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Muara Tebas temple, where the Chinese pray in a Malay village

Published on May 16, 2018

Travel

A couple years ago, a clip of a group of Malay boys performing the lion dance went viral on social media.

They used a cardboard box as the lion’s costume and wooden sticks as well as empty cans for their instruments.

The boys credited their interest in this particular Chinese culture after watching lion dance performances at Ching San Yan temple.

This Buddhist place of worship is also widely known as Muara Tebas temple and has a history spanning over 200 years.

It is oddly located in Kampung Muara Tebas which is a Malay village.

The history of Muara Tebas temple

According to legend, seafarers built the temple there after safely arriving in Kuching after crossing the South China Sea from China.

Here, devotees pray and extend their thanksgiving to Buddha Shakyamuni and Chinese sea goddess Mazu.

She is believed to roam the seas protecting her believers from harm.

The temple underwent renovation back in 1903. Since then, it was given a major facelift from 1994 to 2000.

Now, the Muara Tebas temple has exquisite wall paintings and elaborate sculptures, complete with a landscape garden.

Muara Tebas Temple 4 — What you will see from the top of the staircase – an overview of the kampung and the Sarawak River.

It has a typical Chinese Buddhist architecture and layout. The grand mountain gate (front gate) is the entrance to welcome the visitors.

Two Imperial Guardian Lion statues stand at the entrance, ready to protect the temple.

Since it is built on a hill 120 feet above sea level, the temple offers a picturesque view over Sarawak river.

The colourful pavilion also offers a good place to enjoy the view.

Muara Tebas Temple 3 — Visitors can sit at this pavilion and enjoy the view of the Sarawak River.

Once inside, you’ll discover that the main building has a courtyard, a regular feature in most Chinese Buddhist temples.

And of course, there are plenty of statues of the Chinese Buddhist pantheon.

Kuching Hokkien Association has been responsible over the management of the temple since 1984.

Muara Tebas Temple 5 — Some of the wall paintings found at the ceiling of the pavilion.

Muara Tebas temple during Chinese New Year

Muara Tebas Temple 2 — The temple went through several major renovation before it became what it is today.

The temple is usually flooded with devotees during Chinese New Year.

However, the busiest day of the year would be on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year as devotees believe their deities return to Earth from heaven.

They would pray to and welcome the gods who went to heaven on the 24th day of the twelfth month to report on human deeds.

After visiting Muara Tebas temple, some faithfuls rent a boat to visit nearby island Pulau Lakei to visit ‘batu singa’ (lion rock).

The island is located near the northern part of Bako National Park, another tourist hotspot in the Muara Tebas peninsula.

The peninsula is situated about 30km from Kuching town and is also famous for its seafood restaurants.

For those who are travelling by car to visit the temple or enjoy the seafood, there is a small parking fee charged by the villagers.

Muara Tebas Temple 8 — The temple is a fine example of Chinese Buddhist architecture.

Muara Tebas Temple 6 — A landscape garden flanks one of the walkways up to the temple.

Muara Tebas Temple 7 — The temple overlooks Kampung Muara Tebas.

Belaga bazaar: A visit to the heart of Sarawak

Published on May 10, 2018

Travel

If you look at Belaga town on the map, you will definitely notice that it is slapped roughly in the middle of Sarawak.

According to historian Chang Pat Foh, the name Belaga actually derives from a type of fish – the Betta splendens – otherwise known as the Siamese fighting fish.

Others, however, say the name comes from the word ‘Berlaga’ which means ‘fighting’ because the local communities were always fighting against each other for survival.

The whole Belaga district is located on the upper reaches of the Rajang river, about 120km of Kapit.

As for Belaga bazaar, it is situated at the confluence of Belaga and Balui rivers, tributary of Rajang river.

There are many ethnic groups living along the Belaga and Balui rivers such as the Kayan, Kenyah, Penan, Punan, Sekapan, Ukit, and Tanjung.

These people of Belaga are connected to Kapit via river about 4.5 hours away by boat.

The town can be reached by car in 4 hours from Bintulu using the Bintulu-Bakun road and the infamous uneven, roller coaster-like 34 km Mejawah-Belaga road.

