Browse Tag

nature - Page 4

Observing traditional fishing methods at Danau Sentarum National Park

Published on

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.

Fishing Danau Sentarum 8
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.

Fishing Danau Sentarum 5
The local communities of Danau Sentarum rely heavily on fishing as their source of income.

Fishing nets of all kinds

Fishing Danau Sentarum
One of the fishing gears, commonly called ‘pukat’.
Fishing Danau Sentarum 6
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.

Fishing Danau Sentarum 13
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.

Fishing Danau Sentarum 4
Tabung hanging from stilts at Danau Sentarum.
Fishing Danau Sentarum 3
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.

Fishing Danau Sentarum 9
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.

Fishing Danau Sentarum 15
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.

Fishing Danau Sentarum 12
Salted roes from toman fishes, one of the delicacies found at a Malay village in Danau Sentarum.
Fishing Danau Sentarum 7
It takes up to four days to dry these salted fishes.
Fishing Danau Sentarum 10
Fish smoking in the process.
Fishing Danau Sentarum 11
The local fishermen dry their fishes in front of their houses.
Danau Sentarum
Toman fishes cooked in asam pedas.

You might be interested in

Top 20 most amazing facts about Sabah’s biodiversity

Published on

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:

dawn 2726059 1280
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.

Sabah Museum 25
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.
mount kinabalu 2404697 1280
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!

You might be interested in

5 accessible mountain peaks to conquer near Kuching

Published on

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
Santubong 15
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
DSC 0062
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
Gunung Gading National Park 7
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
IMG 20180714 WA0040
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.

You might be interested in

10 things you should know about the Bryde’s whale skeleton at Sabah Museum

Published on

When you step into the Sabah Museum, the first thing that greets you is a gigantic whale skeleton.

What type of whale is it? Where did they get it from? Are there alot of whale sightings off the coast of Sabah? Perhaps these are the questions that come to your mind as you look at this enormous skeleton.

Whale skeleton at Sabah Museum 2
A closer look at the whale’s jaw bone.    

Here at KajoMag, we summarised 10 things you should know about the Bryde’s whale skeleton at Sabah Museum:

1. This whale was first found stranded on Dec 14, 2006.

On that day, a group of fishermen found this cetacean stranded near Kampung (village) Lok Urai, Gaya island around 11pm.

Within 12 hours after it was first spotted, a rescue mission was launched by teams from the Fisheries Department, Wildlife Department, Sabah Parks, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), NGOs and members of the public.

However, the tide was too low for the rescue team to pull the poor creature back to the ocean. Rescuers had to constantly pour seawater on its body to keep it hydrated.

2. The whale was back to the sea the next day.

By Dec 15 at 7.30pm, the team had succeeded in pulling the whale back into the sea. Nonetheless, the then Sabah Fishery Department director, Rayner Stuel Galid raised concerns that the whale might return to its stranding spot.

Whale skeleton at Sabah Museum 3
A father pointing at the skeleton while his son looks on.
3. The marine mammal was found dead on Dec 17, 2006.

True enough, the animal was found dead near its stranding spot at Gaya Island. The initial plan was to bury it but there was no suitable location.

Whale skeleton at Sabah Museum 6
A closer look at the whale’s backbone.
4. Its supposedly final resting place was decided.

The carcass was towed to Stomai Rock, somewhere between Pulau Tiga and Gaya Island. Then, it was anchored about 60 to 70m deep into the sea to allow it to decompose naturally.

5. The then Sabah chief minister wanted the whale to be preserved.

Later on Dec 19, then chief minister of Sabah, Musa Aman instructed the Fisheries Department to work together with Sabah Museum Department, Sabah Parks and UMS to conserve the whale’s bones.

6. The whale was back on land on Dec 20.

A team was deployed to bring back the carcass from where it was anchored. They put a giant fishing net to wrap the carcass so that the skeleton remained intact during the process.

Whale skeleton at Sabah Museum 4
The 20m long skeleton attracts visitors the moment they stepped into the museum.
7. The ‘deboning’ process begins on Dec 21.

The tedious process of separating the bones from the carcass lasted a few days.

