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Observing traditional fishing methods at Danau Sentarum National Park

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Located in the province of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, the Danau Sentarum National Park is one of the most biodiverse lake systems in the world.

To give you an idea of how diverse; the park is home to about 240 recorded fish species.

Compare that to the European continent which has recorded about 546 species of freshwater fish, and Danau Sentarum has the equivalent of 40% of fish species for the whole of Europe.

The national park which covers an area of 127,393.4 hectares is basically a vast floodplain. Half of the area are lakes while the other half is swamp forest.

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One of the many channels in the complex lake system of Danau Sentarum National Park.

While most national parks in the world impose the heavy rule of ‘no fishing’ within its management area, the same rule cannot be enforced at Danau Sentarum National Park.

This is because there are roughly 20 villages located within the park’s proximity.

About 90% of the locals there are the Malay people while the rest are Dayak Iban.

With most of their villages built right next to a body of water, the lake also gives the villagers accessibility to the outside world besides providing

Most importantly, though, the communities rely heavily on the fish resources as their source of livelihood.

During a trip organised by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia from Nov 25 till 28, a group of media practitioners and travel writers paid a visit to Danau Sentarum National Park.

There, the group had the opportunity to cruise through the different channels of the lake system and observe the daily activities of local communities.

And it was not hard to find the locals at the Danau Sentarum. A number of them were seen on their boats busy with different kind of fishing gear.

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The local communities of Danau Sentarum rely heavily on fishing as their source of income.

Fishing nets of all kinds

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One of the fishing gears, commonly called ‘pukat’.
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A closer look at the pukat.

One of the most common types of fishing gear used at Danau Sentarum is the pukat or gill net. The nets look like rectangular hammocks with wooden sticks to put them in place.

Pukat is commonly used all year round. However when the water level drops during dry season, this fishing method is not practical as the net is not entirely submerged.

Apart from the pukat, the locals of Danau Sentarum can be seen casting jala or nets from the bows of their wooden boats.

Jala allows the locals to catch different kinds of fish depending on the mesh sized used.

Another common fishing gear spotted along the lake of the national park was the bubu. This is typically a large cylindrical fish trap made from rattan, although they do make rectangular traps as well.

Some fishermen were still seen using good old hooks. This kind of fishing method is used to catch fish for personal consumption.

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Biawan fishes in cage cultures.

Are those wind chimes?

Bubu is not the only type of fish trap used at Danau Sentarum.

If you are cruising through Danau Sentarum, youmight notice small items hanging from trees along the lake and the stilts of the village houses.

They look like wind chimes from afar but in fact they are bamboo tube traps.

Called tabung by the locals, these fish traps are made from bamboo tubes tied in bundles. The local fishermen used them primarily to trap live ulang uli.

Ulang uli or clown loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) have orange bodies with three black bars. They are usually sold as ornamental fish.

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Tabung hanging from stilts at Danau Sentarum.
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These fish traps are made from bamboo tubes tied in bundles.

Fishing for a living at Danau Sentarum

Apart from ornamental fish, Danau Sentarum fishery folk process their various catches into salted and smoked products for sale.

And their products cannot get any fresher; the fish are immediately gutted right on the boats or their village wharf.

According to one fisherman, Abang Usman from Dusun (village) Semangit, it takes up to four days to completely dry the salted fish.

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Abang Usman from Dusun Semangit.

The salted fish are sold to a seller who comes to the village every two or three days to collect the processed fish.

He explained that the type of fish sold vary according to the season. In September, some of the common catches are toman, baung and biawan.

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A group of villagers gutting fish together to make salted fish.

Fish for food at Danau Sentarum

At Danau Sentarum, fish is the main source of protein for the local villagers. While salted and smoked fishes are tasty and ready to have with a bowl of hot steaming rice, they still can’t beat freshly cooked fish.

And one of the favourite ways to cook any fishes here is with asam pedas, or spicy tamarind fish. It is a Malay sour and spicy fish dish popular in Indonesia.

The added bonus of having your fish freshly caught, is that they don’t have that fishy smell.

So if you are making your way to Danau Sentarum, do not miss out on having a taste of the fish.

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Salted roes from toman fishes, one of the delicacies found at a Malay village in Danau Sentarum.
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It takes up to four days to dry these salted fishes.
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Fish smoking in the process.
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The local fishermen dry their fishes in front of their houses.
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Toman fishes cooked in asam pedas.

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3 botanical gardens you should visit in Kuching if you love plants

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Calling out all botanists and horticulturalists who are visiting Kuching city for the first time!

Do not leave the city without visiting these botanical gardens:

1. DBKU Orchid Park
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One of the orchids found in DBKU Orchid Park.

While the hibiscus is Malaysia’s official flower, Sarawak’s state flower is actually the Normah Orchid (Phalaenopsis bellina).

So, having a whole garden dedicated solely to orchids in Kuching comes as no surprise.

Located near the State Legislative Assembly, the garden houses of more than 75,000 plants.

Some of these plants include Lady’s Slipper (Paphiopedilum sanderianum) and Bulbophyllum beccarii .

In July 2019, 600 participants from 13 countries are expected to come for 13th Asia Pacific Orchid Conference in Kuching.

