KINO Kuching In & Out Magazine Issue #1

N O 1 / a p r i l– M AY 2 01 3

I’m

FREE

6 issues a year

a lifEstyle print and digital magazine WWW.KUCHINGINANDOUT.COM

INTERVIEWED p.24

AraByrd

Who really is this amazing lady?

TASTED p.14

Fusion Zest FRANCE COMES TO KUCHING DISCOVERED p.36

New Species oF Bornean Slow Loris CALENDAR l LISTINGS l AREA BY AREA l NIGHT SPOTS l MAPS

Purpose-built centre that stimulates your child’s brain development; enhances physical literacy; promotes social, language & cognitive skills.

Give your child a headstart in learning.

Join us TODAY Visit us at:

Level 2 ( next to MBO cinema )

We’re FIT for FUN

l6 I b KUCHING l9 HERITAGE 11 BY THE WAY l 12 BABIES l 14

8 Kuchingnites abroad laments for home

Life’s observations Parents present their new born

History of the Sarawak Eurasien Association SEA Coach Lim takes us for a Walk

raises hell and standards in the music scene Small space, big storage.

Renovating an apartment.

A six part article through the year on Swiss Hotelery & Management

DISCOVERYIN OUR JUNGLES

New species of the Bornean Slow Loris.

Extraordinary microscopic photos.

40 AREA BY AREA l 42 «NEXT STOP» l 46 BOOK l

Exploring BDC

14 TASTED l

Fusion Zest

FRANCE COMES TO KUCHING 36 DISCOVERED l

New Species oF Bornean Slow Loris

KI&O Digital magazine

is INside and OUTside of the printed magazine. KI&O Digital magazine is your platform to tell a story, share your thoughts, memories, talk about a recipe, see and post videos, sms your comments directly to the online magazine and join us for competitions, events and more.

Or simply ‘flip’ through the ‘pages’ with our KI&O app.

editorial MARIAN CHIN Eiditor-in-chief RIA PUIG Project Editor CELINA LIAN Coordinator/Adminstrator AGNES BALAN Copy Editor ART / GRAPHIC KI&O TEAM In & Out

BUS ROUTES MAP, first steps...

AMR OMAR Webmaster CONTRIBUTORS

THE NYONYA

KIRSTY ARNISON-NICOLE, INGRID BARRIOS, ANNIE MEHRA CANNON, JOHN M. CHIN,

In the next issue: Chef Tino, ready for the challenge.

AraByrd

Who really is this amazing lady?

So what is Fusion Food?

24 KI&OINTERVIEW Arafah Edruce, a Sarawakian success story

36

a lifEstyle print and digital magazine

24 INTERVIEWED l

One Star Michelin Guide Chef Sebastien Buecher shows Fusion Flavours at its best

28 AT HOME l 32 EDUCATION l

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Friends of Sarawak Museum

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19 FOOD CHAT l 20 ETHNIC ASSOC. l 22 FITNESS l

N 0 1 / a p r i l – MAY 2 0 1 3

In this issue...

You say Pasta, I say Noodles From time to time, we need to remind our dear Italian chefs that Marco Polo brought «prosperity» back to Italy when he brought them the noodles.

KI&O interviews Sicilian chef Tino in Europe for reactions and comparisons of our unbeatable Kolomee.

STELLA CHIN, CYNTHIA CHIN, PEARL CH’NG, CHI’IEN C. LEE, LIM ENG HOOI, LOUISE MACUL, MELISSA MURPHY, ALICIA NG, RYAN RIDU, JAMES RITCHIE, MEL WU ADVERTISING MARIAN CHIN 019 857 957 6 RIA PUIG 016 893 893 4 PUBLISHER WHATMATTERS SDN BHD (518203 D) Published bi-monthly by WHATMATTERS SDN BHD (518203 D) Next issues: June-July and August-September, with monthly issues for October, November and December.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner in whole or part may be allowed prior to written permission. The publisher is not liable for statements made and opinions expressed in the publication.

Printed by Infografik Press SDN. BHD.

«Still crazy after all these years»

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KI&O www.kuchinginandout.com 5

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MARIAN CHIN Editor-in-Chief

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Like many, in «those years» after a typical school education, I was sent abroad «for further studies». That was 43 whopping years ago! (I don’t mind your trying to guess my age but I’m certainly not advertising it).

During the last 10 years or so, I’ve been coming back very often, sometimes up to 3 times a year.

Then one day, it happened. While I was about to order my favourite sweet «cha-kwai», in Green Hill Corner, the hawker asked me with a smile, in Hokkien, «what would you like, Aunty?».

Now, people in Kuching are well known for their friendliness and kindness. I have experienced that often enough to vouch for it.

But, I was stunned, completely taken aback to be upgraded to the rank of an «Aunty».

Yes, I had indeed been a long time gone from home and the obvious gradual change in the colour of my hair and the permanent happy lines on my face have slotted me right into the generation of Aunties and Uncles !

I welcome with open arms this reality that holds me firm on my feet. This reality also brought into focus how much I love this city, my home town, Kuching. Like in Paul Simon’s song, «Still crazy after all these years » …

Believe it or not, Kuching In and Out (KI&O) all started with the search for a Kuching bus map.

It’s a long story but nevertheless a love story.

So today, I am so pleased to say that KI&O Print and Digital magazines will offer you, the first printed bus map in Kuching. Our KI&O «bus-sitters» sat on ALL the bus lines, jotted down all the destinations and came up with, although still far from perfect completion, a KI&O Bus Routes Map for locals and tourists.

I remember days, when the fare was based on one’s height! And how we called out « basi-top » to bring the bus to a stop.

«NextStop» is the name of this ongoing mapping project, as we try to refine and upgrade information as we go along.

When we have lived away from home, we see how great home is. We read, we study and we continually want to know all about it.

And at the end of the day, there truly is no place like home.

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Our bus map, page 44

FIND IT AND WIN! In every issue, KI&O offers readers the opportunity to find out where this photo was taken within Kuching City.

Write to us online and tell us a little story about this place or the area. The person who gets the article published here in KI&O will win this authentic swiss knife.

Good Luck!

To and

From

Jalan

d Masji

WHAT’S UP – IN & OUT OF KUCHING NUARY FEBRUARY MARCHAPRILMAYJUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER 28-31 Kuching City, Kuching ASEAN International Films Festival and Awards (AIFFA) The inaugural ASEAN film festival featuring all ASEAN film makers. Kuching has been chosen for the fact that it has the charm of all ASEAN attractions in terms of culture, nature and adventure. This event has been sanctioned by ASEAN Secretariat as one of ASEAN joint activities.

29-31 Waterfront Square KUCHING Community Carnival To be held in conjunction with the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards program.

World Communication Network Resources (M) Sdn Bhd aiffa.2013@gmail.com / Tel : 082-414661 30-31 Kuching City, Kuching Cyclefest Sarawak 2013 This is a cycling race event that takes contestants on many scenic roads in the State. Race are divided into various categories.

Revel Asia Sdn Bhd / www.cyclefestsarawak.com / Tel : 082-413877 31 Kuching Waterfront, Kuching Earth Hour In line with the world’s celebration of the Earth Hour, an hour had been allocated to observe the event. During that one hour, all electrical equipment will be switched off in an effort to reduce the greenhouse effect on Earth.

Kuching North City Hall / Tel : 082-446688 Ba’Kelalan Cultural and Apple Picking Festival Buduk Nur Ba’ Kelalan, Lawas, LIMBANG Call for dates Come April, it’s apple harvesting time in the highland of Ba’ Kelalan.

Borneo Jungle Safari Sdn Bhd & Ba’kelalan Homestay www.borneojunglesafari.com / Tel : 085-435736 Sibu Cub Prix Sibu Townsquare, SIBU Call for dates Described as one of the best cub prix in the country, it had attracted participation from other states. Since its introduction five years ago, this annual event is gaining its popularity among motorcycle racing enthusiasts.

X4 Generation, Ministry of Social Development Sarawak x4gen@yahoo.com / 084-336007 Regatta BandarayaKu Kuching Waterfront, Kuching Call for dates One of the many regattas initiated to prepare the local racers prior to the grand Sarawak Regatta race which is normally held in September. Kuching North City Hall / Tel : 082-446688 Lawas Festival Lawas District, LIMBANG Call for dates A festival that features various water sport events such as power boat racing, remote control boat race and other boat competitions.

Lawas District Office / Tel : 085-283103 Samarahan Bike Challenge Taman Desa Ilmu, Kota Samarahan, SAMARAHAN Call for dates Organized to encourage cycling activities as a way to exercise among local community as well as leisure activities among youth.

Samarahan District Office & Samarahan Division Tourism Task Group / hadib@sarawak.gov.my / Tel : 082-671148 5-7 Balleh River, Kapit Balleh-Kapit Raft Safari This two-day rafting competition will challenge the skill and endurance of the competitors as they maneuver their raft along the Balleh River. Participants will also experience the Ibans’ hospitality and their rich culture and tradition.

Kapit Division Tourism Task Group / Tel: 084-796425 Source: Sarawak Tourism Federation.

www.kapitro.sarawak.gov.my Youth Jamboree Sematan, Lundu, Kuching Call for dates An event that gather youths to engage in various activities such as seminar, camping and kayaking. The youths will also be brought on jungle trekking to explore the flora and fauna of Sematan.

Ministry of Social Development Sarawak kaspuawib@sarawak.gov.my / Tel: 082-712040 27 Kubah National Park, KUCHING The Bornean Frog Race Save the Frogs Day is an international amphibian conservation event, to raise public awareness of the declining populations of frogs and other amphibians. Talks, presentations on the conservation of frogs and amphibians and exhibits of their sights and sounds. Participants walki through designated trails with photographic evidence of the most number of amphibians found, rarest amphibian found, and best amphibian photo taken.