It took about 35 people to work round the clock on the carcass starting from its tail. They also dug three enormous holes at Fishery Station Menggatal to bury the whale’s flesh and organs.

8. The whale skeleton was handed to Sabah Museum on Christmas eve 2006.

The team officially handed the whale skeleton to Sabah Museum on Dec 24, just 10 days after it first found stranded.

Whale skeleton at Sabah Museum 5
The whale skeleton takes up a huge space of Sabah Museum.
9. The identity of the whale is Bryde’s whale.

The whale was identified as Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni). It was 20.6m long and weighed around 22 to 26 tonnes.

The Kadazandusun people of Sabah call it luulumbo.

According to UMS researchers, approximately 20 species of marine mammals have been recorded in Sabah waters.

The state’s various ecosystems like its coral reefs, mangrove, estuaries and sea grass provides habitats and food resources for these animals, leading to a high number of species found in Sabah.

10. Sabah has the highest  number of whale stranding cases in Malaysia.

The Bryde’s whale at Sabah Museum was not the only stranded cetacean in the state.

In 2012, it was reported Sabah recorded the highest number of whale stranding cases as well as whale sightings compared to other states since the 1970s.

Additionally, Sabah also has the longest coastline in Malaysia. It is surrounded by the South China Sea on the west, Sulu Sea on the northeast and Celebes Sea on the southeast regions.

There are many factors that could contribute to whale stranding such as natural causes due to sickness or old age or military sonar.

However, the reason for this statistic in Sabah is still not scientifically known.

Whale skeleton at Sabah Museum
The gigantic skeleton of Bryde’s whale.

You might be interested in

The traditional medical use of Kayu Raja

Published on

Kayu raja or raja kayu in Malay, which translates to the ‘king of wood’, is a type of wood widely found in Malaysia. Scientifically, it is known as Agathis borneensis.

It is also commonly known as borneo kuari or damar minyak among the Malay community.

Despite it being  classified as ‘endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is still in demand among the locals in Sarawak.

It is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after timber trees in Southeast Asia. Commercial-wise, Agathis borneensis is wanted for its high quality resin. Plus, its wood can be used to make music instruments, boats as well as furniture.

But coming down to Sarawak, a place where kayu raja can be found apart from Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and the rest of Borneo, this wood is utilised for more daily use.

Kayu Raja 2
Scrape a a bit of the wood to make a tea-like beverage.

For a cure and more

Kayu Raja
Christopher playing the ketong, a Bidayuh xylophone during the recent Rainforest World Music Festival.

According to wood crafter Christopher John, the king of wood is believed to have medicinal purposes.

He stated, “You can use it for medicine. Scrape a bit of the wood and boil it in hot water for few hours before drinking it like a tea. The locals believe it can cure for diabetes, high blood pressure and even diarrhea.”

On top of that, it is also a traditional cure for headaches, fevers and muscle pains.

Christopher who is a Bidayuh, added that the kayu raja can also be used externally. “Let say you have scratches or cuts and even insect bites, you can apply the boiled water of kayu raja on your wounds.”

Besides its traditional medical practices, some local Sarawakians believe that the wood works as a protective charm during hunting or jungle trekking.

“If you carry a kayu raja on you when you are going into the jungle, no wild animals would dare to attack you. Some people also believe it will protect you from witchcraft.”

Kayu Raja 4
Keep a piece of kayu raja with you to warn off evil and wild animals.

Kayu Raja in other cultures

Feng shui practitioners also believe  in the power of kayu raja. It is known for its ability to dispel bad energies from life. Keep a kayu raja on you and your bad luck will slowly subside.

Furthermore, some also believe keeping a piece of this wood as an amulet will increase wealth and career opportunities as well as enhance your charms.

A quick Google-search for kayu raja will reveal a list of websites selling it as a charm.

But how would you know if it’s the real deal? Christopher says to just shine a light through it and you will know.

“The light from the light source will glow red if you shine it through a real kayu raja.”

Kayu Raja 3
This is what happen when you shine a light through the king of wood.

You might be interested in

10 things to know about Sarawak’s Bornean bearded pig

Published on

If you have been to Bako National Park, then you have seen one of its leading stars, the Bornean bearded pigs (Sus barbatus).

