Vol63 Borneotalk

VOL.
63
JAN-MAR 2022
Eco-
Escape
Sustainable Tourism
Borneotalk
BOLD
BorneoTalk is published by Bumi
ainable luxe
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expressed in the publication.
Editorial Team
Editor-In-Chief Ivy Pan Editor Lester Geres Marketing

Ashley Pan, Ivy Pan Administration Nur Hazimah
Contributors Farihah Fuaad, Bernardo Edi Design &
Art Direction ST.Y Photography Lester Geres, Ashley
Pan, STB, Tourism Malaysia, STIDC, @marklucasleong,
Iain Raphael Bong (@iainwitheyes), Shahrul Othman,
bombasticborneo, Freepik, Social Media Front Cover
Image Eco-Escape – Sustainable Tourism featuring the
traditional Melanau sun hat, terendak made using sustainably
Rattan, finest natural material, sustainably sourced and sourced palm leaves. (photo taken at SCV) Printer BHS
meticulously handwoven by the local community Book Printing Sdn Bhd, Lot 4, Lorong CJ 1/1/B, Kawasan
Perindustrian Cheras Jaya, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia.
+60 82 427 423 / +60 111 405 8400 • www.borneotalk.com/sub-store Winner of 4th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award 2009/2010
and 5th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award 2011/2012 for
outstanding media contribution.
CONTENTS BorneoTalk magazine is a publication audited by The Audit Bureau

of Circulations (Malaysia)
Eco-Tourism 4-29 . COE 16 . Sustainable Tourism 30-35 Write to us at BorneoTalk, 242E, Lorong Green No. 3, Jalan
. In a day 36-37 . Sustainability 38-51 . Museum 52- Green, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
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The next issue of BorneoTalk will be out in April 2022.
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Sarawak
Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak,
Minister of Youth and Sports Sarawak
Nature
and
Adventure
in Sarawak!
Greetings and Welcome each with their own religions, traditions and beliefs
while medical tourism provides personal care for
to Sarawak! patients in pleasant accredited medical centres. Of
course, Sarawak is well known for our festivals too,
Regardless of how many times you come here, where everyone can join in the fun and festivities;
you will always feel the warmth and sincerity of just time your visits during these occasions to
the people; the big smiles, generous courtesy, and experience a wide range of food and events.
best of all, the beauty of nature anywhere you
go. Our renowned national parks and recreational Surely the memories of your visit to Sarawak
venues continue to amaze visitors with their pristine will always be treasured. Countless visitors have
surroundings and wildlife diversity, and provide a praised our hospitality, cleanliness, affordability and
truly relaxing experience. safety, which are important for many families with
children, the elderly groups and single travellers. Let
We take pride in managing our natural resources, us know of your experience when you are here next
especially our forests and riverine waterways to so we can further enhance the range of our services
preserve them for future generations while using for your future visits.
hydro power for clean and sustainable energy as
our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint. With the opening of Sarawak for international
tourism in January 2022 following the pandemic,
Many of our tourism attractions are nature-based. rest assured that with the necessary medical
And regulated visitor numbers as well as responsible procedures and certification, entering Sarawak will
tourism practices put in place ensure that our be a smooth process. We regularly provide updates
adventure spots retain their natural beauty. In on visiting Sarawak in our website (sarawaktourism.
addition to adventure and nature, our tourism gems com) to inform visitors of latest happenings here
also include our cultural diversity with some 27 and we look forward to seeing you in the Land of
major ethnic groups spread throughout the State, the Hornbills!
Jan-Mar2022BorneoTalk | 3
Eco-Tourism
Explore
the deep
dark of
Mulu
F
ew places in Sarawak,
Malaysian Borneo can match
the magnificence of Gunung
Mulu National Park. This
fascinating tropical rainforest locale about
100 kilometres away from Miri is riddled
with some of the largest, longest, most
fascinating cave systems on the planet.
Gunung Mulu National Park ticks all the
boxes, more than adequately meeting not
just one but all criteria (earth’s history and
geological features, ecological processes,
superlative natural phenomena or natural
beauty and aesthetic importance, as well
as Biodiversity and threatened species)
needed for it to be listed among UNESCO’s
globally renowned World Heritage Sites in
November 2000.
4 | BorneoTalkJan-Mar2022
Eco-Tourism
Rock formation resembling a camel’s head.
Eco-Tourism
Cave of the Winds
On the surface, the 544 sq km national park named carved into shape over millions of years. We explored
after Gunung Mulu shows off an undulating just a fraction of those cave systems during a recent
mountainous landscape that takes you aback every excursion hosted by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB),
time you gaze at its grandeur. As you venture deep in partnership with MASwings and Mulu Marriott
into the national park, you will discover sights few Resort & Spa.
have ever seen before. Roaring waterfalls, winding
rivers, dense canopies and dazzling wildlife are a
joy to come across on your temporary escape out
of civilisation and into the very heart of nature.
The Pinnacles on Mount Api are chief of all these
attractions and are a must-see among mountain
climbing enthusiasts.
Underneath it all however is a completely different

story. The Mulu mountains hide within them some
of the world’s most impressive subterranean systems,
VIPs and the media on arrival in Mulu via Maswings.
Eco-Tourism
Journey into the deep
A 30-minute boat ride from Mulu Marriott took Within just minutes, unfamiliar sights began to
us to the starting point of our little adventure into reveal themselves. The deeper we ventured into
the Cave of the Winds, the first of two show caves the cave, the more alien this subterranean world
we explored during our excursion. A set of winding appeared, with stalactites hanging down the ceiling
steps built into the limestone walls provided a much- and stalagmites emerging out of the guano-covered
needed exercise, complete with refreshing views of ground. Some of the formations joined over time
the surrounding jungle, as we made our way to the to form columns. These features were especially
entrance of the cave. prominent at the King’s Chamber.
Torchlights in hand, we proceeded along a wooden Moving through the dark passages inside the Cave
path leading us away from the light and deeper into of the Winds, we could see evidence that they were
the Cave of the Winds. The breeze we felt as we carved by a subterranean river that is now no longer
moved through the cave was indicative of how the there. What’s left is an underground landscape that
Cave of the Winds got is name. is truly fascinating.
Eco-Tourism
Art by water
Each of the caves in Gunung Mulu National Park is

unique. For Clearwater Cave, it is the clear river that
flows through this impressive cave system of over
200 kilometres in length, and the “works of art” it
created as it rushed through the limestone rocks over
millions of years.
Getting to the mouth of Clearwater Cave was a

challenge for the mind. There were 200 steps to
climb, which sounded difficult for some. But as we
soon discovered, it was not difficult at all.
From the mouth of Clearwater Cave, we could see

how massive it was. As we moved further into the
cave, its sheer size became more apparent. It’s truly
a monster of a cave passage, and it’s not even the
biggest one in Mulu. That title belongs to Deer Cave.
Down where the water flowed through the passages

with such an impressive force, we witnessed the true
might of the subterranean river that shaped Clearwater
Cave – not in the river itself but on the cave walls
that had been carved by water over the course of a
few million years. To be standing on the bridge over
the flowing river below and in the middle of the cave
passage resembling a painting was quite something
else. Its immense beauty shone through even when
there was little light. But 30-second exposed images
really captured the finer details of nature’s artistry
found within the dark hollows of Clearwater Cave.
That, for us, was the highlight of our cave exploration