Awards and certificates will be presented.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. Sarawak Forestry Corporation.

Mr. Ong Jia Jet / 082-583801 / 0164986940 24-28 Kaul Festival Site, MUKAH Mukah Kaul Festival Kaul is a traditional festival celebrated by the Melanau living along the coastal area in Sarawak. In the past, Kaul was held as a religious ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea, land and forest and making it as the most important festival in the Melanau traditional calendar.

Mukah Kaul Festival Organising Committee / Tel : 084-872596 khairunm@sarawak.gov.my 27-28 Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, KUCHING International Cat Show Kuching is very synonymous with International Cat Show, an event which was introduced in 1997 attracting great participation every year from cat’s lovers around the world. Beside display of various types of cat’s species, there are other activities for everyone to enjoy such as cat imitation contest and cat dances contest.

Kuching North City Hall / Tel : 082-446688 Whole month of MAY Various Locations in Miri City, MIRI Miri May Fest This event is to celebrate the date Miri attained city status and has been celebrated since 2005. Various activities have been line-up to celebrate this auspicious occasion. www.miricouncil.gov.my / Tel : 085-424111 Malaysia Craft Promotion Introduce for the first time this year to promote all kind of crafts.

Held in conjunction with Miri May Fest, this event will be organized annually. Tel : 082-444 205 Betong Gawai Carnival Various Locations in Miri City, MIRI Call for dates This carnival is held to promote the cultural and traditional heritage of the Dayak community in Betong which include various activities. www.betongdo.sarawak.gov.my / Tel : 083-472204 3-5 Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong, Kuching World Harvest Festival World Harvest Festival (WHF) helps to steer and commemorate theunique Gawai or Harvest Festival. This year’s 3 days 2 nights celebration will focus on the Orang Ulu community which includes the staging of a live theatre of the Orang Ulu legends, ethnic beauty pageant, Ironman competition, international concerts and interactive workshops. enquiry@scv.com.my / 082-846108/

4 Danu Lake Serian, Samarahan Fishing Spree Competition An event created to promote fishing as a sport, instill awareness and encourage the populace to take up healthy activities particularly among the youth.

Serian District Council / 082-874154 davidl3@sarawak.gov.my 5 Bukit Aup Jubilee Park, Sibu Sarawak Half Marathon Organized since 2002. Participated by both the local and foreign participants competing in various categories such as Men/Women Open, Men/Women Veteran Open and Men/ Women Junior Open.

Sibu Marathon Sport Club / Tel: 019-8818129 9-12 Miri Marina Bay-Miri Offshore: LUCONIA SHOALS, MIRI 7th Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament held in Miri offshore water - Luconia Shoals, had attracted international anglers from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei as well as Malaysia. Record catch (2012) for this tournament is a 61.8 kg giant Grouper.

Miri Anglers Clubs, Sarawak / Tel : 085-661676 mirianglersclub@gmail.com 10-11 ParkCity Everly Hotel, Miri Borneo Jazz The festival aim to be the leading tourism-driven music festival in the region, assembling regionally and internationally recognized jazz musicians and showcasing Miri as a city of cosmopolitan and relaxing lifestyle.

Sarawak Tourism Board / Tel: 085-434181 www.jazzborneo.com 18-19 Batang Rajang River, Bintangor, Sarikei Bintangor Water Festival Boat race festival that features various categories and other related water sports activities.

Maradong District Office / 084-693232 20 Various Location in Miri City Centre, Miri Miri City Day The festival aim to be the leading tourism-driven music festival in the region, assembling regionally and internationally recognized jazz musicians and showcasing Miri as a city of cosmopolitan and relaxing lifestyle.

Miri City Council Public Relations Section / 085-424111 www.miricouncil.gov.my 25 Starting Point: Tema Mawang Village, Tebedu, Samarahan / Finishing Point: Tebakang Bazaar, Serian, Samarahan Rafting Challenge Batang Sadong / Sungai Kayan Serian, Samarahan A rafting competition that take participants along the Sadong and Kayan river once used by the riverine communities.

Serian District Council / 082-874154 davidl3@sarawak.gov.my 24-26 Fairy Cave Krokong, Bau, Kuching Fairy Cave Festival/Rock On 4 The festival highlights interesting activities such as cultural performance, traditional food and traditional sports like rice pounding and top-spin competition. The main focus of the event will be rock climbing which has attracted both local and foreign extreme sport enthusiasts. The Fairy Cave itself is also a must visit cave.

Jointly Organize by The Krokong Community Centre and Rock Climbing Club / 019 8757570 / samjun67@yahoo.com www.kuchinginandout.com KI&O 6

6 I b KUCHING l l l l R

Ex 'Cats' missing home...

Memories of Kuching

by Jeevan Kumaran SiNGAPORE

Jeevan Kumaran

SINGAPORE I grew up in Kuching but left after school to go to university in the UK where I later worked. I then spent a few years in France before coming to Singapore, where I have been ever since.

It’s that distinctive laid back and relaxed voice and spirit of Kuching that I love.

Andrew Yi

LONDON

I miss my home. I miss going to sleep to the sound of crickets and waking up to the sounds of birds. And yes, THE FOOD. Serene Koh

KUALA LUMPUR

All the parades we had to attend – for various celebrations and visits of VIPs. We didn’t mind lining up by the road, waving flags, as we usually got the day off school.

Coffin Street – freshly painted Chinese style coffins mingle with the smells of coffee.

Cycling through Ban Hock Road to the public swimming pool was one of the things I used to look forward to, and then coming out, afterwards, hungry and tired, and eating buns with ice cream in between - so tasty.

I even crossed the river in a sampan to take a girl friend home after a movie. At night there was only one sampan and you had to shout across the river, if it was on the wrong side. The girl friend lasted only a few months - the sampans still crosses the Sarawak River.

That final few weeks before the last of our school exams are etched in my memory – that final spurt of preparation in the library, with many of my classmates supporting each other - sad that school was finally coming to an end, and a new but unknown life was going to start.

The school canteen, where large soup containers with large bones would be bubbling away - beef or pork I wasn’t sure. The soup was then ladled into bowls of noodles with deep fried onions and other bits. And I can never forget the multi-layered kuehs (local steamed cakes). These tastes will never leave you.

(More of Jeevan Kumaran’s memories can be read on the KI&O Digital Magazine.)

Memories of Kuching

by Anothoy Kong SPAIN I miss Kuching most for what it was for me in a younger, carefree time of my life. Kuching is a state of mind, a point of reference, that is at once and at the same time nostalgia and as yet unfulfilled desire.

Someone once said that the only reason for going away is to come back and see with new eyes; the rose-tinted glasses put on or taken off as the case may be. I miss the family get togethers on birthdays

Beehive cake! Butter prawns! It doesn’t matter how long we live away from home. We get homesick for that special atmosphere only found in Kuching.

Angela Da Silva

VANCOUVER

Kuching is like my extraordinary grandparents, simple, humble, and full of life.

Jacinta Kwok

HONG KONG

Really miss the Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee! We cooked our own Laksa in January using the laksa paste bought in Kuching. Had some Sarawakian and American friends over for a laksa party and everyone loved it!

Patrick Yi

LOS ANGELES

with all the cousins and Ahkong and Ahma, revelling in the gossip of who’s doing what. Badminton/ poker/drinking sessions with childhood friends who now only return on festivals; each with new stories to tell and happiness or sadness to be shared. I remember early morning laksa at Spring or Sin Poh Poh (and it had to be early before it runs out!), ais kacang at the Museum grounds, kolo mee at 7th Mile, Santubong as seen from Kpg. Salak and the beach at Damai, the smell of the jungle after rain, long hikes in Nanga Sumpa.

Kuching may never be quite the same as I remember it, but wherever I go, there’ll always be a place in me that will be forever Kuching.

Living overseas, we learn to love and adapt to the lifestyle and try new things, and even though it becomes our permanent residence, Kuching will always be home.

Jeannette Wee

AUCKLAND KI&O www.kuchinginandout.com 7

by Louise Macul

A Fondness for the “His Highness the Rajah intends on a future day to establish a museum, for which a suitable building will be constructed at Kuching...” Sarawak Gazette 28 March 1878. Thirty-five years later, the museum opened in 1891.

The building, and its collection, complete with Victorian cabinets and specimens preserved with methods of that same era, belongs in a museum itself. Indeed, many visitors have commented that it is a museum of a museum.

Thus lies its charm and I too now refer to it fondly as the Old Building like so many of Kuching’s residents.

A museum can appeal to us by offering an exploration of something new, generating curiosity, or it can churn up memories. For me, the appeal was both: the discovery of the world of Borneo and a pleasant memory. Walking into the Old Building reminded me of the first museum I visited as a child.

The Abbe Museum of Bar Harbour, Maine (U.S.A.) is an early 20th century museum with old wooden cases filled with artefacts of the 10, 000 years of cultural history of the Wabanaki Nation- complete with a teepee! I remember peering into the corners of the dusty exhibits with wonder at the how, when, and who of times gone by asking “How did this stuff get here?” In the Old Building, I also wondered how those

KI&O www.kuchinginandout.com 9

Old Building

The Sarawak Museum, Old Building

things endangered (culturally and naturally) came to be in the galleries that contain the 47,000-year-old cultural heritage of a vibrant present-day people. I now walk beneath the heads of an authentic replica of a longhouse built by Iban just as I did as a little girl crawl into a teepee built by the Wabanaki.

For me, the appeal is in the totality of this museum and not just the objects displayed.

Is not the Old Building, as a whole, greater than the sum of its parts? The Sarawak Museum is the only single repository for Borneo collections: zoological, ethnological, and archaeological in the entire world. “All Things Borneo” should be its tag line.