2. Pitcher Plant and Wild Orchid Center

In the 19th century, Marianne North, a botanical artist came to Sarawak to paint scenery and plants. One of the plants she painted was a pitcher plant endemic only to Borneo.The species was eventually named after North, Nepenthes northiana as she was the first person to illustrate it.

Fast forward to 21st century, there are now plenty books and illustrations of pitcher plants. Plus, there is a botanical garden hosting up 35 species or subspecies of pitcher plants in Kota Padawan.

Apart from pitcher plants, there are other species including wild orchids found in the garden.Pay it a visit if you want to know more about this carnivorous plant. The centre opens Tuesday to Sunday.

3. Sarawak Botanical Garden

The third botanical garden is still undergoing expansion.

After receiving RM10 mil fund from the federal government in 2016, the garden is going to be spread over 83ha. It will link Darul Hana Bridge, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex and Orchid Garden.

The garden is targetted to be one of the sustainable networks of green spaces in Kuching city. It will also be a recreational activity area as well as a tourist landmark.

Special mention: Kuching Seed Swap

A public Facebook group, if you live in Kuching and are an avid gardener or even just starting out, Kuching Seed Swap is a free seed/plant/produce exchange group for all Kuching based gardeners.

The group aims to bring together a community of gardeners to share not just plants and seeds, but also knowledge and experience.

Happy Gardening!

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Experience different sights, sounds and flavours at Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival

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The Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival returned for its 17th installment this year to Carpenter Street, one of the oldest streets in the city.

The event started from Sept 17 and will be ending on September 24 and runs from 6pm to 11pm.

With the slogan “Sight, Sound and Taste”, the nightly event showcases the different food, music and cultures of various ethnicities in Sarawak.

Organised by The Federation of Kuching Division Community Association with Kuching Old Market Community Association, the festival promises eight days of fun-packed activities for all ages.

The different sights, sounds and tastes at Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival

As celebration in Sarawak is nothing without food, there are so many cuisines to choose from at the Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival.

From traditional Chinese food to Dayak barbecued goodies, visitors will be spoilt for choice.

Patrons can quench their thirst with a variety of drinks such as Thai milk tea, Vietnamese coffee and assorted bubble teas.

For those who are health-conscious, Kuching Chinese Traditional and Holistic Natural Medicine Association is there to provide free medical checkup.

Apart from that every night from 8am to 9pm, there will be Street Magic Show happening along Carpenter Street.

Making its return this year is 2017’s RM2 Charity Haircut where hairdressers from Maison Monica Hair & Beauty Academy are offering haircut services. The proceeds will be donated to Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).

Other activities are children’s colouring competition, lantern fabrication competition, snow skin mooncake making contest and photography competition.

Local patrons who are diving are advised to park their vehicles at Plaza Merdeka, St. Thomas Cathedral or the Kuching Waterfront.

About Mooncake Festival

The mooncake festival or mid-autumn festival is a harvest festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar.

This year, the festival falls on Sept 24. On this day, the traditional delicacy called mooncake is enjoyed and shared among family and friends.

Visit Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival’s Facebook page for more information on the festival.

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The eight-day Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival promises fun activities for all ages.

 

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There will be a live Chinese orchestra performance at one end of Carpenter Street.

 

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A glass of Vietnamese coffee to quench your thirst.
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There will be performances by different ethnic groups every night and visitors are more than welcome to join in the fun.
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Have some mooncakes which are inspired by Sarawak kek lapis.
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Oyster pancakes fresh off the stove.

 

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Different kinds of sausage, anyone?
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Visitors can also enjoy freshly fried dumplings at the Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival.

 

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The friendly ice-cream goyang vendor will let customer to shake the traditional Popsicle making machine.
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To carry brightly-lit lantern like this is part of celebrating the mooncake festival.
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Trader selling lanterns at the Kuching Multicultural Mooncake Festival.
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A dragon dance performance happening at The Hong San Si Temple.
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A taste of Thailand at The Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival.
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There are various street performances happening at almost every corner of Carpenter Street.
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Patrons enjoying their foods as well as the performances.

 

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Sir Hugh Low and his adventures in Malaysian Borneo

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Malaysian history textbooks gave credits to Sir Hugh Low as the first successful British administrator in Malayan states during the late 19th century.

He was the fourth Resident of Perak in 1877. It was reported that he left Perak with a credit balance of 1.5 million Straits Dollars by the end of his retirement in 1889.

Low’s most acknowledged contribution to Malaysia was for introducing rubber plantations to the country.

He first planted the seeds in Kuala Kangsar in 1877 and subsequently created a model for rubber plantations in Malaya.

Before Low even arrived in Malaya, however, he first travelled Sarawak before making his way up to Sabah.

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Hugh Low, a British Naturalist and Administrator. Credits: Public Domain.

Hugh Low and his accounts of Sarawak

Born in 1824 to a horticulturist father, Low started to show interest in botany at an early age while working at his family’s nursery.

At the young age 20, his father sent him to Southeast Asia to collect plants. Low was based in Singapore first before he made friends with Sarawak’s first White Rajah, James Brooke.

Brooke invited Low to Sarawak and together they travelled to the interior.

He spent about 30 months in Sarawak, long enough for him to pick up a little bit of conversational Malay.