trip in Mulu National Park. That rare opportunity to
capture the splendour of Clearwater Cave. Suddenly
everything else paled in comparison – for this trip at
least. With such rare beauty presented before us, we
wondered what else could be waiting in the hundreds
of kilometres of dark passages within Clearwater Cave.
Eco-Tourism
Clearwater Cave
Experience Mulu
Now that it’s possible to travel again, we recommend The park HQ offers different levels of accommodations
a trip to Mulu for its amazing caves and climbs. to suit your budget and preferences. Here you can
Getting there is by plane, via MASwings flights to also purchase Wi-Fi passes in case you need to
Mulu Airport from Miri (30 mins), Kuching (1 hr stay connected to everyone else back home. More
20 mins) or Kota Kinabalu (55 mins). Check flight information can be found at https://mulupark.com/
schedules or make your booking at https://www. accomodations-facilities-2/.
maswings.com.my/.
Other options would be homestays within Mulu area,
As for accommodation, Mulu has several options. owned and managed by local homestay operators.
If you want to bask in luxury while reconnecting
with nature, Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa is the For bookings and more information about Mulu
ideal option. Its lavishly appointed rooms ensure a National Park, go to https://mulupark.com/.
comfortable, luxurious stay amid a pristine tropical
jungle surrounding. More info at https://www.
marriott.com/hotels/travel/myymu-mulu-marriott-
resort-and-spa/.
Eco-Tourism
Trailing
Sarawak’s
Waterfalls
Small cascades at Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort.
Eco-Tourism
I
n Sarawak, you’ll
be surprised at
how close you are
to nature. If you
want to go to a waterfall for a
weekend escapade, you can get
there just within the hour. The
mesmerising views, the water
rushing through the pool, and
the total seclusion... Waterfalls
are incredibly calming to look at.
There are many waterfalls
in Sarawak, all in different
shapes, sizes, widths and
depths. Regardless of their
unique individual forms, we
can all agree that some time
at the waterfall make a great
weekend spent recharging and
engaging in fun activities with
friends and family. Let us take
you on a trail around the State,
from southern to central to
north, on a quest for Sarawak’s
best natural water shows.
Eco-Tourism
Bronang Waterfall, Bau
Located upstream at Sungai Adis, Bronang Waterfalls and Bronang Jungle Pool, located 30-min’s hike apart
are a great challenge for the adventurer at heart. The from each other. The fun usually takes place at the Pool,
beautiful medium-sized Bronang waterfalls provide where the famous #Instaworthy photo spot is located!
an idyllic setting for nature lovers to relax within Bau’s
rugged interiors. The trek back out to Adis Buan Resort in Kampung
Segong will take you past bamboo forest trails and
There are two ways to reach Bronang Waterfalls. One crossing the Ulu Segong Stream. In total, you can
is from Kampung Daun, and the other is via Kampung expect about seven to eight hours time spent on hiking
Segong. Both have their own challenges unique to and playing in the falls if you take this route. Also,
their respective trails, but the one in Kampung Daun leeches are plenty here so be sure to arm yourself with
gives you the added opportunity to reach the Bronang insect repellent before venturing here.
summit of Mount Sirabu.
The shorter route to Bronang Waterfalls is through Adis
The 1.5-hour journey to the peak can be challenging, as Buan, which leads you straight to the falls, minus a hike
you’ll have to occasionally climb up a 90-degree ladder up the summit. This trail can take up to four hours in
and slippery slopes. But it’s definitely a challenge worth total, going to and coming back.
taking as the rewards of reaching the summit include a
stunning view of Mount Singai.
Local guide is needed.
Homestay: Adis Buan Resort ( Tel: +60 14 914 3359 )
Upon your descent from the summit, you will reach
Bronang Waterfalls, namely Upper Bronang Waterfall
Sebarau (aka Bidak) Waterfall, Siburan

Cool off in nature’s awe inspiring cascades at Sebarau Waterfall, located
in Kampung Bidak, just off Borneo Highlands Resort. Also known as Bidak
Waterfall, this modest waterfall tumbles down into a tantalisingly bluish-
green natural pond that is open for swimmers to get a closer look at the
refreshing fall.
The trailhead begins from the village in between the local houses. The trail
to the waterfall is a clear one, passing by bamboo forests, banana trees,
durian trees, pepper farms and occasionally crossing small cascades. The
whole journey is about half an hour’s hike from Kampung Bidak, or known
locally as Bra’ang Bidak.
If you’re lucky, during durian season, you may even see local villagers
collecting the thorny fruit in a basket. And as expected from a Bidayuh
village, a once-in-a-lifetime crossing of a bamboo bridge is a must.
Eco-Tourism
Seventy kilometres from Sri Aman is the magical Nanga Sumpa, a remote settlement of pristine beauty and tropical
wilderness in Batang Ai. Off-grid, a cooling dip at the Enseluai waterfall situated in a cove upriver awaits you. There, you
can relax and take in the views of Batang Ai’s impressive
dense rainforest before heading back up to the Iban
Enseluai Waterfall, Batang Ai longhouse at Nanga Sumpa, which offers insight into
the community’s tradition-led lifestyle.
The best part of this waterfall is the journey. It requires

you to enter Batang Ai National Park, which is reachable
via an hour plus boat ride journey upriver in Batang
Ai. Batang Ai National Park is a part of Lanjak-Entimau
Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a totally protected area for
the Orang Utan. Hence, while not guaranteed, a trip
here gives you a chance of spotting Borneo’s most
famous forest inhabitant: the Orang Utan.
Homestay: Nanga Sumpa Lodge @borneoadventure
Wong Klangsau, Saratok

Forget your worldly worries at Wong Klangsau Waterfall,
Saratok’s hidden jewel situated just two hours car-ride away
from Sibu city.
Don’t be fooled by the waterfall’s short vertical drop! The

current here is strong and swift so unless you are a swimming
professional, do not attempt to go near the cascades as
you can be swept away in a matter of seconds. Otherwise,
the sides surrounding the cascades make Wong Klangsau a
bucket-list worthy waterfall.
Wong Klangsau is just 10 minutes walk away from the

signboard at the roadside, hence no guide is needed to go here.
Homestay: Rumah Juliana Kamidan Jaya
You must be wondering what’s with the ‘Wong’ in the waterfalls’ names. Are these
Wong Pala two waterfalls long-lost cousins? As much as we’d like to think so considering how
Munsoh, Sarikei they are just a town apart, Wong in Iban language actually means waterfall!
Wong Pala Munsoh, which means ‘Enemy Head Waterfall’ in direct translation, is a special
waterfall in Sarikei. It is named after the old practice of headhunting by the Iban.
Wong Pala Munsoh has three levels of waterfall. The first-tier is reachable within an hour
hike from Rumah Nyuka Homestay, an Iban longhouse made of Belian wood in 1955 that
is still intact to this day. Along the trek towards the waterfall, sights of rubber and pepper
plantations are to be expected. The best view of the fall is found at the third tier with
distinct bluish-green water hidden deep in the forest!
Note: A trek aided by ropes takes you to the third tier. It is recommended that you hire
a local guide from Rumah Nyuka to accompany you. Besides a waterfall excursion,
you can also try rubber tapping in the morning near the homestay’s orchards or go
‘dabai’ collecting, when it’s in season.
FB: @homestayluboklemba; Homestay Rumah Nyuka Lubok Lemba Ulu Sarikei
Eco-Tourism
Pancur Mabong, Kapit

Usually, the journey to a multi-tiered cascade
in the interiors of Sarawak would take hours.
But that’s not the case with Pancur Mabong
(Mabong Falls)!
Mabong falls are truly impressive and shouldn’t

be missed if you happen to be in the Tunoh area.
It is named after Bukit Mabong that straddles
the 7,000 ft Hose Mountain Range.
The journey to the 80-feet Mabong falls is

relatively short, and can be completed within an
hour with wooden hut rest stops in between.
Some interesting flora and fauna that you will
see along the way include parasitic mushrooms,
wild ferns and the carnivorous pitcher plants of
Borneo. Leeches are present so have your insect
repellent on standby.
A nearby settlement here is Skim Tunoh. Bukit

Mabong is reachable via Tunoh Homestay.
Homestay: Tunoh Homestay, Tuai Rumah Killau anak Ugap

( Tel: +60 19 829 1651 )
Wong Pejik,
Lusong Laku, Belaga
Wong Pejik is no ordinary waterfall. It is a
jaw-dropping wonder in Lusong Laku, Belaga.
Dubbed national treasure by Minister of
Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia Dato Sri
Hajah Nancy Shukri, the panorama here is
epic, similar to the Niagara Falls of Canada-
USA. The 60-metre wide waterfall descends
approximately 8m into a large volume of water
flowing over, making Wong Pejik a magnificent
spectacle in itself. You can even walk to the
edge of the gorge to see it up close, where
you’ll find outrageous views overlooking the
falls, with mist rising from the falls.
Next to the waterfall is the Lusong Laku Penan

settlement, where you can meet the last of the
nomadic tribe in Borneo, most of whom have
now become sedentary. Lusong Laku is not
easily accessible. A car trip there from Bintulu
takes about seven to eight hours, with most
portions of the road untarred.
While in Belaga, stop overs at Bakun Dam and

Sungai Asap are a must. They are among the
area’s chief attractions.
Homestays: In Bakun Dam: Mebong Cove Villa, Belanum Bay

Floating House • In Sungai Asap: Uma Belor Leo Dian (longest
longhouse in Malaysia, with over 100 doors)
Eco-Tourism
Keluan Waterfalls,
Long San, Ulu Baram
Keluan Waterfalls is a “once seen, never forgotten”
experience. The side-by-side triple direct drop waterfalls
are also known as the Three Sisters. The drops plunge
into a beautiful massive basin, surrounded by a visually
stunning, secluded cavernous environment in Long San.
The trail here begins from an old logging road. You would
need to hop on a 4WD before you continue by jungle
trekking upon arrival. The trek here is rather challenging,
as you’ll have to move past steep slopes, loose rocks,
huge boulders and occasionally fallen trees. It can be
pretty slippery as well. However, the clear cool breeze
from the waterfalls and the stunning views make it a
worthwhile hike.
One can estimate the trek to Keluan Waterfall to take

about one hour. Therefore, make sure you are prepared
with hiking shoes, walking sticks, and local guide so that
you can navigate around safely.
Homestay: Segah Sela’an One-Stop Shop & Homestay • Jevinda Village Stay (you
can ask for local guides from the homestay)
Pa’ Ramapuh Waterfalls,