Back in 1893, Sarawak Gazette reported that there were 14 shophouses in the bazaar with 15 more under construction.

Belaga 3 — District office cum public library in Belaga.

Why Fort Vyner was built

Though its history can be traced back to the 19th century, there is no tangible remnant of its past found at the bazaar.

This is because the oldest government building – Fort Vyner in Belaga – was burned down on March 23, 2015.

Fort Vyner held many stories little known by most Sarawakians.

One of those stories is of how the fort came to be built.

According to an associate research fellow at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Jayl Langub, the deaths of two Brooke officers triggered the need to build Fort Vyner.

It was in 1859, when those two Brooke officers – Fox and Steele – were murdered. They were actually manning Fort Emma in Kanowit.

The two main suspects, Sawing and Sekalai, fled up the Rajang river to take refuge at the Kejaman longhouse at Tuju Matahap, just above the confluence of Belaga and Balui.

The then Resident of Third Division Sibu, Hugh Brooke Low was then assigned to build a fort in Belaga.

He jotted down in his journal how he put together a team of 869 people from various ethnic groups including Iban, Malay and Sihan to build the fort.

The fort was finally completed on January 13, 1884 and was named after the third White Rajah, Charles Vyner Brooke.

Over the years, the building housed a number of government agencies including the district office, post office, police department and Sarawak River Board (SRB).

One of the more modern shophouses in Belaga.

An antique shop in the middle of Sarawak

Although the fort is gone, one of the few early shophouses in town still stands to this day.

There, visitors will find an antique shop like no other.

Owned by Teo Hee Tong, the shop houses more than indigenous artifacts but also memories.

According to Teo, he bought the antiques from local people who sometimes were in need of fast cash, whether it was to pay for funerals or to foot medical bills.

From antique brass boxes to Orang Ulu beads, Teo’s shop can easily mistaken for a mini museum.

While some who sold their family heirlooms to him were fortunate enough to be able to repurchase the items, others never returned, leaving Teo with a handsome collection in his shop.

A visit to Belaga

Belaga is often marketed as the heartland of Sarawak, and a good place to start exploring the Sarawak interior.

Unfortunately, the reality is that not many are willing to go that distance.

With a few shophouses, the town is considerably small with less than 40,000 people spread out over 19,400km2 area of Belaga district.

The population also decreased significantly since the building of the Bakun dam in the 1990s with more than 10,000 local people living along the Balui river uprooted and resettled in Sungai Asap Resettlement Scheme.

The longhouses not affected by the dam are located nearer to the bazaar.

Undeniably, the bazaar is no longer as merry or as busy compared to days prior to Bakun dam.

But once every two years since four years ago, the town comes alive during the Belaga Regatta.

The biennial programme will be held this year from September 27-30.

Some of the other activities are a decorated boat contest, Belaga Rainforest Challenge trail, decorated cottage show and cultural night.

This is the perfect time to plan a trip to this interior town. While you’re in Belaga, don’t forget to try the town’s food specialty – Mee Sup Ikan Labang (Labang fish soup noodle).

DSC 0005 1 — The only gas station in town.

Retelling the legend of Rentap at Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival

Published on May 7, 2018

Travel

Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) rebranded its annual World Harvest Festival to Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival this year.

Regardless of the rebranding, the highlight of the event remains its signature musical theme play which tells the tales and folklore of one of Sarawak’s many ethnic groups every year.

On April 28 the Iban community was this year’s featured ethnic group as they paid tribute to famous Iban warrior Rentap in a play called Rentap: The Untold Story.

Sarawak Harvest Folklore Festival Each year, the act takes on a different ethnic group’s folk tales or stories and this year they featured the Iban community.

Although it did not present an exactly “untold” story of Rentap, the musical did highlight a number of important yet little known facts about him and his life.

Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival theme play

Born Libau anak Ningkan, Rentap was a great war chief who led a rebellion against the Brooke administration during the 19th century.

The tale of this fierce warrior took a romantic detour by showing the courtship and marriage between Rentap and his wife Sawai.

Besides Sawai, the musical introduced another important key person in Rentap’s life – Chief Orang Kaya Pemanca Dana Bayang.

Sarawak Harvest Folklore Festival 2 — Rentap and Sawai courting under the moonlight during the musical act set on the SCV’s lake.