He recorded his experience and published it in a book Sarawak, Its Inhabitants and Productions: Being Notes During a Residence in that Country with His Excellency Mr. Brooke in 1848.

The book not only provided the general survey of the kingdom, but also its natural resources and the indigenous peoples.

He described the customs and traditions of Sarawak tribes he encountered during his stay. This included the Malays which he became acquainted with, Sea Dayaks, Land Dayaks, Melanau and Kayans.

Being a botanist, Low also detailed the significance of plants he collected during his adventure in his book.

Low’s book was considered one of the first detailed accounts on Sarawak.

Hugh Low and his exploration in Sabah

After writing his book about Sarawak in England, Low made his return to the island of Borneo.

Again thanks to his friendship with the Rajah, he became Brooke’s colonial secretary in Labuan.

This was when Brooke was appointed as the first governor of newly established British Colony, Labuan.

During his stay in Labuan, Low explored part of North Borneo. His notable exploration in the area is when he ascended to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia.

Low made the first documented ascent of the mountain in March 1851. Then in 1858, he made another two ascents that year in April and July.

Although now the highest peak Low’s Peak is named after him, the truth is he never reached the highest point of the mountain. He described the peak as “inaccessible to any but winged animals.”

Nonetheless, a non-winged English explorer did actually reached the highest peak of the mountain. John Whitehead, a naturalist and zoologist made it to the top in 1888.

Hugh Low and a gully

Besides the highest peak of the mountain, the lowest point of the mountain was also named after the British administrator.

Low was recorded as the first person who looked down into it in 1851. Low’s Gully is a 1,800m deep gorge on the north side of Mount Kinabalu.

To this day, the gully is dubbed one of the least explored places on Earth.

More than 100 years after Low looked down into the ravine, Low’s Gully made headlines across the world.

In March 1994, a British Army expedition of seven British and three inexperienced Hong Kong soldiers made a disastrous descent in to the gully.

Half of the party (two British and three Hong Kong soldiers) were trapped for 16 days before being rescued.

One British media reported the search and rescue as an embarrassing and expensive rescue operation.

Years later in 1998, a joint expedition by Malaysian and British team made the first successful complete descent of Low’s Gully.

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The highest and lowest points of this mountain was named after Hugh Low. Credits: Pixabay.

Hugh Low’s Legacy

Besides Low’s Peak and Gully, there were numerous species named after him thanks to his contribution.

He discovered Nepenthes lowii, a tropical pitcher plant endemic to Borneo during his ascent to Mount Kinabalu.

There are also five species of orchids, a treeshrew, a squirrel, a beetle and two butterflies named after him.

Low made home in this part of the globe and even raised a family in Labuan. After his wife Catherine Napier died of fever in 1851, he buried her at the Government House which was locally known as Bumbung 12.

Low designed Bumbung 12 (twelve roofs in Malay) with a long and low structure and planting trees around it.

Unfortunately the house was completely destroyed during World War II and the only thing left was its water storage tank.

Today the site is one of the island’s main attractions called the Labuan Botanical Garden.

Located behind Labuan’s old airport, some of the oldest trees in the garden are believed to be planted by Low.

All of the graves in the area were relocated to different parts of Labuan except for one, a grave which belonged to a foxhound named Jim.

Although the grave of Low’s wife was already relocated, urban legend has it her ghost was still roaming around in the area.

As for Low, he died on Apr 18, 1905 in Italy.

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5 ingredients that go well with Sarawakian pounded cassava leaves

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A local favourite, the cassava leaf or ‘daun ubi’.

Sarawakians love our pounded cassava leaves. Only, we don’t call them “cassava leaves”. We call this bitter, fibrous plant by different names including daun ubi tumbuk, daun bandung tumbuk, uvek kele (in Kayan) and many more.

There is no better way to prepare cassava leaves than to pound them. Traditionally, Sarawakians used a long wooden pestle and mortar to pound the leaves till they got nicely crushed – not too pulpy – and slightly moist.

The cooking method for pounded cassava leaves is generally the same as stir-frying any Asian vegetable except it takes more time to cook.

For a really simple stir-fry, just heat up some oil in a wok, throw in some garlic and red onions until aromatic and then throw in your pounded cassava leaves. You know they’re done once the light green uncooked pounded cassava leaves change to a darker shade of green.

With cassava leaves, every part of its preparation from stem to pot is important. This is because poorly processed cassava plants can trigger the production of cyanide. So while you cannot eat raw cassava leaves, traditional techniques like pounding and mashing cassava leaves before cooking it can help to neutralise the cyanide-inducing cyanogens. While you are stir-frying your cassava leaves, never ever cover your wok as this is believed to trap the cyanogens as it cooks.

Here in Sarawak we have mastered the art of preparing these cassava leaves, and it is very much an essential part of local Sarawak cuisine. Here are a variety of ingredients to mix with this dish.

Pounded cassava leaves
There are plenty ingredients which go well this pounded cassava leaves dish.

Here are how five common ingredients Sarawakians love to cook their pounded cassava leaves with.

1. Three layer pork meat

Three layer pork or pork belly is the boneless cut of fatty meat from the belly of a pig, and as such it has a rich, oily flavour that pork-lovers crave.

One commonly known tip to make pounded cassava leaves tastier and more delicious is to cook it with a lot of oil. However, some people would stir-fry the pork belly long enough to allow the oil from the meat to flavour the cassava. leaves.

