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Five bands you need to listen to after Rainforest World Music Festival 2017

Published on July 22, 2017

Entertainment

Missed the 20th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF)? It’s okay because KajoMag has got you covered.

Here are the five bands you need to listen to even when the music and dancing has stopped in the Sarawak rainforest.

O Tahiti E (Tahiti)

I would not only recommend this band for you to listen to – it is a group you have to watch.

Founded in 1986, O Tahiti E is one of the oldest dancing groups in French Polynesia. When the women dance, their rapid hip-circles and powerful hip slides are mesmerising to watch. The men are equally captivating as they move their legs to beats faster than the naked eyes and ears can follow.

This group made the crowd scream “I am moving to Tahiti!” during their performance on the second night of RWMF 2017 from Aug 14-16.

Watch their video below and you might be screaming the same thing as you stare at your screen.

Okra Playground (Finland)

What made Okra Playground stand out during the RWMF was the harmonisation of its three vocalists – Päivi Hirvonen, Maija Kauhanen and Essi Muikku.

Their voices immediately catch your attention from the first note. Added to the melodious tunes of this band are the sounds of the kantele, a Finnish plucked string instrument, and jouhikko, a stringed bowed lyre.

As you close your eyes and listen to their songs, you can almost feel the freezing winters of Finland.

Watch their video here.

Achanak (UK/India)

It is fun, upbeat and makes you move your shoulders to the beat of Bhangra music.

Achanak is a multi-award winning, six-piece band based in the UK but still holds true to the band members’ Punjab roots.

The result of this east meets west concoction is a nice blend of traditional Indian percussion and Western rhythms.

The band also sings in traditional Indian vocal style, transporting listeners to the sets of Bollywood movies.

Watch their video here.

Calan (Wales)

Grab your clogs and step dance along to the traditional Welsh tunes of Calan.

It is easy to tell this five member band is proud of their Welsh background, as they sing Welsh folk songs and play traditional instruments such as the fiddle, pibgorn (an early Welsh musical instrument similar to the clarinet) and harp.

One member who really stands out is Bethan Rhiannon. She easily draws the audience attention in with her vocals, clog dancing and accordion playing.

Bethan Rhiannon from the Welsh band Calan.

Listening to Calan will make you jig, step and hop to the vibrant sound of the Wales. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Watch their video here.

Hanggai (China)

If you think that playing the morin khuur is not cool, Hanggai from China will prove you wrong.

And if you have no idea what that is, allow me to enlighten you: also known as the horsehead fiddle, the morin khuur is a traditional Mongolian bowed stringed instrument.

What makes this instrument buck the trend of other traditional musical instruments is how it surprisingly fits in perfectly with the punk rock genre.

This Mongolian folk music band from Beijing successfully combines Mongolian throat singing (khoomei) with rock music, making their songs almost like nothing you have heard before.

Watch their video here.

About Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF)

The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is an annual three-day music festival celebrating world music. It’s been held in Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, Malaysia every year since the music festival’s debut in 1997.

It has daytime workshops, a crafts bazaar, food stalls, and main-stage evening concerts.

If you were there during RWMF 2017, let us know in the comment box which band was your favourite!

Top 5 Places To Go in Kuching For That Panini Craving

Published on May 15, 2017

Lifestyle

Panini is not a typical dish you normally look for in Kuching… but that doesn’t mean you won’t have those cravings for this grilled sandwich-y goodness.

In the name of our love of food, KajoMag went on a mission to look for the best place to find Panini (so you wouldn’t have to).

By checking out these top five spots, you might be able to complete this list everyday this week:

Munch Café

Munch Café serves a blend of local as well as Western dishes; varying from a steaming hot bowl of noodles to a plate of thick and toasted sandwiches.

At Munch Café, their plate of Panini consists of two pieces of Focaccia bread grilled to perfection stuffed with chicken slices, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, served with a side of salad, which cost RM12.80.

desert munch cafe — Cool sweet dessert (Photo source from Munch Cafe facebook page)

Other items available in Munch Café worth trying includes scones, their bagel with smoked Norwegian smoked salmon (my current favourite), mee sua as well as the various types of cool desserts which are perfect for hot weather.

It’s self-serve, meaning that customers will have to get their own eating utensils, dipping sauce or extra plates at the utensil counter provided in front of the café. The Munch Café is open from 6.45 am until 3 pm every day except Sunday.

Check out their Facebook page to know more: https://www.facebook.com/MunchCafe/

The Museum Café and Shop at The Main Bazaar

MCS — The interior of Museum Shop and Cafe

Located at the Main Bazaar in Kuching, the exterior of the cafe looks more like an antique shop.

Entering the Museum Café and Shop is like stepping into a part of the Sarawak Museum itself.