There, they can be found strolling along Bako’s beaches or hanging around the park’s headquarter and chalets.

These creatures are so used to visitors that they couldn’t care less about the presence of people.

More commonly known as wild boar,  Bornean bearded pigs live in almost every type of habitat from the beach to the mountain top.

Just as their name says, they have beards and sometimes tassels on their tails.

Bornean Bearded Pigs
Say hi to the Bornean Bearded Pigs of Bako.

Here are 10 things you need to know about the Bornean bearded pigs found in Sarawak:

1.There are two sub-species of Bornean bearded pigs.

The first subspecies Sus barbatus barbatus can be found in Borneo and at the tip of Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines.

The second one is Sus barbatus oi which ranges at the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra.

2.They have a wide variety of favourite food.

According to Sarawak Forestry Department website, these pigs enjoy fallen fruits and seeds, roots, herbs, earthworms, and other small animals.

3.Bearded pigs are destructive to plantations.

Apart from that, they also feed on young palms and cocoa fruits making them destructive to plantations.

4.Borneans have been hunting them for the last 40,000 years.

An archaeological excavation at Niah Cave showed that bearded pigs have been hunted by people of Borneo as far back as 40,000 years.

5.They are an important source of protein.

Bornean bearded pigs are high up on the natives’ hunting list because they are a source of dietary protein.

The meat is usually barbecued, cooked in soup with various vegetables, or made into babi salai (smoked pig).

6.Their bones are usually kept as trophies.

In a study by Earl of Cranbrook and David Labang published by the Sarawak Museum, it is common for rural people of the Malayan and Southwest Pacific regions to keep trophies from their hunting.

For example, the Penan people keep or hang the skulls, lower jaws and mandibles of bearded pigs.

7.These pigs can swim.

Bornean bearded pigs are known among naturalists for their periodic mass movements.

They can travel some distance to find food and even swim across rivers. Some believe they even swim to offshore islands.

8.Python versus bearded pigs; pigs win

Robert Shelford, a former curator of Sarawak Museum wrote one of the earliest records of these mammals.

In his book ‘A Naturalist in Borneo’, he described an incident witnessed by a fellow naturalist Ernest Hose who was also the brother of Charles Hose.

“Hearing one day in the jungle, close to his house at Santubong, a tremendous noise of wild pigs grunting, snorting, and squealing, he ran out to see what was the reason of it, and presently came on a large python that had seized a young pig and was endeavouring to crush it. The snake was surrounded by a number of full-grown swine, which were goring it with their tusks and trampling on it; so resolute was their attack that the python was compelled to relinquish its hold of the loudly protesting young pig, when the herd, catching the sight of Mr. Hose, hastily made off, the young one, apparently little the worse for its adventure, trotting away with its companions. Mr Hose examined the snake, and found it to be so slashed and mangle that it was unable to crawl away from the scene of battle.”

9.Their populations are in threat.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed Bornean bearded pigs as vulnerable as its population has been in decline over the last two decades.

IUCN also stated there are three primary threats facing bearded pigs. These include the conversion of forests for agriculture, particularly oil palm and rubber, fragmentation of remaining habitat, and unsustainable logging primarily for dipterocarps.

10.It is illegal to have more than 5 kilos of its meat in your possession.

Here in Sarawak, Bornean bearded pigs are not listed as protected species so it can be hunted for consumption.

However, according to Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, commercial sale of bearded pigs is strictly prohibited.

The sellers can be fined up to RM5,000 while the buyers can be fined up to RM2,000. If you have more than five kilograms in your possession, you will be deemed having the intent to sell it. Thus, you can also be charged up to RM5,000.

You might be interested in

3 reasons you need to see proboscis monkeys in the wild

Published on

Here in Sarawak, visitors can still watch proboscis monkeys in the wild.

And watching them in the wild is nothing like seeing them in an enclosure.

If you are visiting the land of the hornbills or her neighbour Sabah, here are three reasons why you cannot miss out on pay proboscis monkeys a visit.