2. Tepus

Tepus is a type of wild ginger found in Sarawak. While some people enjoy tepus and chicken cooked in a bamboo, it also goes well with pounded cassava leaves.

3. Terung pipit

Here is another local vegetable= commonly found in Sarawak which goes well with pounded cassava leaves. In the state, the vegetable is known as terung pipit but it has fancier names such as turkey berry, shoo-shoo bush and prickly nightshade.

Also known with its scientific name Solanum torvum, the vegetable is usually stir-fried with belacan (shrimp paste).
To pair up terung pipit and cassava leaves is easy; it’s either you cook them together or you can also pound the leaves and egg plant together.

3. Gulong Sliced Stewed Pork

We bet when China brand Gulong came up with this product, they didn’t imagine that hundreds of miles away in Sarawak that people would use it with pounded cassava leaves.

Put the pork slices in once the cassava leaves are cooked. The oiliness and saltiness of the processed food somehow makes the whole dish more flavourful.

4. Luncheon meat

Luncheon meat is another source of protein which goes well with pounded cassava leaves. Just like Gulong Stewed Pork Sliced, luncheon meat is put in once the leaves are cooked.

5. Pork crackling

If we were to name a list delicious yet unhealthy snacks, pork crackling definitely takes the crown.
This snack which made of fried pork rind is crunchy and salty. Once you cook it together with pounded cassava leaves, the crackling would turn soft giving another extra texture to the whole dish.

So Sarawakians, let us know in the comment box which ingredient is your favourite!

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Top 20 most amazing facts about Sabah’s biodiversity

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Apart from its rich culture, Sabah is also widely known for its rich biodiversity.

Did you know that Sabah’s rainforest even inspired the live action remake of The Jungle Book?

One of the movie’s visual effect artists, Helen Brownell reportedly drew inspiration from her adventures in Sabah for some of the landscapes in the film.

We bet Brownell is not the only one who is amazed by its diverse flora and fauna combined with its unique topography.

For the uninitiated, here are 20 amazing facts about Sabah and its nature:

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Do you know all top three peaks in Malaysia are found in Sabah?
1.Malaysia’s top 3 highest mountains are found in the Land Below the Wind

This Malaysian state of Borneo was given the nickname Land Below the Wind because it lies below the typhoon belt of East Asia.

The highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu stands tall at 4,095m. It is also the highest peak in the Malay Archipelago as well as the highest mountain in Malaysia.

Lonely Planet even named it as one of the world’s 50 most epic hiking trails.

The second highest mountain is Mount Trusmadi at 2,642m and Mount Tambuyukon closing in at 2,579m.

2. 59% of Sabah is covered by forest!

In the ’70s, the forest cover for Sabah was up to 90%. However due to agriculture and development, the number went down to 59% over recent years.

Why it is still amazing is because 59% of Sabah is about the same size as Denmark.

3. There is one place nicknamed the ‘waterfall capital’.

That place is Maliau Basin! Located at the center of the state, the 390 sq km area has at least 28 waterfalls towering over 5 m. This perhaps shows that Maliau Basin may house the highest number of waterfalls per unit area in the world, if not in Malaysia. The one waterfall that stands out is the majestic 7-tier Maliau Falls.

4. 76% of the world’s coral species is found here!

Sabah is home to at least 612 coral species! The state is also part of the Coral Triangle; an area of tropical marine waters of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Philippines and Timor-Leste. It is recognised as the centre of world marine biodiversity.

5.The largest giant clam species Tridacna Gigas in the world can be found in the Land Below the Wind.

One of the amazing creatures living in Sabah’s water is the giant clam. The largest of them all, Tridacna Gigas can weigh up to 200kg!

In the wild, it has an average lifespan of over 100 years. Apart from Sabah, it also can be found off the shores of the Philippines.

6. There is a safe haven for marine turtles.

Do you know that the oldest marine turtles conservation programme in the world is in Sabah? Established in 1966, the first turtle conservation site in Sabah was on Selingan Island, Sandakan.

Together with Little Bakungan and Gulisaan, these three islands made up Turtle Islands Park which lie in the Sulu Sea.
This park is considered the safe haven for green and hawksbill turtles.

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There is a place which can be considered a safe haven for marine turtles and it is in Sabah.
7. Sipadan is one of the top dive sites in the world.

What do The Guardian, CNN Travel, Dive Magazine, Deacon Herald and Deeper Blue have in common? They all named Sipadan as one of the top dive sites in the world.

Located off the east coast of Sabah, the island was formed by living growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone.

One of the highlights of this island is its Turtle Tomb. It is an underwater cave with maze-like tunnels and chambers where many turtles skeletons have been found from turtles who got lost and ended up drowning in this cave.

8. The largest crocodile species is found in Sabah.

Apart from Sarawak, reptile lovers can also find the largest crocodile species in the Land Below the Wind.
Measuring possibly up to 7 meters in length, the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest of all living reptile.

9.Reticulated Python, the longest snake in the world called Land Below the Wind home.

If saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile in the world, the longest reptile is the reticulated python.
Plus, it is also one of the three heaviest snakes in the world. Besides Sabah, this reptile can also be found slithering around South Asia and the Indo-Australian Archipelago.