Wherever I travel, I visit museums. There is a place in our world for modern museums replete with interactive exhibits that can take us places with a push of a button and

Kenyah Tree of Life in the Museum

the donning of a headset.

There is also a place for historical museums. The Old Building promotes Sarawak’s heritage through its collection brought together by people who were curious, like me and maybe like you. It can tell us the story of its collectors as well as its collections.

Louise Macul is Executive Director of Friends of the Sarawak Museums, est. 2012 whose primary objective is to promote the role of museums in Sarawak’s heritage.

Photos courtesy of the Sarawak Museum

l l l l9 HERITAGE

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11 BY THE WAY...

by Stella Chin LLB

The way I see it...

SOME THINGS MONEY CAN’T buy; in fact, a lot of things, come to think of it. Take health for instance - omething that we all take for granted until we fall sick. Money can’t guarantee a disease free life but having enormous amounts of it helps in prevention and cure. Yes it can also buy you the latest food fad, the elixir of youth, sessions with the psychiatrist, gym memberships, self help books, pampering massages with scented oils in exotic locations but it’s still no guarantee of wellness.

I am inclined to believe that a positive outlook is the single most important contributor to healthy living. The best part is that it doesn’t cost a thing.

Then there’s gratitude. Cliché it may be but counting blessings has gone a long way in preserving my equilibrium. Money can’t buy that either.

Its how you choose to see Then there’s gratitude. Cliché it may be but counting blessings has gone a long way in preserving my equilibrium. Money can’t buy that either.

Its how you choose to see things that clinches the deal I think. We have all heard stories of heroic individuals who maintain a healthy disposition despite infirmities and tragedies. They draw people to themselves by their infectious lust for life . They focus on their proverbial half full cup.

Then there are those who des-

KI&O www.kuchinginandout.com 11

pite having all the material advantages exhibit grim despair and negativity.

I know an elderly relative who for all intents and purposes, apart from the general disavantages of old age, ought to be contented. Dutiful relatives bend over backwards (and they don’t even do yoga!) to see to her every whim and fancy. Yet her daily litany of woes (mostly imagined) hangs a dark cloud over her like the sword of Damocles.

I am not belittling efforts made to ensure an optimum healthy lifestyle, such as having a balanced diet, adequate rest and exercise –these three being the very foundation of good healthy living. At the least, they take care of the physical side of life. The irony is that the older we get, the more desperately we cling on to the last vestiges of physical and mental vitality. We may often wish we had been more fastidious in our younger days, when we felt immortal and strong. Those were the days when the pursuit of wealth and material comforts was all that mattered. Wisdom where were you then? But then again, it’s never too late to walk on the bright side; never too late to start with an attitude of gratitude.

Maybe that’s the way it is supposed to be. We don’t know what we have got till its gone or

going, be it our teeth, minds or health! So one way of ensuring that we stay sane regardless of the circumstances is to dwell on the good, not the bad or the ugly. As I write, I am nursing a hacking bronchial cough and general lethargy. This despite a sensible diet and plenty of exercise. Medicines relieve the symptoms but still the virus will have to run its course. Hey, I am no hero and I whine and moan as good as the next guy. Who wants to be unwell? But at least I have this privilege to vent publicly! Very therapeutic. Feeling better already. Like I said some things money can’t buy.

Stella Chin is a lawyer who enjoys writing while dancing keeps her on her toes. In her mind she is generally at peace with the world. Feedback welcomed at : info@kuchinginandout.com

New kids in town!

, so small but such a BIG yawn...and already bored!

Your baby’s photo in KI&O magazine To announce the birth of your child, we will need the following information: Parents: Mr. & Mrs.____________ Baby’s Name:________________ Date of Birth:____________2013 Time:_________am/pm_______ Weight:_______ kilos_______oz Length:__________________cm Brother:____________________ Sister:______________________ Send your digital photo and information to: info@kuchinginandout.com Rates and more information: www.kuchinginandout.com

Kuching City and the world welcome these jewels with OPEN ARMS!

Janis

Mr. & Mrs.: Date of Birth: 2.3.2012 Time: 5.37 Weight: 3.9 kg Length: 43cm

Lena

Mr. & Mrs. Borden Date of Birth: 2.9.2013 Time: 8.45am Weight: 4 kg Length: 51 cm

MiYu

Mr. & Mrs. Olafsen Date of Birth: 2.9.2012 Time: 12.05am Weight: 3.6 kg Length: 43cm

Raphael Mr. & Mrs. Jason Kho Baby: Raphael Kho Date of Birth: 5.9.2012 Time: 11.48am Weight: 3.3kg Length: 48cm

KI&O www.kuchinginandout.com 13

Ria

Mr. & Mrs.: Chin Date of Birth: 2.12.2012 Time: 8.00am Weight: 3.5 kg Length: 40cm

such a

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14 KI&OcoverStory

A K o th (S

Fusion in the hands of a

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Among many achievements, Sebastien Buecher was voted «Young Talent in 15 2010» by GAULTMILLAU. 20 He received his Star from MICHELIN at the age of 30, in 2009 and a 15.5 15.5 point grading by GUIDE 20 CHAMPERAD in 2010.

KI&O PHOTO by© Y.Pilet

An exceptional Culinary Event in Kuching, with Sebastien Buecher, organised by KI&O, will be held on he 14, 15 and 16 of November, 2013.

See page 18 for more information)

uberge Frankenbourg, Alsace, France.

December 8th, 2012.

The moment you walk into this 0ne Star Michelin restaurant hotel, you get the feeling that there are people awaiting you, with a total commitment for you to have the best gourmet experience.

Accompanied by two of my friends, a wine connoisseur, Michel and his wife Pamela, herself the president of a gourmet club in Switzerland, my experience throughout the eight course lunch was one of a kind, to say the very least. Not in any way a specialist or critic of gourmet food, I have been fortunate to have had culinary experiences in restaurants of high calibre such as Etienne Christian in Avignon, Jacques Barnachon in Bonnetage of France and Frédy Girardet of Switzerland to name a few, all culinary artists seasoned to the core and recorded in the gourmet journals for life.

But here was something else. It was magic. It was enticing. It was innovative to the very last bite and lick.

Here we don’t talk about hunger. We forget that we need to eat. Here, we get our fill with all of our five senses. And I kid you not. It was simply one surprise after another.

Like I said, it is not only about taste and style, it was that very subtle stroke of fusion. That sprinkle of inspiration, that dash of imagination, wrapped in perfect coherence of the West visiting the East. Chef Sebastien Buecher ingeniously uses agar-agar, sago, galangal and ginger to paint a fusional masterpiece. ➛

french

a Chef

In perfect harmony, Guillaume (left) equals his brother’s talent in the domain of public relations, myself, dwarfed by two giants of their trades.

16 KI&OcoverStory

«Intimately cosmopo

Love at first bite ! below from left: Imaginative display of duck foie gras in different forms and taste, perched on a «tree» of bamboo skewers.

Steamed clams infusion with tapioca, filet of pollack topped with an emulsion of beetroot and accompanied by gingered mashed sweet potato.

In an

litan...»

Chef Sebastien Buecher

atmosphere of elegance and serenity, Auberge Frankenbourg receives guests with a delectable welcome.

His traditional «terroir» french cuisine is absolute.

There is no hesitation of it’s origin. The gourmet experience in Auberge Frankenbourg is French. Period. But it’s that exquisite touch of using humble asian ingredients, lined with a refined coat of audacity and confidence that has earned Chef Buecher his Michelin Star. An ability to stay firmly traditional with a perpetual search for distinction. To be, in his own words, «intimately cosmopolitant».

Indeed, with chefs like Beucher, there are no longer frontiers to the culinary taste buds.

by Marian Chin Transcript of the KI&O interview with Chef Sebastien Buecher can be read in our KI&O digital magazine at www.kuchinginandout.com

18 KI&OcoverStory

15 20

Voted «Young Talent in 2010» par le GaultMillau.

One Star Michelin at the age of 30.

A culinary experience with Chef Sebastien Buecher Nov. 14, 15 ,16, 2013

An exceptional three day event.

From hands-on courses to full demonstration of traditonal and modern french «savoir-faire».

Info/Registration info@kuchinginandout.com www.kuchinginandout.com

19 FOOD CHAT llll

by Annie Mehra Cannon

Fusion not conFusion What is Fusion cooking?

It’s just a fancy name for something that has been around for centuries, with cooks routinely using exotic dried herbs and spices in their repertoire of Western recipes. Of course, in the old days, it was one thing to find dried condiments and quite another to be able to experiment with fresh ones.

When it came to fresh, particularly Asian, ingredients, getting hold of many of those was not so easy until the 1980s or 90s.

Today, Fusion menus combine Western ingredients with a generous splash of the East.

Right here in Kuching, I’ve tasted Pandan Chicken Stuffed with Cheese; Cashew Nut Prawns and Soft Shell Crabs with Chicken Floss; and Black Pepper Halibut: all interesting new flavour combinations that seem popular with Kuching’s gourmet society.

But first a little history: From 1841 — 1948, the Kingdom of Sarawak was presided over by the White Rajahs, the first of whom was an Englishman named James Brooke. There are plenty of references regarding that era in Sarawak’s history but, as far as their diet goes, I can only guess that they brought with them their traditional recipes from Jolly Olde England. Sadly, the colonial English were not known for their adventurous cuisine.

But imagine if the local Ibans, Dyaks, Malays, Chinese and

KI&O www.kuchinginandout.com 19

Indians had influenced the Rajah’s court? Can you see the colonial English tasting, for the first time, lightly stir-fried garlicky amaranth, snake beans, pak choy, choy sum, gai lan, chiang chiang cabbage, gai choy, snow peas, Chinese celery or broccoli?

