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Tebedu’s KLB Garden makes the perfect visit for families and couples alike

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If you are running out of ideas on where to spend quality time with your families and partners, here is a KajoMag-approved suggestion: KLB Garden.

Located about one hour and thirty minutes from Kuching city in the sleepy town of Tebedu, the garden provides a variety of activities for you to spend with your loved ones.

This border town of Sarawak and Kalimantan is also a trading hub for both Malaysians and Indonesians.

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Beginning to look alot like Christmas in KLB Garden.

A huge garden for families with small children to explore

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Zodiac Kids Playground for children.
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A kiddy pool for the children to play in.

Overall, the garden prides itself on being able to house more than 100 different species of birds, fishes and animals such as deer, cows and goats.

They also have other animals such as peacocks, porcupines and rare fowls too.

Visitors can also see more than 20 different kinds of tropical fruits like rambutan, jackfruit, and dragon fruits.

Unfortunately, there were no signs to mark these trees. Thus, it was not entirely educational for those who were unfamiliar with these tropical species.

However, KLB Garden’s patrons can always keep a watchful eye on their surroundings. When you sit in one of its swings, for example, just look up and you will find a bunch of jackfruit hanging right above you.

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Swing underneath this jackfruit tree.

The wide variety of flora and fauna makes it an ideal place for young children to learn and explore their natural environment.

Plus, visitors are allowed to feed the cows, goats and rabbits. This gives young children first-hand experience with animals.

For those who are not thrilled with the idea of ‘caged animals’ or a zoo, KLB Garden might not be the place to visit.

Nonetheless, the animals all looked well taken care of and the cages were clean. Rest assured, all plants and animals were allowed in with permits from the Forest Department.

KLB Garden – a perfect place to go on a date

Additionally, the garden made a perfect date idea for couples looking for other options besides the usual movie and dinner dates.

There are 2-seater bicycles provided for rent, conveniently romantic for couples in love.

Take your sweet time to explore the area on your bicycle while enjoying your surroundings.

And if your partner is the Insta-boyfriend kind, there are a wide range of Insta-worthy spots inside the garden itself.

Social media enthusiasts can away pose to their hearts’ content on a covered walkaway with arches of greenery.

Then, there are two old buses refurbished into cute dining halls with colorful interiors.

If you have a keen eye, then you might notice the small details put into the garden.

For instance, there was a wishing well with statues of Snow White and Seven Dwarfs.

Disney fans would definitely be reminded of Snow White’s song ‘I’m Wishing’; the part when she is pulling a bucket of water out of the well and The Prince makes his sudden appearance.

Speaking of details, rubbish and recycle bins as well as washrooms were located almost at every corner. Hence, making it convenient for all visitors.

KLB Garden 13
Sing ‘I’m Wishing’ with Snow White at KLB Garden’s wishing well.

Giving visitors a reason to visit Tebedu

KLB Garden was named after Kueh Lau Boo, a prominent Tebedu businessman. During the war against the communists, Kueh’s family was one of the four selected businessmen allowed to continue to do business in the town.

The 13-acre garden is expected to be a main tourism attraction for Tebedu. For local Kuchingites, the garden makes another perfect excuse to escape the city.

Read about other day trips you can make while in Kuching:

What to do in Gunung Gading National Park, Lundu?

What to at Santubong, Sarawak?

Kuching-Serian Itinerary: What can you do in one day?

Ranchan Recreational Park, Serian’s Famous Picnic Spot

Soak your body in Panchor Hot Spring

3 Easy Trails in Bako National Park you must visit

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KajoPicks: The 6 best cafes with WiFi in Kuching

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We’re not anti-social; we’re just into connecting with each other digitally.

Over the last decade, nightclubs in Kuching have been losing out to the growing number of cafes and coffee bistros.

Kuchingites have come to enjoy cafes (almost as much as we love our coffeeshops), probably because of our overall laid-back lifestyle.

While we do our best chilling in cafes, they have also become the ideal place to work as they provide all the necessities we need; coffee, cakes, light food and WiFi connection.

Here are some KajoPicks of the most comfortable cafes in Kuching with WiFi.

  1. Coffee Obsession

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Coffee Obsession id located at Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce (Picture source: Coffee Obsession)

Located at Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce (formerly known as Jalan Keretapi), Coffee Obsession is one of the top KajoPick of cafes in Kuching with WiFi connection.