Every inch of the place is either covered in shelves filled with traveling books, cabinets showcasing beautiful jewellery for sale and precious trinkets.

It might be tricky walking around the café as it is cramped with small tables and chairs for customers.

However, it the best place to relax and chat or even read a book during a rainy day while enjoying a cool drink.

Taking advantage of the Instagram-worthy background, I spent about 15 minutes trying to take the perfect picture of my food before giving up and devouring my Smoked Duck Panini with cheese.

Besides smoked duck, customers can opt to have beef bacon, turkey ham, chicken, tomato, onion or tuna Panini.

Curious about what the café looks like? Why not pop by on Wednesdays for their weekly talk. From 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm, the talk features various topics on hobbies, interest and travel.

You may also check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/sarawakmuseumshopandcafe/

Tease by Jase’s Tea Room

Panini served with a side of french fries

At RM16, the Panini served at Tease is a bit more costly than those mentioned in this list.

That being said, I find the Panini – served warm with a side of French fries on a wooden platter – completely satisfactory.

I think the best way to devour this wholesome goodness is by downing it with a glass of milkshake — I think the best way to devour this wholesome Panini goodness is by downing it with a milkshake

Located at Icom Square, Tease is that sort of place to go if you have a last minute assignment to complete.

Those who prefer a private yet comfortable space to be alone might find a decent sized spot with a cushy sofa in the corner of the café partially hidden by a book shelf, while those who might come in with a large group may opt for the long cafeteria style table with high stools.

The natural light coming through the glass windows makes you feel like you are outdoors.

To know more about this café, check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/teasebyjasestearoom/

Coffee Obsession

Filling and savoury without being too overwhelming

I had some difficulty spotting this café (located at Lorong Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce) the first time, as it is located on the first floor.

For RM9.90, the beef slice Panini that I had for lunch was filling without being too overwhelming.

The soft wholesome bread complements the smokiness of the beef slice and the crunchy texture of the lettuce. It is an easy and pleasant meal for those who are in the mood for a light lunch.

Besides the one I’ve sampled, you can also opt for other choices such as the chicken or turkey ham slices.

Besides the food, my favourite feature of the café is the book shelf in the middle of the eatery. So while waiting, you can read a book or magazine to fill up the time.

Popular for a small gathering party, the café will sometimes be closed for big parties, so bear in mind to check their Facebook page for their opening status.

Coffee Obsession is open from 12 to 11.30 pm every day except Thursdays.

Check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/coffeeobsessioncafe/

Seattle Coffee & Tea Kuching at Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suites

Paninia dn sandwiches offered at Seattle Tea & Coffee Kuching (Picture source from Seattle Tea & Coffee Kuching) — Panini and sandwiches offered at Seattle Tea & Coffee Kuching (Picture source from Seattle Tea & Coffee Kuching facebook page)

Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suites is strategically located in close vicinity to Kuching’s historical sites.

Surrounding the hotel is the Sarawak Museum, St Thomas Cathedral, the Textile Museum, Sarawak Museum Department and the old Courthouse.

Even the building itself has a colonial style facade to match the heritage sites surrounding the area.

Seattle Coffee & Tea is located at the right corner inside the hotel and so you can get nice view overlooking the roundabout of Padang Merdeka and the old cathedral while enjoying a sip of hot coffee to go with your Panini, priced at RM14.

Check out their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/SeattleCoffeeAndTea/

If you have other suggestions on where to get Panini in town, just let us know at KajoMag!

PHOTOS: DBKU Orchid Park, a perfect place for plant lovers

Published on May 8, 2017

Travel

If you are a visiting botanist or horticulturalist to Kuching, the number one place you must visit is DBKU Orchid Park.

Constructed in November 2007, the park was finally opened to the public on May 5, 2009. The garden is made up of two areas – the nursery and the display area and houses a collection of more than 75,000 plants!

The entrance sign may say ‘Orchid Garden’ but it was upgraded to Orchid Park back in 2013.

If you are familiar with the names Lady’s Slipper (Paphiopedilum Sanderianum), Coelogyne Pandurata, Bulbophyllum Beccarii and the Vandal Dearei, then you have to visit this garden.

But if you come with almost zero knowledge on orchids like yours truly, you might need to squeeze some effort to appreciate the place.

My biggest disappointment after visiting the garden was the lack of information and signage. While not all plants came with a sign, those that did only displayed the names of the plants without any extra information, leaving me with more questions than answers after my visit.

For instance, was this orchid endangered? Where could this particular orchid be found? Is this orchid endemic to Borneo?

These were just some of the questions that popped up in my mind while I was going around the garden.

Nonetheless, the park is strategically located within the vicinity of the Astana and Fort Margherita, making it a good place for a quick visit, especially for tourists.