Neil Perr’s restaurants in Sydney source only the best produce, which he then transforms into ‘works of heart’.

Or sampling fruit salad that contained chunks of luscious pineapple, slices of papaya, tiny sweet bananas and slivers of mango served with, say, a warm lime, lemongrass, ginger and chilli syrup and some homemade durian and coconut ice cream on the side?

In Australia, where I lived for many years, a chef named Neil Perry, known for his innovative and excellent dishes, was one of the first to start combining Western and Eastern styles of cooking. His restaurants in Sydney source only the best produce, which Perry then transforms into ‘works of heart’. This is Fusion at its best.

Imagine his: — South Australian Lamb Saddle With Celery, Wheat Infused

Soy Beans And Tea Smoked Mussels, or — Blue Swimmer Crab And Corn Congee, Almond Tofu, Star Anise Scented Peanuts, Fried Bread And Chilli Oil See what I mean?

World famous chef, Tetsuya, who owns the eponymous temple of gastronomy in Sydney, also has a unique style, blending classical French with Japanese cuisines. For example: — Chilled Pea Soup With Bitter Chocolate Sorbet; — Seared Fillet Of Grass-Fed Cape Grim Beef With Wasabi And Braised Mustard Seeds; What certain Kuching restaurants label as Fusion might well be labelled Con-Fusion in other parts of the world.

But, despite the culinary elitism that exists overseas, no one would argue that dishes like Fettucine Rendang are uniquely Kuching.

Sophisticated? Hardly.

Fun? You bet!

And for that reason alone, you gotta love it!

Annie Mehra Cannon is an advertising creative director, writer and editor. Born in the USA, Annie has migrated around the world from Philadelphia to Montreal to Derbyshire to London to Hong Kong to Sydney and now to Kuching. She is the co-author of a cookbook, The Gourmet Barbecue, and has written articles for Vogue Entertaining + Travel and Vogue Living. Once a regular columnist for the South China Post in Hong Kong, currently Annie writes a blog — anniemehra. wordpress.com — about her exceptionally good fortune to live in this wonderful city.

20 ASSOCIATIONS llll

By James Ritchie and Melissa Murphy

S.E.A. SarawaK Eurasian Association

The Bateman s’ The Murphys’

rurys’ The D

Sarawak’s Eurasians have a unique history that goes back to the days when James Brooke arrived in Kuching and was declared the first White Rajah in 1841.

Brooke brought with him Domingo De Rozario, a Portugeuese Eurasian from Malacca, to serve as a cook at the Astana. Domingo later married a Malay lady and his son Francis Dominik became the first Resident of Kapit. Most of the De Rozario descendants now live in Kuching.

In 1845, James Brooke brought another Eurasian from Malacca, Thomas Willaimson, to serve as an interpreter. Williamson tragically drowned a year later.

The second Rajah, Charles Brooke, had a son named Esca (Isaka) with Dayang Masiah, a Malay woman from Simanggang.

Born in the early 1850s, Esca did not stay long in Sarawak.

Even though Charles sent his son to England for adoption, he had high regard for the Eurasians and approved of mixed

marriages. Colin Crisswellin Rajah Charles Brooke–Monarch of All he Surveyed wrote: «He expressed the belief of several occasions that the products of mixed marriages would become the most able citizens of the east.

In later life he defended his officers against the moral criticism of the clergy...»

The second Rajah’s sentiments proved prophetic. Eurasians flourished, and some illustrious examples include: Reverend William Howell, who was born to Frederick Howell and a Malay mother on 15 September 1856.

Reverand William Henry Gomes, a Eurasien from Ceylon, who pioneered the Anglican mission in Lundu and was succeeded by John Lewis (Louie) Zehnder from Switzerland who married a Chinese.

Horace Gray, who in 1907 played a role in the establishment of the first continuous telephone line stretching 600 km from Kuching to Baram.

Eurasians John Anthony Owen and Willie Geikie, who both served as Council Negri (states assemblyman) members.

Today, Sarawak’s Eurasian community hails from more than 50 families, namely Adam, Attenborough, Archer, Bampfylde-Rodway, Baring-Gould, Bell, Brodie, Bateman, Bates, Blaydes, Boult, Buxton, Cartwright, Chapman, Clarke, Clancy, Cooke, Crocker, Crossley, Crookshank, Cornelius, Cox, De Rozario, de Run, Davidson, Douglas, Donough, Drury, Geikie, Gregory, Fairbank, Ferguson, Fernandez, Freeman, Hayward, Hendroff, Howell, James, Jacques, Karlberg, Lopez, Lemon, Majoriibanks, Mansel, McPherson, Macfarlane, Marshall, Morrison, Murphy, Phillips, Read, Reutens, Ricketts, Ritchie, Rozario, Speldenwinde, Swyny, Walker, Warrier, Were, White, Wood, Woodford, Wright and Zehnder.

The Sarawak Eurasian Association (SEA), which was formed in 2000 is unique because their members include Eurasians of all faiths. All religious holidays are thus celebrated without discrimination.

Over the years, the Eurasian community in Sarawak has fluorished. In 1960, there were roughly 500 Eurasians and even though there are currently only approximately 100 registered members of the SEA, the Eurasian population in the state is estimated to be about 1,000-strong.

By James Ritchie and Melissa Murphy.

Extract taken from the book «Legacy Cookbook» by the Sarawak Eurasian Assoication.

www.kuchinginandout.com KI&O 20

The C lancy s’

The Jacques siblings

Sarawak cookbook wins world’s best local cuisine award in Paris

The Bro dies’

The Fergusons’

The Ritchies’

This book is the culmination of countless hours of compiling, interviewing and collating stories and enticing members to share their favorite recipes and the memories that they evoke... of family members no longer with us or of happy holidays spent together in days gone by.

Being Sarawakian we have included some well loved dishes exclusive to our land that we hope our readers will derive as much pleasure from in cooking and eating the food of our land.

Legacy Cookbook – RM 90.00 Sold at major bookstores or contact: sarawakeurasian@gmail.com

Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2011

N

N

by Lim Eng Hooi

N

22 FITNESS llll

N

Lost in MeditatioN? Fitness gurus say, “what you do day by day, year after year, shapes your health, vitality and quality of life”. If you think about it, the reverse is also true and this should be cause for alarm, great alarm.

Yes, “what you don’t do day by day, year by year, shapes your health, vitality and quality of life just the same”, albeit in a negative way. Couple this with the certainty that, “years of training can be lost in a mere 12 weeks with cessation of activity”. In fact a mere three weeks of complete bed rest can cause a fitness decline of 29 percent for an athlete. If we should extend this knowledge to sedentary individuals like us who never exercise a day in our lives, we must have close to no fitness at all.

Just how important is fitness?

General physical fitness for the everyday person is having adequate energy to live daily lives with enough energy left for recreation and emergencies. If you can’t get through the morning without dozing off at work or in school, you lack physical fitness. If you can’t get through the Sunday sermon without falling asleep in the pews a few times, you are defiinitely lacking physical fitness. If you are one of those who feel exhausted when someone mentions a walk in the botanic gardens, you may be lacking general fitness. If

you feel that jumping across the monsoon drain to escape an attacking dog is going to hurt you more than enduring the attack from that dog, you lack general fitness. If you would rather leave all your belongings at the mercy of the incoming flood because rescuing them would be too demanding, you lack general fitness.

If you feel that jumping across the monsoon drain to escape the dog is going to hurt you more, you lack general fitness.

Our body needs to be Loaded When you engage in exercise such as walking or jogging at a level above your normal daily activity, you overload the muscles and their supply and support systems including the heart and lungs. When this

exercise is repeated at least three times a week, your body begins to adapt to the overload. We call this the Training Effect – muscles will begin to develop and general fitness is raised allowing you to be more active all round.

Start by Walking 20 minutes I was never an exercise person. In fact I pride myself and was congratulated by others as one of the gifted with the ability to remain slim no matter how much I ate – I ate a lot, I ate more meals and large quantities every meal. The weight did catch up in the end and I felt heavy, lazy, slow and was always sleepy.

I started running and found myself running longer and longer and feeling more apprehensive about my ability to sustain longer durations and distances until I chanced upon a book, Body For Life. Phillips and D’Orso in this book proposed a 20-Minute Aerobics Solution. For the purpose of this article, we will choose the walk. Walking the 20-minute Aerobics Solution way would require you to set-up your 20 minute program by walking at a brisk pace for 2 minutes. We will consider this the warm-up.

On a scale of 1-10 for intensity, this will be at level 5 (midpoint). Following this the level will be raised to 6, 7, 8 and 9 every other minute. Repeat the pattern from level 6 to 9 continue on page 26

www.kuchinginandout.com KI&O 22

New attitude hotels for business travellers

About Pullman - Pullman is the upscale international hotel brand of Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator, present in 92 countries with over 3,500 hotels and 160,000 employees. Located in the main regional and international cities and in prime tourist destinations, Pullman Hotels & Resorts is principally designed to cater for the requirements of cosmopolitan, seasoned travelers. The brand’s four and five-star establishments provide an extensive range of tailored services, access to groundbreaking technologies, including a new approach to organizing events: meetings, seminars and upscale incentive events. At Pullman hotels, customers can choose between being independent or be given a helping hand by staff available around the clock. The Pullman network has almost 80 hotels in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Our objective is to have 150 hotels around the world by 2015-2020. Pullman, like most of brands within Accor’s portfolio, is proud to offer the Le Club Accorhotels(R) loyalty program. Further information concerning the Pullman hotels is available on www.pullmanhotels.com. T.+6(0)82 222 888 F.+6(0)82 222 999 www.pullmanhotels.com – www.accorhotels.com

24 KI&OINTERVIEW by Mel Wu

AraByrd A rare Bird As someone who wields music as her weapon of choice, it came as little surprise that Arabyrd misses the sounds of Sarawak the most when she is away.