Apart from WiFi, Coffee Obsession has a great selection of light dishes for you to snack on while working on your laptop. Their interior is simple, yet cosy because of the pine wood tables and cushioned seats.

It is also a popular spot to host a small gathering and a hang out place to play games and read.

  1. Tease by Jase’s Tea Room, ICOM Square

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Tease by Jase’s Tea Room is located at ICOM Square. Picture source: Tease by Jase’s Tea Room.

ICOM Square is basically a hub for innovation hubs.

So, it is no surprise that Tease is always swamped with digital nomads looking for a different environment to work.

Apart from the WiFi connection and soothing ambience, it also has a great selection of food.

Tease is closed every Tuesday.

  1. Earthlings Coffee Workshop, Jalan Wan Alwi

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Earthlings Coffee Workshop HQ is located at Jalan Wan Alwi. Picture source: Earthlings Coffee Workshop HQ

As the name might have suggested, Earthlings Coffee Workshop regularly hosts a coffee workshop.

As one of the top cafes in Kuching with WiFi connection, it also has great selection of cakes to go with your coffee.

Earthlings Coffee Workshop has another branch set up at CityONE Megamall, Kuching.

  1. bing! coffee

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bing! coffee has branches in Jalan Padungan, Green Heights and Premier 101. Picture source: bing! coffee

bing! coffee is no stranger to hipsters with laptops.

As of one of the first cafes of its kind to open in Kuching, bing! coffee also hosts live performances regularly.

Currently, there are three branches of bing! coffee in Kuching; Jalan Padungan, Green Heights and Premier 101.

  1. Kai Joo Café, Lorong Kai Joo

Kai Joo Cafe
Kai Joo Cafe is located at Lorong Kai Joo (Picture source: Kai Joo Cafe)

Tucked away in the corner of Lorong Kai Joo, it is easy to miss this café as it blends in nicely with the rustic tropical surrounding.

This open-air café is the place to go if you prefer to work surrounded by fresh air and old Kuching.

Kai Joo Café is closed every Tuesday.

  1. Starbucks

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Picture source: Pixabay

Starbucks is known globally for having all the necessities for people who work with laptops: coffee, cakes, light snacks and the all-important WiFi connection.

Among the places where you can find Starbucks in Kuching includes CityONE Megamall, the Spring Shopping Mall, Vivacity, Jalan Song and Plaza Merdeka.

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Places to go If You Are Looking for Indigenous Food In Kuching

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In case you are in the mood for something other than kolo mee and laksa….

Until 10 years ago, there were not a lot of places to go if you were looking for indigenous food in Kuching.

Fortunately, local food eateries have been sprouting like mushrooms.

For the love of food, KajoMag prepared a list of places for foodies to go if you are in the mood for indigenous food in Kuching.

  1. Lepau Restaurant at Persiaran Ban Hock

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Lepau restaurant is located at Jalan Ban Hock – Picture source: Lepau restaurant

The word ‘lepau’ means ‘home’ or ‘house’ in the Kayan language.

Located in the heart of Kuching city, it is one of the most popular places to go if you are craving for indigenous dishes.

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Picture source: Lepau Restaurant

With a wide range of Orang Ulu and Dayak dishes, Lepau often host small gatherings and parties.

 

  1. The Dyak at Panovel Commercial Complex, Jalan Simpang Tiga

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The Dayk is located at Panovel Commercial Complex, Jalan Simpang Tiga (Picture source: the Dyak)

Tastefully decorated with Dayak motifs, The Dyak is the place to go if you are looking for fine dining.

Arguably one of the first few Dayak cuisine establishments in Kuching, The Dyak has a range of interesting Dayak dishes for you to sample.

 

  1. Mummy Patz at Rumah Asap Tabuan Dayak

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Mummy Patz in located at Rumah Asap Tabuan Jaya – Picture source: Mummy Patz

Previously known as Patz Dayak Home Cook Special, this spot has been known to have delicious Dayak dishes among Kuchingnites for years.

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Picture source: Mummy Patz

Previously located at Tabuan Laru, the stall was always swamped with customers for lunch.

Recently, Mummy Patz relocated to Rumah Asap at Tabuan Dayak.

 

  1. Rumah Asap at Tabuan Dayak, Batu Kawah, Kota Samarahan

Mummy Patz is not the only spot for traditional food in Kuching.