He was Rentap’s mentor who accompanied him on ngayau (ngayo) expeditions into West Kalimantan.

Of the numerous battles Rentap fought against the Brooke administration (spanning from James Brooke’s reign to Charles Brooke), the play featured a few important ones like the battle of Kerangan Peris in 1844 (which caused the death of a British officer known only as Mr Stewart) and the battle of Lintang Batang in 1853. The latter was a bloodbath which saw Alan Lee, another British officer beheaded by Rentap’s son in-law Layang.

The final battle was at Bukit Sadok, Rentap’s fort. It was during this battle Rentap suffered a great loss, marking the end of his war against the White Rajah.

The battle at Bukit Sadok also introduces ‘Bujang Sadok’, a 12-pounder brass cannon used by Charles Brooke as they attacked his fort. Historically, the shot from Bujang Sadok penetrated Rentap’s fort, killing the gunner operating his own cannon named ‘Bujang Timpang Berang’.

Bujang Sadok is now on display at The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita while Bujang Timpang Berang is at the Betong District Office.

Sarawak Harvest Folklore Festival 5 — Watch out for the gunshots (fireworks)!

Sarawak Harvest Folklore Festival 3 — A temporary wooden hut was set on fire during the play.

The verdict on Rentap: The Untold Story

Although most history purists would agree that the storyline of this Rentap musical was over-fictionalised, the play did capture Rentap’s famed courage and the essence of the Iban community in the olden days.

With fireworks depicting cannon ball explosions and gunfire, the musical act delivered an impressive array of special effects to the whole performance.

A scene showcasing the Battle of Beting Maru, where Brooke troops ambushed the Ibans was equally impressive. A wooden hut suddenly shot up in flames during the battle leaving the audience gasped in awe.

Sarawak Harvest Folklore Festival 4 — Rentap and his army fleeing from an ambush by Brooke troops.

Sarawak Harvest Folklore Festival 7 — The Brooke troop celebrating their victory on Bukit Sadok.

Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival events

Apart from the musical theme play, Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival featured other events including Miss Cultural Festival 2018 and Sape World Concert.

Held from Apr 17 to 28, visitors also got to enjoy the Tribal Ironman Challenge and Sarawak Kitchen Food Culinary Competition.

Going into its 11th year, the festival is a prelude to the statewide Gawai Dayak celebration.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports together with Sarawak Economic Development Corporation supported the event.

5 halal western restaurants to visit within Kuching city centre

Published on May 3, 2018

Travel

While Kuching offers plenty of choices of halal western restaurants, most of them are not in walking distance of the city centre.

Here are KajoMag’s recommendations of halal Western restaurants to visit within the vicinity of Kuching city. Furthermore, they are all walk-able distance from Kuching waterfront:

1. MK Classico Caffe

First of all, every part of this restaurant is definitely Instagram-worthy. It has that rustic and rugged interior with mortal walls and exposed wooden beams on its ceiling.

You can find antiques in every corner of the restaurant from an old typewriter to a classic radio.

Food-wise, you can give MK Special Burger, Chicken Schnitzels or MK Swedish Meatball a try for a hearty dinner.

If you are there for some socialising, order some MK Classic Nachos, MK Banana Cheese or its MK BBQ wings to share with your friends.

The place also offers coffees and various mocktails. Unfortunately, it only opens from 5pm onwards.

2. Sharing Downtown

This place is famous among locals as a cosy, casual place to have dinner. So don’t get frustrated if you can’t get a table during its peak hour in the evening.

For poultry lovers out there, you have several choices including Chicken Chop, Maryland, Ice Cream Chicken Chop, Double Cheezyland and other items to choose from.

If you’re into fish, there are items such as the classic Fish and Chips, Grilled Fish Fillet, Garlic Butter Fish Fillet, Cajun Fish Fillet and Atlantic Salmon.

For a high dose of carbs, pick any of their spaghetti dishes like Spaghetti Vegetable, Chicken Bolognese, Meatball Spaghetti, Carbonara, Seafood Aglio e Olio and so on.

The price is affordable and the portions are satisfying.