“I can be in Kuching and still miss Kuching because I feel I don’t have enough time here,” said the 27-year old rapper and deejay who is based in Kuala Lumpur.

Already a veteran of 11 years, she is not at all offended if you’ve never heard of her.

“I feel more special that way,” she said with a laugh.”I’m not doing it to get into the top ten. I’m more hands-on with my audience. I like to keep it intimate.”

She confessed to being an impulsive tweeter, often shooting off a 140 in Bahasa Sarawak and ending it with a wish that her non-Sarawakian followers could understand it. For example, how do you explain ‘nyegeh’?

“It’s either you know it or you don’t. When someone asks me what it means, I’m like... there is no word with it.” continue on page 26

(

She assured fans that there will be more Sarawakian tracks coming out of this year’s work, following the success of ‘Kek’. https://soundcloud.com/arabyrd https://twitter.com/arabyrd

(

26 KI&OINTERVIEW

AraByrd

continued from page 24

Arafah Edruce was born into the music industry, with both parents working behind the scenes. Stepping into it as an artiste was only natural, because it allowed her to use music to send her message to an audience.

“There are many talented young Sarawakians out there who may feel trapped in their own cages, perhaps needing a little push. I’d like to pave that path for people like me,” An avid traveller, Ara did gigs everywhere and did her recordings overseas before returning to share her music. At the same time, she was also aware that there’s been a two and a half year lull since her last body of work. It was time to come home.

“I wanted to take a step back and study my surroundings and let my surroundings study me. Because I was not in KL or Kuching for a while, people got confused about what I was doing.”

Easing herself back into the local scene, Ara did the smallest and biggest shows she could find, until she found the sound she wanted for her next album.

She assured fans that there will be more Sarawakian tracks coming out of this year’s work, following the success of ‘Kek’.

“It’s fun! Everyone’s into it,” she said, before adding that she just shot a music video for the song in a KL art studio.

She still finds it astonishing when her mostly non-Sarawakian audience,

whether in a club or at a hip hop festival, would break out singing along whenever she played it.

Ara surmised that the language is special in its own way, allowing its speakers (or singers) more flexibility with the diction and sound.

“Bahasa Sarawak is actually its own music,” she said.

Years before the flamboyant stage personality was a recluse, alone in a KL school and afraid to speak.

“You don’t want to be judged, you don’t want to say the wrong thing. But the moment I went out and did not give a damn what people think, I was daring enough to open my mouth.”

She felt that a lot of youngsters in Kuching are scared to speak as well.

“They’re like... eh sik mauk eh. Malu eh. Without my family telling me I should be myself, I don’t think I’ll be able to break out of whatever I experience in school.”

This Kuching girl doesn’t think her story is unique, stating that if she can do it, so can anyone who is ready to stop caring what others think.

“There are many talented young Sarawakians out there who may feel trapped in their own cages, perhaps needing a little push. I’d like to pave that path for people like me,” Ara said.

And having tasted freedom outside her cage, there is no stopping this modern warrior princess of music from paving a path to the stars. BY MEL WU

22 FITNESS llll

continued from page 22

come back to level 5 for the last minute. Do this 3 times a week and no more! It really works!

Come join us at The Waterfront, Kuching!

Every Sunday, a group of people are doing variations of this 20 minute Aerobics program at the waterfront in Kuching. On a good day, you may see over 30 people walking and running at 6.00am in the morning. They come in all ages and from many walks of life – students, teachers, housewives, accountants, architects, engineers, retirees, sailors, pastors and visitors who happen to be in the area. Most of these people were not runners before they joined. . One year after the program, 19 of them took part in the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2011 and finished it within 2 1/2 to 3 hrs. Last year, two finished their first full marathon at the PBIM 2012 running over 6 hours to complete the feat. Some have gone for other runs in between. We will be going for our 3rd PBIM this year!

Lim Eng Hooi is a teacher in a secondary school in Samarahan and a very experienced and highly successful track and field coach. Since taking over again as the head coach of the Sarawak Schools Track and Field Team, the Sarawak Team has returned as national overall champs every year since 2009. Rain or shine, Lim will be at the Kuching Waterfront, every Sunday at 6.00am, helping people to enjoy sweating and being fit!

www.kuchinginandout.com KI&O 26

28 AT HOME llll

by Mel Wu

Small space, big storage With shrinking space and rising cost of property, one can hardly afford not to make the most of a small space called home. Planning is essential, and the trick is finding a place for everything in the 1,045 sq ft unit and still having a floor to walk on.

The kitchen is the heart of this

home. Cupboards line both sides as you walk in, offering plenty of storage space that remained within easy reach.

Even the original kitchen door was replaced with a sliding door to save space.

In the living room, books sit on top of the hanging cabinets that hold a library of DVDs

e q Cherry blossoms festoon the wooden dividers which were installed to separate the living room from the entrance hall. The otherwise simple row of pillars were designed so they wouldn’t collect dust. Meanwhile, the bench conveniently doubles as shoe storage. w The entertainment centre has also ended up being home to a row of books, which instantly gives the room some warmth. e The kitchen is small but utilised in a way that has stuck balance between room to hold things and room to breathe. r The space between the bathroom and the utility area holds everything neatly tucked away. tAll kitchen items are within arms reach, while a stepladder stool stands by for moments when a little help is needed.

and CDs. It was meant to be a temporary solution until proper bookshelves are built in the study, but it completed the look, making the room appear cosy lived-in.

This house-proud owner moved in a year ago but as far as she is concerned, the perfect home is still something to aim for.

w

q

r

t

KI&O PHOTO: SIMON TZIN

SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE: where Home Cooking is TRADITION @scv2u

www.scv.com.my

32 EDUCATION llll

by Kirsty Arnison-Nicole

Swiss Education Group Switzerland, best known for its delicious chocolate and cheese, reliable watches, spectacular mountain vista’s, solid banking system and its traditions teaching the art of hospitality through its numerous hotel management schools.

Historically Switzerland was one of the first countries to develop tourism as a major industry and in order to meet the demands for highly qualified and professional hotel managers, the first hotel management school was established over one hundred years ago. Since then, the reputation has grown and Swiss-trained hoteliers are in high demand right around the world.

The Swiss Hotel Management School is one of Switzerland’s finest institutions and a place where traditions reign. From the moment students enter the doors of the Caux Palace they feel the traditions, which stretch back to the days when the Caux Palace was one of the country’s best establishments. If the walls could talk, they would speak of the Kings and Queens who dined and danced and enjoyed the luxury and outstanding service given by the professionally trained staff.

Students of the Swiss Hotel Management School are now

lucky to use this same palace environment to learn the art of hospitality management and the skills, which are collectively known as the Swiss hospitality touch. Precision, discretion, quality, innovation and leadership are taught through programmes, which focus on hospitality, events or resort and spa. Courses are designed in collaborations with industry partners and contain important sections on global trends, business strategy and operational leadership.

Aside from the hospitality education traditions found in Switzerland, many students choose this destination for the international environment it offers. What better place to learn to communicate and work with people from around the world than on a campus where more than 80 nationalities are found living and learning together? The international nature of the studies also benefits students following graduation when they are able to draw on a network of fellow graduates who are working right around the world.

lity graduates. Opportunities exist in many different areas including: events management, conferences, banqueting, theme parks and attractions, restaurants, catering, resorts, airlines and cruise lines and many more servicerelated industries.

If you have a passion for hospitality, the desire to make people happy and to work in an exciting, international environment, take the challenge and embark on your journey with the Swiss Hotel Management School. www. shms.com Ms Kirsty Arnison-Nicole is the communications manager of SEG, Swiss Education Group in Montreux, Switzerland

With the hospitality industry currently accounting for one in every 12 jobs and the World Tourism Organisation predicting continued growth, the future is exciting for hospita-

www.kuchinginandout.com KI&O 32

Damai Golf & Country Club 082-846088 Gunung Mulu National Park 085-432561 Harbour Cruises Sdn Bhd 082-240366/240368 Hock Lee Center 082-481193 India Street Pedestrian Mall 082-422333 Jongs Crocodile Farm 082-242790 Kuching Waterfront Management 082-426093 Matang Family Park 082-233092

Riverside Shopping Complex 082-233351 Sarakraf Sdn Bhd 082-258771 Sarawak Cultural Village 082-846411 Sarawak Museum 082-244232 Sarawak Plaza Shopping Complex 082-412150 Top Spot Food Court 082-412150 Tun Jugah 082-253308 Wisma Saberkas 082-421227

For 22 years, Lady Jenn Sdn Bhd has been in the Skin Clinic industry. The founder, Dr Jennifer Ng desires to use her ingenuity and people skill to make a difference in the beauty and fashion world, making available, products and services for clients all over the world. Her first business venture into the Beauty and Cosmetic Industry was in 1984. It paved the way for Lady Jenn Face & Figure Center which developed into a highly successful business. In 1986, her business had established an extensive beauty network through Malaysia with 5,000 beautician trainees.

In 1995, the scope of her business activities expanded from wholesales and retail of beauty and fashion products to services carrying her ownbrands which provided the professional O.E.M. (Customize Private Label).

Beauty, more than Skin Dee Jennifer Lau: Dr. Ng, for 28 years, you have made women more beautiful through Lady Jenn. You have also taught thousands of women about beauty and skin care. Many of whom run their own Beauty Saloons today.

What was the most difficult part of your career at the beginning ?

Dr. Ng Although there was little competition, breaking into any business was difficult for a woman. But because of what I believed in, and that is, helping women look and feel better about themselves, it was simply about keeping a balance in one’s lifestyle. My mento has always been to go without any fear, staying positive, happy and cheerful in front of any difficulty.