Recently, Rumah Asap is one of the most popular choice of places to go for traditional food in Kuching.

It is also definitely the place to go if you have a bunch of non-Sarawakian friends coming over to Kuching for the first time.

Unlike restaurants, Rumah Asap has a mash of various stalls selling traditional dishes where you and your friends can choose and share together.

  1. AwahCafe at Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) building

If you are looking for Bidayuh food, you might want to head on to AwahCafe.

You might notice that the menu is written in Bidayuh language with English translation.

  1. Tribal Stove at Jalan Borneo

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Tribal Stove is located at Jalan Borneo – Picture source: Tribal Stove

Another place to hit if you are looking for traditional food in Kuching is the Tribal Stove.

Located at Jalan Borneo, Tribal Stove serves Kelabit dishes such as nubaq layaq (mashed red rice wrapped in Isip leaves), lamud busaq keluduh (ginger flower salad) and labo senutuq (shredded beef).

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Rising Sun over the Land of Hornbills: Sarawak during the Japanese Occupation

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After the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec 8, 1941, US and Britain immediately declared war on Japan.

The result? The Pacific War spread over around Southeast Asia including Sarawak.

By Dec 16 that year, the Japanese force secured Miri and by Christmas eve, they took over Kuching.

About less than a month later, the Japanese conquered the whole island of Borneo. And it was the first time in modern history that all of Borneo was under a single rule.

For the next three years and eight months, the Japanese occupation did little for Sarawak development. There was a lack of food supply and other basic necessities.

Even so, the Japanese did  – in their own way –  try to govern Sarawak.

Sarawak Constabulary under the Japanese occupation

Just like in most civil sectors, many Malay policemen kept their jobs in Sarawak Constabulary during the occupation.

Before the Japanese arrived, there were only a few Dayaks in the force. During the occupation, the Japanese intensively recruited the Dayaks as they found them to be hardworking, honest and loyal.

Besides the infamous kempeitai, the Japanese also set up a couple other law enforcement groups.

There was a vigilante system comprised of about 30 houses under a local man called jikeidan.

Apart from that, there was a militia called kyodohei consisting mainly of Ibans but with Malay senior officers.

Even with a day job, the constabulary personnel overall suffered from malnutrition due to lack of food supply.

Both jikeidan and kyodohei were not that successfully implemented due to strong resistance from the local people.

Japanese Building
Japanese building of Kuching.

Land policies under the Japanese occupation

According to Vernon L. Porritt in British Colonial Rule in Sarawak, the Land Department reopened its office only few weeks after the Japanese arrived.

But with reduced staff and of course a Japanese officer in charge of the department. Then in 1942, the Japanese demanded that all land titles be confirmed and ratified, charging $2 for the service.

They also imposed special tax on transfers of land valued at more than $1,000.

Generally, the local staff handled the departmental affairs according to Brooke legislation and procedures.

Women under Japanese occupation

Ooi Keat Gin wrote in Rising Sun over Borneo that there was only one single case of rape reported during the occupation. It involved a 14-year-old European girl.

Five Japanese soldiers sexually assaulted her when she and her family were arrested. After the incident, she was treated at the hospital. Apparently, one of the rapists was later imprisoned and badly beaten by the Japanese police.

While the rest of Southeast Asia as well as Taiwan and South Korea had appalling cases of women being coerced or abducted to serve as ‘comfort women’ (the numbers have been reported to be as high as 200,000 women), surprisingly there were no official reports of sexual assaults even at Batu Lintang Prisoners of War (POW) Camp.

Historians contributed it the strict discipline enforced by the camp commander Lieutenant-Colonel Tatsuji Suga.

It was believed that Suga had a ‘soft spot’ for women and children, even allowing children to ride his car within the camp compound.

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A kempeitai (Japanese police) would wear this headgear and leggings during the World War II.

Education under the Japanese occupation

Speaking of Suga and Batu Lintang Camp, the Lt Col reportedly allowed books brought into the camp for the prisoners to read.

They were even given university certificates after the prisoners mastered various languages.

Meanwhile, the rest of education system in Sarawak suffered tremendously. The Japanese closed mission schools while allowing most government Malay schools to continue to function.

Only some Chinese schools were allowed to open. Regardless of these, attendance and enrolment decreased during the Japanese occupation.

In Kuching, St Thomas’ School was turned into a labour camp while the main building of St Mary’s School was used as an army mess and brothel.