Bako National Park 3
A female proboscis monkey spotted at Bako National Park.
1.You are learning about proboscis monkeys and their natural habitats.

Watching these amazing creatures in their natural habitats should be on everyone’s bucket list.

With their reddish brown colouring and grey limbs, these monkeys stand out against the greenery of the tropical jungle.

Not forgetting their large noses (which some scientists believe is to attract females), making them distinct from their fellow primates.

Despite their pot bellies, they are actually quite graceful when they leap from one branch to another.

In the wild you can observe how they feed in their natural surroundings.  You can watch which leaves or fruits they prefer.

Proboscis monkeys are known to be seasonal eaters, eating mostly fruits from January to May and leaves from June to December.

Do practice the basic ethics of wildlife watching: never feed them, do not interfere with mating, predation or other natural behaviour and always keep a respecful distance.

2.It is an adventure in the tropical jungle
Klias Wetland
Visitors trying to spot proboscis monkeys at Klias Wetland.

Actually it doesn’t matter if you choose to see proboscis monkeys in Sarawak or Sabah, here in Borneo the experience will definitely be an adventure.

Even if your goal was to watch proboscis monkeys, chances are high you would be seeing lots of other animals thanks to the high diversity in Borneo.

For example at Klias Wetland in Sabah, you can cruise down a river to watch proboscis monkeys in the wild and when the night falls, watch out for the fireflies.

While in Sarawak, Bako National Park is one of the most accessible places to see proboscis monkeys in the wild.

There, you can also see bearded pigs, long-tailed macaque monkeys, silvered leaf monkeys, and silver squirrels.

3.You are supporting the local communities
Proboscis Monkeys
Can you spot the monkey?

Speaking of Bako National Park, to get there visitors must get a lift from Bako village boat jetty.

The boat transfers to the park are managed by Koperasi Warisan Pelancongan Bako Berhad.

The local villagers in the area run the service in this collaboration.

Thus, a visit to the national park to see the proboscis monkey is definitely showing support to the local communities.

You might be interested in

Semenggoh Nature Reserve, where the orangutans live and thrive

Published on
Semenggoh 8
Visitors admiring the magnificent orangutan.

Located about 20km from Kuching, Semenggoh Nature Reserve is usually on a tourist itinerary when in town.

However as a locaI, I believe every Sarawakian should visit this place at least once in their lives.

Although we pride ourselves as being the home for orangutans here in Sarawak, I bet not all of us have actually seen one in real life.

And one of the nearest and accessible places to see an orangutan in the world is none other than the Semenggoh Nature Reserve.

This place has been a rehabilitation centre for young orangutans who have been unfortunately orphaned or rescued from captivity for more than 20 years.

The program which trains the young into healthy adult orangutans has been transferred to Matang Wildlife Centre.

But Semenggoh still plays home to some of the program’s graduates.

Most of them prefer to roam the forest but frequently come back to the reserve during feeding time.

Semenggoh 2
A tourist trying to catch an orangutan on camera.

Get to know Semenggoh’s official residents

Semenggoh 6
A group of tourists trying to capture an orangutan in a wefie.

The most interesting part of visiting Semenggoh Nature Reserve is getting to know the orangutan.

During my visit, three orangutans thought I was worthy of their presence.

The first one was whom they called the ‘Grand Old Lady of Semenggoh’.

Her name is Seduku and she was born in 1971. She is now a mother of three – Analisa, Saddamiah and Ganya.

The second orang utan is Edwin, a male born in 1996.

He is believed to be strong contender to Ritchie’s throne, the big boss (dominant male) of Semenggoh.

I visited the reserve on the day Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim was released from prison.

And interestingly, Annuar the orangutan also decided to show up during my visit at Semenggoh.

Semenggoh 7
Annuar impressing the visitors with his moves on the rope.

He was born in 1998 and is known to be real lady killer in the reserve.

Visiting the feeding area of Semenggoh is unlike going to the zoo.

There at Semenggoh, the orangutans are the VIPs. Hence, visitors need to make way for them at all times.

Guests are required to listen to the park ranger’s instructions.

At one point when we were leaving the feeding area to the park headquarters, we had to scramble back to the feeding area.

