at Rumah Rantai, sending the participants on their way to the finish line at Kapit Express Boat Terminal, located 23.6 kilometres from the longhouse.
Adventure
Fun for all! The Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari will not only see the main highlights, which are the men and women bamboo raft race, but also various other activities both for contestants and the general public. As at time of print, some of the activities to expect are paddling boat race, power boat race, canoe race and water pump boat race. Hashers are also expected to partake in a hash run/forest run, while mini sports events should provide ample entertainment to the visitors. Cultural night, expos and sale of food are also to be expected.
A little adventure on the side Unbeknownst to many, Kapit holds a great treasure for those who love hiking and nature, namely Hose Mountains. You surely wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity for a hike while you’re in Kapit for the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari. Hose Mountains is a remote mountain range located between the watersheds of Baleh River and Balui River. Named after British colonial administrator and zoologist Charles Hose, it is rather cut off from civilisation. But its isolation and high altitude mean that it harbours high diversity of flora and fauna. Past researches have resulted in the collection of hugely unique species of Nepenthes occurring at Hose Mountains. Extremely rugged with vertical cliff faces, and very steep slopes, the mountains remain untouched by modernity and present great challenges for mountain climbers. But if mountain climbing is not really your thing, there’s another attraction that you would surely love. Dropping from approximately 700 feet is the Gelanggang Fall. Extremely misty, the cascades of Gelanggang Fall are quite a sight to behold. For those who love waterfalls, a trek lasting less than an hour to the cascades will definitely be worth it. Do note though, that the Gelanggang Fall has no pool below it. This is because the cascading water would have been reduced to mist before it even touched the ground. So if you’re looking for a little adventure while you’re in Kapit for the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari, be sure to add Hose Mountains to your bucket-list.
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Festivals
A Sarawak Raya Hari Raya, or Eid ul Fitr, celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadhan, whereby Muslims fast from sunrise till sunset. It falls on a different date every year as it follows Takwim Hijrah, the Islamic calendar. And Takwim Hijrah follows the cycle of the moon. When a new moon is sighted after the sun has set, it is considered the beginning of the new month. In this case, Hari Raya marks the first day of the Syawal month. Here in Sarawak, the celebration is marked by an official holiday that is expected to fall on May 24 this year.
Although Hari Raya is observed globally, how it is celebrated varies in different parts of the world. Sarawak itself has several distinguishing cultural traditions that set it apart from Raya celebrations in Peninsular Malaysia. In Sarawak, the Muslims are predominantly Malay and Melanau. Even so, a Sarawak Raya is not only limited to them. Other ethnic groups, namely the Dayak and the Chinese, regardless of their religious background, also celebrate it together with their Muslim friends. Before Raya, the Malay Muslims would paint their houses in bright, striking colours and decorate their lawns with pelita (oil lamps). Just go to any Malay village in Sarawak and you would see the entire village painted in a wide spectrum of colours. Houses are painted in purple, yellow and many more bold colours, somewhat resembling a magnified version of the kek lapis (layer cake). On Raya morning, before prayers, the Malay Muslims would put on their best baju Raya (Raya clothing). Baju Raya is none other than baju Melayu and baju kurung, which are traditional Malay clothing. The baju kurung is a two-part female attire consisting of a long-sleeve enclosed dress and a long skirt. Meanwhile, the baju Melayu is a two-part male attire consisting of a stiff collared long sleeved shirt and a pair of trousers, adorned by sabok, a songket skirt for men similar to the Scottish kilt. What’s unique about the baju Raya in Sarawak is that it is worn for the whole week of Raya, with different colours each day, unlike in Peninsular Malaysia, where they only wear their baju Raya on the first day. For seven days, the streets of Sarawak will be filled with women in their extravagant baju kurung and men looking sharp in their baju Melayu, complete with their black songkok (oval brimless hat). 41 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
Must-have Raya food Every festivity has their first important meal for the whole family. If lemang and ketupat are the must-have dishes during the first Raya meal in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak has the kelupis. Lemang and kelupis are all glutinous rice-based, but the way they are cooked and prepared are totally different. Lemang is cooked in bamboo lined with banana leaf whereas ketupat is steamed rice wrapped in woven palm leaf. Kelupis on the other hand, is steamed glutinous rice wrapped in daun palas (fan palm leaf), and is a Bruneian Malay tradition.
they mostly have day jobs. Therefore, many people opt for catering services instead. Merdeka Palace Hotels and Suites is a one of many great choices for authentic Malay dishes for Raya.
Open house – the full Sarawak Raya experience Like any other festivity, Hari Raya provides a chance to catch up with friends and family. In Sarawak, people visit open houses to reconnect over food, drinks and sharing of fond memories. Guests will be greeted with a spread of kek lapis on the coffee table, alongside Sundrop orange drinks. Being the iconic dessert and drink for this festivity, they are a must for every household in Sarawak. Though visiting open houses commonly occurs during the first seven days, the recent years have seen many continuing to do so on the weekends or at night time, until the month of Syawal ends. If you happen to visit open houses in Sarawak for the first time, do take the time to indulge in the varieties of kek lapis served. From one house to another, they are never the same, as some bake these kek lapis from their own family recipe. A few classics to try are the hati pari, lumut cheese and lapis India. Often, open houses also serve special dishes of kelupis, rendang, and satay. There is no such thing as dieting during this time of festivity. The beauty of Raya open houses in Sarawak is that people of all races would come together to visit. Some even make the effort to look the part by dressing up in full Raya attire. Strangers and tourists too, are welcome into the homes of those celebrating Raya. Experience what a Sarawak Raya truly is about by going to open houses at any Malay kampung (village) in Sarawak. Simply look for houses that seem typically ‘open’ and cheery, with some guests feasting on the festive food in the front yard, and some singing Raya songs in a karaoke session. Once you enter an open house, be sure to say the greeting ‘Selamat Hari Raya!’, which literally means Happy Eid ul Fitr in Malay language.
Cooking the kelupis is a rather tedious process. It can take an entire day if one follows age-old recipes passed down from generation to generation. These days, there is a modern alternative to making the kelupis, requiring less than a day’s process. However, kelupis that is cooked overnight stays fresh up to two weeks if refrigerated, compared to modern ones that only last for about three to four days. Kelupis is usually eaten with dishes like beef rendang, chicken curry or satay sauce. The Dayak Muslims of Sarawak have lemang periuk kera, their own version of glutinous rice, cooked in pitcher plants. As it is nowadays, people do not have as much time to prepare food for Raya like in the old days, mainly because
Festivals
Music for the heart, mind, body and soul It’s no secret that Sarawak is home to some of the world’s top music festivals. Seems unlikely for a place that was once unknown to the rest of the world, but it is true. Sarawak has come a long way since the first international music festival was held here. Today, there is a growing number of music festivals, offering a diversity of genres and overall experience to fans of music from all walks of life. Here are some of those quintessential music festivals, as well as a new one that you need to experience within the coming months, here in Sarawak.
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Festivals
World-class music festival
State Museum projection mapping and the Hero Monument light show. The other is the Rainforest Fringe Festival from Jul 3 to 15, which will feature among other, three major genre-specific events. They are the Asia Pacific Fibre Arts Symposium (Jul 4-5) & Exhibition (Jul 3-15), Indigenous Film Festival (Jul 5-7) and Fringe Music Symposium and Showcase (Jul 9).
Get set for the most iconic of all music festivals in Sarawak come July; the multi-award-winning, internationally-acclaimed Rainforest World Music Festival. The festival is held at Sarawak Cultural Village; a living breathing museum tucked away in Santubong, which is a fair distance away from all the bricks and mortars of an ever-developing city of Kuching. Anyone who has been to Rainforest World Music Festival in the past knows well that the festival brings in a stellar line-up of world-class musicians and vocalists from different countries around the globe. Expect 56 bands from over 30 countries at this year’s festival, including Argentina, Cambodia, Cyprus, Faroe Island, Flores, Kurdistan, and Venezuela. Local bands from Sarawak will also be among the highlights on the RWMF stages.
Safety measures In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, some measures are to be implemented include distributing face masks for free to everyone, placing hand sanitizers around the festival venues and offering health screening or thermal scans at the festival entrance besides giving precautionary information via various communication mediums. The Health Department and medical team will be on stand-by at the event venue. There will also be daily disinfection exercises carried out, working closely with the State Disaster Committee. That aside, this year’s RWMF from Jul 10-12 is sure to be a blast! For details about this year’s line-up or to purchase your tickets, go to www.rwmf.net.