Overall, 17 schools were completely destroyed and another 35 schools damaged.

After the Japanese occupation

On Sept 11, 1945, the Allied Force under Major General Wooten arrived in Kuching to receive the formal surrender of the Japanese Army.

After that, Australian Military Administration immediately took over Sarawak administration for about seven months until Apr 4, 1946.

Read more:

What you need to know about the Japanese Building of Kuching

Toshinari Maeda, the Japanese nobleman who died off the coast of Bintuly during WWII

Alber Kwok, the Kuchinite who led the Kinabalu Guerrillas during WWII

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5 things every Sarawakian should know about Circular No.9/1946

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When the third White Rajah of Sarawak Charles Vyner Brooke decided to cede the kingdom to Britain as a crown colony, many Sarawakians were unhappy.

This was because he previously stated he would grant the right self-rule to Sarawak according to the Nine Cardinal Principles of the rule of the English Rajah.

Despite the heavy resistance by the local people, the British declared Sarawak a crown colony on July 1, 1946 anyway.

Many of the local associations started an anti-cession movement around the country. Then the British government realised that civil servants made up most of the members of the anti-cession movement.

So the British fought back by issuing a warning in a secretariat circular. Here are 5 things you should know about the infamous anti-cession Circular No.9/1946:

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The current Sarawak Textile Museum. It used to house the Education Department of Sarawak State Museum.
1.Circular No.9/1946 came about due to a huge rally in Padang Merdeka

The members of anti-cession movement organised many rallies across the country. However, the biggest rally reportedly was held in Central Padang (now Padang Merdeka) where about 15,000 people attended.

2.It was issued to curb the anti-cession activity

Embarrassed by the fact it was attended mostly by civil servants, the Chief Secretary to the Government C.W. Dawson signed Circular No.9/1946 on Dec 31, 1946.

3.This was the exact words of the circular
‘In view of the political change in the Status of Sarawak by which on 1st July, 1946, it became a Crown Colony, His Excellency the Governor has directed that this circular should be sent to all Government officers on the establishment.

(a)Government experts and requires absolute loyalty from all servants.
(b)Since there is no question of any change in the present regime or any reversion to Brooke rule, Government will not permit or tolerate any association by its servants with any activities designed to keep alive the question of cession.
(c)There will be no victimisation for any speech or act of any Government servant in the past relating to the question of cession, but each Government servant must now make his mind weather he wishes to serve the present Government loyally and faithfully or not.
(d)If you do not feel that you wish to continue in the Government service under these conditions, you should inform your Resident, District Officer, or Head of Department, as the case may be, before 31st December, 1946, and he will advise you as to the course you should pursue.
(e)Any Government servant in future who associates himself with any activity designed to keep open the question of cession or commits any act of deliberate disloyalty Government will render himself liable to instant dismissal.’

4.How the circular backfired

If the British government were looking to scare the civil servants with Circular No.9/1946, the move backfired immediately.

The circular led to a mass resignation of at least 338 teachers and government servants on Apr 2, 1947. That number made up of 13% of the civil service.

The mass resignation forced the closure of more than 22 schools in Sarawak. Additionally, 56 university students quit their studies in protest.

A book containing all the signatures of civil servants who resigned is now on display at Urang Sarawak Exhibition at Sarawak Art Museum.

5.It led to the birth of Young Malay Association

Despite the mass resignation, the British were not going down without a fight. The then government allegedly used the racial card by disrupting the relationship between the Malays and the Dayaks.

They promoted the idea that Sarawak colonisation was to bring better life only to the Malays.

The British government reportedly encouraged the formation of Young Malay Association (YMA) which would only support Sarawak colonisation. The British recruited YMA members by threatening them or extorting them: If they refused to join, their children would be unable to attend school or join the civil service.

The climax of the anti-cession movement in Sarawak was the murder of the second Sarawak governor, Duncan Stewart.

Sarawak then continued remained as a colony until July 22, 1963 when the British granted it self-governance.

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Top News in Sarawak in 2018

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We scrolled back through this year’s news so that you don’t have to. 

There are only a few weeks left before this year is over and here are some of the top news in Sarawak in 2018.

  1. Larissa Ping Liew is Miss World Malaysia 2018

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Winner of Miss World Malaysia 2018, Larissa Ping Liew (Image source: Miss World – Malaysia)
At just 19 years old, Sarawakian Larissa Ping Liew was crowned Miss World Malaysia 2018.