Bario Highlands
If you challenges, then chasing Pa’ Ramapuh Waterfalls in
the thick forest of Pulong Tau National Park, Bario Highlands
will be right up your alley.
Reaching the first waterfall is rather easy. The challenge,

however, begins after the first waterfall. You’ll encounter
steep muddy trails, and huge slippery boulders. You will
cross several small streams on your hike upstream. You
have to be really cautious as you may get your shoes stuck
in the mud. Regardless, the hike will surely be worthwhile
once you reach the captivating Pa’ Ramapuh waterfalls.
Once you’re back from the hike, spend some time with the
Kelabit people in Bario town. You can choose to visit the Bario
salt factory, pineapple farm, Kelabit longhouse, or just bask
in the serenity in the “Land of a Thousand Handshakes”.
If you’re in luck, you can meet the Penan people in town,
the last nomadic tribe of Borneo. They’re usually in Bario for
barter trading in exchange for essential items.
Only suitable for seasoned hikers, but must be with a local

guide.
Bario is reachable via a 45-min twin otter flight, or 10 to

14 hours 4WD journey on rugged terrains along Miri and
Highlands road.
Homestay: Bario Asal Long House Homestay ( Tel: +60 11 2508 1114 )
*Each projected hiking duration are subject to one’s strength and fitness level.
COE
WHAT’S ON
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak
+60 82 442 226 +60 82 442 216 mtac.sarawak.gov.my
Sarawak Tourism Board
+60 82 423 600 www.sarawaktourism.com
( Note: Event dates are subject to change without prior notice. Kindly call The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak for further information )
01-06
Jan PESTA BUBOK
2O22
24-30
JAN
MIRI CHINESE
NEW YEAR
BAZAAR
at Miri High Street to Miri Times
JAN at Pasar Nelayan Pantai Batu 1, Square, Miri
Kuala Baram, Miri
An annual event held a week before
Promoting Miri and helping to the celebration of Chinese New Year
develop the fishing economy along the Miri High Street to Miri
in Batu 1. ‘Bubuk’ is a unique Times Square.
feature in Malaysia where it
is only found in the waters of Miri Chinese Chamber of
Bintulu and Miri. There are Commerce & Miri City Council
several types of ‘Bubuk’ based +60 85 433 501
foods, namely bubuk kering,
cencaluk, belacan, serunding and
many more.
Miri City Council

& Persatuan Nelayan Miri
+60 85 433 501
15 Feb F EB
Chap Goh Mei

Parade Bau
at Bau & Siniawan Town,
Kuching
This event is to commemorate
MIRI OPEN
PICKLEBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP
1 9 -2 0
at Pickleball Courts,
Lutong, Miri
22 BEACH
FEB
FESTIVAL
2O22
at Bekenu, Miri
the last day of Chinese New Year
Festival. Expect a colourful parade FEB A sport that has a
similarity to badminton Bungai Beach Festival aims to
and displays of Chinese cultures
and tennis, this unique promote Bungai Beach as a
and heritage throughout the day
sports has the potential to attract participations must visit tourism spot and to
and night.
from local and international visitors. boost up the socio-economy
JKKK Pasar Bau & JKKK of local community.
Siniawan Miri City Council
+60 85 433 501 Subis District Council
+60 13 814 0100
+60 85 719 018
STF CHINESE NEW

YEAR OPEN HOUSE 2 6 -2 7
at Kuching FEB
The aim of Sarawak Open House Campaign is
for visitors and locals alike, regardless of race
and religion in our multi-racial community INTERNATIONAL
to experience and partake in the celebration 8 BALLS SNOOKER
and tradition of the Open House in Sarawak,
22 which is unique and not found anywhere COMPETITION
FEB else. This campaign targets the four main at Saberkas, Miri
festivals in Sarawak; Chinese New Year, Hari
Raya Puasa, Gawai Dayak and Christmas. Miri City Council
+60 85 433 501
Sarawak Tourism Federation
+60 82 332 420
COE
Mar
Hari
Tanjung
Manis
at Tanjung Manis New
Township, Mukah
To remember the
establishment of Tanjung
Pesta Daro Manis New Township on
at Bandar Baru Daro, Mukah March 1Oth, 1990. Among
activities organised are
To promote Daro as a potential agriculture Sukan Rakyat, water
and fishing venue to visitors and to sports activities, food and
boost the socio-economy of the locals trade fair, Hari Tanjung
during the festival. The event also Manis Run, and nightly
helps to promote local cuisine of entertainment.
the Melanau community.
Sarawak
Daro district office Timber Industry
+60 84 823 097 Development
5 6
Corporation (STIDC)
+60 82 473 001
MAR
PESTA
5 -7 BEDUDUN DAN
MAR
LUMBA KERBAU
at Padang SK Telahak, Limbang
MAR
This festival offers a look at the life
of Limbang’s Malay community. A
MIRI buffalo race is the highlight, and
SURFCASTING is a local tradition reflecting the
background of Limbang’s agriculture,
CHALLENGE which is now a tourist attraction.
at Marina Bay, Miri Also expect cultural activities,
traditional cooking show and sports
Miri City Council events. Sibu Tower Run
& MASA Global Solution at Wisma Sanyan, Sibu
+60 85 433 501 Limbang Malay Association
+60 19 854 7802 A chance to explore Wisma Sanyan - One of the tallest buildings
in Sarawak! Sibu Tower Run is specially for sport enthusiasts to
take on physical and mental challenges simultaneously.
Sibu Municipal Council

+60 84 333 411
22 Bintulu
2 6 -2 7 Mountain
MAR MAR
SUBIS Bike
CYCLING Challenge
CHALLENGE PESTA BERAS at MTB Track, Bintulu
2O22 ADAN BMBC aims at promoting Bintulu
at Batu Niah, Miri at Kampung Buduk Nur, as a tourist destination to build the
Ba’Kelalan, Limbang tourism image of Sarawak through
Subis Cycling Challenge is an the participation of other states
annual event co-organised Often celebrated after the end of as well as negihbouring countries.
by Subis District Council and harvest season. Folks from the area Apart from that, this challenge
Persatuan Berbasikal Bahagian especially Ba’Kelalan will gather
22
aims at producing potential local
Miri. This event aims to promote and bring their finest produce of cycling champions who can
Subis District as a sport tourism their crops or handicraft for trading compete with the neighbouring
destination in northern Sarawak. at the local market. states and countries, instilling the
Subis District Council motivation for the locals to be a
+60 17 741 8994 community that is alert and active.
Subis District Council
Bintulu Development
& Persatuan Berbasikal
Authority
Miri
+60 86 332 277
+60 85 719 018
MAR
28 3 0 -3 1
MAR MAR
ARAM EMPURU BA AL-FALAK

SUNGAI RIAN EXHIBITION
at Sungai Rian, Kampung Kepayang, at Pusat Falak, Miri
Simunjan, Kota Samarahan
The establishment of Miri Astronomical Centre or
Community event comprises of collaboration Pusat Falak Miri, the first ever Islamic astronomical
between Government agencies and local folks at centre in Sarawak, will enable the State to intensify
this untapped tourist attraction location. studies and research on the field of astronomy.
Simunjan district office Miri City Council &

+60 82 805 031 Jabatan Agama Islam
+60 85 433 501
Eco-Tourism
The
perfect
jungle
The navigator expertly manoeuvring
the shallow parts of the river.
escapade
by Lester Geres
Eco-Tourism
A thriving tropical rainforest paradise, Batang Ai
National Park is one of Sarawak’s prime destinations
to experience tourism centred around nature and
the local community. The park is accessible via the
24 square kilometre Batang Ai Lake, which was
formed following the completion of a hydroelectric
dam built there. The national park harbours a rich
biodiversity and is one of the key habitats for Orang
Utans, hornbills, gibbons, as well as other rare and
protected wildlife. For tourists seeking to escape the
bustles of the city, Batang Ai National Park offers
rejuvenation and relaxation as well.
O
n a recent 3-day/2-night excursion to Batang
Ai hosted by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB),
we experienced first-hand the thrills, spills
and beauty of the national park located over
250 kilometres away from Sarawak’s capital
city Kuching. We also made quick stops along
the way just to stretch our legs a little along
the seven-hour leisurely journey to Nanga Sumpa Lodge in
Batang Ai.
The curator of our perfect escapade in Batang Ai National Park

is the award-winning tour operator Borneo Adventure (Est.
1987), known for their exquisite Borneo travel experiences
and highly experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly tour
guides. Leading our three-day/two-night Nanga Sumpa &
Lubok Kasai Jungle Camp was Borneo Adventure’s Emong
Tinsang, who is also their senior manager.
Boatmen bringing passengers to Enseluai Waterfall. As aforesaid, the journey from STB’s headquarters in
Kuching to our accommodation in Batang Ai was roughly
seven hours (we headed out at 8 am and arrived at a little
over 3 pm). Of course, if you do not plan on making any
stops, the time it takes for you to get there will be much
shorter. But it all made sense, as the first stop at Serian
about 1 hr 10 mins in allowed us to stretch our legs and
browse the wet market as well as nearby shops.
The next stop was at the small town of Lachau about 82.3
km away from Serian Town (roughly one hour). This time,
we decided to sit down for a humble chicken rice before
we continued towards Batang Ai jetty. Just before our early
lunch, we managed to browse the small town to discover
local specialities such as Balur Jelawat and Kasam Jelawat
(salted Jelawat and preserved Jelawat fish), as well as
Rumpung (smoked prawns). No ‘litak’ or squeaking slugs (a
local delicacy in Lachau) was on sale though.
Picnic by the river after a visit to