Jazzing up July
Experience different cultures through various workshops and exhibitions. As a bonus, Sarawak Cultural Village itself is a cultural enclave, where life-sized replicas of traditional houses of the main ethnic groups in Sarawak are inhabited by ethnic folks who live traditional lifestyles, as part of the living exhibits of the cultural village. Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Officer, Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said this year’s festival would take on a unique approach, whereby festival-goers would be able to experience five emotive states of being. These include “Liberated” – to release inhibitions to the rhythm of the rainforest, “Loved” – let love transcend language, to meet many tribes and connect with new cultures, “Immersed” – be immersed in the event, and allow oneself to enjoy the experience fully, “Inspired” – Illuminate your imagination, satisfy your native spirit and reconnect with your roots, and “Entranced” – be captivated by colours, crafts and cultures from across the world. “The RWMF is a powerful platform that embodies the thrust of “Experiential Tourism”, to create unforgettable experiences for festival-goers to carry the experience and memories of Sarawak and the RWMF back to their homelands, with an embedded desire to return, in the future,” said Sharzede. She added that STB’s green initiatives, such as their “no plastic bottles in the festival ground” policy, would be the core aspects of RWMF. More for everyone This year’s RWMF will also have two expansion events, which have become permanent fixtures and offer a taste of what’s to come. The first is the 2nd edition of Rainforest in The City (RITC), from June 30 to Jul 9. Themed “Nocturnal”, it will be a showcase of lights, colours and sounds, as well as technology-driven displays to wow visitors. There will be music and food too! A highlight of RITC will be the Sarawak
July is a month every jazz fan in the region is waiting for, as the Borneo Jazz Festival takes place once again, bringing an eclectic line-up of performers to the shores of Miri. Reasons to attend Borneo Jazz: Just great jazz Miri’s Borneo Jazz Festival has brought together a spectacular line-up of jazz musicians and artistes for years now, including Zainal Abidin, Q Sound, Lewis Pragasam, Chanda Rule, Joe Flizzow and Najwa Mahhiadin. The new venue at Coco Cabana offers an elevated experience. But most of all, it’s just all about excellent jazz music. Engaging workshops Expect fantastic workshops, where you get to learn straight from the pros on things like how to find your sound, how to sing better, tips on playing instruments, and a whole lot more. It’s also a chance for you to get up-close with your favourite jazz artsites. Expect another great line-up at this year’s Borneo Jazz Festival, happening July 17-19. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.borneojazzfestival.com/. Dates subject to change in view of the COVID-19 situation. Log onto www.rwmf.net and www.borneojazzfestival.com/ for the latest news and updates. Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 45
Culture With most Bidayuh folks embracing Christianity, the old ways are no longer widely practiced. Only the remaining few still make it a point to observe ancient animistic rituals as important aspects of their Gawai celebration. The setting up of a Sangar is one of those rituals. A Sangar is shrine constructed out of bamboo, where ritual offerings are made to ask for blessings. Part of the ritual is a dance performed around the Sangar, led by the Ketua Gawai. Participants of the ritual dance around the shrine would carry in their hands some items for offering, such as glutinous rice cooked in bamboo and perhaps a pack of hand-rolled cigarettes.
Keeping Bidayuh Gawai traditions alive Gawea Sowa or what is more commonly known today as Gawai Dayak has long been an integral part of the culture of the Bidayuh folks. For them, as it is for the Iban and other Dayak folks observing it, Gawai marks the end of the rice harvest season and is held to celebrate a bountiful yield. Although the reason for observing Gawai remains the same then and now, there are differences in the way the festive occasion is celebrated in the past and how it is celebrated today.
While most villages no longer practice the old ways, the Jagoi-Bratak Bidayuh of Kampung Duyoh, Kampung Stass and Kampung Serasot in Bau still keep their traditions alive and well, with practices like boris and ngrinang still held every Gawai. Most of their old rituals are performed by women known as Dayung Boris, with the Ketua Gawai leading them in performing these rituals. Unfortunately, these practices are in danger of dying out completely. For example, the Dayung Boris face a future that’s very uncertain, especially because to become one, you will have to be chosen by the spirit realm. That’s no longer the case since most Bidayuh are now Christians. In any case, the Bidayuh folks have been putting in much effort to keep the traditional aspects of these practices alive, leaving out the ritualistic parts. This way, future generations can still appreciate these traditions. By preserving the old traditions, they will also be able to showcase the beauty of their old ways to foreign tourists who come here to learn about local cultures and traditions. These days, Gawai is celebrated differently. Instead of performing old rituals, families attend church services. Family members from far and wide would gather at the family house in the village to celebrate together this joyous festivity. Open houses are a must and a time when people would go visiting (ngabang) from one house to another, enjoying the food served at each open house and of course catching up with relatives and old friends. Prior to Gawai Day, members of the family would each lend a hand to make sure preparations go smoothly. Delicious meals
A village elder making preparations ahead of his Village’s Gawai Celebration 46 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
Culture are prepared starting in the wee hours to make sure that they are all ready before visitors (pingabang in Bidayuh) start coming through the door. On the menu are pansoh (a traditional dish of bamboo chicken enjoyed to this very day), glutinous rice in bamboo, rice wrapped in leaf, kuih jala and kuih penyaram. Back in the old days, a simple dish of free-range chicken soup with just lemongrass and ginger is a delicious Gawai favourite, and coffee was served instead of carbonated sodas or beer. Meanwhile, non-traditional dishes introduced to the modern-day menu usually include chicken curry, pork stir-fried with soy sauce and pak lo duck. A traditional dance to add a touch of culture to a modern-day Gawai celebration at Kampung Pichin, Serian
Music would be blaring from the home speakers, playing the latest joget, dangdut or local rock & roll hits, while some families would set up a karaoke system for visitors to enjoy singing. Open houses would last even until the next morning. For some villages, the highlight of their Gawai celebration is a special programme normally held in their community hall, which would include live music and karaoke competition among other things. They would also include traditional dance performances, accompanied by the beating of the gong among other things, to showcase the beauty of their culture and traditions.
Some traditional food typically served during Gawai
Sure as time changes, so change the ways in which Gawai is celebrated. But thanks to the effort of those who see great value in preserving their culture and traditions, Gawai will remain a significant celebration for the Bidayuh people, as it is for the Iban and Orang Ulu who also celebrate Gawai, albeit in their own unique ways.
Village elders performing a Gawai ritual offering during Gawea Sowa Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 47
Culture sell their products to tourists and domestic customers. Housed in the Bangunan Baru Bukit Emas Food Court, the gallery was collaboratively developed by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (FAMA), Majlis Daerah Bau and Bau District Office.
All in one place
Discover artisanal Bidayuh crafts at Bau Handicraft House Like many indigenous groups here
Walk into the gallery, and you’ll instantly notice how bright and spacious it is. Individual stalls are thoughtfully laid out to allow for easy browsing from one booth to the next. One can find everything at the Bau Handicraft House, including those mentioned earlier in this article. For the ladies, rattan handbags are aplenty, and with very uniquely creative designs. Beaded necklaces, earrings and bracelets of brilliant colours and beautiful designs make perfect accompaniments to your outfit of the day. Miniature tambok and tapant are ideal as souvenirs or gifts. How about creative handicrafts and artistic works such as replicas of baruk and decorative storage boxes?
in Sarawak, the Bidayuh people have been aggressive in their effort to preserve their culture and traditions to keep them alive in an era of modern technology and rapid development. Part of their culture is to utilise natural resources to make handicrafts that serve them in their daily life or for aesthetic reasons.
Items like tapant (winnowing tray), jumbuo (carrying basket), tambok (small woven basket) and iju (fish trap) made from natural materials like rattan and bamboo are still being used to this day. However, they are not as readily available now as they were before. Fret not. At Bau Handicraft House, you can find these and other art & craft products made by artisans from the Bidayuh community all under one roof. Conveniently located at Bau town centre, the Bau Handicraft House is a retail gallery that provides space for local artisans to effectively promote and
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Bamboo mats or ambuok will look lovely in your home. If you prefer bemban mat (ambuok bombant), you can find it there as well. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for traditional Bidayuh costumes, you are sure to find them at the Bau Handicraft House. For visitors who are curious to know more about the artisanal products on sale at the gallery, they can always approach the artisans themselves, if they are available at the gallery at the time of visit. Feel free to ask them on things such as the story behind their creations and their thoughts on safeguarding their culture through handicrafts. The booths at the gallery are operated by nine very talented local artisans. There’s Dickson Noyen who sells traditional Bidayuh attires and beaded accessories under the brand Kodek Collection, Linda Dohoi who promotes and sells handicrafts made from rattan and bamboo under the brand Boli Sangon Otok, Angela Johiam Jiti who sells traditional Bidayuh crafts, and Lucille Awen Jon with her handmade jewellery sold under the brand Pungu Borneo. Check out Bau Handicraft House for stunning pieces of handicrafts made by Bidayuh artisans. The gallery opens from 9am to 4pm every Sunday to Thursday, and from 9am to 5pm every Friday to Saturday. Go to facebook.com/BauHandicrafHouse/ for more information.
Culture
This beautiful woven rattan bag serves many purposes. Makes a trendy camera bag too!
Woven baskets, bags, trays and mats at the Bau Handicraft House.
This tambok makes a great flask carrier.
Exquisite Bidayuh beadwork at the Bau Handicarft House.
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Museum
Museums in Sarawak No matter where you go in Sarawak, you are bound to stumble upon a museum, whether it is in the Northern, Central or Southern region. Trails of history are omnipresent in Sarawak, with buildings built as far back as the 1800s. Here are some of Sarawak’s great museums you ought to visit.