Larissa beat 11 other contestants, also winnning Top Talent and Miss Photogenic award.

Born in Kuching, the Chinese-Kenyah lass will represent Malaysia at the 68th Miss World 2018 in Sanya, China on December 8th.

  1. Rabies
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Image source: Pexels

Another top news in Sarawak in 2018 that dominated headlines (unfortunately) is the rabies outbreak.

Since the first outbreak last year, 12 people have been reported dead and 110, 000 stray dogs have been removed by 26 local council as of November 14th.

In efforts to control the rabies outbreak, the Sarawak government has carried out mass anti-rabies vaccination drives. You can check the Sarawak Disaster Info site here for the next round or go to any Sarawak Veterinary Division office and get your dog vaccinated for RM25.

New dog licensing and control by-laws will also come into effect on Dec 1, so consult your respective city councils and get your dogs registered.

  1. Sarawak LRT news
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Image source: Pexels

Earlier this year, there was some buzz when it was announced that Sarawak could have its first LRT by 2024. The first LRT was to cover congested routes like Samarahan and downtown Kuching.

It was announced later, however, that the LRT project would be put on hold to focus on rural development.

  1. The 14th General Election (GE14)

News on GE14 made headlines not only in Sarawak but across the globe.

Sarawak was put under the spotlight during one of the most memorable moments during GE14 when political analyst Karim Raslan took a swipe at Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Mohd Hashim Abdullah on TV for the delay in delivering the polling results.

Karim was quoted saying:

“We’ve all been waiting for you to make these announcements and there are 47 seats to come. And what is going on in Sabah? We’ve been asking this. How is that Sarawak, this enormous state, the head of the SPR, could have sorted it all out?”

Dubbed the most historical Malaysia election, GE14 saw the end of the country ruling party’s administration after being in power for 60 years.

  1. The Sarawak Report Book

After the ban was lifted on whistleblower website Sarawak Report, its founder Claire Rewcastle Brown released her expose on 1MDB this year.

The 528-page The Sarawak Report: The Inside Story Of The 1MDB details evidence of money trails leading to the allegation that billions of dollars were stolen from 1MDB.

  1. Anthony Bourdain’s passing

Hearts were broken everywhere when traveller Anthony Bourdain passed away on June 8 from suicide.

As one of the most beloved TV personalities and celebrity chefs, Anthony has a special place in Sarawakians’ hearts.

His death became one of the top news in Sarawak in 2018 when people shared emotional tributes to him all around social media.

He not only put Sarawak on the CNN screen for the world to see, he joyfully embraced our local favorite dish, laksa, and the longhouse life as he celebrated Gawai with the people of Rh Entalau in Ulu Skrang.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2051259341784353&id=1467558563487770

  1. NatGeo picks Sarawak as one of 2018’s best summer destinations

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National Geographic picked Sarawak as one of the best summer destinations in 2018.

Click here to read the full description of Sarawak to know why it is one of the best summer destinations this year.

  1. Hiker found alive after going missing for six days

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For almost a week, Sarawakians followed the news of 22-year-old Stanley Kho who went missing when he went off on a hike at Mount Singai in Bau.

He was found alive but dehydrated six days later with a curious tale. It was reported that Stanley told his rescuers that he followed a “beautiful woman resembling a princess” who gave him flowers plucked from the forest until the night before they discovered him.

  1. Henry Golding from Crazy Rich Asians
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Travel host turn Hollywood actor, Henry Golding (Image source: Henry Golding)

Boy-next-door Henry Golding is basically Sarawak’s latest sweetheart.

The British-Iban actor became one of the top news in Sarawak this year when he was announced to star as one of the main leads in Crazy Rich Asians. 

He also landed a hot role in A Simple Favor (2018) alongside Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively which is currently in theatres.

But if you want to know more about his Sarawak roots, then check out his documentary called Surviving Borneo.

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I only spent RM10 at the Second Time Around Books Kuching

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Kuchingites know it is the end of the year when the Second Time Around Books fair is in town.

The annual book fair is famous for offering up to 90% discounts on a wide range of books.

This year, the Second Time Around Books fair is being held at The Hills from Nov 3 till Dec 9. There are at least 100,000 used books for children and adults alike up for grabs.

And the fun part is it has a bargain section with up to 8,000 books for only RM1, RM2 and RM3.