How has the challenge changed?

Dr. Ng Today’s challenge is different. I still don’t have much of any competition so to speak, because what Lady Jenn Group offers is so different and varied. But the profession has changed for the better because women know what they want and they are not shy to ask for it.

Have people’s attitude to beauty and cosmetics changed drastically?

Dr. Ng Yes, they are simply more open about it and are less hesitant to change or improve what they don’t like about their complexion!

What is your preferred skin treatment?

Dr. Ng The anti-aging treatments and skin care are areas that I like as it is still intimidating for many people and I like to be able to show them that what we can do here really works.

Are men becoming less shy about taking care of their complexion?

Dr. Ng Oh yes. We have more and more men asking for skin care treatments. It’s really wonderful because beauty is not just for women!

Thank you Dr Ng. Interview by Jnnifer Lau, who is a radio announcer at RTM, Kuching

ep...

Lady Jenn

36 DISCOVERY

I

t was a warm and still night, a few friends and I were gathered around a small tree on the island of Borneo. On one of the branches sat a small furry animal looking somewhat like a teddy bear with huge glossy eyes. Fascinated by its human-like hands, I could not but gape at this creature as it grasped onto the branch making its way up the tree with slow deliberate movements. This was my very first encounter with the amazing and enigmatic slow loris.

On the 14th of December 2012, there was a monumental media buzz about the astounding discovery of a new species of the Bornean slow

loris (genus Nycticebus), the Kayan Loris (N. kayan), which was published in the American Journal of Primatology. The Kayan Loris has its name derived from the Kayan River that flows through the range of habitat of this species .

In the past, many types of nocturnal mammals have been mistakenly lumped under single species names due to their usually indistinct colouration and less obvious external differences.

However, with advances in present day technology, such as DNA analysis, most researchers are now able to identify more and more distinct species of these rather mysterious animals .

www.kuchinginandout.com KI&O 36

1 Platt, John R. (2012) 3 New Slow Loris Species Discovered in Borneo: Rare Venomous Primates Threatened by Illegal Pet Trade. Viewed on 10th January 2013, http://blogs. scientificamerican.com/extinctioncountdown/2012/12/15/new-slowloris-discovered-venomous-primates/

Bickford, D., Lohman, DJ., Sodhi, NS., Ng PKL, Meier, R., Winker, K., Ingram KK., Das, I., 2006. ‘Cryptic species as window on diversity and conservation’. Trends Ecol Evol 22:148-155

2

New Species of Bornean SLOW LORIS discovered: Nycticebus Kayan

The Kayan Loris was identified as a new species based on the differences in facemask patterns, pelage patterns (fur and coat), and discrepancies in body size . With this discovery, there are now four distinct slow lorises in Borneo: N. menagensis, N. bancanus, N. boreanus, and N. kayan. Unlike the other three lorises, N. kayan has longer, fluffier body hairs and a dark, highly contrasting facemask surrounding the eyes, which is usually round or pointed and extends often below the cheekbone to the bottom of the jaw.

The slow loris is arboreal, which means it is

KI&O www.kuchinginandout.com 37

adapted to living in trees like most primates. It is nocturnal and omnivorous, feeding on fruits, plant matter, and an assortment of insects.

Although, as its name implies, the slow loris is not particularly fast or agile, it does possess a unique self-defence mechanism. It has the ability to secrete a kind of allergen, similar to cat dander, from its brachial gland which is located at the ventral side of the elbow. When the sense of being threatened arises, these glands will excrete the allergen in the form of a clear, strongsmelling fluid resembling sweat. The slow loris will then lick the secretion, or rub it on its head

38 DISCOVERY

or neck. A single bite from the slow loris has the potential to cause quite a reaction, sometimes fatal, especially in humans who suffer from cat allergies. However, reports on the slow loris’ poisonous bite are rare. It has been speculated that the secretion is also used to mark their individual home range and territories.

Although being recognised in Sarawak as both endangered and protected species, slow lorises are still highly sought after as pets due to their cute and docile characteristics. Captive lorises are still a common sight in villages, often kept in small cages, sometimes with their canine teeth

Cute but poisonous

cut or filed off. Not surprisingly, they usually fare poorly in captivity and often have a short life expectancy. If this trend continues, combined with the loss of their habitat due to deforestation, lorises face further severe population declines.

Fortunately, populations of slow lorises still occur in some national parks and forest reserves around Kuching, and with a bit of luck and a good torch it is possible to glimpse one of these shy animals at night.

I watched as the slow loris made its way up the tree whilst my friends managed to snap a few quick photos. Although it appeared at www.kuchinginandout.com KI&O 38

Munds, RA., Nekaris, KAI, Ford, SM., 2013, ‘Taxonomy of the Bornean Slow Loris, With New Species Nycticebus Kayan (Primates, Lorisidae)’, American Journal of Primatology 75:46-56 4 Hagey, LR. Fry, BG. Fitch-Snyder, H. 2007. Talking Defensively: A Dual Use for the Brachial Gland Exudate of Slow and Pygmy Lorises. Primate Anti-Predatory Strategies 2: 253-272 3

home, this was in fact a released captive. Earlier that week, a friend stumbled upon it kept in a tiny cage in a village whilst on one of his road trips south of Kuching. Being a kindhearted nature conservationist, he bought the loris off its captor in order to release it back into the wild. We selected a nature reserve which was known to be a good habitat for lorises and also hopefully a safe haven from hunters. As the loris disappeared into the treetops, I could not but wonder about its fate and of the many more nocturnal mammals of Borneo that are yet to be discovered.

KI&O www.kuchinginandout.com 39

Ch’ien C. Lee Having been fascinated with nature since childhood, Ch’ien’s interests have led him to study a wide range of subjects including insects, animal tracking and pitcher-plants. In 1996, after graduating with a degree in biology and working as an environmental educator in northern California, he moved to Kuching fulfilling a lifelong desire to live in the tropics, eventually finding an outlet for his passion through wildlife photography. His photographs, which depict the rich biodiversity of the rainforest, are widely published internationally.

Pearl C. Ee A wildlife and nature enthusiast from Kuching, Pearl studied nursing in Australia and returned to Sarawak in 2011. Through her writing, she aims to spark a greater appreciation for nature among Sarawakians and to emphasize the importance of preserving it and its inhabitants.

40 AREA by AREA llll Exploring BDC...

Let’s Be Friends at the Friendship Park

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BDC Comm centre

SK Satia Jaya

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Everise

Tmn Satria Jaya

Roadside Tailor

The world passes by her as she sits at her sewing machine on the five-foot-way. She’s been a daily fixture here for years with stories of a life that has brought her from Hong Kong to Kuching 50 years ago. Buy her a coffee, bring her an article of clothing for alteration and she’ll tell you her story.

You can find Aunty Tailor around the corner of A1 kopitiam.

Not far from the busy BDC commercial area, there’s a popular neighbourhood park called Friendship Park, also known as ‘Taman Sahabat’ by locals. The park was launched in 2006 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Malaysia-China diplomatic relations and the Malaysia-China Friendship year (2004). So basically, its Malaysia’s and China’s way to say, “Let’s be friends!”.

There are nice jogging tracks, a reflexology stone-walk and a fish pond where you can feed the friendly fishes. There’s even a cat and a panda playing chess, permanently.

Apart from the pretty landscaping, there’s a historical touch to it. A giant Admiral Cheng Ho looks majestically over the fencing, probably not unlike the day he saw the Malaya mainland from his ship, centuries ago. He was a great diplomat and explorer from the Ming dynasty who started the world’s first biggest naval expedition in 1405. Eat your heart out, Christopher Columbus, Cheng Ho beat you to it! He also escorted a contingent of 500 court maidens together with Princess Hang Li Po, who married the Sultan Mansur Syah of Malacca and together they started off the whole “Baba & Nyonya” culture in Malaysia. Very cool.

l1 2 l 3 l 4 l 5 l 6 l

FRIENDSHIP PARK AUNTIE TAiLOR CRYSTAL BOWL TABUAN RIVER KAYAK BAK KUT TEH STAMPARK PLACE

Take me out to the ballgame! Crystal Bowl bowling centre has been a teenage institution for decades and is still going strong. It’s located on the 2nd floor of Crystal Complex at BDC. Bowling is cleverly disguised as something fun when what it really is is a way to make those of you lazy ones out there move and get fitter. What are you waiting for? It opens daily from 10.00am-12.00mn.

T to ak th e m eB e ow Ou ls t

BDC is one of the biggest neighbourhood in Kuching. Before it was BDC, this entire area was a swampy riverine forest that hugged the banks of Sungai Tabuan. We’ve been coming here for over 20 years and we’d like to share what we like about BDC with you!

By Cythia Chin and Alicia Ng

! y o Ah

BDC Kayaker

please!

Meat in my tea

Most of us associate the food we love with how we feel about its taste; never thinking twice about the names by which we call them.

What if we were to tell you how much we love our meat and bone tea at BDC? Oh yes. Bak kut teh (literally, «meat bone tea») is the name. Meat is the game. Just a hop, skip and jump away from BDC’s Everise, one guy opened up one of the nicest bak kut teh places in Kuching, with real garlic in the garlic rice he serves to complement the herbal meat and bone stew that is so quintessentially Malaysian. We know for a fact that he put in a lot of effort.

To up the ante on his recipe, he actually closed shop and went to West Malaysia for nine months to improve his craft. The result?