3. Kuehpedia Cake Boutique and Cafe

At Kuehpedia, you’ll find more than just ‘kueh’ or cakes. This hipster cafe at Wayang Street offers local dishes such as Nasi Gian and Nasi Dagang.

But they also offer western delights such as Creamy Salted Egg Pasta, Grilled Chicken and Crispy Beef Bacon Carbonara.

Patrons can satisfy their craving for sweets with both local and western desserts at Kuehpedia.

4. Bing! Coffee

Most visitors come to any of Bing! Coffee’s branches to wind down and relax with a cup of coffee, while only a few come specifically to sate their hunger here. But this place is perfect for those who want a quick Western food fix.

Bing! Coffee offers halal Western food such as Beef Lasagna, Beef Burger, variety of sandwiches made of Panini, Ciabatta, Bambini, or Focaccia breads.

5. Peridot Kuching

From thin crust pizza to creamy pasta, you can find these at Peridot Kuching.

Another highlight of this restaurant is its shakshouka, a dish of eggs poached in tomato sauce, chilli peppers and onions.

On TripAdvisors, visitors seemed to rave about its salmon saying it is well-cooked at a reasonable price. Why not give that a try on your next visit?

A look into the past of the Sarawak Chinese at the Chinese History Museum

Published on May 2, 2018

Travel

The Chinese History Museum is an unassuming building located at Kuching Waterfront. Built in 1912, it originally served as a courthouse for the Chinese community from 1912 to 1921.

This was where the Chinese community handled their disputes from marriages to divorces and even division of property.

The third White Rajah, Charles Vyner Brooke wanted the Chinese community to manage their own affairs and so Ong Tiang Swee was selected as the first chairman and assisted by six judges elected annually from the community.

Inspired by English colonial architecture, the museum was known as the Chinese Chamber of Commerce building.

In 1993, the building was reopened and is what we know today as the Chinese History Museum.

A relatively small building (the hall itself is 46 square feet), this museum gives valuable insight on the livelihoods and the economic and historical contributions of the Chinese community in Sarawak.

The Chinese History Museum exhibit

Chinese History Museum 5 — Chinese History Museum.

Chinese History Museum 4 — Chinese History Museum.

Chinese History Museum 3 — Chinese History Museum.

Chinese History Museum 2 — Chinese History Museum.

The start of the exhibition educates visitors on how the Chinese immigrated to Sarawak.

In fact, the first wave of Chinese immigrants who landed in Sarawak in the 15th century were mainly the Hakkas.

They first settled in Pontianak, Sambas, and Singkawang before migrating to what we know now as the Bau area.

Then, the second wave of Chinese immigrants landed in Kuching even before James Brooke’s arrival. They were the Teochews and the Hokkiens.

Apart from that, the exhibition highlights some of the pioneering community leaders including Liu Shan Bang, Ong Tiang Swee and Ong Ewe Hua.

There are other modern Chinese leaders featured as well such as former deputy chief minister George Chan and James Wong, who holds the record as the longest serving assemblyman in the history of Sarawak (he held the office for nearly 50 years).

Although the Chinese in Sarawak travelled thousands of miles away from mainland China hundreds of years ago, the communities here still retain most of their ancestral culture.

Other aspects of their culture that they brought include the Chinese musical instruments found in Sarawak.

The Chinese History Museum showcases a handful of musical instruments such as Liu Qin, Er Hu, Yang Cin, Qin Qin and many more.

Other interesting exhibits found were an intricate ceramic lunch box and a pillow for smoking opium.

Some room for improvement…

Sadly, there were some disappointing aspects when KajoMag visited the museum in April 2018.

For starters, some of the lights were not working at all and some light bulbs were flickering, exuding that haunted house feel.

Most of the audio interactive systems like the sounds of the various musical instruments and dialects were not working, and some of the exhibits were dusty and not properly described.

Given the strategic location at Kuching waterfront which is a popular tourist attraction, a little bit of more care and attention could go a long way for this small yet important museum.

A Saturday morning at Bakun wharf cum trading post

Published on April 11, 2018

Travel

If you are one of those impulsive, adventurous travellers seeking for a new place for a random tour, here is a KajoMag-worthy suggestion.

Why not make a quick trip to Bakun wharf on a Saturday morning?