10.Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands is the largest Ramsar Site in Malaysia.

A Ramsar Site is a wetland site designated of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. As of 2016, there are 2,231 Ramsar Sites throughout the world and the largest one in Malaysia is Lower Kinabatangan-Segama (78, 803ha).

11.The world’s smallest elephant is found here.

Speaking of Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands, one of the species calling that places home is the Borneo pygmy elephant.
It is the world’s smallest elephant, a subspecies of Asian elephant.
However according to IUCN, the population has been declining for the past 75 years die to habitat loss and hunting.

12.The world’s tallest tropical tree is here too.

In July 2018, scientists found the world’s tallest tropical tree in Tawau Hills Park. Towering at 96.9m, the tree is Shorea faguetiana located at about 24km from Tawau town.

That tree is even taller than the Statue of Liberty (93m)! Prior to this, the then tallest tree was also found in the state, at the Danum Valley Conservation Area, recorded at 94.1m.

13.  Sabah is home to one of the most wanted birds in the world.

Here in Sabah, you can find one of the world’s most wanted birds by birdwatchers. It is the Bornean Bristlehead, an uncommon species and endemic only to Borneo.

14. One of the oldest tropical rainforest in the world is in Sabah.

Danum Valley Conservation Area, about 2 hours’ drive from Lahad Datu, is not only the largest protected rainforest area in the state, it is also estimated to be almost 140 million years old.

15. Malaysia’s largest marine park is Tun Mustapha Park.

Tun Mustapha Park (TMP) is Malaysian biggest marine park spanning over 898,763ha, off Kudat, Kota Marudu and Pitas districts.

It comprises more than 50 islands including Banggi and Balambangan.

16. You might see the Bornean Falconet, the smallest raptor in the world here too.

The Bornean Falconet or white-fronted falconet is the smallest bird of prey in the world. Endemic to Sabah, this raptor is about 15cm.

17.The most expensive orchid, Rothschild’s Slipper orchid is only found in the Land Below the Wind.
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Mount Kinabalu is where many of Sabah endemic species are found. Credits: Pixabay.

Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia houses many interesting plants and animals. It also harbours the most expensive orchid in the world. One of its stems on the black market is reported to be worth up to $5,000. No wonder it is called “the Gold of Kinabalu” orchid. As always though, we at KajoMag urge our readers to conserve and preserve nature.

18. The world’s longest stick insect is found near Kinabalu Park.

Besides the most expensive orchid, Kinabalu Park is home to the world’s longest stick insects called Phobaeticus chani. Visitors might confuse it with a real stick as it measures at more than 50cm in length.

19. The largest rafflesia species is found in Sabah.

Rafflesia is widely known as the largest individual flower in the world. The largest of the rafflesia species is Rafflesia arnoldii which can also be found in this state.

20. The biggest pitcher plant is found on Mount Kinabalu too.

Here is an interesting fact; the biggest pitcher plant is named after the first White Rajah of Sarawak but it is only can be found in its neighbouring state of Sabah. Hugh Low first collected Nepenthes rajah in 1858 on Mount Kinabalu and named it after his friend, James Brooke.

Growing up to 40cm high and 20cm wide, this plant can even trap small mammals!

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10 things to do in Kuching, the Cat City of Sarawak

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Kuching, also known as Cat City, the capital of Malaysian state of Sarawak is a vibrant, colourful city.

It is a mixture of old and new; with traces of the 150 year reign of the Brooke family as well as recent modern development under the Malaysian federation.

Most foreign tourists treat Kuching as the main gateway to visit the rest of Sarawak and Borneo.

The city itself , however, has so much to offer. Here in KajoMag, we highly suggest not to leave the Cat City of Sarawak until you have done these 10 things:

1.Learn the cultures

Kuching is a multi-cultural city and a visit to it is incomplete without learning about the different cultures.

The best place to absorb and experience the different cultures Is one place is none other than Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV).

It is a living museum showcasing the different ethnicitIes of Sarawak including Iban, Orang Ulu, Chinese, Malay, Melanau and Bidayuh.

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Baruk, the Bidayuh Cultural House at Sarawak Cultural Village.
2.Eat your heart out

Kuchingites are foodies to their core and they are very proud of their food. Plus thanks to the city’s multicultural backgrounds, it offers more variety of food inspired by different races in the Sarawak.

If you are stuck on what to eat in Kuching, here are KajoMag’s list of what to devour in Cat City.

As for desserts, do not skip on these two classic ice-creams!

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Some of the local Dayak food found in Sarawak.
3.Explore the national parks

Sarawak’s wide range of biodiversity is the state’s crown jewel. The best part of Kuching is that you do not need to travel far to experience its rich flora and fauna.

Visitors can take a dip in Matang Wildlife Centre or climb to the peak of Mount Serapi.

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Get this view from the top of Mount Serapi.

Read more: Six nature attractions near Kuching City, Sarawak

4.Walk the streets of Kuching
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Explore the old part of Kuching.

While in Cat City, skip the shopping malls and walk on the streets of its old town.

Visitors can start with the Main Bazaar, the oldest street in Kuching located at the Kuching Waterfront. Explore Carpenter, India and Padungan streets and let the different smells and sound excite you.

5.Visit the museums
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The Textile Museum of Sarawak.