Enseluai Waterfall. After our stop for sustenance, it was onwards to Batang Ai.
Eco-Tourism
Disconnect and reconnect

Suspension bridge at Batang Ai
Ideally, the journey from Batang Ai jetty to Nanga Sumpa Lodge via
longboat takes about 1 hr 30 mins to two hours, depending on the river
conditions. The first part of our journey on the water was a bright, breezy
glide across the beautiful blue Batang Ai Lake. The vast lake soon became
narrower as we moved closer towards the tributary that would take us
upriver.
As the lake slowly disappeared, so did our mobile phone lines, much to
the dismay of some on our trip. But eventually everyone came to grips
with the fact that we were totally disconnected from the outside world.
The fact that we were totally disconnected gave us the chance to

reconnect with Mother Nature. As we soon discovered, we were fully
surrounded by nature’s beauty and majesty. Our mobile devices suddenly
became non-essential and came into use only when we needed them to
take quick photos and videos of our journey in Batang Ai. We found joy
in traversing the meandering river, braving the rapids and enjoying the
splendid views as we moved upriver. The experience was nerve-wracking
at first, but we soon came to trust (and admire) our expert boatmen as
they took us past the obstacles along the river seemingly without much
effort.
As we inched closer to Naga Sumpa Lodge, Mother Nature decided to

surprise us with a little rain. Such a bummer, we thought, but at the same
time it added to a wholesome experience. Fortunately, before the rain got
too heavy, we arrived at our lodge, where we were welcomed with some
hot tea/coffee and some crackers.
The first part of our journey on the
water was a bright, breezy glide across
the beautiful blue Batang Ai Lake
Fish cultivation at Batang Ai
Eco-Tourism
Nanga Sumpa Lodge

An award-winning village stay type accommodation on the banks of the
Delok River at a place called Ulu Ai, Nanga Sumpa Lodge was established
by Borneo Adventure in 1987, in partnership with the people of the
Nanga Sumpa Longhouse located just across the river.
There are three Forest Rooms that can comfortably

fit four guests, with their own ensuite bathrooms.
They are connected via an Iban style covered veranda
(ruai). Located in another dedicated building called
Mosquito net provides protection from
The Ruai is a series of dorm-style rooms that are

perfect for bigger groups. They also share a ruai
bugs for a good night’s sleep
but has a dedicated toilet and bathroom block with

three toilets and bathrooms as well as outdoor sinks
with a jungle backdrop.
Sleeping in The Ruai was quite an experience,

especially having to wake up in the middle of the
night to use the toilet. Electricity is only available
from 6pm to 10pm nightly, so a torchlight is highly recommended for
your nightly toilet trip.
Borneo Adventure practices community engagement in the running

of the lodge. They set a schedule for the longhouse residents work in
rotation to prepare food for the guests, clean the guestrooms and the
lodge itself, and operate the boats among others. By doing this, they are
ensuring that every member of the longhouse benefits from the tourism
activities at Nanga Sumpa.
Nanga Sumpa Lodge
Common area at Nanga Sumpa Lodge
Bathroom block at Nanga Sumpa Lodge
Eco-Tourism
Solar power plant at

Nanga Sumpa Longhouse.
Tanah Tumbuh at
Enseluai Waterfall Nanga Jambu Longhouse.
Nanga Sumpa Longhouse
Interior of Nanga Sumpa Trail to the Collecting sap from a palm tree outside
Longhouse. Lubok Kasai Jungle Camp. Nanga Jambu Longhouse.
Eco-Tourism
Longhouse visits and exhilarating, with more mini rapids along the way.
Before we knew it, our navigator got off the boat and
As part of our activity on the trip, we visited the Nanga pulled it to shore. That was when we noticed a roaring
Sumpa Longhouse just across the lodge via a bridge sound in the distance. And as we looked ahead, the
to cross the river between the longhouse and the stunning Enseluai Waterfall revealed itself to us.
lodge. The Nanga Sumpa Longhouse you see today is
different from how it used to be. The original longhouse We hopped off and made our way to the waterfall,
was reduced to ruins in a fire that occurred in May of taking photos and videos first before taking a dip in
2014. The longhouse was rebuilt in 2015, with the the cooling water of the beautiful Enseluai Waterfall.
kitchen separated from the main longhouse as a safety Catching sight of the waterfall at the end of the boat
precaution in the event of a fire like the one in 2014. ride was akin to finding a pot of gold at the end of a
rainbow.
Nanga Sumpa Longhouse has 24-hour electricity,
thanks to a dedicated solar power plant located just A picnic on a pebbled beach near the waterfall was
behind the longhouse. It’s impressive to see how idyllic, and everyone enjoyed the local fares prepared
development has changed lives even in remote places especially for us. Fish and chicken cooked in bamboo,
such as Ulu Ai. local vegetables, barbecued chicken jungle style, sticky
rice in bamboo… it was all just so perfect, especially in
While waiting for the longhouse to be rebuilt, the a pristine jungle and river setting.
local folk built individual houses around the site of
the current longhouse. That changed the general After we’ve had our fill, we geared up and proceeded
appearance of the longhouse’s surroundings. Nanga to our last destination on the trip. The boat took us
Sumpa Longhouse now sits in the middle of a cluster back downriver to the junction of the Delok and Lalang
of individual houses made of bricks. This gives the Rivers, approximately 15 minutes from our picnic site.
longhouse a rather unique appearance.
Bug spray applied and hiking shoes on, we began our
On the wooden walls of the longhouse, we found hike uphill at Lubok Kasai in search of the elusive Orang
unique local handicrafts handmade by the longhouse Utan. It’s ideally a one to two hours’ hike straight up
residents. They are put there for tourists to buy as and then straight down but it felt like an eternity for
souvenir for the trip back home. Usually, visitors get yours truly, mainly because this writer has not had any
to experience the daily activities of the friendly Iban challenging physical activity for a long time, no thanks
folks of Nanga Sumpa Longhouse and mingle with to COVID-19. Be that as it may, it was a strenuous
them after dinner. But due to COVID-19, we had to “trek” that was the easiest of all the trails in the area.
change our schedule a bit to minimise contact with the
longhouse folk. But we enjoyed our time just exploring Unfortunately, we did not manage to spot any Orang
the longhouse while observing SOP. Utan, but we did come across some of their favourite
palm trees with their branches snapped so they could
Our Day 2 activities also included a longhouse visit, this get to the juice shoots in the middle. That was the
time to Nanga Jambu, which is a further 30 minutes closest we got to witness Orang Utan in the wild, and
upriver from Nanga Sumpa and is the last longhouse it was quite interesting to learn about what they eat
within the area. This must-visit longhouse has an in the wild. Apart from that, we also discovered a lot
interesting feature – a huge beehive that started out as of “Kacip Fatimah” herb on top of the hill, along with
an ant hill growing out of the floor of the longhouse other wild plants including Bungkang leaves, which the
about a decade ago. Iban usually add to their pansoh dishes.
Known as Tanah Tumbuh, it is believed to bring blessings Our trail ended at the Lubok Kasai Jungle Camp,
and good luck to a longhouse if it ever appears in one. where we stopped to rest our tired legs and catch
So, when it appeared through the cracks of Nanga our breaths before we made our way back to Nanga
Jambu’s original longhouse and eventually grew in Sumpa Lodge and readied ourselves for the trip back
height, the residents had to rebuild the longhouse with home the next day.
a higher ceiling to accommodate the hive.
Even though we did not manage to spot any Orang
Emong explained that so important is the Tanah Utan or other rare wildlife over the course of our tour,
Tumbuh, that when Gawai Dayak comes around, the it was nevertheless a wholesome experience. It was a
longhouse residents would perform a ritual on the breath of fresh air – literally – after having been cooped
mound first before anything else. Interesting stuff. up at home due to the pandemic. If going on wild river
adventures, finding the elusive Orang Utan in the wild,
mingling with the local Iban folk of the longhouses
Nature discovery upriver and waking up to the sounds of roosters making
their routine morning calls as early as 4 am sound idyllic
After the visit to Nanga Jambu on Day 2, we to you, than a trip to Batang Ai National Park is highly
continued upriver via longboat. The trip was scenic recommended!
Eco-Tourism
Sarawak’s
true
essence of
nature
3 Eco stays to check out
near Kuching City
F
rom farms to sloped hills and waterfalls, Padawan and Bau are true ecotourism gems
located in the outskirts of Kuching. Here, you’ll find a diverse selection of ecotourism stays
to complement your wild adventures and nature encounters in Sarawak.
Whether seasoned adventurers, budget backpackers, or travellers looking to unwind, there is bound to
be an eco stay that suits every personality and preference, including farm stays, village stays, and all-in-
one jungle resorts.
Eco-Tourism
Village Stay @ Semadang Bamboo

House
Check out Semadang Bamboo House in Padawan,

a humble village stay located just over an hour from
Kuching city. A few days of peace and quiet amid a
peaceful surrounding is guaranteed here, revitalising
your mind, body, and spirit.
Situated opposite Semadang Rabak Villagestay, this

village stay features traditional Bidayuh architecture
utilising mostly bamboo, a common natural material
found abundantly in the area. While the walls and
parts of the flooring are constructed using bamboo,
the pillars are made out of Belian or Borneo
Ironwood. There are two bedrooms, accommodating
two people each. This means optimum seclusion for
guests.
Fancy doing some activities outside of the homestay?