Bakun wharf is located at Bakun dam’s reservoir lake, about a three-and-a-half hour drive from Bintulu town.

It is actually not a public jetty but belongs to Sarawak Energy (SEB) which is within the security area of the power station.

Bakun 8 — Bakun wharf turns into a trading post every Wednesday and Saturday morning.

Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, however, the wharf turns into a trading post attracting buyers from Bintulu, Sibu, Miri and even Kuching.

Here you can find various types of freshwater fish including Mengalan, Semah, Tengadak, Baung, Labang and even the famous Empurau.

Bakun 6 — Baong fish, which is a type of cat fish.

While most of the fish buyers are restaurant owners and middlemen, a number of visitors also buy these fish for personal consumption.

Prices usually range from RM15 onwards per kg.

Bakun 4 — A market with a beautiful lake in the background.

According to some of the traders, the bigger the fish, the tastier its meat.

And if you were to pick a size, choose one which weighs at least 1kg.

Bakun 2 1 — A trader carrying meat to trade.

There are also other traders selling their jungle produce such as paku (a type of local fern) and rebung (bamboo sprouts).

In the midst of hustle and bustle of the market, take in the beauty of Bakun lake. Do you know the man-made lake is about the same size as Singapore?

Bakun 9 — A view of Bakun lake which is about the same size as Singapore.

Where to go after Bakun wharf?

After a visit to the wharf, you can go to nearby Bakun restaurant about 10 minutes’ drive away and let the professionals do their magic on these fishes.

They can cook the fish according to your preference and usually charge the price by weight.

Since the fish are so fresh, the best way to enjoy them is to steam them. Then you can taste the tenderness of the meat minus the fishy smell.

There are other ways to cook them too such as asam pedas (Malay-style sour and spicy dish) or the Teochew style of steaming with Chinese salted vegetables.

Spending a morning on the wharf and having a scrumptious lunch at a restaurant later… isn’t this is one of most authentic ways to spend your Saturday in Sarawak?

Bakun 7 — Longboats are the best vessels to traverse Sarawak’s winding rivers which can be both shallow and deep in some places.

Bakun 3 — A stray dog watches the buyers and sellers closely, waiting for some food scraps.

Your Rainforest World Music Festival Practical Guide

Published on April 10, 2018

Entertainment

The 21st Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is coming this July 13 to 15!

It is a music festival like no other with world musicians from around the globe under one roof.

The festival is formulated to have interactive workshops in the afternoon and mind-blowing performances in the evening.

With Sarawak Cultural Village as its venue and Mount Santubong in the background, RWMF is an epitome of how indigenous music should be shared and appreciated.

Your Practical Guides to Rainforest World Music Festival 9 — Have you bought your tickets yet to Rainforest World Music Festival 2018?

If you are planning to go, here is KajoMag’s practical guide to enjoying the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) :

1. Be there early.

Avoid the long queue at the entrance by coming early to the venue. Don’t forget to print your personal copy of your tickets or download it to your devices.

2. Don’t bring sharp items

There will be a security check at the entrance so do not bring sharp items to RWMF. And of course, no drugs are permitted.

3. No outside food and drink

Security will also check your bags for food and drink at the entrance. Even little things like your favourite mints or chewing gum are not allowed to RWMF. Don’t worry, food and drink are available at the venue.

4.You can bring your mats

Make yourself comfortable and bring your lawn chairs or mats. Some sellers at the craft bazaar do sell the traditional woven mats but stocks can be limited or they might be too big.

If you don’t want to take any chances, bring your own lawn chairs or mats.

Your Practical Guides to Rainforest World Music Festival 4 — You can always plop yourself on a mat if you want to.

5.Protect yourself from UV rays!

RWMF is held in Kuching, Malaysia which is obviously located in a tropical country. Men might not care about this tip, but girls, do protect your skin by slapping on those sunscreen.

6. And a raincoat!

Even though the monsoon, or landas season, isn’t until December to March, there have been times when Kuching has been deluged by rain during RWMF.

A raincoat is a saviour for when you want to continue to dance in the rain. You might not able to save your slippers while dancing in the mud but at least you can protect your body.

Your Practical Guides to Rainforest World Music Festival 5 — If it raining at night, you might need to dance in the rain so bring a raincoat!