Did you know that the Sarawak Museum’s old wing was built in 1891, making it the oldest museum in Borneo?

Besides Sarawak Museum, there are other museums in Kuching as well including Textile Museum, Chinese History Museum, Art Museum, The Brooke Gallery and Islamic Heritage Museum.

Since you are in Cat City, do not forget to visit Kuching Cat Museum.

6.Spend a day at Santubong peninsular
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Spend a day at the foot of Mount Santubong.

Located only 40 minutes from Kuching city, Santubong peninsular provides the perfect place for a little R&R.

It is the perfect place to have the best of mountain and the sea. There are so many things to do that you can actually spend the whole day at the peninsular. Visitors can start a day with hiking at Santubong National Park, have a quick kayaking at Permai Rainforest Resort in the afternoon and end the day with a beer at Damai Central.

7.See the wildlife up-close
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Tourists admiring the magnificence of orangutans at Semenggoh.

A trip to one of the cities in Borneo is never complete without seeing wildlife up close.

Here in Kuching city, you can choose to watch a bearded pig strolling by the shore or a proboscis monkey jumping from tree to tree at Bako National Park. Or visit an orangutan during its feeding time at Semenggoh Nature Reserve.

8.Sight-see heritage buildings
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Sarawak Post Office is one of the heritage buildings found in Kuching.

With a rich history spanning over 150 years, Kuching has so much to offer when it comes to heritage buildings.

Only in Kuching, you can find the only Japanese building built during World War II, a prison turned into a fortress and which now houses a restaurant at Square Tower and a neoclassical style post office.

9.Experience at least one festival
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The Rainforest World Music Festival brings international performers to Kuching for a 3-day immersion of world music.

Kuching is probably best known for its international 3-day full of music and fun Rainforest World Music Festival.

However like any other city in Malaysia, you can experience different kind of festivals all year round.

Experience the harvest festival with the Ibans or Bidayuh during Gawai or go house-visiting during Chinese New Year or Hari Raya Adilfitri.

10.Hop into the coffee culture

The coffee culture in Kuching city has its own charm. First of all, Sarawak has its own coffee bean called the Sarawak liberica. You can find them at Black Bean Coffee at Jalan Pending and Ewe Hai Street.

Atmosphere-wise, you can choose to have your cup of java in a heritage building such as Commons Kch at the Old Courthouse or Indah Cafe at Upper China Street or in a hip, minimalist-decorated cafe like Keeper’s Ground.

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Hop into the coffee culture of Kuching.

 

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30 things to do for free this What About Kuching 2018

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What About Kuching (WAK) is back! From Sept 29 till Oct 28, Kuching will be lit up with tonnes of activities all over the city.

This month-long festival is a local community effort aiming to celebrate the arts, culture and lifestyle that Kuching has to offer.

Mark your calendar and decide what to do during this year’s What About Kuching:

1.Watch local artists in action at Bishopsgate and The Clock Tower

What About Kuching Music Portail provides platform for local artists to showcase their talents. Watch out for these dates Oct 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 when the fun is happening at Bishopsgate Street Stage. Then on Oct 26 and 27, the party is moving to Clock Tower@The Old Courthouse.

There will be performances from Zee Avi, Tuku Kame, At Adau, Meruked and many more.

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At Adau’s Ezra Tekola on the sape’. Catch At Adau on Oct 12 at Bishopsgate Street Stage.
2.Visit the World Press Photo Exhibition

The iconic Padang Merdeka will come alive during the whole duration of What About Kuching. There, the World Press Photo Exhibition will make its Kucing debut showcasing a series of award-winning photos.

3.Follow a food trail along Padungan Street

What Kuching without its food? Follow the trail of Food Safari, collect stamps along the way and redeem a What About Kuching Merchandise.

4.Enjoy the music by Sarawak river at Waterfront Night Live

Do you know that there is a free weekly entertainment programme at GoDown Amphitheatre@Kuching Waterfront? The entertainment continues throughout What About Kuching month every Friday and Saturday.

5.Support young entrepreneurs at Junior Art Market
What About Kuching
Lend your support to young entrepreneurs at Junior Art Market.

This art market is unlike others as it is exclusively dedicated to young entrepreneurs. However, there are art workshops, food and performances for all ages.

6. Observe the beauty of body art of Sarawak

What does the late Anthony Bourdain and Crazy Rich Asian’s Henry Golding have in common? Both of them have tribal Iban tattoos on their bodies.

From Sept 29 till Oct 9 there will be a tattoo exhibition happening at The Old Courthouse.

7. Learn more about Sarawak tattoos

Speaking of tattoos, know more about this artistry on Sept 30. There will be a presentation about tattoo artifacts. While on Oct 7, there will be a panel discussion on Sarawak tattoo industry.

8. Take part in a photojournalism workshop

Calling out all professional and amateur photographers! There will be a free a workshop conducted by photojournalists from the World Press. Sign up quickly because seats are limited.

9.Meet a fine artist

Ramsay Ong is a household name when comes the local fine art scene. Meet him daily from 10am to 2pm from Mondays to Fridays at the Pullman Hotel.

10.Take pleasure in listening to monologues

Listen to local talents reciting their monologues on Oct 5. There will guests performers flying in from Singapore and West Malaysia.