A trip to nearby attractions can be arranged.
Depending on your preference, plenty of nature-
based activities are available to enrich your stay at
Semadang Bamboo House.
Facebook: @semadangbamboohousevillagestay
Nature and adventure experiences
If wildlife spotting is your cup of tea, you can choose But if you prefer to experience communal living like
to pay a visit to Sarawak’s furry ambassadors, the the Bidayuh, then a visit to the traditional Bidayuh
Orang Utan at Semenggoh Nature Reserve. If you longhouse of Annah Rais at the foothills of Borneo
happen to visit between November and January, Highlands bordering Indonesia’s Kalimantan is a must.
you might just get the chance to see the world’s Besides the warm welcome with a sip of the tuak
largest flower in bloom at the Rafflesia Garden in (local rice wine), the highlight here is the century-old
Kampung Timurang. “panggah” made from Borneo Ironwood (Belian).
Inside the “panggah” or head house, you can still
Thrill seekers would love adventure-based activities see the skulls of enemies from their headhunting days
such as caving, jungle trekking or bamboo rafting that the longhouse ancestors kept suspended in a
down Semadang River. Apart from the water-based cage fashioned out of steel mesh. It is a sight not to be
recreational activities along the upper Sarawak River, missed! In the past, the “panggah” was a sacred place
Semadang River also allows folks to experience fish in which the longhouse folks performed worships to
feeding at the river’s designated area where fish are the spirits of the skulls, usually in celebration of the
being conserved via “tagang” system. return of warriors from a headhunting expedition.
Bamboo rafting at Semadang river Rafflesia Annah Rais longhouse
Eco-Tourism
Farm Stay @ Kura Kura Homestay

Nestled amid the hills of Kampung Semadang in
Padawan, this eco-friendly homestay invites you on
a tropical Borneo rainforest experience. Surrounded
by a beautiful garden and boasting a marvellous
view of the verdant jungle, you will find problems
non-existent here. Your stresses are drowned by the
sounds of the birds singing and the crickets chirping
in a beautiful symphony that make up the soundscape
of the rainforest. The back-to-basic accommodation
here stands out with its successful combination of
warm Sarawak hospitality as well as the remarkable
and pristine Padawan nature. A stay here is an
unforgettable experience, with immersions in local
life, culture, delicious Bidayuh cuisine, and amazing
wilderness.
Eco-Tourism
Part Coffee Farm, part Micro

Roastery Worthwhile experience
Owned and managed by Lars and his wife Liza, this There is no road access to Kura Kura Homestay. It
jungle homestay is also part coffee farm and micro is only accessible via a 25-minute boat ride upriver
roastery. Liberica coffee are mostly grown at the from Kampung Semadang. Being far from the busy
farm, with some Robusta trees as well. city, this basic Eco stay is powered using Kura Kura’s
own solar setup for electricity and has its own water
Kura Kura is big on growing their own coffee trees supply. But these are what makes the experience
sustainably. Instead of a huge monoculture crop, here worthwhile!
the farm’s coffee trees are grown among durian
and other fruit trees. The coffee trees here are also
farmed traditionally, with the beans handpicked,
fermented, and washed before drying.
Each guest at Kura Kura will get the chance to try

their homegrown coffee. For serious coffee drinkers,
their Robusta is the perfect morning energy booster,
and can be enjoyed black or with milk, hot or with
ice. Those who are more sensitive to caffeine would
love their homegrown Liberica - a sweet roast with
less caffeine content compared to Robusta. Kura
Kura’s House Blend that combines fruity Liberica and
earthy Robusta is great as well.
A tailored nature stay experience
You have two options at Kura Kura Homestay, amid the nature that surrounds you. There’s a good
depending on whether you want to enjoy just chance you could spot eagles, kingfishers, monitors
relaxing in the accommodation, or experience the lizards and other local wildlife along the kayak
fun activities awaiting at the surrounding river and adventure.
jungle.
Hiking is also available, with several multi-level
In the wilderness of Semadang, kayaking takes jungle trails to explore. These trails offer a chance to
reign when it comes to nature-based activities. The discover native plants, animals and trees along the
trip begins further upstream and ends at Kampung way. If waterfall is your thing, a secluded trip to the
Semadang, a village occupied by a community of nearby waterfall is possible too.
some 200 Bidayuh villagers. The kayaking adventure
is an ideal way to just forget the stresses of everyday Website: www.kurakura.asia
life and focus your attention on what’s going on
Eco-Tourism
All-in-one jungle stay @ Libiki Bamboo Resort
Discover Bau at its most pristine, at Libiki Bamboo Resort. This peninsular-shaped family resort is idyllically sited
near the Bidayuh Bau native settlement of Kampung Bijuray Monggag, Krokong, located about 50 minutes’
drive from Kuching International Airport.
Managed by the Libiki family, this resort lets you be one with nature through an eco-conscious travel experience.
The resort boasts bamboo cabins and treehouses surrounded by a lush jungle and a pristine river below.
Whether you come as a couple, with your family or your best friends, their various accommodation options are
yours for the choosing. You can even rent the entire resort to organise a big family day.
Eco-Tourism
All-inclusive eco resort
On top of that, the resort has everything you need

for an outdoor holiday that feels like you’re “at
home, away from home”. We’re talking about BBQ
pits, an ATV adventure, bamboo rafting, mountain
biking, karaoke time, as well as jungle trekking along
the area’s mangroves, mountains and rainforests.
One thing to note is that the ATV trail here can pose
some difficulties to riders, especially if you haven’t
tried riding on the vehicle before.
If river activities are more to your liking, you will be

delighted to find loads of those on the river around
Libiki Bamboo Resort. Besides bamboo rafting, you
might like to do some tubing, fishing, swimming, or
maybe some beach volleyball and mini beach soccer
as well. Whatever you choose to do at Libiki Bamboo

Resort, you can be rest assured that the rainforest
breeze and the cool water of the surrounding river
will add to a most memorable outdoor holiday
experience.
If you have time to spare, make some stopovers at

some of Bau’s many tourist attractions like Wind
Cave, Fairy Cave, Tasik Biru and the famous border
town of Serikin, whose unique culture is probably
the result of its close proximity to neighbouring
Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Tip: Come during weekdays, as the resort’s particularly popular during the
weekends.
Website: www.libikibambooresort.com
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable Tourism
Orang Utan
Adoption Programme & Habitats
O
rang Utans, meaning ‘person of forest’ in Malay, are
fascinating creatures. Known for their reddish-brown fur, they
are highly intelligent and share nearly 97% of the same DNA
with humans. In fact, with only two countries – Malaysia and
Indonesia – home to wild Orang Utans, these primates are considered an
invaluable natural heritage.
Sustainable Tourism
The Bornean Orang Utan:

Sarawak’s Unique Wildlife Species
There are only three species of Orang Utan in the Orang Utans are not found for hundreds of
world. The Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli Orang kilometres within the Niah region. However, the
Utans, which all differ from one another. The species abundant animal bones found in Niah cave soil
that calls Sarawak its home is the Bornean Orang suggest otherwise: that the Orang Utan were once
Utan. In comparison to the Sumatran Orang Utan, widespread in the area. South of Maludam, across
the Bornean Orang Utan has a broader face, shorter Lupar River was also home to a significant population
beard and is slightly darker in colour. of the Orang Utan.
The Orang Utans have been roaming the earth for In 1959, a big male Orang Utan was found some
about 800,000 years, according to fossil records. 25km northeast of Usun Apau Plateau near Long Moh
While they are fragmented in habitats today, fossil on the upper Baram River. This indicated that solitary
remains show that these creatures once had a wider Orang Utan males may also venture far off outside
distribution throughout Sarawak, Borneo. their territory.
Sustainable Tourism
Batang Ai, Home of the Wild Orang Utan
A crucial, natural refuge for the endangered Bornean Orang Utan is the Borneo rainforest. Out of all the national
parks in Sarawak, Batang Ai is known as the territory of the Orang Utan, as it is part of the Lanjak Entimau
Wildife Sanctuary, which is significant for Orang Utan conservation. The park contains the only viable Orang Utan
population remaining in the State.
Because Orang Utans prefer living in the river valleys, it makes sense why their Sarawak home is located in Batang
Ai National Park, a protected area centred on a man-made lake flowed from rivers and tributaries surrounding
the area.
So, if you are searching for wild Orang Utans, your best bet is to find them within the thick forests of Batang
Ai. The jungle trails and Orang Utan walks here take adventurous visitors on a journey to spot the tree-dwelling
red apes.
As highly intelligent species, Orang Utans are quite the engineers when it comes to building nests. They gather
mash branches and construct their nest high up the tree canopy every time for them to rest. And they never rest at
the same nest twice. But the search for Orang Utan here is not as easy as the one in Semenggoh, where you can
just wait from the wooden platform for the rehabilitated Orang Utans to appear during their meal time.
In the remote Batang Ai, a guide is invaluable and will make your search for this primate less taxing, as they are
trained to locate camouflaged animals hiding on top of tall tree canopies, the fresh nest they’ve just constructed,
or the chopped off pantu palm shoots these Orang Utans like to feast on.
Guide in Batang Ai:

Website: borneoadventure.com
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainability efforts at Semenggoh and

Matang Wildlife Centres
For the past 60 years, their population has declined by which is located at the western boundary of Kubah
more than 50% due to logging, hunting and isolated National Park, also houses the endangered ginger-
Orang Utan habitats. On top of that, these apes have furred apes, along with other animals such as the
extremely low reproductive rates. This makes them Malay civet, Sambar deer and wetland birds.
highly vulnerable. The female can only conceive once
they reach 12 years of age, and would give birth to one For the most part, these rehabilitated Orang Utans
infant about every three to five years. It’s no wonder roam around in the forest surrounding the centres,
why the Orang Utans take a long time to recover from but are trained to swing by the centre during feeding
the decline of their population. time. This however depends on the fruit season. Some
Orang Utans may not appear during fruiting season.
Orang Utans play an important role in the tropical But if you’re lucky, you may get to say hello to the
ecosystem. They are known as the gardeners of the leader of the Semenggoh Orang Utan troupe, Ritchie!
forest, responsible for seed dispersal in the habitat, Matang Wildlife Centre is situated in the rainforest,
ensuring that forests stay healthy. It is crucial to so a leisure stroll at any of the four jungle trails here is
conserve Sarawak’s unique wildlife like Orang Utans for welcomed if you want to look for more than just the
their long-term survival. That’s where the Semenggoh chance to see Orang Utan.
Wildlife Centre and Matang Wildlife Centre come in.
Feeding hours: 9am – 10am & 3pm – 4pm
These two wildlife centres under Sarawak Forest
Department are dedicated to Orang Utan conservation Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
Address : KM 20, Jalan Puncak Borneo, 93250 Siburan, Sarawak
as well as rehabilitation of injured and orphaned Website : semenggoh.my
Orang Utan. Established in 1975, Semenggoh
Matang Wildlife Centre
Wildlife Centre in Siburan is a natural habitat for Address : Kampung Rayu, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
the semi-wild Orang Utans. Matang Wildlife Centre, Website : sarawakforestry.com/parks-and-reserves/matang-wildlife-centre/
Sustainable Tourism
Orang Utan Adoption Programme
You can help conserve Borneo’s wildlife by adopting an

Orang Utan at Semenggoh or Matang Wildlife Centre.
The Orang Utan adoption programme aims to raise

funds for Orang Utan conservation and rehabilitation;
extend ownership of the programme to other citizens
of the world; and disseminate information about Orang
Utan conservation activities carried out in Sarawak.
Packaged at RM200/year per Orang Utan for

Individual Adopter and RM10,000/year per adoption
for Corporate Adopter, 100% of the adoption funds
will be used to support Orang Utan conservation in
Sarawak. These include Orang Utan conservation
projects, educational activities to support Orang Utan
conservation, as well as food and medication for
Orang Utans in their rehabilitation centres.
In return, individual adopters will receive an exclusive

Certificate of Adoption plus quarterly updates on
the Orang Utans in Semenggoh and Matang Wildlife
Centre.
For more information, check out website:

sarawakforestry.com/orangutan-adoption-program
In a day
Explore Kuching
in 24 hours
S
ometimes when one visits a destination for a meeting or conference or just a weekend
trip, figuring out what to do on their visit in a short time frame is especially daunting.
And more often than not, one ends up staying in the hotel room until it’s time to head
to the airport. We list here some of the things you can experience in 24 hours on your
short trip to Kuching, just in case you find yourself caught in such a situation.
In the A.M. Start your day with the

quintessential Kuching breakfast. In this
UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, you
should begin with Kolo Mee or Sarawak Laksa.
The former is hearty flash boiled egg noodle
tossed in lard and topped with char siew pork
slices. The latter is rice vermicelli in a spicy,
creamy and super fragrant broth and dubbed
“Breakfast of the Gods” by the late Chef
Anthony Bourdain. Can’t decide? Have both if
you feel you can manage. Halal versions are
Kolo Mee available as well. Sarawak Laksa
Head to Kuching’s old town

and discover its rich history
in the old shophouses,
monuments and buildings
from the Brooke era. If you
prefer, you may check out
the city’s street art. Wayang
Street, Carpenter Street
and India Street have some
impressive murals depicting
local life and culture.
Another option would be

to take the Penambang and
cross the Sarawak River to
get to Kampung Boyan.
Here, one can immerse in
Sarawakian Malay culture
and observe how the locals
make the famous Kek Lapis
Sarawak. Grab some for the
Murals at India Street trip back home.
In a day
At Noontime Head to Carpenter Street for a hearty,

inexpensive lunch at Lau Ya Keng Food Court. The Kueh
Chap (flat rice sheets with mixed pork in a herbal broth)
is an absolute must. The pork satay is delicious too!
Alternatively, you can head to Pinggai Café just nearby
for homecooked style Dayak cuisine or Indah Café just
across it for some Asian fusion dishes.
Pinggai Café
A trip to one of Kuching’s fine museums offers

a look at Sarawak’s rich history and cultural
heritage. Choose from Borneo Cultures Museum
– the second largest museum in Southeast Asia,
the refurbished Sarawak Museum (Old Building),
and the Chinese Museum, just naming a few.
Carpenter Street Want to see the local wildlife instead? Head 20

kilometres out to Semenggoh Nature Reserve for
Kueh Chap at a chance encounter with semi wild Orang Utans
Lau Ya Keng Food Court
at feeding time from 3pm to 4pm. Alternatively,
you can visit Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo located
29 kilometres out along Kuching-Serian highway
to see thousands of crocodiles and a huge skull
believed to be that of the legendary man-eating
white backed crocodile Bujang Senang. Crocodile
feeding time is at 3pm daily.
Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo
In the P.M. Make it back to the city just in

time to catch the beautiful Kuching sunset from
the scenic Kuching Waterfront. The silhouette of
the new Kuching Floating Mosque against the
orange and purple sky makes for a breath-taking
scenery. Walk up the iconic S-shaped Darul Hana
suspension pedestrian bridge for a different
view of the city. Then walk down and witness
Old Kuching come to life in glorious lights. The
dancing Darul Hana Fountain in front of the DUN
building add to a splendid nighttime experience
in the city centre.
While you’re within the vicinity, a perfect dinner

would be one at the Round Tower 1886 Café
& Restaurant, housed in the historic Round
Tower building opposite the Harmony Arch at
Carpenter Street. The steaks and the risotto here
are sublime!
If you feel like filling up on some ethnic cuisine, Kuching Waterfront

try Lepau restaurant. Otherwise, head to the
award-winning Top Spot Food Court for some
of the freshest seafood or enjoy some Western
fusion cuisine at The Junk.
End it all with a trip to one of several bars located

within the city. Carpenter Street has plenty of
those. Or head to Bibber’s Tale at Saradise for
some exquisite hand-crafted bespoke cocktails
infused with local ingredients.
And there you go! Twenty-four hours well

spent in Kuching. See you soon! Round Tower 1886 Cafe & Restaurant
Sustainability
industry
Go to
sustainability
in the timber
Waste’
Should
‘Nothing
Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) at Wisma Sumber Alam, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak.
+60 82 473 000 +60 82 441 169 / 442 691 www.sarawaktimber.gov.my
Sustainability
I
n this the era of sustainability, corporations the world over are finding ways to
address issues regarding non-sustainable industry practices that have resulted in
a variety of environmental problems. For Sarawak Timber Industry Development
Corporation (STIDC), the task has been for it to make the State’s timber industry a
more sustainable one, minimising impact on the environment.
One initiative that has proven to be effective in creating a more sustainable timber industry is by
making sure nothing goes to waste. STIDC introduced the slogan “Nothing Should Go To Waste”
to enlighten and encourage the industry to optimise the utilisation of wood. The company
pioneered strategic industry, utilising wood wastes to produce high value-added products
such as fibreboard, woodchips, pellets, pallet blocks and core plugs. Thanks to technological
advancement, STIDC has been able to utilise wood wastes to create new economic activities.
Reducing wood waste
Wood wastes such as log ends, side trimming,

slabs, saw dusts and sanding dusts occur
during wood processing mills, mainly due to
defects that are either natural (rots, splits,
tapering, and decay) or mechanical (trimmings,
sizing, turning, profiling and drying).
The average recovery rates of converting logs

into primary products like plywood, veneer
and sawn timber is about 50%, depending of
course on the raw material’s quality.
“In layman terms, for every one cubic metre

of logs processed, about 0.5 cubic metres are
converted into products and the remaining 0.5
cubic metres are mill wastes. These wastes, if
not managed efficiently, can cause problems
like pollution, fire hazards, public safety, and
health threat,” General Manager of Sarawak
Timber Industry Development Corporation
(STIDC) Datu Haji Hashim bin Haji Bojet told
BorneoTalk in an interview.
He added that upgrades in processing

technologies like recovery lathes, efficient
dryers, high precision sawing machines, end-
to-end or side-to-side jointing, and others had
allowed for better reduction of wastes.
Sustainability
Woodchips are small, uniformly sized timber by-