Textile Museum, Kuching
Textile Museum Just like any other Colonial buildings in Sarawak, this one has stood at its current location for more than a century. The pavilion building was constructed in 1907 to serve as a medical centre right up to the mid-1920s before it was converted into the Education Department headquarters. Only in September 2005 did the building began its operations as Sarawak’s Textile Museum. All year round, this museum showcases a variety of textiles and traditional costumes of the multicultural communities in Sarawak. Here, visitors get to learn about the everyday clothing worn dating back to a century ago; the origins, storyline and meaning behind their different patterns and motifs. Some of the textiles exhibited here are naturally dyed pua kumbu, kebaya blouse, sirat (Iban’s loincloth), beaded outfits and keringkam (golden laced brocade) - cultural identity markers to the Iban, Bidayuh, Malay, Melanau, Chinese and Orang Ulu people. Mannequins are installed to mimic sewing and weaving movements, portraying the different techniques used to produce the textiles. 50 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
Exhibitions are not entirely limited to textiles. Jewellery and accessories, notably copper earrings, bear teeth necklace, Gajah Olen (golden bridal headgear and accessories), hornbill fur, spears and swords are available as well. Look close enough, and you will notice that each clothing and accessory signifies a certain rank or status within its representing tribe. Altogether, the 3-storey building houses exhibitions organised into four galleries covering the preparatory process of original materials, weaving, accessories, jewellery and wedding apparels. Textile Museum Sarawak is located just opposite the General Post Office, between Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall and The Waterfront Hotel in Kuching. Whenever you are around the area, be sure to stop by the Textile Museum, where you can see textiles from Sarawak’s multi-ethnic community under one roof. Admission is free. Tel: +60 82 246 194
Museum
Chinese History Museum
Islamic Heritage Museum
Located at Kuching Waterfront opposite Tua Pek Kong Temple and adjacent to James Brooke Bistro & CafĂŠ, the charming pink building housing the Chinese History Museum is hard to miss. In 1912, Chinese traders built it as a court for laws and customs enactment, after which it was formally taken over by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. In 1993, the building was officially converted into the Chinese History Museum.
Formerly known as James Brooke Malay College of Madrasah Melayu Sarawak in 1930, this building made of concrete and timber was used to train teachers in Malay studies. It was later renovated and opened to the public as the Islamic Heritage Museum on May 22, 1992, with its primary objective of showcasing the splendours and beauty of Islamic heritage.
This museum might be small, but do not let the outer appearance fool you. Enter and start your self-guided tour by first learning about the origins of Chinese immigrants
Seven galleries depict the History of Islam in Sarawak, Islamic Architecture, Science and Technology, Economy, Education and Literature, Music and Costumes, Al-Quran Corner, Domestic Tools, Decorative Arts and Weaponry,
Chinese History Museum, Kuching
Islamic Heritage Museum, Kuching
in Sarawak and the different clans, namely Hakka, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Foochow and Hainan. The exhibits also showcase stories on the involvement of various Chinese groups in the development of Sarawak, and the Chinese political leaders in Kuching, as well as globally celebrated Chinese festivals, such as mooncake and dragon boat festivals. The rest of the museum houses everything related to Chinese culture, including an exhibition of antique jars and ceramics used for Chinese tea ceremonies, as well as ancient Chinese musical instruments. Admission is free. notably the keris - a dagger with a wavy blade that is synonymous with the Malay culture. Other displays include the Dome of the Rock architectural model, musical instruments, wood carvings of Arabic calligraphy and clothing influenced by Islam. Beloved within this museum is its central courtyard garden that is perfect for a memorable snap or two. Admission is free. Tel: +60 82 231 520
Tel: +60 82 244 346
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Museum
Natural History Museum
Art Museum
Like most museums in Sarawak, the Natural History Museum served a different purpose in the past. Built in 1908, this building was known as the ‘Second Ladies Club’ and was once the Sarawak Museum Administration Office.
Built in 1892 as the Curator’s House, the Art Museum was once occupied by the British Council as the State Library in the 1960s. It later went under the care of the Sarawak Museum Department in its Library and Archives Section, which serves as a reference for curators and researchers from different parts of the world.
This museum is home to special natural history collections found in Borneo. These include intriguing displays of mammal skeletons, as well as taxidermied reptiles, birds, and insects. You might even stumble
In 2006, the building became an art museum, displaying various art pieces ranging from carvings, paintings and sculptures with a comprehensive timeline dating back to
Natural History Museum, Kuching
upon unusual species that may already be extinct or are nearing extinction. Located adjacent to the Art Museum and Sarawak Museum, the Natural History Museum is easy to find. Its facade features a gigantic Rajah Brooke’s birdwing butterfly - a great photo spot after a tour of the museum. Admission is free.
Tel: +60 82 244 325
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Art Museum, Kuching
the Brooke era. In 2016, the Urang Sarawak exhibition was held to highlight the people and culture of the region spanning across different historical periods, including the World War era, the Brooke era, until the formation of Malaysia. The exhibition also covers different indigenous lifestyles and spiritual beliefs of the Sarawak people. Currently, the Art Museum is undergoing some refurbishment works and will remain closed to the public until further notice.
Tel: +60 82 244 396
Museum
Petroleum Museum Miri
Niah Archaeology Museum
Canada Hill in Miri is the birthplace of Malaysia’s black gold. It was precisely at the wooden derrick of the Grand Old Lady formerly known as Miri Well No. 1 that oil was first discovered on Dec 22, 1910. Now, next to the Grand Old Lady located 79 metres above sea level, lies the Petroleum Museum Miri. Here, visitors can learn the history of Sarawak’s oil industry, from its discovery to current developments. Visitors will also be able to understand the impact of oil on Sarawak’s development.
When one pays a visit to the magnificent Niah Caves, one must stop by its in-house Archaeology Museum. Constructed in 1998, this museum houses ancient discoveries from the caves. Expect numerous zoological, archaeological and geological remains, particularly the 40,000-year-old ‘Deep Skull’ artefact found inside the caves in 1958 - proof of early human civilisation in Borneo. Also, see displays of the lifestyle of the Punan and Iban people and look out for the original burial canoe that is
Niah Archaeology Museum, Miri
The museum features interactive exhibits, giving visitors more immersive experiences. One of the impressive displays is the earthquake simulator, which lets visitors sit inside a car and experience how it feels to be caught in an earthquake. After the museum visit, step outside to the surrounding lawn and soak in the magnificent panoramic view of Miri City. Admission is free.
at least 1,200 years old. Absorbing the information on the great discoveries of Niah Caves inside this museum will be an added enriching experience after or before venturing into Niah Caves. Those keen on both nature and the past will absolutely enjoy this. Think of it as killing two birds with one stone. Located within Niah National Park, this museum is approximately 4km from Niah Caves. To get to the museum, cross the Niah River via motorboat.
Petroleum Museum Miri Tel: +60 85 438 516
Tel: +60 85 438 516
Note: The museums are open everyday except for Petroleum Museum Miri & Niah Archaeology Museum Miri which are closed on Monday (weekdays from 9:00am-4:45pm and weekends from 10:00am-4:00pm). It is closed on certain public holidays including Chinese New Year, Labour Day, Eid al-Fitr, Gawai Festival, Malaysian Independence Day, Sarawak TYT’s birthday and Christmas Day.
For more information of Museums in Sarawak, log onto https://museum.sarawak.gov.my/modules/web/index.php Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 53
Nature
Taking it slow in Senah Rayang Escaping into the mountains on the Puncak Borneo belt in Padawan, BorneoTalk’s own Farihah Fuaad experiences the laid-back lifestyles of Senah Rayang, an outskirt Bidayuh village located 95 km from Kuching City.
Bamboo bridge
Jengga waterfall
Hidden paradise It was 10 in the morning, and we were just a couple of minutes away from Senah Rayang. Looking out the window, it felt like we were on top of the world – driving on hilly roads. Senah Rayang was in front of us, hidden amidst the circling mountains of Padawan: Sepadang Mountain, Spaoh Mountain and Sebumbor Hill. After arriving at the village, we went for a long morning session with the village headman Johari Mohd Jeffrey Din at the village hall. That was when I learned that the villagers were originally pagans before they embraced Christianity in the 1960s and Islam in the 1970s. Though the majority are now Muslims, the villagers still live harmoniously to this day. After the session, we were assigned to our respective homestays. A tall, tanned Bidayuh elder named Jiris Temboh of my host family - awaited me outside the hall with a big smile on his face.
Fun in the outdoors There’s plenty of fun to be had at Senah Rayang, and the locals spend their time doing a number of activities; ladies 54 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
Tak gugor dance
Walking past belimbing hutan
weaving rattan mats, a ‘pillow fight’ by the river, children running around in muddied puddles and walking on ‘kaki hantu’ (bamboo stilt walk). Curious how it felt to walk that high, I hopped on a pair of bamboo stilts, only to find myself having to jump off them and land onto the ground the minute I traversed. “Both your hands and legs must move in sync,” said Raden Faizuan, a new acquaintance from National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) telling me how it’s done. Having fun here is hard work but enjoyable to the max. For example, the telematch we participated in got us all drained of energy and covered in mud.