Yummylicious bak kut teh!

s. usines side b the a to on n in passio ps out ed his brings grou s. m r fo trans ayak and ekend is has on we K Franc Kuching awak Kiri ar ns He ru of Sungai S s water

m y G , e iv D , m i w S

The best thing about a swim in the pool in Kuching is that it’s perfect rain or shine with kids splashing about at the kiddie pools, beginner scuba divers in the deep end of the Olympic pool and the serious swimmers doing lap after lap. Way before BDC became the urban hub that it is today, Stampark’s pools were already bringing fun and fitness to the waterbabies of Kuching.

Its latest transformation has renamed it Stampark Place, not only with pools intact but with very nice gym equipment at their poolside fitness club and kinesis

wellness centre, fitness classes PLUS The Family Lodge @ Stampark, which is basically a cosy holiday getaway from regular life without leaving town. BDC folks and beyond, it’s definitely time to think about health and wellness, and pay Stampark a visit. It’s open every day.

Stampark Place Lorong B, Jalan Stutong, Taman Satria Jaya BDC Stampin. Open every day

KeNEX ny T ISS Pa ala UE n rk ng :

What do you do when you have a passion that involves a LOT of water and you floating on it? Francis Ho loves kayaking. In fact, he loves it so much he’s built a little jetty at the back of his house and anchored a few of his many boats and kayaks to it. It’s a great way for him to jump in when he needs to escape to a quiet place and do what he loves. When he’s not out paddling along some crystal clear river out of town, you might spy him floating along Sungai Tabuan with a look of utter bliss on his face. If he’s not on the water, you might catch him on his little folding bicycle whizzing about the streets of BDC. Give him a «thumbs up» if you see him!

42 NIGHT SPOTS llll

by Ryan Ridu

RUA I BAR Ban Hock Road, 93100, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Drinks & Light Snacks Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 5pm – 12pm onwards*

If any bar can lay claim to being truly representative of Sarawak, it is Ruai Bar. It’s laid back and unpretentious air belies the fact that this is one of Kuching’s busiest bars. The bar itself is simple and welcoming with tables are made from the bases of old sewing machines. The rest of the bar is decked out in indigenous motifs and designs, and little curiosities – black and white pictures from a forgotten Sarawak sit next to a wall of wildboar jawbones.

Ruai serves beer by the cans, or bottles, but they are especially known for their tuak (traditional Sarawakian ricewine), which unbeknownst to most comes in a surprising range of varieties – from Apple Tuak, to the downright eyebrow raising Dragonfruit Tuak.

Out back, there is a simple BBQ area, where you can order food cooked with love to pick at while drinking your beer (I personally recommend the BBQ Pork Belly to go with your beer).

On certain nights, though sporadically, Ruai hosts music nights where local bands are invited to play a repertoire of cover songs ranging from 70s rock to 90s grunge, and everything in between, in addition to their originals.

Singing along at the top of your lungs is strongly encouraged, accompanied by a bottle of tuak in one hand.

Situated right next to Backstage is Havana – an unpretentious drinking hole, where the drinks are cheap and cheerful. Bathed in the glow of fluorescent lights, and dark trimmings, Havana straddles the middleground between bar, and club, all within the confines of a block of a restored 19th century shophouse.

The real draw at Havana is their daily deals – for those of you who feel the need to drown your sorrows (or live it up) on weekdays as well as weekends.

Happy Hour deals are seriously cheerful, and last longer than your average happy hour – well past sundown. In addition to that, there are different deals for every other night – Tuesday night is buy one-free one night on cocktails (sip, don’t gulp – Wednesday is still a workday) The Bar itself has 3 very different rooms. Enter from the back, and you’re greeted by a throbbing wall of bass tones. Sofas are spread around for groups to sit back, with adequate dance floor space for the more rhythmically inclined. Up front is the bar, a more sedate affair, though well lit and with an uncluttered and simple approach to deco. Upstairs are additional seats for those looking for a little more privacy (or looking to catch the live football match on the projector screen).

HAVANA 2 Jalan Tabuan, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Dinner & Drinks Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 13:00 – 01:30, Friday & Saturday 13:00 – 02:30

www.kuchinginandout.com KI&O 42

The entrance to Backstage, as its name suggests, takes you down an unassuming, and dimly lit back alleyway – a sort of calm, before the all out attack on your senses. With its eclectic mix of trinkets, antiques, and wonderfully weird collectibles from years gone by, you could be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled upon a smuggler’s den. In fact you wouldn’t be too far from the truth.

Backstage is very much the social hub of Kuching, imbued with typical Sarawakian homeliness, with a very international outlook – it is housed in a restored old 19th Century Straights Settlement style shop house.

Tables made from reclaimed Kayu Belian (Ironwood) planks offer ample seating for groups. In the middle of the venue, a pool table is quick games with mates over beers.

The laundry list of cocktails, and alcoholic beverages ensures everyone’s taste is catered for (Try the Tuak Mojitos for a classic take on a local favourite). Quality single malts are in no short supply, as are niche favourites (Hendrick’s Gin is a favourite). The place really comes alive during the weekends, when the DJs often push an eclectic mix of hiphop, indie, and dance – ensuring a raucously fun way to end the workweek. Get there before 10pm to ensure you have seats (or a strategic place to stand – next to the bar), as it gets extremely packed as the night progresses.

BACKSTAGE @ The Junk No 80,82 & 84 Wayang Street, 93000 Kuching, Malaysia Dinner & Drinks Opening hours: Wednesday – Thursday 18:00 – 00:00, Friday – Monday 18:00 – 01:00

A short drive from the pubs and clubs in town, down Jalan Padungan is a little gem of a coffee shop that opens well into the wee hours of morning.

Kafe Lam serves arguably the best Bakso this side of the border – a wonderful Indonesian soup based noodle dish of Beef, Beef Balls, in a clear broth flavoured with beef stock. Spring onions and fresh coriander add a crisp and healthy zest to the dish – perfect for post drinking shenanigans. The Beef balls are tender and meaty, and unlike most processed meat balls on the market, contain very little flour – so you’re pretty much getting the real thing.

Kafe Lam also do a rather mean Ayam Penyet (their belacan is bombastic), along with hearty Ramly style burgers – all cheese, sauce, egg and beef patty goodness (watch your cholesterol folks).

KAFE LAM Jalan Padungan, 93310 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. (Opposite Padungan Public Swimming Pool) Late Night Chowdown Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 5pm – Very Late*

KI&O www.kuchinginandout.com 43

Kuching Waterfront Kuching Sarawak Waterfront

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KI&O design by Syed Rusydie

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BDC: K8, 8G Park Boulevard Shopping Mall: 2, K3, K6, K10, K13, 3A, 6 Kenyalang Sungai Apong Park Cat Museum: K5, K5C, K15 Fishing Village Sungai Apong Green Heights Commercial Center: 8G Hilton Hotel: K2, K2, K16 Fishing Village Hospital Umum: 1F/1FA, 2, 3A, 6, 1C,K6, K8, K10, K13, K18, K17, 8G Jalan Astana: K5, K5C, K15 Wisma The Spring Mall Saberkas Jalan Green: K12 Wisma Jalan Hj Taha: K12, K18 The Spring Mall Saberkas JalanJMatang: l n B a t K7 J u Jalan Satok: K7, K5, K5C, K15 Jln B Simpang J Jalan Stutong: 8G, K8 a t u Tiga Roundabout Premier 101: 8G Simpang ee and green buses departs-final Jalan Masjid (Bus Station yellow Tiga station are from here) w S Roundabout Jln. Kwon Lee Bank:nK2,K1, K16 ee Tia g Jln. Padungan: Sw Ong K2, K1, K11, K16 Jal a n Jln. Pending: K2, K1, K16 an Wan A King Tiang Ja l Jln. Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce: K12, Ong Centre J a llawni an 8G, K8 Konsulat Indonesia: Wan A King Ja l lwi Kuching Sentral Station: K3, K6, K10, K13 Centre Kuching Jalan LaSpecialist Centre: K8 k s a m New Stutong Market: ana ChenK8 g Ho Regional BusJaTerminal: lan Laks 1FA, 2, 3A, K3, K6, K10, K13, 6 Timberland am anaK16 Sarawak Plaza: K2, K1, K11, Medical Cheng Ho New Stutong Centre Semenggok Wildlife: K6, 6, Market Timberland St. Joseph/St. Teresa: K18, K8 Medical New Stutong City One Centre Tabuan Jaya Sungai Apong (fishing village): K2 Market Mall Regional Tabuan Jaya: K8 Residential Kuching City One Tabuan Jaya Specialist Terminal The Spring Mall: K8, K11, 8G Hospital Mall Regional Residential Timberland: 1C, 1F/1FA, 2, K3, K6, K10, K13, K18, K17, 3A, 6

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BUS ROUTES IN AND ABOUT KUCHING CITY

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BUS ROUTES IN AND ABOUT KUCHING CITY

44 «NEXT STOP» llll

To Se rian

BUS ROUTES IN AND ABOUT KUCHING CITY

Bus Routes via Bus Numbers Bus Routes via Bus Numbers 3A, K3 K8 8G

3A, K3 K8

K11

8G

K1, K2

K11

K1, K2 From Jalan Masjid From Jalan Masjid

Legend

Legend Main Bus Terminal Main Bus Terminal PRINT AND DIGITAL MAGAZINE LAUNCHES Hospital Bus Stop ITS 1ST ISSUE ON THE 22ND MARCH 2013.

Hospital Bus Stop LIKE THE MAKINGS OF THIS BUS MAP, Pondok Taxi Stand Summons Pondok Huts Taxi Stand IT IS STEP BY STEP, STOP BY Summons Huts STOP TO THE FINISH LINE!