product, using a shredder. Their sizes vary depending
on the wood type and woodchipper used to create
them.
In addition to timber by-products like large pieces of

wood, other elements like off cuttings, small branches
and other debris accumulated together with the
by-products also make up the composition of these
wood chips. So truly, nothing should go to waste.
A common use is as a ground cover, where a thick

layer of woodchips helps to retain the soil and keeps
weed from breaking through. It is often used as a
surface bedding at the playground, making the
surface safe for children to play on. Woodchips are a
great sustainable alternative for gravel surfaces that
can be harsh and coarse, or in places where the grass
do not grow well.
Woodchips and their uses
Besides pulped into paper, wood chips are also

sometimes used to fuel boilers, furnaces, and
electrical generation equipment at sawmills. Specialty
woodchips made from wood types like oak and
hickory are also sold at various markets of kitchen
supply stores and cooking utensils department. They
are used in grilling, smoking, and barbecuing. These
aromatic woodchips can also be soaked in water,
and then tossed into fire where they will smoulder
slowly, releasing smoke that infuses into grilled food
as it cooks.
Woodchips can also be used in gardening or

landscaping and can be obtained in sacks or by
the truckload from gardening supply stores. They
give gardens or municipal city areas a smooth, crisp
landscaped look.
“There are 11 woodchip mills in Sarawak, producing

as much as 1.2 million green metric tonnes of total
production of woodchips for Sarawak in 2020.
Exported volume of woodchips in 2020 was about
498,212 bdt (bone dry ton). The total export value
of woodchips in 2020 was RM234 million,” Hashim
shared. He added that these mills generated a
household income of about RM18 million per year
for some 500 workers.
These companies play a crucial role in materialising

the Government’s objective to optimise the
utilisation of forest resources. This is also in support
of the Government’s initiative to inculcate a sense of
environmental friendliness among industry players.
Sustainability
Focus on sustainability
Utilising wood residues through technology and innovation is the way forward in tackling waste produced by
the timber industry. Thus, STIDC is committed to continue its pursuit of excellence in making use of every part
of forest resources for the useful purposes of downstream industries, benefit of the State, and its people and
the sustainable future.
In Sarawak, wood wastes are not just being utilised in the production of woodchips, but also other products
including medium density fibreboard, particleboard, wood pellets, charcoal briquettes; and packaging material
such as pallet blocks and core plugs.
Core Plugs Charcoal Briquettes Pallet Blocks
Fibreboard Particleboard Wood Pellets
Sustainability
New possibilities
The processing of different wood wastes has opened thus improving the productivity of the industry,” he
up a new breed wood manufacturing industries that continued.
are more efficient as well as sustainable.
The General Manger added that similar technology
Elaborating further, Hashim said that the timber could be used to process small diameter logs from
industry in Sarawak benefited from the best forest plantations. While the large diameter plantation
available technology in timber processing in terms logs will be used by primary industries including
of optimising the utilisation of wood resources. sawmill, veneer and plywood mills, the small diameter
Today, the industry is able to utilise all types of wood logs can be further processed to produce high value-
wastes. added products like fibreboard, oriented strand board
(OSB), biomass pellets, engineered wood and wood
“The overall conversion efficiency or recovery rate composites. This, he said, will improve utilisation rates
throughout the value chain is almost 100%. The wood of planted logs, giving better return to plantation
wastes processing technologies are also automated, owners for capital intensive and long gestation projects.
Sustainability
Global market Eco-friendly

demand approach
There is good demand from overseas market for Currently, the world is highly focussed on green
Sarawak’s timber products from wood waste, technology and eco-friendly products, and so is
especially within the Asia Pacific region. Sarawak. As for STIDC, it will continue playing a
major role in promoting Sarawak as a main producer
“Total export value of timber products produced of eco-friendly timber products.
from wood wastes in 2020 was about RM590
million. Japan is the single largest market with an “The emphasis is to market products manufactured
export value of RM343 million or 58% of the total out of timber sourced from certified natural forests.
value,” Hashim disclosed. In addition, the industry will produce more products
utilising materials from the renewable and sustainable
China emerged as the second largest market with an forest plantations,” said Hashim, concluding by
export value of RM139 million (24%), while “ASEAN saying that STIDC was also promoting new eco-
countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines products from sustainable bamboo plantations.
are also major market for Sarawak. Total export of
timber products from wood wastes exported within
ASEAN region was RM69 million or 12% of the total
value.”
China and Japan are the biggest markets for

woodchips, with an export value of RM138 million
and RM96 million in 2020 respectively.
Fibreboard was at RM306 million in export value in

2020, with its biggest markets being Japan (RM239
million), the Philippines (RM33 million), Vietnam
(RM12 million), Indonesia (RM10 million), Taiwan
(RM7 million), and Korea (RM4 million).
In the same year, Sarawak’s particleboard export

value was RM19 million. Its main markets were
Indonesia (RM6.6 million), Vietnam (RM4.5 million),
As for biomass pellet, its export value in 2020 was

RM1.9 million, mainly for Korea.
Charcoal briquette was RM23.5 million, with the main

buyers being the Middle East (RM8.2 million), Japan
(RM5.4 million), Turkey (RM3.8 million), Taiwan
(RM3.4 million), and Korea (RM1.5 million).
Loading of woodchips
Sustainability
The woven
basketry
of Orang Ulu
Sustainability
T
he woven crafts of Orang Ulu include more than just beautifully weaved
basketry. They also function as tools for everyday life of this Indigenous
community. Some are used to harvest, process and store farm produce.
Others are used for ceremonial purposes, and even to carry babies.
Beyond that, their woven basketry is a representation of the Orang Ulu’s generations-
old ancestral heritage and cultural legacy, with deep ties to the natural environment
of Sarawak’s rainforests.
Passed down traditional Made from natural resources

knowledge
For the Orang Ulu, these crafts have been made with
What makes native basketry so special is that the raw, natural materials for many generations. They
creation of one is like a time capsule. It goes way are the immediate preference to make these crafts
back to the past, encompassing generations of because they grow abundantly in the wild.
indigenous people’s traditional knowledge.
These fibrous, natural plant materials include vast
The makers of these baskets are highly skilled Orang selections of bulok (bamboo), wei (rattan), da’a
Ulu weavers, who are attuned to the painstaking (pandanus), sang (palm leaves), lemetung (donax)
processes involved in producing the traditional craft. and tepo’ (hornstedtia scyphifera).
Patience is regarded as essential, as the material
used would go through several basic and complex Among all the natural resources used for plaited items
processes that include collecting, splitting and like baskets, mats, baby carrier and headband, the
dyeing. most common one is rattan. This is primarily because
Gaong Rotan (Rattan Basket) • • Ajad (rattan drawstring basket)
Sustainability
Sarawak boasts one of the richest rattan

floras in the world. Besides that, rattan is
a plant material of superior quality in terms
of strength, durability, and aesthetics.
• Modern Orang Ulu basketry

Modernised basketry with
‘pop’ colours
The surging popularity of synthetic

materials in the production of traditional
Orang Ulu baskets gives rise to new
modern basketry with colours that
pop. These modern touches represent
adornment and self-expression of the 21st
century-wearer.
• Modern Orang Ulu handwoven purses and bags
Synthetic materials like Polyethylene (PE)

strip add a touch of vivid colours to the
body material. The incorporation of these
materials into the main structure of the
basket largely depends on the basket’s
purpose. For one that requires a certain
degree of sturdiness, the use of rattan
poles at the basket’s rim structure are still
maintained.
Types of Orang Ulu

basketry works
Ingen Carrying &

Transporting
Ingen is a basket used to load and transport

harvested paddy. Traditionally, this rattan
basket is big, with wide cylindrical rim
mouth. It is structured with sturdy wood/
rattan poles at the bottom four corners
of the basket. This is to strengthen the
body structure and support the load of its
• Ingen
contents. The Orang Ulu carry the ingen on

their backs with weaved shoulder straps
attached to it. Optionally, sa’ap (lid) can be
added if the ingen is used for storage.
Belanyat & Serut Personal

Bag
A smaller version of the ingen, the
belanyat and serut are baskets meant
for keeping personal belongings when
• Belanyat & Serut
Sustainability
travelling. The difference between these

are in how they are woven. The belanyat
is a loosely woven cylindrical basket made
from multi-coloured synthetic or natural
materials. The serut is a finely woven
bag, often prepared with beadwork
construction.
Tapan & Eleng Agriculture
• Tapan
use
The tapan and eleng are both agricultural

baskets. Mainly hand handled objects,
these baskets provide better handling
of agricultural produce such as paddy,
and pepper corn. The shallow-sided
rectangular basket used for winnowing
is called tapan. A similar one is eleng, a
circular shape with openwork base for
sieving.
Ingen Lalii Ritual/

ceremonial use
A special basketry for the Orang Ulu

• Eleng
is the ingen lalii. A resemblance of the

ingen, albeit smaller, this petite rattan
basket is only used in rituals such as
during the meledoh festival, treating ill
people from bad spirit, as well as initiating
the harvesting season. This is only used
by a dayong, a priest of the Orang Ulu
community who heads most ritual events.
Tapung ucuk and Tapung ujap