Here at KajoMag, we want to make the most of our RM10 and these were the books we bought in the bargain section of Second Time Around Books:

1.Perfect Timing by Olga Bicos
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Perfect Timing by Olga Bicos for RM1.

Thanks to the magic of the Internet and the ever-ready smartphone, you can read the reviews first if you want to take a chance on an unknown writer.

Luckily for me, this 1998 book by Cuban author Olga Bicos had great reviews on Amazon. According to the reviewers, Perfect Timing is one of her best works. (Score!)

The story follows Cherish, Alec and Conor who survive a horrible airplane crash. A year after the incident, Cherish receives a strange message which unites her with Alec and Conor.

2.Home for Christmas by Anita Stansfield
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Home for Christmas by Anita Stansfield for RM1.

Since Christmas is around the corner, how about a book which complements the season? Home for Christmas by Anita Stansfield is a romance story. (Yes, there is a section on Romance at the Second Time Around Books fair for those who want to indulge that guilty pleasure.)

The reviews found online for Home for Christmas are mixed; some say it is a must-read during the holidays to get the Christmas mood going, while others found it too cheeky.

Nonetheless for that dose of Christmas spirit, perhaps this book is worth a try.

3.Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra
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Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra for RM1.

As you can see from the cover, Hollywood made a MAJOR MOTION PICTURE out of this book which is a nonfiction story about four friends who took the law into their own hands.

Set in the 60s, after a prank goes wrong and leaves a man seriously injured, the four friends are sent to a juvenile detention centre where they are sexually abused by the prison guards.

The story follows what happens years after their release.

4.Night by Elie Wiesel
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Night by Elie Wiesel only for RM1.

I first heard about this book when it was featured on Oprah’s Book Club in 2006. Then I tried to find it in nearby bookstores but failed. Back then there was no MPH Online or Book Depository and in the end the book slipped out of my mind.

So I actually gasped the moment I saw Night by Elie Wiesel which was selling at the price of RM1.

First published in 1960, the book is about Wiesel’s experience with his father in the Nazi German concentration camps at Auschwitz and Buchenwald in 1944-1945.

5.Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
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A classic by William Thackery for RM2.

Here is another tip when it comes to choosing a book title; when in doubt, choose a classic because you can never go wrong with a classic. This classic English novel was first published as a 19-volume monthly serial from 1847-1848.

Vanity Fair follows the lives of Becky Sharp and Emily Sedly during and after the Napoleonic Wars.

6.Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
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Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah only for RM2.

The first Kristin Hannah book I read was about 5 years ago. So I thought it was about time to break the long drought and pick – not so much of a favourite – but a familiar author.

Firefly Lane is about two friends Tully Hart and Kate Mularkey. One chose marriage and motherhood while the other opted for career and celebrity.

What I gained from my first impression was that it was a typical Hallmark friendship movie, making it a quick vacation read.

7.Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
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Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick at RM2.

So far, we have picked up a Hallmark movie plot, a Christmas romance, a 19th century classic and even some true stories.

The last book which rounded up our RM10 total purchase at Second Time Around Books fair is an adult fantasy novel.

It focuses on Nora Grey, a teenager whose life is at risk after starting a romance with Patch. And in true adult fantasy fashion, Patch is actually a fallen angel with a dark connection to Nora.

With so many books to pick at Second Time Around Books, try to be a little bit more adventurous with your reading. Of course, there were more famous writers at the fair such as Sidney Sheldon, Mary Higgins Clark, Danielle Steele and so on.

Pick a new writer for yourself or try a different genre, you might be surprised what you can find at the Second Time Around Books even with only RM10.

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Kajo Places in Kuching to go to for that ABC Craving

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Go big or go home with this XXL white lady ABC

Keeping hydrated in hot weather just doesn’t seem enough sometimes, so why not go and have an ABC to cool yourself down?

ABC or ‘Ais Batu Campur’ is a typical ice dessert we all crave for especially during the dry season (although Kuchingites still love their ABC during the monsoon too).

It is basically an old school dessert made out of shaved ice mixed with cordial syrup, grass jelly, condensed milk and mixed fruit jelly.

Some non-locals may have mixed feelings about this unicorn-rainbow-dessert but local Kuchingites are absolutely obsessed with it.

Here are the top choices of places to go in Kuching when you have the cravings for ABC (especially when you are just so sick of the hot weather).