Apparently, Seduku was leisurely using the park’s trail (instead of swinging from the trees) to make her way to the feeding area.

We had to wait a few minutes to make way for her till the rangers told us the path was clear.

To learn more about orangutans at Semenggoh

Apart from observing the orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve, visitors will learn a thing or two about this primate.

For example, do you know that the dominant male orangutan does not like to see his reflection in the mirror? This is because he thinks that his reflection is another male orangutan.

They also make use of their opposable thumb by peeling the banana skin before they eat.

Visitors are not allowed to bring plastic bottles into the feeding area because the baby orangutan uses them to drink milk.

Other rules at the reserve are to be quiet at all times at the feeding area, turn your flash off while taking photos and of course, no littering.

Show your support for the orangutans

Those who want to show their love and support for the orangutans can do so at Semenggoh.

With as low as RM200 annually, visitors can do their part by adopting an orangutan.

The money goes to food and medication for the orangutans at Semenggoh and Matang, orangutan conservation projects and education programs.

The best times to visit Semenggoh are during orangutan feeding times, 9am to 10 am and 3pm to 4pm.

Read more about this nature reserve at Sarawak Tourism and Sarawak Forestry Corporation websites.

Semenggoh 5
Follow the rules!
Semenggoh
Get to know the plants at Semenggoh too!

 

You might be interested in

What you need for the perfect clutter-free office desk

Published on

Albert Einstein once said, “If a cluttered desk is sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?”

Most of us spend a lot of time sitting at our office desks every day. According to Herbalife’s Nutrition At Work 2016 survey, nine out of 10 Malaysian workers spend at least six hours a day sitting at their desk.

While Einstein might be right about cluttered desks and busy minds, a clutter-free office has it perks too. (Admit it, there are desks out there that look like a hurricane passed through your office.)

Besides being clean, clutter-free desks definitely offer less distraction as they keep your mind on the project you are working on. Plus, a minimalist office desk is always looks good on Instagram or Pinterest-worthy.

pineapple supply co 100584 unsplash e1528874966518
A clutter free desk offers less distraction when doing your work. Credits: Unsplash.

One of the best ways to have a clutter-free office desk is to go paperless. The trees would appreciate your effort too.

Furthermore, you can skip having letter trays and files on your workspace.

Always remember to put away all your books on the shelf unless you need them for your work.

Another tip to have a clutter-free desk is to make sure you clear your desk at the end of day.

That way you can come to a neat, organised office desk every morning.

Here are just the basic things that you need to achieve that clutter free office desk:

1. Planner
No matter if it is a digital planner on your smartphone or a good old book planner, everybody needs one.

It makes your working life easier to create new plans, organise your work and arrange your schedule.

stil 326695 unsplash
Always plan your day ahead in order to be more productive. Credits: Unsplash.

2.Basic Stationery
No, you do not need colourful stapler bullets in your life. And no, you also do not need 12 different colours of highlighters unless you are in the creative field.

If you are in Malaysia, chances are that you will have all sorts of pens from various official functions, hotels or government agencies. Clear or donate them away.

Every job has different needs when it comes to stationery. The plan here is to narrow down which of these stationery are required for your job and stick to the basics.

jeff sheldon 271733 unsplash
Narrow down your stationaries needs. Credits: Unsplash

3.Stationaries holder
Now that you have all the stationery you need, it’s time to pick your stationery holder.

Again, pick the simplest of them all or choose the cutest mug out there and stuff everything inside.

jon tyson 501935 unsplash
Be very basics when comes to choosing your office accessories.

4.Sticky notes
A sticky note is a miracle piece of paper with a re-adherable ability. It works wonders by attaching itself to documents or desk temporarily.

It also helps people as a reminder or sometimes a to-do list.

For those who are nature-lovers and prefer to go paper-less, you can always use the app version of sticky notes on Windows 7, 8, and 10.

kelly sikkema 411622 unsplash
The ever useful sticky notes.

5.A small plant

Studies have shown that having some greenery in your office can have positive effects.

Plants reportedly can help reduce stress, increase your productivity and even reduce sickness.