Plus, admission is free and it is open to the public every day from 9.30am to 6pm, except on Mondays.

Don’t forget to bring an umbrella or a sunhat. If you have a DSLR camera, the garden is perfect for macro photography – I brought mine and I was happy how the photos turned out in the end.

But I need help to identify these beautiful orchids so drop some names in the comment box if you recognise some of these beauties!

PHOTOS: DBKU Orchid Park, a perfect place for plant lovers — Plant 1

Relish in authentic Korean food at The Kimbap, Kuching

Published on April 30, 2017

Culture

Kimbap is a famous Korean delicacy made from rice, various thinly sliced ingredients like fried egg, sausages, cucumber and carrot rolled up in a sheet of seaweed.

The word ‘kimbap’ literally means seaweed rice as ‘kim’ or ‘gim’ means seaweed while ‘bap’ cooked rice.

Here in Kuching, thousands of miles from where kimbap originated, is an eatery dedicated to this famous dish.

Located at Brighton Square along Jalan Song, The Kimbap prides itself as a pork-free Korean restaurant providing a variety of yummy Korean food at reasonable prices.

Diners can enjoy all kinds of kimbap like tuna mayo, spicy tuna, bulgogi ssam (marinated beef cabbage wraps), garden salad, chicken among eight others.

My personal picks are the beef, kimchi and cheesy kimbap; great for light lunch takeaways or for a simple outdoor picnic.

Beside these rolled rice delicacies, you can also fill up your tummy on other Korean delights.

For those who are big fans of the Korean ramyeon, you can also choose what to order with your noodles.

Ramyeon is similar to Japanese ramen as both are believed to share their roots from China’s lamian (hand-pulled noodles).

The Kimbap serves kimchi ramyeon, cheese ramyeon, dolsot ramyeon (dolsot means hot stone pot) and crispy chicken ramyeon.

If you prefer a noodle dish more native to Korea, order some japchae. It is a glass-like noodle made from sweet potato, stir-fried in sesame oil together with thinly sliced carrots, spinach and mushrooms.

The Kimbap also adds thinly cut beef to their japchae, making it almost a balanced meal instead of a side dish.

Besides this classic Korean noodle dish, they also serve rice dishes like bibimbap, omurice (rice omelette) and soup.

Some Korean food outlets in Kuching offer bibimbap served in plastic or ceramic bowls.

At The Kimbap, you can choose dolsot bibimbap where your bibimbap will be served up in a stone bowl to keep it sizzling hot. It is perfect for those who like their food warm.

Are you a big fan of fried chicken?

With a choice of Crispy Fried Chicken, Daebak Chicken (‘daebak’ is Korean slang for jackpot) and Spicy Chicken to choose from, foodies can skip KFC or Ayam Goreng McD.

Don’t forget to keep those tissues within arm’s reach – the Daebak Chicken and Spicy Chicken are covered in a sumptuous, flavourful sauce.

The Kimbap has a well-curated selection of Korean teas – brown rice green tea, buckwheat tea, Solomon’s seal tea, aloe vera tea, honey citron tea, honey jujube tea and ginseng tea.

Solomon’s seal tea, for example, is believed to be helpful in repairing sports injuries and other acute physical traumas.

I found their honey jujube tea a bit sweet, but it is supposed to be rich in antioxidants and able to help with constipation.

Their list was made complete with the honey citron tea, a traditional Korean drink dating back more than 100 years.

Honey citron tea is great for coughs, relieving sore throats and is an excellent source of vitamin C.

Whether you’re there for the kimbap or tea, The Kimbap is one of the few food outlets selling authentic Korean dishes in Kuching.

Check out their opening hours on their Facebook page: The Kimbap.

20170401_193332 — The Kimbap Daebak Chicken

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PHOTOS: Earth Hour 2017 Celebration at Fort Margherita

Published on April 7, 2017

News & Features

Last Mar 25, The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita joined the rest of the world to celebrate Earth Hour by inviting guests to experience the beauty of the fort in the evening.

*(From right) Brooke Gallery team members Adams Faizul, Liza Sideni and Barbara Hubong Andrew Hului*.

Earth Hour is a global movement in which millions of people, businesses and landmarks set aside an hour to host events switching off their lights.

The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita Earth Hour celebration started with a tour of the fort led by the gallery manager Liza Sideni.

After a session of learning on the rich history of Sarawak under its White Rajahs, the night continued with sharing sessions by local social entrepreneurs.

Under a candle-lit atmosphere, Wee Hung Yee from the WormingUp project shared his journey to tackle food waste problem in Kuching.

Using Pateeworms, maggots of one type of fly found in the jungle, Wee and his team are introducing a new method for food waste disposal instead of using land use.