Routes Leading To Popular Destinations Routes Popular Destinations TOURIST INFORMATION withLeading associated busTo numbers with associated bus numbers

and From Jalan Masjid * All Buses LeadAll ToBuses * Lead To and From Jalan Masjid * *

Tourist Police Unit (Kuching Waterfront) / 082-250522

BDC: K8, 8G ABC Taxi / 082-341818 Boulevard Shopping Mall: 2, K3, K6, K10, K13, 3A, 6 BDC: K8, 8G Airport-Kuching International Airport / 082-454242 Cat Museum: K5, K5C, K15 Boulevard Shopping Mall: 2, K3, K6, K10, K13, 3A, 6 Green Heights Commercial Center: 8G Immigration Department / 082-245661 Cat Museum: K5, K5C, K15 Hilton Hotel: K2, K2, K16 Green Heights Commercial Center: 8G Kuching City Taxi Radio Call Enterprises / 082-348898 Hospital Umum: 1F/1FA, 2, 3A, 6, 1C,K6, K8, K10, K13, K18, K17, 8G Hilton Hotel: K2, K2, K16 Jalan Astana: K5, K5C, K15 Taxi (Red and Yellow colour) / 082-882466 Hospital Umum: 1F/1FA, 2, 3A, 6, 1C,K6, K8, K10, K13, K18, K17, 8G Jalan Green: K12 Tourist Information Centre / 082-246575 Jalan Jalan Hj Taha: K12, K18Astana: K5, K5C, K15 Executive Taxi / 082-480000 Jalan Matang: K7Jalan Green: K12 Jalan Hj Taha: Jalan Satok: K7, K5, K5C, K15 K12, K18 CONSULATES AND EMBASSIES Jalan Jalan Stutong: 8G, K8 Matang: K7 Australian Honorary Consul / 082-23350 Premier 101: 8G Jalan Satok: K7, K5, K5C, K15 Stutong: 8G,green K8 buses departs-final station are from here) Jalan Masjid (BusJalan Station yellow and Brunei Consulate / 082-312681 Premier 101: 8G Jln. Kwon Lee Bank: K2,K1, K16 Jalan (Bus Station yellow and green buses departs-final station are from here) Chinese Consulate / 082-233816 Jln. Padungan: K2, K1, Masjid K11, K16 Jln. Pending: K2,Jln. K1, Kwon K16 Lee Bank: K2,K1, K16 Consulate of the United Kingdom / 082-207272 Jln. Padungan: K2, K1, K11, K16 Jln. Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce: K12, Jln. 8G, Pending: K2, K1, K16 French Honorary Consul / 082-415588 Konsulat Indonesia: K8 Jln. Tun K3, Ahmad ZaidiK13 Adruce: K12, Kuching Sentral Station: K6, K10, Indonesia Consulate / 082-460734 Konsulat 8G, K8 Kuching Specialist Centre:Indonesia: K8 Immigration Office / 082-245661 Kuching New Stutong Market: K8 Sentral Station: K3, K6, K10, K13 Kuching Specialist K8K13, 6 Regional Bus Terminal: 1FA, 2, 3A, K3,Centre: K6, K10, Sarawak Government Office / 082-222222 New Market: K8 Sarawak Plaza: K2, K1,Stutong K11, K16 HOMESTAYS Regional Semenggok Wildlife: K6, 6,Bus Terminal: 1FA, 2, 3A, K3, K6, K10, K13, 6 Sarawak St. Joseph/St. Teresa: K18,Plaza: K8 K2, K1, K11, K16 Annah Rais Longhouse / 016 867175 Semenggok K6, 6, Sungai Apong (fishing village): Wildlife: K2 Benuk Homestay / 019 8498413 Tabuan Jaya: K8 St. Joseph/St. Teresa: K18, K8 (fishing village): K2 The Spring Mall: Sungai K8, K11,Apong 8G Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort / 60-83-584-388 Tabuan Jaya: K8 Timberland: 1C, 1F/1FA, 2, K3, K6, K10, K13, K18, K17, 3A, 6 Iban Homestay / 6 085 738233 Spring K8, K11, Waterfront (Main The Bazaar): K2 ,Mall: K1, K11, K16 8G K3, K17, K6, K10, Wisma Saberkas:Timberland: 3A , 2, 6, 1C1C, K3, 1F/1FA, K8, K10,2,K13, 8G K13, K18, K17, 3A, 6 Kampung Melayu Tebekang / 6 019 83433182 Waterfront (Main Bazaar): K2 , K1, K11, K16 Kampung Siol Kandis / 082-44700 Wisma Saberkas: 3A , 2, 6, 1C K3, K8, K10, K13, K17, 8G

Kampung Telega Air / 6 082 843207 Mongkos / 6 019 8686653/ +6 013 Nanga Damia (Luxury homestay) / 019-8871017 EMERGENCY Permai Rainforest Resort (Tree houses and cabings) Emergency Line / 082-365030 082-846487 / 90 Civil Defense / 991 Santubong homestay / 06 082 422495 Fire / 994 HOME SERVICES From mobile to phone /112 The Commission of The City of Kuching North Police and Ambulance / 999 082-234654 Police emergency service /999 Council of the city of Kuching South / 82-354200 HOSPITALS Post Office-Pos Malaysia-Kuching / 082-347677 Kuching Specialist Hospital KG / 082-365384 SESCO-Electricity Service / 1 300 - 88 3111 Kuching Specialist Hostpital Sdn Bhd / 082-365777 Astro / 1 300 - 82 3838 Multimedia Specialist & Maternity Centre / 082-428885 TM / Fax No : 082-239 257 Normah Medical Specialist Centre / 082-440055 Resources: Sarawak General Hospital / 082-276666 Yellow pages 2013 and https://www.guardian.com.my/ Sarawak Medical Centre / 082-442088 stores/index/1 Timberland emergency medical service / 082-232259 http://www.sarawak.gov.my/ TImberland Medical Centre / 082-234466 http://www.epharma.com.my/address.html PHARMACIES Sarawak Tourism Board Guardian / 082-613259 http://www.kurakura.asia/contact-us/ Watson’s Personal care store / 082-239091 Kuching City Parking System Office (KCPS) City Public Link Bus Services Sdn. Bhd. Sarawak Transport Company Berhad Homestay Directory - http://right.sarawak.gov.my/ homestay design by Syed Rusydie KI&O Kuching City Parking Office (KCPS) CityBus Public Link Bus Sdn. Bhd. Berhad REFERENCES: Kuching City Parking SystemSystem Office (KCPS), City Public Link Services Sdn.Services Bnd, Sarawak TransportSarawak CompanyTransport Berhad. Company Source: http://www.rmp.gov.my/base.cfm?Lang=EN

DIRECTORY

KI&O Design: Syed Rusydie KI&O design by Syed Rusydie

POLICE STATIONS District Police HQ - Kuching, Royal Malaysian Police, Jln Simpang Tiga / 082-241133 Central Station. Jln Khoo Hun Yeang / 082-241222 Satok Station. Jln Nagor / 082-245522Fire / 994 Gita Station. Jln Matang / 082- 254417 Santubong Station / 082-846222 Padungan Statio. Jln Kemajuan / Tel: 082-335930 Beratok Station. Jln Kuching-Serian / 082- 864235 Sekama Station. Jln Sekama / 082-332522 Sg. Maong Station. Jln Tun Hj. Mohd. Adruce / 082-256800 Kota Padawan (Batu 10) Station. Kota Padawan 16 Km, Jln. Kuching-Serian / 082- 612222 Siburan Station. Km 27, Jln. Kuching-Serian / 082-864121 Tapah Station. 082-867236 Wisma Saberkas Station. Wisma Saberkas / 082-253535 Police Station Tabuan Jaya / 082-360999 Police Patrol (24Hrs) / 082-244444

46 BOOKS llll

The Nyonya Mr. John M. Chin, my father, wrote this book, «The Nyonya» 50 years ago. This book has long been out of print and I hope to bring the story back to its glory, by printing some chapters at a time in every issue of KI&O. To commemorate the 50th year anniversary, the book will be republished together with a Live Drama scheduled for mid 2013, a play produced by JC Production Company.

Marian Chin

The writer, Mr. John M. Chin, at 93 years, in front of the courthouse.

Inset: In 1962 when «The Nyonya» was written.

by John Michael Chin Ching Shang

Mrs. Nona Richardson, whose maiden name was Tan Kim Lan, died in her sleep of cardiac failure. Her passing was as peaceful as the last few of her seventytwo years were uneventful; her funeral at the Kuching Catholic cemetery as quiet and undemonstrative. It was attended only by her daughter Sarah and her family, my family, and some close friends. She would not have wished it otherwise.

Auntie Nona, as we called her, had been for many years a family friend. She was particularly attached to my mother and visited us constantly till mother died several years ago. Sarah and I had almost grown up together, she two years older than I. And we had been playmates, sweethearts, and everything to each other until she married the man of her choice, while I, someone chosen by a solicitous father, but we have remained good friends.

As a child I had felt Auntie Nona’s special affection for me,

loved her heart-warming smile and cheery presence. Her generosity knew no bounds. Each birthday she brought me clockwork toys and an enormous cake complete with red candles. She loved watching me blow them out. Mother kept to the Chinese custom of giving me boiled eggs coloured pink, vermicelli soup, and a red packet containing silver coins.

She used to say to Auntie Nona, «You do spoil Thiam Hock, sister Nona.»

To this Auntie Nona would reply, «Let him be. He will grow up quickly enough. It’s good to be able to remember a happy childhood.»

Auntie Nona was also faithful to her Chinese New Year ritual: red money packets for me and my two sisters, mandarin oranges, a rive dumpling topped with a circlet of red paper, and preserved fruits.

All these were carried in a doubledecker bamboo basket of intricate design and workmanship such as one seldom sees nowadays.

To be continued in the next issue.

A beautiful and heart-warming story of love from China to Kuching.

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www.kuchinginandout.com KI&O 46

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jennifer khoo photography 2013

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