So what are you waiting for? Pick a small plant which suits the size of your office desk.

corinne kutz 211251 unsplash
Have you chosen your plant yet? Credits: Unsplash.

You might be interested in

Legends and nature of Fairy Cave Bau

Published on

Fairy Caves is one of the main attractions in the Bau area located about 40km from Kuching city.

The cave was named after a stalagmite structure which is said to resemble a Chinese deity.

The site covers around 56 hectares and is popular among local climbers.

Overall, Fairy Cave has eight separate walls with over 80 climbs in different ranges of difficulties.

Of course, there are more beyond the walls of Fairy Cave – you’ll find legends and nature interlacing together making it popular among local and foreign visitors alike.

Fairy Cave Bau 11
A man-made fountain called ‘Titisan Air Fairy’, which translates to ‘fairy water drops’ was erected in the cave. The fountain has long since dried up but the boy’s statue remains.

Legends of Bau’s Fairy Cave

According to historian Chang Pat Foh, the legends behind the stalactites and stalagmites lie in the story of a poor boy and his mother who lived at a big Bidayuh kampung known as Kampung Kapur located near Fairy Cave.

One day, a Gawai celebration was being held at one of the kampung houses.

Curious, the boy came and peeped in on their celebration, which made the homeowner unhappy.  Rather than simply chase the boy away, the mean-spirited homeowner collected some sugarcane waste and gave it to him, telling him there was pork inside.

Happily, the boy went home and presented what he thought was a gift to share with his mother. When his mother found nothing but sugarcane waste instead, she was humiliated and so began plotting her revenge on the proud village folk.

She took a cat, put it in a beautiful dress and threw the cat into the middle of her neighbour’s Gawai celebration to the surprise of its attendees.

They began to laugh at the sight of a cat in a dress. Their laughter brought on a storm, and the sky roared with thunder and lightning. When the storm eventually stopped, all the villagers had turned into stone.

They are what make up the stalagmites and stalactites inside Fairy Cave.

Another version of the legend is that it was the boy who threw the cat in the middle of celebration and that the mother had instructed him to cover his head with a chicken basket so that the curse would not touch him.

Besides the Bidayuh community, the Chinese have also their own interest in the Fairy cave as the cave is believed to be home for Chinese gods and goddesses.

Some of the rock formations were even named after Chinese deities such as Kuan Yin, the goddess of Mercy.

Browse through this photo gallery of Fairy Cave by KajoMag:

Apart from mystical legends, Fairy Cave is also believed to play a role in Sarawak history as members of Japanese forces used it for shelter during World War II.

Later, communist fighters used it for the same purpose in the ’60s.

Fairy Cave and its nature

Besides being rich in legends and tales, the cave is also rich in nature.

Fairy cave, along with Wind Cave is home to the slipper orchid Paphiopedilum stonei.

This species is one of the highly prized orchids according to Hans P Hazebroek and Abang Kashim Abang Morshidi in National Parks of Sarawak.

Sarawak government gazetted Wind Cave and Fairy Cave as a nature reserve to protect the caves and the biodiversity inside.

The reserve is home to palms such as Arenga pinnata and Arenga undulatifolia.

There are also up to 14 species of bats, 12 species of snails and black-nest swiftlets found in the reserve.

A visit to Fairy Cave

Fairy Cave Bau 12
A fantastic view from inside the cave.

There is a flight of  concrete steps leading up to the entrance located high in the limestone cliff, which makes this place not suitable for the elderly or small children to visit.

Next to the concrete steps, there is a narrow stone ladder covered in mold and in ruin. These were the old steps which led up to the cave entrance.

Once you get inside, there are plank walks for visitors to explore the cave.

Apart from that, Fairy cave makes a good site for a pleasant visit in the morning when the weather is a bit chilly.

If you are an avid photographer, the place offers a great location to explore outdoor photography.

The downside?

The disappointing part of Fairy cave is the rubbish. With only two dustbins on site, it’s time we start taking our litter home instead of leaving it behind at a nature reserve.

Fairy Cave Bau 6Bring back your own rubbish, and start using reusable bottles for your drinking water.

You might be interested in

1 2 3 4 5