  1. Summer House at the Sarawak Museum Gardens, Jalan Reservoir

Arguably the most popular spot to get ABC, the Summer House is filled with nostalgic memories.

When thinking of going for ABC here, the image of shave iced drizzled with red cordial syrup and thick condensed milk served in a small red bowl immediately pops to mind.

Besides ABC, the Summer House also serves one of the best belacan beehoon and laksa in town.

  1. Old Rex Cucur Udang Café, Rubber Road

As the name suggests, you can also order a plate full of cucur udang or prawn fritters as well as assorted lok-lok at Old Rex apart from ABC.

In addition, Old Rex also has stalls for beehoon belacan and chicken rice. So, lunch and perhaps dessert afterwards?

  1. Swee Kang Ais Kacang, Jalan Haji Taha

Another popular and nostalgic spot for ABC is Swee Kang Ais Kacang. And if you are a local Kuchingite, you will know that Swee Kang is typically flooded with customers around 4 to 5 pm for tea break.

At Swee Kang, customers have the luxury to choose from a variety of ABC. Along with that, they would also order other dishes such as cucur udang and rojak sotong kangkong.

Apart from Jalan Haji Taha, it is also worth mentioning that there is a Chang Swee Kang place at Satok.

So, if you find the one at Jalan Haji Taha full, you might want to head on to the one at Satok.

Check out their Facebook page here.

  1. Fu Yu Café, Satok

Here, you have the choice to have either have your ABC drizzled with ‘gula apong’ or condensed milk.  And like most ABC places, Fu Yu Café also serves cucur udang, the perfect complement for your ABC.

  1. Rainforest Garden Café, Kuching

This place is the go-to spot if you are looking for an XXL ABC to share with people.

The Rainforest Garden Café has a giant White Lady (a drink made of evaporated milk, grenadine and/or mango syrup, shaved ice, fresh fruit and longan… not a gigantic caucasian woman) that you can easily share with four to five friends.

And while you are here, you can do some shopping for plants and gardening tools.

Check out their Facebook page here.

  1. Open Air Market, Jalan Power

The open-air market is strategically located in the centre of town thus making it one of the easy go-to spots for food.

Apart from your usual kolo mee, chicken rice and char siew pau, the open-air market is a popular spot in Kuching for ABC.

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Learn more about felines at Kuching Cat Museum

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If quirky is your taste and the cat is your animal spirit, then you must visit Kuching Cat Museum. If there was a group of cat lovers out there combining together their cats memorabilia of cats, the place would look exactly like this museum.

Founded in 1993, Kuching Cat Museum run by Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) was an idea mooted by current Sarawak governor Abdul Taib Mahmud and his late wife Laila Taib who thought of having a museum dedicated to nothing but cats.

The museum is located in Petra Jaya on the bottom floor of the DBKU building which is about 20 minutes from Kuching city. Standing tall at 60 meters above sea level, the building also offers great view of Petra Jaya and Kuching city.

The Kuching Cat Museum is divided into four galleries; Gallery A, B, C, and D.

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There are many things to see and read at Kuching Cat Museum.
Gallery A of Kuching Cat Museum

Cats play significant role in many communities around the world including the Malay, Chinese as well as the Iban in Sarawak.

In the olden days, some Malays believed that one of the most effective way to call for rain was to soak a cat in a pan of water… It is certainly not something we would encourage people to do nowadays, but this is one of the many cat-related superstitions one can learn at Kuching Cat Museum.

Here at Gallery A of the museum, visitors can also learn about the famous Japanese lucky cat, maneki-neko.

It is a common figurine depicting a calico Japanese bobtail which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner.

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Some cat plates that could have been from Harry Potter’s Professor Umbridge private collection.
Gallery B of Kuching Cat Museum
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Cats in contemporary arts.

In this part of the museum, visitors can know about interesting cat facts in oriental arts, medieval age and ancient Egypt.

Do you know that in China, cats are usually portrayed as a child’s gentle playmate? Meanwhile, the Japanese prefer to associate cats with women.

Additionally, this museum is one of the few places in the world which featured the works of Malaysian artist Jane Yap Jian Yi.

Graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Japanese Painting from Takasaki Art Center College, cats have been the only subject that she has featured in her work since 2000.

Apart from Kuching Cat Museum, her works are also displayed in Club Med Kabira, Japan and many private collections in China, Malaysia, Tahiti and the US.