11.Enroll your kids in a Latin dance workshop
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Enroll your kids in a Latin dance workshop.

Start ‘em young! Sign your kids up for Latin Dance Workshop and they might have a knack for it!

12. Watch a yoga performance

Observe professional yogis in action at Sarawak famous Darul Hana Bridge Oct 6. On Oct 18, the yoga performance is happening at the Old Courthouse. After both of the performances, the public will have the chance to try some yoga moves. Do not miss out on this!

13. Gain an understanding on how to be a published writer

Do you have a manuscript tucked away somewhere in the corner of your room? Or have you always wanted to be a published writer? For two hours on Oct 7, bestseller Gina Yap will share about her journey.

14.Take in the knowledge of a poet

Marc Nair, a poet from Singapore will gives listeners a peak into his world of publishing poetry, taking photographs and more on Oct 7.

15. Familiarise yourself with Borneo beads

The beads of Sarawak can be considered as one of the state’s most precious heirlooms. Know more about beads of Sarawak by Heidi Munan on Oct 9.

16.Admire the beauty of Sarawak craft

From Oct 8 till 28, explore the beauty of Sarawak arts and Crafts at Pullman Hotel.

17. Grasp more about mental health problems in Kuching

Honestly here in Sarawak we do not talk enough about mental health. Join in the movement of raising awareness in conjunction of World Mental Health Day from Oct 10 till 14. There will be exhibitions, screening and forums.

18.Ignite your passion in Latin dance

Dance to Latin music with Sarawak sunset glowing on you on Oct 12 and 19 at Kuching Waterfront. Only for two days, there will be a showcase and free dance lesson from Baile Latino Kuching from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

19.Spend an evening of music, art and coffee

Shades of Art is back in town on Oct 13! The 13th edition of this evening of music and arts is dedicated to the Ranee of Sarawak.

20. Watch local short independent films

For one night only on Oct 13 at The Garden@The Old Courthouse, there will be film screenings and sharing session.

21. Play some ping pong games

Sweat it out for some ping pong games at Plaza Merdeka on Oct 14-27.

22.Show your support to the artists from the Kuching Autistic Association
What About Kuching 3
Give your support to the artists from the Kuching Autistic Association during this What About Kuching.

Walk through forty pieces of artworks from the talents of Kuching Autistic Association. The exhibition is happening on Oct 19 to 21 at Hilton Hotel.

23.Explore a cardboard city

Here is another activity to bring your kids! Explore the Cardboard city made from recycled cardboard on Oct 20 till 21.

24.Jam with the youths

Feel the young vibes of local youths at Kuching Youth Jam. This monthly gathering features exhibition and workshop for hip hop enthusiasts.

25.Party with the local hip hop scene

Another What About Kuching event for hip hop enthusiasts, Tha (this is not a spelling error) Block Party organised by Tha Project will highlight hip hop talents, break dancing and more.

26.Take a pint (or more) during an Oktoberfest

Forget about celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany and head down tHe Spring shopping mall. Enjoy your drinks and the live music for ten nights from Sept 29 till Oct 7.

27.Channel your inner Tony Hawk

What About Kuching is all out giving platforms to different kinds of communities in the city. One of these community is the skaters of Kuching. There will be workshops, competitions and booths during Skate About Kuching on Oct 21.

28.Celebrate Deepavali for three days

Although Deepavali is not a public holiday in Sarawak, it should not stop all Sarawakians to celebrate. Come together on Oct 26-28 at CityOne Megamall to celebrate with arts, fashion shows, Bollywood competition as well as cooking classes and contests.

29.Visit a flea market

Show your support to local artisans and entrepreneurs while watching live music at Green Heights Mall Halloween Flea.

30.Find a treasure at a trunk sale

The biggest pre-loved market in Kuching is back on Oct 27 till 28. Give new life to old items at Kuching Trunk Sale (Oct 27-28) at Emart Batu Kawa.

There are more activities happening this year What About Kuching, download their calendar here!

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10 pit stops you can make when driving from Kuching to Bintulu

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Driving from Kuching to Bintulu takes about nine to 10 hours depending on your speed and the road conditions.

Although the scenery from Kuching to Bintulu may not be as breathtaking compared to the road from Kota Kinabalu to Ranau or Tambunan, there are still a few attractions along the way.

The journey can be exhausting, so you need to stop few times along the way to refuel, refresh yourself and refill your stomach.

Here 10 pit stops you can make when driving from Kuching to Bintulu:

1.Serian

After driving about 60km from Kuching, the first pit stop you can make is at Serian town. There is a petrol station, public toilet and lots of eateries.

You should also have a walk through the local wet market to buy some jungle produce, vegetables and even handicraft.

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One of the famous hotspots in Serian, Ranchan waterfall.
2.Balai Ringin

If you are planning to skip Serian, you can drive another 30km to reach Balai Ringin.

Here, the public toilet is relatively clean and there is a small market selling vegetables and fruits in the morning. In the evening, there are stalls selling traditional cakes.

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The public toilet at Balai Ringin.
3.Lachau

Lachau is one of the famous pit stops along the Kuching-Sri Aman route. It is famous as a selling hub for preserved fish.

Lachau is usually packed during breakfast and lunch times so parking might be a little bit difficult. This slowly growing town is about 50 minutes away from Balai Ringin.