A night in the longhouse As expected, dinner in the longhouse was communal - the villagers were all there, and there was a full spread of Bidayuh delicacies such as chicken cooked in bamboo and fried tempoyak (fermented durian), all wiped clean within a matter of seconds! Being a multi-faith community does not deter these jolly Bidayuh folks from practising their native customs. It was a joyful night. They showed us how to dance the Tak Gugor, perform the Mesakh (an ancient martial art) and play the Pratuong (a traditional bamboo musical instrument that mimics
Nature the sound of a gong). The highlight of the night was when three men wearing monstrous Kadam suits made of shreds of wood and exotic red tribal masks came out to perform us a dance. According to the villagers, when they were still pagans, they believed that a Kadam could heal sick children. Today, the Kadam dance is performed as mere entertainment, and yours truly was dragged to dance along with them that night.
Venturing into the forest Second day in, the morning was misty, and the ground was muddy as we trekked 15 minutes into the forest of Senah Rayang to arrive at Piranggi. It is a sacred place that the villagers believe used to be a fort to safeguard the village from harm and potential enemy attacks. That was where we laid eyes on ‘Batu Tunai’, a ‘magical’ stone covered in moss that has been there since Brooke’s era. “There were attempts to throw away this stone, but
it reappeared the next day at the very same spot,” said our guide Omar Limik. How fascinating, I thought. Making a turn back to the other side of the forest, I lost count of how many bamboo bridges we’ve crossed. Seemingly out of nowhere, a Bidayuh lady walked past us with a juwah (rattan basket) filled with Padawan’s famed durians – there were probably 10 in there. We stopped her and broke open one durian. Its fatty flesh was creamy, with just the right combination of savoury and sweet all at once. The forest greeted us with more of nature’s bounty: rambutans, belimbing hutan (red starfruit), a pepper orchard, and more varieties of bamboos. “We use pisa bamboo to make flutes and baskets,” explained Johari, slitting the middle of the thin bamboo open with his knife. The many pit stops and stories by Johari and Omar along the 10-minute trail made me not realise that we had arrived at the gushing Jengga waterfall.
Bidayuh man carrying a baby while walking on stilts
Batu Tunai
Refreshed and soaking wet after a dip there, we headed to a hut five minutes away from the fall. There, some village elders did a ‘gotong-royong’ to prepare a lovely barbecue lunch just for us. Joining the others, I grabbed a plate covered in marun leaf, and piled on some rice cooked in bamboo and siok badang (barbecued chicken in Bidayuh dialect). The food smelled (and tasted) so divine that it was simply impossible to resist the temptation of going for a second round - which I did.
Back to reality Fun in the mud
Pool at Jengga waterfall
With my belly full and my soul invigorated, I bade my goodbyes to the Bidayuh elders at the hut, thanking them for the wonderful hospitality (and food) before going back to my homestay, packing up for the trip back to the city and saying goodbye to Jiris, my host in Senah Rayang. The whole experience made me wonder, with the current trend of mass migration to the city, fewer people know how beautiful life is in places like Senah Rayang. A trip to this village is a rare experience for city dwellers like yours truly, and one that will change the way you look at life, unlike any ordinary holiday. For any enquires, contact +60 14 661 2571 (Mr. Abu Bakar) Email: senahrayanghomestay@gmail.com Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 55
Nature
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Nature
A staycation at Pinggir Siak Living in the city, you sometimes feel a sudden urge for adventure. When that happens, you start to search around for places to go where you can spend time away in seclusion… somewhere you can unwind especially after a week’s worth of stress from work.
Hidden gems are aplenty near the city. One such place is Pinggir Siak, about an hour away from Kuching City (34km approx.) or 45 minutes or so from Kuching International Airport (31km approx.). You can drive there via Jalan Batu Kawa/Jalan Tun Hussein Onn, turning right into Jalan Kampong Tanjong Poting before Sekolah Menengah Min Lit. Head straight for about 2.9km until you reach Jalan SingaiMatang, where you then need to make a right turn. Continue another 2.4km along Jalan Singai-Matang. A landmark to lookout for along this road is St Peter’s Church Sippau Singai, which means that you are approaching a junction where you need to turn left into Jalan Tondong-Apar-Segong. Keep going straight for 3km and then turn right into Jalan Segong. Continue 100 metres until you reach a junction on your left, taking you straight to a parking area at the end of the road, from which you will need to trek about 15 minutes (700 metres) into the jungle to get to Pinggir Siak.
Disconnected, but not totally Pinggir Siak is a lovely cabin tucked away in a pristine rainforest by the beautiful Adis River, which can be clearly viewed from the cabin itself. The location and position of the cabin make it appear as if it is stranded in the middle of the jungle, hence its nickname The Stranded Cabin. The house features a living room with an open deck, BBQ pit, a well-equipped kitchen, clean bath/toilets and a dedicated dining area. Guests will be able to enjoy the comforts of air-conditioned rooms and modern conveniences, including fridge and freezer, water heater, rice cooker, kettle and hairdryer. With all the essentials provided, you only need to bring your clothes and toiletries. However, it is advisable to bring your own food for the BBQ pit (bring your own charcoal as well) or to cook in the kitchen. Also, because Pinggir Siak is located in the jungle, one might naturally assume there are going to be mosquitoes flying around. Therefore, a bottle of bug spray is essential as well. Of course you can keep the BBQ pit smoking to keep them skeeters at bay. It’s a good idea to close all the glass doors by 5pm as well. Because the river here is so pristine, with natural mineral water flowing directly down from the mountain and into the river, you can use the water from the river for cooking. But if you were to drink the water, remember to boil it first before you do. If you absolutely must take out that smartphone of yours to fulfil your daily social media needs, good news is that
Maxis and DiGi mobile connections are solid (is that a smile on your face already?)
All-around fun If you think spending time in the wild is boring, you’re wrong! At least where Pinggir Siak is concerned. First of all, the surrounding is gorgeous… almost enchanting! You’ll enjoy fresh air all day long, crickets playing their symphony of bedtime serenade at night, and relaxing sounds of water flowing from the river just outside. Ahhh… relaxing, is it not? Walk down to the river and have a refreshing dip in its cool water. The river teems with life – fish swimming freely in the water, shrimps going about their business and snails grazing on the tiny vegetation that grow on the rocks on the riverbed. It’s lovely to see nature taking its natural course, naturally (pun intended). There’s also a swing hanging from a tree branch, that lets you sit in the middle of the river and just enjoy some quiet time alone. The swing is perfect for photos as well. For those who want to get in on a little more adventurous activity, kayaking is a great idea. Slowly paddling your way along the crystal-clear river is an ideal way to explore the beautiful surrounding. Gives you a bit of exercise too. Nightfall means fire at the BBQ pit. Go ahead and grill yourself some chicken, beef, sausages, seafood… whatever you want. Otherwise, cooking a meal in the kitchen works just fine too. The best is when everyone gathers at the dinner table for some good food and great company. And when you wake up the next day to the sounds of birds and insects singing and playing nature’s beautiful songs, you will realise what a beautiful world it is we live in.
Until next time Before you know it, your staycation at Pinggir Siak is over. You arrive home wishing that you had more time to spend at this gorgeous place. But there is of course, always a next time. Interested to stay at this amazing cabin in the wild? Contact Ariff at +60 10 961 5338 for more information on packages and other details. Also check out their Facebook at facebook.com/pinggirsiak/. Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 57
Nature
Pustaka Negeri Sarawak is like a wondrous realm of knowledge where one can easily lose track of time poring over mountains of books. But beyond that, it also provides plenty of public
Explore Pustaka’s beautiful garden
A beautiful stone bridge along the path by the lake
spaces for the general public to enjoy, such as Taman Pustaka. The park offers opportunities for recreation, fitness, and being surrounded by nature.
Taman Pustaka is ideal for morning strolls with the family on the weekend. You can easily spend two hours just looking at the plants that thrive at Taman Pustaka. There’s also an expansive lake where you can spend a good halfan-hour easily just looking at fish surfacing for food. Many bird species can be spotted at the park too some seemingly unfazed by the presence of humans. A great way to make the most of your time at Taman Pustaka is to go on the library’s newly-launched “Le Tour de Park” guided tour. It begins just outside Window on the Lake (WOL) Café, where you will walk past the children’s playground and fitness area, then across the bridge before arriving at the Community Garden (Laman Komuniti). Here, different kinds of plants, including edible species like Ulam Raja and passionfruit are planted by the public under a greenhouse. To your left is their Butterfly Garden, where nectar flowers are planted 58 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
Taman Pustaka features lush greenery for the public to enjoy
Golden Gardenia
A visitor looks at a cluster of flowers at Taman Pustaka The Community Garden is where the public can plant some vegetables, fruits or herbs
Swing Garden
PUS TAK AN EGE RI S ARA WA K
Nature
Fish Feeding Spot
WOL Café FINIS HS TAR T
Perg
ola
TASEK PUSTAKA
Children’s Playground
Walk
Fitness Equipment
Sensory Garden
Children’s Pool
Community Garden Herbal Garden
Laman Santai Community Garden
Butterfly Garden Swing Garden
The Sensory Garden features tactile paving (inset) and braille for the visually-impaired
to attract butterflies, bees and the occasional hummingbird. Next to the Butterfly Garden is the Swing Garden, where you can rest your tired feet for a bit and sit on a swing hanging down from a large tree. Several meters away is their Taman Santai, where you can sit down, relax and enjoy the cool breeze. Ready for more? Make your way across the bridge to the children’s pool before you make your way back to the community garden. Once there, keep going straight to arrive at the Herbal Garden, where unique species such as the highly beneficial Mahkota Dewa plant (Phaleria macrocarpa) can be found.