7.Stuff them all in a dry bag

Speaking of raining during RWMF, a dry bag is very handy during RWMF. You can put all your important stuff like your wallet, camera and handphone in your dry bag. The festival venue, Sarawak Cultural Village, is just a stone’s throw away from the beach, so you’ll be able to enjoy the sun, surf and sand in before, after or between the music.

8. Shoo away those insects!

If you do not want to be distracted by mosquitoes or sand flies, spray on some insect repellent.

9. Bring along that power bank

One of RWMF’s most practical guidelines is to bring along your power bank. A proper power source to charge your handphones during RWMF is usually hard to find.

Your Practical Guides to Rainforest World Music Festival 2 — This fellow might not be there to provide you with a fully charged power bank this year.

10. Have fun!

Your Practical Guides to Rainforest World Music Festival — Participate in at least one of the dance workshops!

In the afternoon, there are so many workshops to choose from. Pick at least one dance workshop to participate in. Nobody will judge you for having two left feet at RWMF. Be respectful toward other festival-goers and keep an open mind on learning about other people’s culturse.

Last but not least do not forget to have fun, fun, fun!

We hope that you find these Rainforest World Music Festival practical guidelines useful!

Your Practical Guides to Rainforest World Music Festival 7 — Join the crowd or just have fun on your own! Your choice!

Your Practical Guides to Rainforest World Music Festival 6 — Join the crowd or just have fun on your own! Your choice!

The Frog Pond of Kubah National Park

Published on April 9, 2018

Travel

Most visitors to Kubah National Park would put Mount Serapi or its waterfall on the itinerary but only a few would stop and appreciate the frog pond located there.

Situated about a half-hour walk from the park HQ, this pool is the breeding ground for numerous frog species.

There are a few signs provided at the frog pond to educate the public more about this amphibian.

Kubah Frog Pond 2 — Kubah National Park prides itself as “The Home of Palms and Frogs”.

If you are visiting the frog pond during the day, you might miss them. They hide among the leaf litter away from the hot sun and predators.

You can enjoy more of these amphibians if you are staying overnight at the national park.

This is because the frogs only come out at night. Furthermore, they are most active an hour after sunset.

Kubah Frog Pond — Most visitors tend to skip this small frog pond.

Have you heard a frog’s call before? Male frogs call to attract females.

Unlike catcalling among humans which usually repel the females, the louder the frog’s call, the better their chances of getting a mate.

Every species has its own distinctive call.

Kubah Frog Pond 5 — A visitor walking pass the natural frog pond of Kubah National Park.

Some of the factors reportedly affecting the frog’s mating rituals are humidity, rainfall, temperature and even the phases of the moon.

After choosing a mate, the female expels its eggs into the water while the male releases its sperms to fertilise the eggs.

The eggs will later hatch into tadpoles and live like a fish for about 11 weeks.

Some tree frogs lay their eggs in the trees to avoid egg raptors.

When the eggs hatch, the tadpoles will fall into the pond.

Kubah Frog Pond 12 — After choosing a mate, the female expels its eggs into this pond while the male releases its sperms to fertilise the eggs.

The importance of frogs

Frogs and their tadpoles hunt mostly insects allowing them to control the insect population. Hence, this helps to balance the ecosystem. Similarly, snakes, birds, bats and other frogs also prey on these frogs, continuing this important predator-prey cycle.

Did you know that having lots of frogs in the forest tells us that the area is still healthy?

They can be used as bio-indicator for pollution. This is because frogs have permeable skin which can be sensitive to any disease, pollution and changes in the environment.

If the number of frogs decline, it’s safe to say that it’s a warning sign that something is wrong with the environment.

Kubah Frog Pond 6 — If the number of frogs decline, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong with the environment.

Frog species found at Kubah National Park

According to Sarawak Tourism Board website, some frogs that can be spotted here are Grass Frog, Common Asian Toad, Brookes’s Burrowing, Kerangas Bush Frog, Harlequin Tree Frog, Four-line Tree Frog, White-lipped frog and File-eared Tree Frog.

Apart from these, Hans P. Hazebroek and Abang Kashim Abang Morshidi listed more frog species in National Parks of Sarawak.