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Buy some preserved fish at Lachau market.
4.Sri Aman Junction

Before you make a right turn into Kuching-Bintulu route, another well-known pit stop is at the Sri Aman junction. There is a food court serving Malay and Chinese cuisine, a grocery store and a public toilet.

Here you can also find traditional cakes and fruits.

5.Mid-Layar Resting Center

After leaving Sri Aman, drive another one hour to reach Mid-Layar Resting Centre.

If you have the time, you can a make a stop at Engkilili town which is about 6km from the main road or you can save that town for another trip.

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You can make swing by at small town of Engkilili to visit this mythical rock called Batu Nabau.

At Mid-Layar Resting Center is the most decorated public toilet in Sarawak. So even if you do not need a toilet break, it is still worth making a pit stop here.

The toilet is decorated with fake flowers, posters and funny Malay quotes and reminders. There are photo booths right outside the toilet to make your visit an Insta-worthy moment.

Other public amenities here are the surau, grocery store, food court and a petrol station.

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The most decorated public toilet in Sarawak that comes with a photo booth at its doorstep.
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Mid-Layar Resting Center near Betong, Sarawak, one of the must-stop pit stop from Kuching to Bintulu.
6.Jakar

Jakar can be considered the middle part of your journey from Kuching to Bintulu. Thus, it makes the famous pit stop to refuel. The public toilet at the petrol station is small but considerably clean.

This famous stopping point is also known for its prawn noodle at Peking Restaurant.

It is cooked in Foochow style with dark broth made of soy sauce. Additionally, the whole area makes a perfect place for a caffeine fix. This is because most of the eateries serve coffee using Jakar’s very own java beans.

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Stop by at Peking Restaurant, Jakar and have a bowl of prawn noodle.
7.Sibu

From Jakar, there are two ways to reach Sibu town; it’s either using the Lanang or Durin bridge.
Turn to Waze or Google navigation to decide your route.

Making a pit stop at Sibu would take a lot of time from your journey because of the traffic jam heading to the town centre.

However if it is during dabai (Sarawak black olive) season, a pit stop at this Swan town is definitely a must.
Sibu is famous for the best quality with the most reasonable price for dabai in Sarawak.

8.Stapang

From Sibu drive another 46km to reach the small town of Stapang.

There is not much going on at this pit stop although you will find a market, public toilet and a petrol kiosk. The town is like most small towns in rural Sarawak where it becomes quiet after lunch time.

9.Restaurant Impian Selangau

This halal restaurant is famous among bus drivers so it is hard to miss with rows of buses parked outside.
Located at Selangau-Mukah junction, it is another busy pit stop along the Kuching-Bintulu road.The restaurant is open 24 hours and there is a grocery store, a free entry public toilet and a surau.

10.Tatau

About 55km before reaching Bintulu, the final pit stop you can make is at Tatau town.

If you make a visit to its market, you might find some local traders selling tuak (Iban rice wine). Why not buy a bottle to celebrate your long journey once you arrive in Bintulu?

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5 accessible mountain peaks to conquer near Kuching

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For climbers living or visiting Kuching, there are five accessible mountain peaks to conquer here.

Each mountain has its own charm and difficulties as well as legends and stories.

But all of them offer the best of what Sarawak has; rich biodiversity and luscious greenery.

If you are making a list of mountain peaks to climb, perhaps you can start from this list:

1.Mount Santubong
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The view that greets you from the top of Mount Santubong.

Located about 35km from the capital of Sarawak, Mount Santubong has been gazetted as a national park.

It takes up to 4 hours to reach to the top and up to 3 hours to hike down depending on your stamina.

There are some steep climbs which come with rope ladders but the view that greets you is worth the sweat.

Unlike other Sarawak national parks, there is no entry fee to Santubong. So you can climb this mountain for free.

Read what else you can do at Santubong here.

2.Mount Serapi
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The view from the viewing platform of Mount Serapi.

Mount Serapi is located at Kubah National Park which is about 20km from Kuching city.

The best part of this climb is the path is tarred all the way to the top!

Read five reasons to climb Mount Serapi at least once in your life here.

3.Mount Gading
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You can swing by to this waterfall no 7 while on your way to the top of Mount Gading.

This mountain is a little bit far from Kuching, about 80km near Lundu town.

Sadly, this mountain does not offer much a view, just a sign implying, “Yay, you have arrived at the peak!”

The climb takes about 8 hours up and down so for a physical activity, why not give it a go.

While you are there, here are things to do at Gunung Gading National Park.

4.Mount Singai
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The view from Mount Singai.

If you are a practicing Catholic and a climber, this mount makes the top of the list you have to ascend near Kuching.

The faithfuls usually say the Stations of the Cross while visiting Mount Singai.

There is no Instagram-worthy view from the mountain peak but there is one viewing point three-quarter along the way.

Here are KajoMag’s six reasons for you to climb up this mountain.

5.Mount Jagoi

Located about 45 minutes from Kuching, Mount Jagoi is conserved by Jagoi Area Development Committee.

For beginners, this is the perfect mountain for you as it only takes one to two hours to reach to the top.

Once you are up there, the view of nearby mountains and Kampung Serasot.

Contact the committee to know more about Mount Jagoi.

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