Lime
Pustaka Negeri Sarawak CEO, Dr Rashidah Bolhassan (right) admiring one of the flowering plants at the Sensory Garden
The final stop on your Le Tour de Park route is the Sensory Garden, which was designed to encourage you not only to observe but also touch and smell more than 30 plant species here. Braille on the information plates and tactile paving on the footpath offer convenience for the visually-impaired.
Mahkota Dewa
Indian Mulberry A visitor relaxes on a swing at the Swing Garden
If you wish, you can explore areas off the park tour, like the 1km track around the lake where you will be able to enjoy the view of the library from across the lake. You could also take a detour to Bright Hill and soak in the scenery. Along the way, you’ll discover so many more species of plants great and small, including some you probably have never seen before. End your tour with a hearty brunch at WOL Café, which offers unique local fares like Tumpik, Celorot, Kuih Rangin, Linut, Bandung Goreng, Nasi Aruk and a whole lot more. And that is a morning well spent.
Sarawak State Library (PUSTAKA) Jalan Pustaka, Off Jalan Stadium, 93050 Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak. +60 82 442 000 +60 82 449 944 librarian@sarawak.gov.my pustaka.sarawak pustakaswk pustakaswk Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 59
At the heart of everything Epitomising elegance surrounded by buildings of decades-old heritage against a stunning backdrop of Sarawak River, The Waterfront Hotel offers a refined, comfortable accommodation. Perfect for the start of your exciting adventure within the heart of Sarawak’s capital.
The Waterfront Hotel
68, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Online booking at www.thewaterfrontkuching.com or contact +6082 227 227
Nature The old adage “first impressions are important’ does not hold water with A.nelsonioides. The first time you see her, she may seem insignificant and a ‘pest’ - a wild weed on the loose. But, when you get up close and personal, you will realise the capabilities and potential of this wild beauty. She comes from the Scrophulariaceae family and for generations, her lineage has been used by the Bidayuh community. Some of her physical attributes are unique: Height: 60 cm; Colour and tone: when young, she takes on a light green tone and turns purple with age, becoming semi-woody. So, what does A. nelsonioides have that has the potential to turn heads commercially? • The fragrance she exudes appeals for perfumery and aromatherapy: the strong aromatic oil derived from A.nelsonioides presents a unique scent. Its long-lasting, somewhat spicy aroma even after drying, makes her perfect as potpourri option. • She is animal-friendly: when placed at four corners of a chicken coop, the sun-dried ‘Bunga Ta’ang’ wards off fleas and ticks. Its repellency characteristics promises natural pet care product range and poultry care. • Perfect for healthcare and food preservation: Her anti-microbial, antiyeast and anti-fungal attributes holds strong potential for healthcare products and as natural food additives in food preservation.
A Wild Herb On The Rise:
Hailing from the south western region of Sarawak, this multi-talented green beauty from Borneo was introduced in 2007 to the traditional knowledge team from Sarawak Biodiversity Centre by the late William Sauu of the Bidayuh community of Kampung Semadang in Padawan. Fondly, called ‘Bunga Ta’ang’ by the local natives, Adenosma nelsonioides has shown, beyond reasonable doubt that she is multi-gifted. To catch a glimpse of her, you need to take a walk into the paddy fields after harvest. She would lavishly flourish at her favourite spots, where the land is damp and clayey. Alternatively, you could find her happily sun-bathing in disturbed soils and open areas, as long as it is damp. A.nelsonioides is tenacious and a rebel species. While some will try to get rid of her nuisance, she always makes a comeback after every harvest.
By now, you would have just realised that A. nelsonioides is, in fact, a wild herb found in Sarawak, Borneo. To the eye of a common man, a shrub or weed is just another plant that we step on and has no significance. But, to the Natives of Borneo, the tropical rainforest is a green pharmacy with a treasure of healing potential. The next time you step on a wild weed in Borneo, don’t underestimate it! Article Contributor: Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC). One of Sarawak Biodiversity Centre’s key programmes is its traditional knowledge documentation programme, which aims to give recognition to generational old traditional wisdom of the native communities and conservation of Borneo Rainforest. To date, SBC has achieved a historical milestone when it made Sarawak to become the first state in Malaysia to sign the Access and Benefit Sharing with indigenous communities in line with the international Nagoya Protocol. SBC is continuously seeking industry partners for commercialisation collaborations. For further information, visit SBC’s website: www.sbc.org.my Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 61
Travel
Malaysia’s famous Gila-Gila comic covers on display
Malaysia Cartoon and Comic House
With the one and only Dato Chef Ismail at his Restoran Rebung
Exploring beautiful Kuala Selangor Kuala Selangor provides a wonderful escape from the big city and is located 54 kilometres from Malaysia’s glitzy capital Kuala Lumpur (KL). We went on a day trip to this charming place in conjunction with Tourism Malaysia’s Media & Tourism Industry Appreciation Night at the Glasshouse in Seputeh recently. 62 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
Travel We arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from Kuching on a Friday morning, along with fellow members of the media from Sarawak. We were joined later by the media from Sabah and Labuan, and made for Kuala Lumpur at around 10am. We made a quick stop at the Malaysia Cartoon and Comic House at the KL Lake Gardens, to look at the history of cartoons and comics in Malaysia and how they developed from the 1930s to the present day. One of Malaysia’s most prominent cartoonists featured at the museum is Datuk Mohammad Nor bin Mohammad Khalid a.k.a Lat, who is famous for his Kampung Boy comics. Also featured here are other famous cartoonists Raja Hamzah, Jaafar Taib, Ujang and Aie. Classic titles like “Gila Gila” and “Ujang”, once the go-to comics for some of the best Malaysian humour, are immortalised at the museum too. Lunch was a real treat, with celebrity chef, Dato Chef Ismail making a special appearance to personally welcome us to his Restoran Rebung. It was certainly a privilege to be able to sample the celebrity chef’s delicious recipes for lunch. And of course an opportunity to pose for a picture with the Chef himself was not to be missed.
Sky Mirror
On arrival, we were greeted by Abu Bakar, the head of Rumah Inap Desa. We got settled in and then off for hours of exciting activities there until day’s end. One of the most memorable moments was when we got down and dirty to transplant paddy seedlings in the muddy fields at Kampung Sungai Sireh. We also had fun fishing for catfish in the ponds near the paddy field. A coconut drink straight from the coconut tree was like a refreshing reward after all that hard work in the paddy field. Meanwhile, we also visited a local batik painting facility in the village, where we tried our hands at painting batik.
Social media influencer Jonathan Ding transplanting paddy seedlings
Fishing for catfish
What a great way to get us all pumped for the appreciation night, which was by the way a glamorous affair. And at the end of the day, we retreated into our glamorous room at Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection at Jalan Kamunting.
Escape from the bustles Our Kuala Selangor adventure began the next morning with over an hour’s journey from The Stripes hotel in Kuala Lumpur to the Sky Mirror Jetty in Kuala Selangor on a Saturday morning. At the jetty, we took the boat to the Sky Mirror, which is Selangor’s latest attraction located some 15 minutes from Kampung Sasaran in Kuala Selangor. The fact that the thin layer of water over sand at the location created a mirror effect was really cool. Of course, we just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pose for a few cool shots to show off to everyone back home. We spent a good hour and a half at the Sky Mirror before taking the boat back to the jetty and journeyed 30 minutes to Rumah Inap Desa Sungai Sireh in Tanjung Karang.
A ride in a tram pulled by a tractor
Coconut fresh from the tree
Local batik painting at Kampung Sungai Sireh
Memorable experiences With all the fun activities thrown in, our visit to Kuala Selangor was truly time well spent. Although we couldn’t make it in time to see the fireflies at Kampung Kuantan as the icing on the cake, we were more than thankful for the experience we’ve had. And hey, a fantastic seafood dinner at Restoran Makanan Laut Aroma in Jeram at the end was just as rewarding. Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 63
Travel
A glimpse of Surabaya, Indonesia By Lester Geres
Surabaya, the second largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta, with 3 million people living within the confines of the city itself and 10 million overall within the Surabaya metropolitan area. Despite the huge population, the city is not as hectic as I imagined it to be. I visited this beautiful capital of East Java together with a group of journalists and travel agents from Sarawak and Sabah last year, on invitation from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching.
Though our trip to Surabaya was more like a transit before we headed to Bromo Tengger Semeru to see the famous Mount Bromo and before we came back home to Malaysia, the organiser of the trip managed to squeeze in some activities to ensure that we enjoyed our time while in the beautiful Indonesian city.
Relaxing evening
Tanamera Coffee housed in a gorgeous Colonial building just next door. Tanamera Coffee serves some of the best coffees in Indonesia. Not that I am a coffee connoisseur, but I do believe that their claim is valid, judging from the number of international awards they’ve won including ‘Champion International Roaster’ by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (2016).