At the same time, they are also working on raising awareness on high food waste in Kuching.

Heart Treasures’co-founder, Kiew Boon Siew talked about her journey working with autistic youths, those with developmental delay, cerebral palsy, deaf and speech-impaired, disabled, are orphans and/or single mothers.

It is their hope to turn them into artisans with the hope they will become independent one day.

They used recycled materials such as old magazines, card boxes to make handcrafted products such as notebooks and paper jewerly.

Meanwhile, Mohd Saifullah Haini or Seph, shared his experience on starting Spativate which is a social enterprise to activate vacant public spaces and properties in the city.

Their pilot project was held at Seph’s Kampong Muara Tebas by painting a mural at the wall of an abandoned shophouse which used to belong to his late grandfather.

Some 25 patrons attended the inaugural event.

For more information on The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita, visit http://www.brooketrust.org/.

PHOTOS: Earth Hour 2017 Celebration at Fort Margherita

The Parade of the Tatung during Chap Goh Meh in Singkawang

Published on March 23, 2017

Culture

In Sarawak (or Malaysia in general), there’s a cute tradition where young bachelorettes throw oranges into the river during Chap Goh Meh in the hopes of finding true love – hopefully by the following year.

9DSC_0431 — *Chap Goh Meh is celebrated after the 15th or last day after Chinese New Year or Imlek*

Chap Goh Meh in the Hokkien dialect translates to “the 15^th night of Chinese New Year”. It is also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day, but usually see families and friends gather together for dinner together as it is the last day of the Lunar New Year.

In Singkawang, a town located in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, you might find Chap Goh Meh being celebrated somewhat differently.

For the locals there, Chap Goh Meh is kind of a big deal as it is a truly unique event that reflects the culture and community here.

9DSC_0237 — *A 178-meter long dragon figure paraded during the Chap Goh Meh procession*

Before I elaborate more on what I saw during my brief four-day stay in West Kalimantan, this sort of celebration is not for the faint of heart (though I think James Wan might be inspired for his next thriller).

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The Chinese New Year – also known as ‘Imlek’ – is when the local Chinese community believes the gods will gather together in Singkawang.

There are no direct flights to Singkawang, so you have to fly to Pontianak which is 145 km away. After reaching Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, you have to travel three to four hours by bus to get there.

With 70% of the population being of Chinese descent, Singkawang’s Chinese community is predominantly made up of the Hakka clan, followed by the Teochew, while the rest are Malays and Dayaks.

Enjoying the procession of the 565 Tatung

The festivities in Singkawang were already in full swing on Feb 11 as people began to crowd the streets hoping to get a glimpse of the 565 ‘Tatung’ or shaman, the highlight of the Chap Goh Meh procession.

9DSC_0305 — *The parade of the 565 ‘Tatung’ or shaman, the highlight of the Chap Goh Meh procession*.

Known as the ‘City of the Thousand Temples’, you will pass various temples of different sizes and structures every few meters as you approach Singkawang from Pontianak. It is not a surprise then that a large number of Tatungs will come and participate in the procession representing their temples and gods.

9DSC_0277 — *The Tatung perform unbelievable stunts to the astonished crowd.*

The Tatung usually begin to prep themselves the day before the festival. Their preparations usually involve them going into trances at their respective temples, each temple dedicated to a different god.

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While some were dressed in elaborate and colourful traditional Chinese warrior costumes, others were in traditional Dayak outfits with steel rods piercing their cheeks while they waved their swords in the air.

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During the Tatung ritual, the participants – in a trance – perform unbelievable stunts such as stepping on swords, piercing rods and swords into their cheeks, as well as cutting themselves with knives without sustaining any injuries or shedding any blood.

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Just to prove that their knives and swords are real and sharp, some perform demonstrations where they cut a variety of objects, from plastic cups to vegetables.

page — *Photo-taking is a must during this truly unique event.*

On top of that, some Tatung performed bloody feats like biting the neck off a live chicken. According to our tour guide, a chicken was used since 2017 was the Lunar Year of the Rooster. (I briefly imagined what would end up being sacrificed in the Year of the Dog. Thankfully, I was told that dogs had been prohibited for use in the festival thanks to outraged animal lovers all around.)

9DSC_0404 — A pilgrim praying during the parade of the Tatung.

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Planning a visit to the ‘City of the Thousand Temples’?

Being in the ‘City of the Thousand Temples’, it was a shame that I did not get to visit some, let alone learn a story behind each one or even what gods were worshiped there.

9DSC_0176

This gave me an excuse to come back and visit Singkawang for Chap Goh Meh again next year, though I have to remember to book my accommodation at least three months ahead. As I understand it, the motels and hotels are usually fully booked during that time of the year.

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