These include Kuhl’s Creek Frog, Black-spotted Rock Frog, Sarawak Slender Litter Frog, Abott’s Litter Frog, Giant River Toad and Brown Slender Toad.

Filipino fried pork leg of Hong Fu Seafood, a must try food in Sibu town

Published on March 26, 2018

Lifestyle

When it comes to food in Sibu, most people think of kampua, dian bian ngu or kompia.

While they’re usually on top of the must-try food list of this inland town of Sarawak, there is one dish in Sibu which may be the best of its kind in town.

Hong Fu Seafood’s signature dish

Located at Jalan Wong King Huo, Hong Fu Seafood is a famous place among patrons to have dinner with their families.

Their signature dish, the Filipino fried pork leg is famous among local food bloggers that you just have to Google ‘fried pork leg in Sibu’ and you will find a host of online reviews.

So what makes this Filipino fried pork leg so famous?

First of all, it is the holy grail for all hardcore carnivores out there; crispy on the outside, the moment you bite through the skin, you’ll find the meat soft and tender.

For some added flavour, you can dip your pork leg into their vinegar, lime and soy sauce mix.

One portion of Filipino fried pork leg served in Hong Fu Seafood restaurant is huge especially for two people. It can even be enjoyed by up to four or five people.

Have it with a glass of cold beer and it is a perfect way to wrap up a night out in Sibu town.

Filipinio Fried Pork Leg in Hong Fu Seafood (3) — Filipino fried pork leg in Hong Fu Seafood, Sibu.

About Filipino fried pork leg

Hong Fu Seafood may call the dish “Filipino fried pork leg” but in the Philippines, it is called Crispy Pata prepared and served in much the same way.

Crispy pata is also similar to Schwienshaxe in German cuisine.

For Schweinshaxe, it is a roasted ham hock which is the end of the pig’s leg, just above the ankle.

Read other food-related stories here.

Filipinio Fried Pork Leg in Hong Fu Seafood (2) — The skin is crispy and the moment you bite through it, you will find the meat inside is all soft and tender.

The perks of travelling to Krabi during low season

Published on March 23, 2018

Travel

Krabi 10 — Swimming in small area such as Piley Cove is much more comfortable during low season due to a lesser crowd.

While most vacationers would pick December till April to take a trip to Krabi in southern Thailand for the warm seawater and tanning, some visitors might prefer otherwise.

The low season in Krabi season is from May to October when the monsoon winds bring cooler temperature and more rains in the area.

You would be surprised how many visitors are still willing to flock to this tourist spot even during low season.

Here are some of the reasons why travelling to Krabi during low season is a good idea:

Krabi 12 — Even the monkey looks relaxed during low season at Maya Bay.

1. Escape the crowd

Practically, it is less crowded on the beaches and islands.

A tour operator told me that if it was during high season, the streets in Ao Nang would be crawling with tourists.

Additionally, you can hardly see any long stretches of sand on favourite tourist sites such as Maya Bay from ashore, only a sea of humans during high season.

Krabi 4 — Just a dog relaxing at a beach in Ao Nang.

2. Cheap, cheap cheap

Unsurprisingly, food and accommodation are cheaper during low season compared to high season.

You could get up to 20% discounts off your bill dining at some of the restaurants in Ao Nang.

A bed at a hostel could go as low as 250 baht per night.

Some tour operators even offer half price discount for their travel packages.

Krabi 11 — Tour operators sometimes offer up to 50% discounts for their travel packages.

The downside?

However, the biggest disadvantage of travelling during low season is you are the mercy of Mother Nature.

Pick a wrong day, and you could spend time in your hotel room doing nothing if it rains the whole day.

Nonetheless, if you enjoy drinking, might as well spend your time sipping on cocktails and local beers at the bar while watching the rain drop.

Krabi 5 — Just enjoy your lattes during the rainy season at The Coffee Club in Ao Nang.

One cocktail could cost you 90 to 100 baht during low season – about half the price compared to high season.

There are several local coffee joints such as The Coffee Club in Ao Nang which offers a good caffeine fix on top of great ambiance for you to enjoy a moment alone with your book.

You could also spend your day at any of the spas for a massage or manicure.

All of these make vacationing in Krabi during low season a risk worth taking after all.