On arrival at Juanda International Airport Surabaya on a late afternoon, we were ushered to our private coach and made our way to House of Sampoerna in North Krembangan. It is a major tourist attraction combining a museum, gift shop, café and a cigarette factory. Bought by Liem Seeng Tee in 1932, it became the first major production facility of Sampoerna brand cigarettes. Today, cigarettes are still being produced there by hand, by more than 400 women who handroll 325 kretek cigarettes per hour! Unfortunately, cameras weren’t allowed into the House of Sampoerna, save for the section where the historical items were displayed.
Before checking into our hotel and settling in for the night, we were taken to experience a nice Indonesian dinner at Arumanis restaurant at the luxurious Bumi Surabaya City Resort, some 40 minutes from the airport. Set amidst a verdant tropical garden with rattan lanterns hanging from the surrounding trees, the restaurant offers an intimate dining experience. What I loved about the restaurant was that they didn’t hold back on the spiciness of their food unlike other hotel restaurant I’ve been to.
We also had a quick coffee at the Surabaya branch of Indonesia’s famous
Next morning, we headed to the historic Majapahit Hotel – Managed by
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A lesson from the culinary master
AccorHotels, located at Jalan Tunjungan 65 for a cooking lesson from the hotel’s Executive Sous Chef, Agus Sudibyo. We tried our hands at making a delicious creamy mushroom soup from scratch, making grooves on some homemade gnocchi using a fork, and finally how to treat a slab of beef tenderloin before searing it in a hot pan and finishing it off in an oven later. The best part of the cooking session was when we got to eat all the food for lunch, of course. And yes, everything was done to perfection!
Brief experience of beautiful Surabaya Yes, our time in Surabaya was brief, but we had a lot of fun while we’re there. After lunch at Majapahit Hotel, we made for the town of Batu, where Bromo Tengger Semeru was (read about it in the past two issues of BorneoTalk). Just before our trip back to Malaysia, we returned to Surabaya and stayed the night at Majapahit Hotel, where we got to experience this 5-star historic landmark. The next morning, I managed to go for a quick browse in Tunjungan Plaza just opposite the hotel right before we boarded our bus to the airport and took the plane back home to Malaysia.
Travel
Beautiful view from the courtyard of Hotel Majapahit - Managed by AccorHotels
A section in the House of Sampoerna
A step-bystep lesson on how to prepare a delicious roast beef Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 65
Trade News
TRADE NEWS
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MTAC) together with Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) launched the new Sarawak Travel App and Web Portal on Feb 19. Chief Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg officiated the launching ceremony, accompanied by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Initiated by MTAC, funded and spearheaded by SMA, and developed by University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), the app and web portal feature Sarawak’s many places of interest, and are aligned with the State’s Digital Economy Strategy. The Sarawak Travel App (Sarawak More to Discover) is available for download at the Apple App Store or Google Play store, while the web portal is accessible at http://www.sarawak2discover.com/.
The iconic Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), Sarawak’s foremost international music festival, secured an eighth position at the Global Top 10 category of the Transglobal World Music Chart (TWCM) Festival Awards 2019. Last year’s edition of the festival, which featured 30 bands and more than 200 performers at the Theatre Stage, Emerging Band Stage and at mini sessions, attracted 23,650 festival goers from Malaysia and abroad.
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A signing ceremony of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Hainan Airlines as well as ATS Global Travel & Charter was held at Hilton Kuching on Dec 30, 2019. Witnessed by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, these new partnerships will see SKYTRAX five-star brand Hainan Airlines launching scheduled direct flights from Haikou to Kuching and vice versa in March 2020, while ATS Global Travel and Charter Sdn Bhd will be offering charter flights for Umrah mainly to South East Asian markets. This will turn Kuching into a transit point for some 100,000 to 300,000 Umrah pilgrims, whereby passengers will spend a night in Kuching before they proceed to their destination - Jeddah or Madinah. These flights will be undertaken by ATS Global Travel, who has flown more than 100,000 pilgrims from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei Darussalam.
Trade News
Silver Spirit, a cruise ship operated under the luxury cruise line Silver Sea, made a stop at the Senari Port, Kuching on the morning of Jan 1. The passengers, mainly from Australia and Europe, were greeted with a traditional cultural Sarawak welcome and garlands, supported by STB. On their stop here, the passengers of the Silver Spirit were taken to experience some of the key tourist attractions in Kuching, including Annah Rais Longhouse, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Sarawak River Cruise and Sarawak Cultural Village. Meanwhile, Sarawak is expected to receive a total of 15 cruise ships this year.
The MATKA Nordic Travel Fair 2020 from Jan 16 to 19 saw the launching of three key tourism products for Sarawak at the fair, at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre in Finland. Launched by the Chief Executive Officer of STB, Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor, the three key products include exciting travel & tour packages to Sibu, the gateway to Central Sarawak; Trans-Borneo Cycling, a 14-day trip from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu, through Brunei Darussalam; and 23rd edition of the world-renowned Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2020.
STB celebrated a successful year that was with a grand Annual Gala Dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Jan 19. Speaking at the Gala Dinner, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah announced that the first phase of the Visit Sarawak Campaign (VSC) last year resulted in a significant increase in the number of tourist arrivals into the State as compared to 2018.
STB hosted a lunch session for local and international delegates at the PATA Adventure Travel Conference and Mart (ATCM) 2020, at the Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on Feb 13. It was the first time that (ATCM) was hosted in northern Borneo. “Sarawak does not want to miss the opportunity to be part of the event that bring industry practitioners from all over the world. Hence, it is very important for us to showcase what Sarawak has to offer to both local and international delegates”, said Mary Wan Mering, Director of Corporate Services, Sarawak Tourism Board at the lunch session. Meanwhile, Sarawak will host the PATA Destination Marketing Forum (PDMF) 2020 in Kuching from Nov 25 to 27. “We believe that PDMF 2020 will augur well towards the 2nd Phase of Visit Sarawak Campaign and Visit Malaysia Year 2020. It will also be a great platform for our tourism partners to participate in the forum and foster business partnerships with tourism professionals worldwide,” Mary Wan added.
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Trade News
Sarawak Pool of Young Designers goes to Milan It has not been that long ago since STIDC (Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation) initiated a special programme together with Indonesia’s Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), called the Pool of Young Designers. The programme is aimed at producing young designers for the timber industry in Sarawak. It helps talented individuals reach their fullest potential, through a specially formulated training
Tuarloo Chair & Side
course that takes their creativity to new heights. The first batch of students under the programme graduated from ITB just last December.
Through this collaboration, Sarawak Design (SayDesign) was created by STIDC and ITB as a platform to promote and market modern Sarawak furniture designs using legal and sustainable hardwood. The graduates from the programme came up with impressive furniture designs that combine both form and function, which they will present to an international audience, through the SayDesign platform this year at the prestigious Ventura Future 2020, from June 16 – 21 during Milan Design Week in Milan, Italy. SayDesign (Sarawak Design) is a platform to highlight creative and talented young designers from Sarawak, and what they’re capable of. By bringing these young designers to international events, it will help them gain international exposure and be recognised globally. And Ventura Design in Milan is considered the topmost prestigious, most crucial platform for designers to meet. To be able to make it in Milan will add value to the Sarawak designers.
Rance Easy Chair & Table
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Trade News
Borneo to Milan Six designers from the Pool of Young Designers programme will be participating in this year’s Ventura Future through SayDesign platform. They will be showcasing their stunning works, which they create using exotic, premium and unique local hardwood timber sourced from the forests of Sarawak. These raw materials are treated and crafted into artful pieces of impeccable craftsmanship. Tote Cocktail Chair & Table
Liesca Semi Dining Set
Rudy Edi will be showcasing his Talaba chair inspired by the fishermen community from his hometown, and Tote Cocktail Chair & Table inspired the joy of serving sweet and delicious food as a symbol of love. Another designer to make an appearance is Ayu Mortadza and her creations she named Bita (inspired by a childhood beverage served in a plastic bag “air bungkus ikat tepi”), and her Liesca Semi Dining Set that combines plush cushions and fitrit rattan.
Namia Easy Chair
Robica Tingang is set to showcase her creations Pida (a chair whose armrest and legs combine to resemble a flower bouquet) and Kiye (a collection of chair and table featuring a smooth form with a twist structure, reminiscent of a continuous line of marshmallows). Iwan Hamdan is set to impress with his creations Palabo (chair inspired by a coral reef) as well as Rance Easy Chair & Table, inspired by the sweetness and tastiness of the orange fruit, while Calvin Renang will be presenting his Malama Chair, inspired by the Memosa pudicate plant (bunga semalu) and Namia Easy Chair, inspired by an ice-cream wafer sandwich.
Kiye
Finally, there’s Sazrin Jamali’s with his ant-inspired Sanam chair, as well as Tuarloo Chair & Side Table, which were inspired by the egg. Quirky yet classy and timeless, these furniture pieces complement your interior décor and add a touch of modern luxe to your home. Their cutting-edge designs feature clever combinations of form and function, able to transform any space with unique characters and flair. Discover these unique designs in all their glory, created by young talents from Sarawak via the SayDesign platform, at Ventura Future 2020 in Milan, Italy. For more information, contact Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) at Wisma Sumber Alam, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. +6082 473 000 +6082 441 169 / 442 691 www.sarawaktimber.gov.my Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 69
Food
You be the cook!