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Some of the paintings by Jane Yap.
Gallery C of Kuching Cat Museum
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Cats in posters.

We cannot talk about cats without mentioning them in popular culture. Felines have inspired humankind in many artistic ways from poems to songs, and even Broadway musicals.

Visitors can find the poem “Lost Words to a Dumb Friend” by Thomas Hardy at this museum.

Large portions of the artifacts displayed at the museum were donated by cat lovers from around the world. One of them is Dr Betty Jamie Chung from Hong Kong.

She visited Kuching Cat Museum in the 90s and was left impressed by the collection. Later after her death in October 2013, Dr Chung donated 539 cat artifacts to the museum.

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The late Dr Betty Jamie Chung’s private cat merchandise collection.
Gallery D of Kuching Cat Museum
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The museum also features some celebrity cats.

Speaking of popular culture, Gallery D of the museum featured more famous felines around the world such as Garfield and Hello Kitty.

Visitors can also browse through comic strips featuring cats for their own amusement at this part of the museum.

There is also an exhibition of local and wild cats of Borneo if you want to learn more about these animals.

For example, some of the interesting observations of Sarawak cats are that 15% of them have short tail, 50% kinked tail, 25% bobbed tail while 10% or less have long tails.

Another fun fact about this museum is that it houses the only complete Bay Cat (Pardofelis badia) skeleton in the world.

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The only complete Bay Cat (Pardofelis badia) skeleton in the world.

Found in Borneo, it is one of the rarest cat species in the world.

On top of wide collection of cats artifacts, Kuching Cat Museum also paid tribute to famous cat lovers around the world including French poet Charles Pierre Baudelaire, Sir Isaac Newton and Anne Frank.

For cat lovers with great appreciation for arts and patience for reading fun facts and cat-related general knowledge, Kuching Cat Museum is definitely worth the trip.

 

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Panau, the Dayak chief behind this historical photograph

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Margaret de Windt or better known as Ranee Margaret married the second Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Brooke in 1869.

At the young age of 19, she became the first Queen of the Kingdom of Sarawak back then.

During her husband’s reign, the Ranee showed many interests in her multiracial subjects’ cultures and traditions.

From Malay gold-embroidered fabrics called keringkam to painting the beautiful landscape of Sarawak, Margaret also enjoyed taking photographs.

She even published some of her photos that she took in her 1913 autobiography My Life in Sarawak.

There was one photo that stood out; a photo of Sea Dayak Chief in full warrior attire.

“Let those who look upon my picture tremble with fear!” – Panau, Iban warrior chief

Panau the Dayak chief behind this historical photograph
Are you trembling in fear yet?

Panau is the man who stood before the Ranees’ camera in this photograph. Margaret wrote that he was an Iban chief who often visited the Rajah and Ranee at their bungalow in Simanggang (now known as Sri Aman).

As a warrior, Panau and his tribe accompanied the Rajah Muda, Vyner on many expeditions up the Batang Lupar river.

The Ranee described him as humble, kind, loyal and talkative. Panau was described as a funny fellow (although Margaret admitted she didn’t get his sense of humour).

The Iban chief had showed interest in her camera, amazed by the miracle that a photo could came out of a box.

So one day, Margaret decided to take Panau’s picture. While he was posing for the camera, Panau said: “Let those who look upon my picture tremble with fear!”

Panau’s reaction to his own photo

After the picture-taking session, the Ranee was kind enough to take Panau into the dark room to watch her develop the picture.

Margaret wrote, “He looked over my shoulder as I moved the acid over the plate, when he saw his likeness appear, he gave a yell, screamed out “Antu (Ghost!)” tore open the door, and rushed out, slamming the door behind him.

Mind you, this photoshoot took place around 1896 when photography was rare. Plus, when Panau was glancing over to look at the photo, his picture was still somewhat foggy.

Thankfully, the Iban chief eventually got over his fear and even accepted one of the prints.

Maybe somewhere out there, in one of the longhouses in Sri Aman, Panau’s descendants have that copy of this Iban warrior holding a shield in one hand and a spear in the other.

Besides Margaret’s My Life in Sarawak, Panau’s photo can also be found on display at ‘The Ranee: Margaret of Sarawak’ exhibition at the Old Courthouse.

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Panau’s photo is one of the many photographs showcased at the newly opened The Ranee: Margaret of Sarawak’ exhibition at the Old Courthouse.

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