Sarawak is a gastronomy hub and a melting pot of flavours, be it traditional or modern. These days, travellers have become more cultured, and prefer taking part in the locals’ daily life to get a gist of local culture. When savouring local food from restaurants is simply not enough, take it a notch up and learn how to cook them instead. There is a difference between cooking and tasting. Cooking opens up doors while tasting offers only a fraction of the full experience to be had.
Kuching has several culinary adventures that will let you discover new tastes and cook unique local cuisine under the guidance of trained local chefs. Among the cooking classes that can help you gain a better sense of Sarawak’s food culture are those offered by Telang Usan Hotel and Indah Cafe. The experience you gain will enrich your travels here.
Morning visit to the local farmers’ market Before you start cooking, a trip to Medan Niaga Satok local farmer’s market at Kubah Ria is highly recommended. The biggest outdoor wet market in Kuching houses aisles and aisles of stalls selling regular wet items of local produce and rare finds. Manned by local farmers, all ingredients here are guaranteed to be locally and ethically produced.
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Food
Sarawak Laksa Chicken
Here, participants will get to see, feel and smell fresh vegetables and fruits, including pucuk manis (star gooseberry), salak fruit and petai (stinky beans). Follow the guide from stall to stall while listening to stories and benefits of the vast array of each produce. You might even stumble upon Sarawak’s very own natural alternative of monosodium glutamate (MSG): bungkang leaves, which are a must-have enhancer for the Iban folks when it comes to making dishes like manok pansoh (chicken in bamboo). If you sign up for a cooking class on the weekends, expect to find the market jampacked with throngs of locals buying their necessities. On the weekdays the market is less condensed. Our advice: Come here on weekdays if you wish to explore the market when it is less hectic.
Cooking Class
Sarawak Rojak
If you prefer a casual and laid-back cooking class, Telang Usan Hotel is the place to be. Here, participants will get to learn directly from Chef Hazmimah Hajemi and prepare three main cuisines: umai, Sarawak rojak and midin (jungle ferns) kerabu by utilising local herbs, flowers and roots bought earlier. All dishes require very little to no contact of the fiery stove. Preparing these dishes takes less than one hour.
However, when it comes to actually cooking on a stove, Indah cafe would be your best bet. It offers intimate cooking classes with five dishes, namely Indah’s very own in-house chicken laksa Sarawak, gula apong (palm sugar) chicken, midin & pumpkin, kerabu salad and nasi ulam (herbed rice). Five dishes can be quite intimidating, but do not fret, as Indah’s chef will assist in the cooking processes to ensure the smooth flow of the cooking session, all within three hours. Here, participants will also get an authentic feel of the Sarawak food culture by using the ancient pestle and mortar instead of having to rely on blenders and food processors.
Vegetarians need not worry, as they also have their in-house recipe for midin kerabu. The umai served at Telang Usan is simply one of the best in Kuching, as only fresh red snapper bought daily is used.
There are cooking breaks too, where you get to indulge in fruits; you’re lucky if soursop is on the menu. Thorny on the outside, but sour and sweet on the inside, soursop is an absolute delight to the taste buds.
Although Sarawak is particularly famed for its laksa paste, pitis is also another Sarawakian paste the world should know. It sets the Sarawak Rojak apart from the other kinds of rojak. At Telang Usan, participants will get the opportunity to chop and mix vegetables such as sengkuang (turnips), and cucumbers with this pitis paste mushy, and black with a tinge of brown.
Cooking classes at Telang Usan and Indah Cafe are centred on easy to follow recipes, and you will be surrounded by fellow participants from different parts of the globe, making the experience much more enjoyable. Although some ingredients can only be found in Sarawak, participants will also get an insider’s tip on substituting these ingredients with alternatives available in their respective countries.
After your local market trip, it’s time to get down to business and show off your cooking skills with fresh organic produce you just bought from the local market.
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Urban Tranquillity Dive deep into tranquility amidst the city’s hustle and bustle at Dorset Boutique Hotel. Ideally located in Kuching’s Central Business District, Dorset offers upto-date amenities that fit the modern lifestyle of their guests. Specifically designed for comfort and peace of mind, you’re guaranteed to feel re-energised.
Book now for leisure and relaxation.
Relax in style and comfort
Experience the best of Sarawakian hospitality at Tanahmas. Just a few steps away from a wide range of mouth-watering F&B establishments and Sibu’s prominent attractions, Tanahmas will make you feel right at home. Have your choice of their well-equipped ballrooms, function rooms and poolside for that special event.
No. 175, 175A-C, Jalan Sekama, 93300 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. T: +6082 347 799 F: +6082 346 799 E: reservations@dorsetboutiquehotel.com
Online booking, log on to www.dorsetboutiquehotel.com
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
Food
The experience of a lifetime
Midin Kerabu
Once your masterpiece renditions of local Sarawak dishes are all prepped and ready, it’s time to dig in with your new cooking pals! That is the beauty of cooking classes. Not only you get to understand new cultures, relish on new tastes, but also experience it all together with complete strangers who will turn out to become your best foodie friends. So, the next time you visit Kuching, consider taking part in a cooking class, because it is truly an experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere, at any other time. Plus, it lets you bring a slice of Sarawak back home. For more information on the cooking classes, contact Telang Usan at www.telangusan.com / @mytelangusan (Facebook) | Indah @IndahHouseKuching (Facebook)
Recipe: Umai You’re back home, and your mind simply cannot stop thinking about that delicious umai you had in one of the cooking classes in Sarawak. It is only right for visitors to learn how to make this popular Melanau dish at home for them to enjoy. Here’s a recipe for umai that will come in handy at times when you miss the Sarawak delicacy: • • • • • • • •
400g red snapper (skinned, deboned and sliced thinly) 1 tablespoon vinegar 3 finely ground shallots 2 cloves of garlic 6-8 calamansi limes (get the juice) 1 red chilli, seeded and sliced into thin strips 1 small purple onion Salt to taste
Instructions 1. Marinate the fish slices with vinegar for one hour. 2. Pour out the excess vinegar. In a large bowl, mix the fish slices with pounded shallots, chilli, garlic, lime juice, and onions. 3. Let the fish cook in the acidic dressing for at least 5 minutes. 4. Season with salt to taste. Bon appetit!
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Sibu (No.7) (opposite to Sibu Bus Terminal) +6084 218 338 +6084 218 339
Bintulu (No.10) (at Wisma Li Hua Bintulu Sentral Bus Terminal) +6086 257 888 +6086 257 887
Mukah (No. 5) (at Medan Mall) +6084 874 888 +6084 874 666
Bintulu (No. 2) (near to JKR’s Office) +6086 335 000 +6086 335 222
Affordable bus i ne s s accommodation Medan (Sibu & Betong) and Li Hua (Sibu, Bintulu and Mukah) are the perfect choice for visitors searching for the all-inclusive hospitality package at attractive and affordable rates. Think comfortable atmosphere, fully equipped amenities, strategic location, and booking convenience, only at Medan and Li Hua. 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
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
Food
o
! n
n i g t a S v i al m l Sa
There is a reason why Oishi Sushi is one of the best spots in Kuching to satisfy your salmon cravings. Serving only the highest quality salmon that is exceptionally rich in Omega-3, every piece you eat will make your taste buds sing in delight! The Salmon Wafu Carpaccio (Japanese Style Thin Slice Salmon) is exemplary, so is the mouthwatering Salmon Belly Sashimi, and the must-order crispy Salmon Skin. Feast on the Double Salmon Roll or Salmon Fried Rice if you are looking for something more filling. Besides the excellent salmon selection, you will be hardpressed to find anything in Oishi Sushi that you’ll dislike.
For details, contact Oishi Sushi @ Aeroville Mall, Kuching at +60 82 688 618 or go to facebook.com/oishisushiaerovillemall/ Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 75
Aquaculture
Sarawak’s Unforgettable Fish It has a fancy sounding scientific name, Tor tambroides. But to be quite frank, that name means little to those who know it by its local name, which one must admit does sound rather… regal, therefore befitting its status as the “King of the River”.
Meet the Empurau, the most expensive freshwater fish in Malaysia, sometimes costing as much as a Chanel purse for a whole fish! Its name inspires awe and desire. To see an adult one up-close and swimming about is a rare delight. No other river fish in Sarawak is placed so highly on a pedestal. But why? What is so special about the Empurau that makes it so desirable despite its astronomically high price? Those who have tasted the flesh of this silver giant often describe it as silky, buttery and fruity. This unique flavour profile is a result of its natural diet of Engkabang fruit (Shorea macrophylla), a lowland species dubbed “butter from the forest” that grows along rivers and in commonly flooded areas. Engkabang trees bear fruit every four to five years. And when they do bear fruit, the Empurau, along with other wildlife that feed on the Engkabang fruit, will gather around and below the trees, ready to devour their delectable fatty fruit. So yes, the fish’s very exquisite taste and texture are among the reasons behind its sky-high price. Another reason for this is the fish’s slow growth rate. For the fish to grow to a good size for it to be marketable, one would have to wait at least three years, by then it would weigh
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around 3-5 kilogrammes. That’s a long wait, but totally worth it. The Empurau can cost well over RM1,000 per kilogramme, although it has been known to also sell at just RM600 or so per kilogramme. Both still mean a very good payday for the seller. For instance, a fisherman in Baleh, Kapit earned almost RM6,000 for a 10kg Empurau he sold to a fishmonger in 2011. For consumers, to have Empurau served on the dining table is a luxury few can afford. Unless you catch one yourself or you have a deep pocket, Empurau is not an everyday staple. Perhaps once in a blue moon, for that super special occasion? Wild caught Empurau from Baleh River, ideally one that weighs 5kg and above, is highly regarded as having the most tender meat as well as the most fragrant and delicate flavour. Although there are numerous cooking methods with which to prepare this pricey delicacy – including deep-fried and curry – the most preferred way to enjoy Empurau is by having it steamed. This way, the flavour of the fish is preserved, enhanced only ever so slightly with some ginger and spring onion. So precious is this fish that even its scales are considered a delicacy, best enjoyed deep-fried to a crisp.
Aquaculture
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Aquaculture
Wild vs Farmed Given their pristine living conditions and natural diet that contribute to their distinct flavour and texture, wild Empurau are highly sought after. But this high demand is putting the fish in an uncomfortable position in terms of how many of them are left in the wild, and action is needed to ensure their population is kept in check. Fortunately today, the fish is being reared in farms specialising in this unique species. So more and more restaurants are sourcing their fish from farmers instead, giving wild Empurau a chance to repopulate.
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Aquaculture
It is no secret that farmed Empurau are slightly cheaper than their wild counterparts, mainly since one does not need to go deep into the jungle, somewhere upriver where the fish mostly live, to catch one. But does raising the fish in a farm mean that it will taste different as well? Not necessarily. Take for example LTT Aquaculture Sdn Bhd, an Empurau farm in Asajaya, where the fish has been successfully bred since 2006. To date, the farm has a whopping 50,000 Empurau fish, from the smallest fry to large sized adults. They are separated according to size and age – the fry and smaller sized ones go in blue plastic tanks while the big ones are kept in purpose-built concrete ponds. The rest go in the outdoor ponds, with a capacity of 1,000 adult fish per pond. The farm operator maintains pristine living conditions for the fish as much as possible, with clean water and ample oxygen supply among necessary steps to ensuring healthy fish. LTT Aquaculture Sdn Bhd is an impressive facility set on a 43-acre land, with large outdoors ponds, as well as two smaller ones made of concrete. Of all the Empurau they have in captivity, the most magnificent are the wild caught
ones placed in a special concrete tank indoors, with crystal clear water and ample space for them to swim around. Each one aged over 10 years old, the silver giants are truly a sight to behold. But they are of course not for sale. At the facility, the fish are fed with Engkabang fruit for about a year before they are shipped off mainly to China, followed by West Malaysia other countries in Southeast Asia, including Brunei, Taiwan and Singapore. This special premium diet gives the fish their unique flavour and aroma such as described by those who have eaten the fish before. In essence, the Sarawak Empurau is truly a precious gem. A much sought-after delicacy for those who can afford it and a huge bonus to those lucky enough to be able to catch one in the wild and sell it at a hefty price. “The Unforgettable Fish )” some call it, the Empurau can be savoured in ( some local restaurants in Sarawak, including Hoi Tin Lau in Kuching and Dragon Seafood Restaurant in Miri among others. So if you happen to be in Sarawak and have some serious cash to spend, it’s totally worth it to give the Empurau a try. Apr-Jun2020BorneoTalk | 79
Health
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) PID is an inflammation of pelvic organs. It is caused by an infection spreading from the vagina and cervix to the uterus, fallopian tubes and pelvic region. In severe cases, it can cause pus collection in the pelvis.
When do I need hospital treatment?
by Dr Li Hie Ing
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist MBBS (UM),MRCOG (UK) Interest in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) / laparoscopic surgery
an antibiotic injection and a two-week course of oral antibiotics. It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics, and treatment should start as soon as the antibiotics are prescribed. The patient’s sexual partners for the last six months also needed to be tested for infection, with antibiotics prescribed if deemed necessary.
Causes
About ¼ of the cases are caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia. It may also be caused by non-sexually transmitted infections. Risk factors of PID include having multiple sexual partners or partners with multiple sexual partners, douching, after miscarriage or delivery, and procedures such as insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD).
Symptoms A patient with PID may have one or more symptoms, varying from mild to severe symptoms, which include foul-smelling vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, low backache, pain deep inside during or after sex, abnormal vaginal bleeding and fever. These symptoms are common and can be caused by other conditions. Therefore, it is vital to seek medical advice as early as possible. Also, sometimes there may not be any obvious symptoms.
Hospital treatment is necessary if a patient is very unwell, has pus collection in the pelvis or not getting any better after a few days of oral antibiotics. Operation is rarely required, except for severe cases where pus collection in the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries are not responding to treatment. It is important to avoid sexual intercourse for one week after completion of treatment to avoid reinfection. It is also necessary to follow-up with gynaecologist to ensure the treatment is effective and to ensure sexual partner(s) are also treated. A swab test will be repeated to ensure the infection is settled.
Long term effects of PID The long term effects of PID include scarring of the fallopian tubes, resulting in the difficulty to conceive or an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb), and chronic pelvic pain.
Diagnosis A diagnosis for PID is made based on a patient’s symptoms, examination findings and test results. An internal examination will be performed to look for evidence of infection. Swabs will be taken during the examination. A positive swab result confirms that you have the infection, however a negative swab result does not mean you are definitely clear of infection. Blood tests will also be performed to check for infectious diseases including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis and HIV. An ultrasound of the pelvis will also be performed.
Treatment A patient diagnosed with PID will receive treatment in the form of
KPJ Sibu Specialist Medical Centre 80 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2020
Health
Colorectal Cancer remove any polyps and even very early cancers without requiring major invasive surgery. Colonoscopy is a highly effective, safe, therapeutic and often life-saving procedure. Colonic Polyps
Anatomy of large intestine
What is Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is a cancer of the large bowel (colon) or rectum (rectal), which is the final part of the digestive tract. Most cases of CRC begin as small noncancerous clumps of cells called polyps. These polyps can become cancerous over time especially when they are multiple, more than 1cm in size and have abnormal cell changes termed dysplasia, a stage preceding cancer development. How common is CRC? In Malaysia, CRC ranks as the second most common cancer (13.5%) after breast cancer (19%) based on Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2012 - 2016. It is the most common cancer in male (14.8%) and second in female (11%). The Chinese have the highest rate followed by the Malays and Indians. The number of cases increased exponentially after age 50 until 75. About 73% of CRC in Malaysia are detected late in stage 3 and stage 4 when the cancer cells have spread out of the digestive tract. CRC can spread, or metastasize, through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, especially to the liver, lung, bone and brain. Late-stage CRC cases have a lower life expectancy and poorer outcome due to late detection. What causes CRC? CRC appears to be caused by lifestyle and genetic factors. About 75% of CRC occurs sporadically whereas 25% is associated with genetic factors (Familial Colorectal Cancer), whereby there is a strong family history of CRC. Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes constitute about 5% of all CRC due to inherited genetic defects. Such people
Post surgery specimen with cancer and polyps
have a high risk of developing CRC approaching 70 to 90% e.g. Familial Adenomatous Polyps (FAP), Lynch Syndrome and Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, processed meat and red meat consumption are some risk factors. CRC is also found to be higher in patients with underlying inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity. How to detect CRC? The common procedures used to detect or screen for CRC include Immunofaecal Occult Blood Test (iFOBT), Colonoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, CT Colonoscopy, Capsule Colon Endoscopy and Double Contrast Barium Enema. What is Colonoscopy? Colonoscopy is a complete examination of colon and rectum using a long flexible tube with a camera and light on the end. It is usually done with sedation and analgesia after bowel cleansing the day before.
Colonoscopy
When do I need to undergo screening for CRC? You are advised to go for CRC screening if you are around 50 to 75 years old, and have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis) and family history of CRC, or when you have the following symptoms: • Change in your bowel habits, including diarrhoea or constipation, or change in the consistency of stool that lasts longer than 4 weeks • Blood in stool • Persistent abdominal discomfort, cramps or pain • Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely • Weakness or fatigue or anaemia (low red blood cells) • Unexplained weight and appetite loss Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening Score (APCS) The APCS is a validated risk score for predicting CRC in the asymptomatic Asian population. iFOBT is recommended for screening low-risk individuals, whereas colonoscopy is recommended for medium and high-risk individuals. How do I prevent CRC? Go for screening tests to rule out cancer or detect early cancer. Earlier detection means higher chance of survival. Stage 1 CRC 5 years survival is as high as 90%. Aspirin and painkiller, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may help to prevent CRC but is associated with gastric ulcer and bleeding risks. Maintain a diet low in processed meat and red meat, but high in vegetables, fruits and fibre. Avoid smoking, cut back on alcohol and exercise regularly.
Colonoscopy is the preferred choice of screening and diagnostic tool for CRC as it enables the doctor to view the colon and rectum for any polyps, tumours or abnormalities. It is the only tool that allows the doctor to send tissue biopsy of suspicious tumours for confirmation and also therapeutically
by Dr Pui Wei Chieng
Resident Consultant General Surgeon MBBS(IMU), MRCS(EDINBURGH), DRGENSURG(UKM), CMIA(NIOSH)
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