Ceremonial headgear
• Tapung ucuk and Tapung ujap
These hats are usually worn during

important ceremonies such as wedding
or the harvest festival. The Tapung ucuk
is a hat made of the da’a (pandanus)
specifically for Orang Ulu men. The
beaded headgear for the women is called
tapung ujap.
Ba’ Baby Carrier
The famous Kenyah baby carrier is a

symbol of the community’s stratification
system. Elaborately embellished with
motifs and beads, the intricate design
elements symbolise the social rank and
wealth of the baby, and the maker.
Sources: Faridah Sahari, Senior Lecturer in the Design

Technology Programme, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
• Ba’
Sustainability
STB: a major driving force in
Responsible
Tourism
Mulu National Park
Sustainability
R
esponsible tourism is high on They are also in line with the UN Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), whereby out of the
the list of agenda for Sarawak 17 goals, STB focusses on:
Tourism Board (STB). In fact,
its commitment towards Quality Education
responsible tourism and unrelenting This highlights the importance of inclusive and
equitable quality education and lifelong learning
effort to ensure a sustainable tourism for all, regardless of their background. Quality
education in responsible tourism is crucial for
industry was recognised by the World
the success of sustainable practices to ensure
Travel Market (WTM) at the recent WTM the viability of the tourism industry. It is therefore
imperative that education is prioritised in
World Responsible Tourism Awards 2021. Responsible Tourism, in both policy and practice.
Rainforest World Music Festival 2019 -

Greening Initiative.
“Responsible Tourism is all about making

tourist destinations better places for people to
live in and visit. Responsible Tourism minimises
negative economic, environmental, and social
impacts and while generating greater economic
benefits for the local people and enhances the
wellbeing of the host communities in improving
working conditions and access to the industry,”
said Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr)
Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang
Haji Openg when speaking at the World Tourism
Conference (WTC) 2019 in Kuala Lumpur.
STB’s Responsible Tourism journey started in

2011 with a tree-planting project together with
Sarawak Forest Department in conjunction with
the Borneo Jazz Festival (BJF) in Miri and Rainforest
World Music Festival (RWMF) in Kuching. The
Cleaning activities at the Talang Satang
project was carried out at the Kuching Wetlands Island National Park.
National Park and complemented the festivals’
efforts towards the conservation of endangered
musical instruments, songs, and dances and the
ecological values of the State’s diverse flora and
fauna. The project is an on-going one and serves
not only to provide food for the local wildlife
but also to create a buffer zone for coastal areas
in Sarawak. The journey continues with more
greening initiatives rolled out in 2015.
Then in 2019, STB rolled out its Responsible

Tourism Initiatives, advocating for proper
management of food waste and reducing
carbon footprint on the environment. Supported
by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
Sarawak (MTAC), STB’s Responsible Tourism
Initiatives focus on the 3E’s (Environment,
Empowerment, and Economic Viability). The aim
is to ultimately build an eco-friendly, responsible,
and sustainable tourism industry that will have
positive impacts on the local communities.
Sustainability
Responsible Consumption & festivalgoers were required to bring their own refillable
Production water bottle, therefore eliminating single-use plastic
water bottles altogether. Visitors could also purchase
The 12th goal in the UN’s SDGs is aimed at ensuring collapsible cups at the festival. The cups could easily be
sustainable consumption and production pattern, which folded away when not in use.
will see a transition towards low carbon production and
green economic practices, and ultimately helping to STB worked closely with F&B suppliers in ensuring that
alleviate poverty. only sustainably sourced biodegradable containers and
tablewares were used at the RWMF Food Mart. Partnering
with Canard Media Sdn. Bhd., STB also implemented
Partnership for the Goals a biodegradable solution to waste generation at the
festival. Through sustainable procurement by sourcing
The focus here is to strengthen the means of from local businesses to support local vendors at RWMF,
implementation and revitalise the global partnership STB has managed to greatly reduce carbon footprint and
for sustainable development. The goal is to revitalise energy consumption.
the national level sustainable development, made
possible through strong partnerships and cooperation. The waste management strategy during RWMF2019
was impressive as well. Through collaborations with
These go with the Sarawak Economic Action Council’s Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. and Spativate (for the
(SEAC) Tourism Aspiration that by 2030, “Sarawak #Urbins x RWMF project), STB was able to provide
will become a leading destination for eco-tourism proper waste disposal management to keep the festival
and business events in the ASEAN Region, driven by ground clean throughout the event. The creatively
empowered communities to conserve heritage, culture painted #Urbins designed by artistic members of the
and biodiversity, and to promote investments and community were ingenious and made proper waste
development through responsible actions.” disposal fun for everyone!
STB’s Responsible Tourism Initiatives were especially To solve the problem of traffic congestion during RWMF in
made known to the public through its efforts in 2019 to 2019, as well as to reduce carbon footprint, STB provided
make RWMF a truly eco-friendly event. Drinking water shuttle bus services to transport festivalgoers to and fro
stations were placed in strategic locations throughout between Kuching city and RWMF festival grounds.
the festival ground at Sarawak Cultural Village and
Besides these major greening efforts, various other
initiatives were carried out during the festival, making
it one of the greenest RWMF events to date!
Proper waste management
As part of STB’s Responsible Tourism Initiatives rollout,

the Board initiated its first Waste Management
Programme with local hotels in 2019, aimed at
promoting Responsible Tourism. Launched by Minister
of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji
Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, it is a long-term project
with WormingUp Sdn. Bhd. to raise awareness about
UrBins (Urban + Bins) projects during the proper management of food waste and reducing
Rainforest World Music Festival 2019. its disposal at landfills.
The initiative garnered participation from six local hotel

partners including Hilton Kuching, Riverside Majestic Hotel
Kuching, Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites, Grand Dormani
Rajah Court Hotel, Kuching Park, and UCSI Hotel. It
eventually expanded to include restaurant, shopping
malls, as well as registered homestays among others.
When Sarawak was hit with COVID-19, there was a need

to find other means to ensure that the tourism industry
stayed afloat. Thus the “Jejak Digital” initiative was born.
It is a cataclysmic programme meant to expand Sarawak
Tourism’s digital footprint and includes collaborations
Drinking water stations were placed in strategic locations throughout with Sarawak industry partners to help keep the tourism
the festival ground at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2019. industry going throughout the pandemic.
Sustainability
Among the latest initiatives is the E-Pelancongan Online A Responsible Tourism Webinar was held in May last year
Learning Course, which aims to raise awareness on to highlight the three Sustainable Development Goals
responsible tourism, disseminate knowledge about of Responsible Tourism (Quality Education, Responsible
various types of tourism, and highlighting Sarawak’s Consumption & Production, and Partnership for the Goals),
places of interest, history, people and culture. The course as well as to discuss the Best Practices for Sustainable
zeroes in on community-based tourism, whereby locals Tourism. The webinar was officiated by Dato Sri Karim
are encouraged to learn more about business events and featured keynote speakers Susan Santos de Cardenas
and how they can play a role in promoting Sarawak as a (President & CEO, Society for Sustainable Tourism) and
preferred tourist destination. Sara Salsini (General Manger, EXO Travel Malaysia).
Launch of the ‘E-Pelancongan’ (E-Tourism) in 2020

by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak,
Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The way forward
With the world now changed due to COVID-19, STB Responsible Tourism efforts would contribute to the
continues in its effort to help revive the local tourism wellbeing of the local communities and environment,
industry despite the challenges of the new norm. and create meaningful experiences for travellers.
“We foresee a gradual travel and tourism recovery Recognising that the tourism industry would never be the
thanks to the accelerated vaccine rollout across Malaysia same, Sharzede said that the focus would therefore not be
and key markets in ASEAN region. For Sarawak, in to go back to the way things were before the pandemic
addition to intelligent risk management within borders, hit us. “Instead, we want to build, create and imagine the
we also have in place stringent standard operating new ways of business beyond COVID-19,” she said.
procedures for tourists and industry players,” said STB’s
CEO, Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor when speaking “Kuching’s recent inclusion as one of the 49 new
at an industry briefing led by Sarawak Tourism Board cities under the United Nations Educational, Scientific
(STB), held simultaneously in Kuching, Sibu and Miri in and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) Creative Cities
mid-November last year. The industry briefing discussed Network bodes well for the State, and will amplify
strategies and programmes for Sarawak in 2022, to our presence amongst domestic and international
achieve the target for visitors this year. travellers,” the CEO enthused.
At the juncture, close to 200 Sarawak tourism players Meanwhile, STB recently launched its Responsible Tourism
including Government representatives, local tour microsite, where you will be able to learn more about
operators, hoteliers and healthcare service providers STB’s greening Responsible Tourism efforts and greening
took a Responsible Tourism pledge aimed at reducing initiatives. Visit https://sarawakresponsibletourism.com/
their environmental footprint, supporting local to know more.
communities, as well as protecting culture and heritage.
With STB showing no signs of stopping in its
“This pledge is a sign of our commitment and conviction Responsible Tourism efforts, we could possibly see a
to build a mindful mindset among industry players and completely different tourism scene for Sarawak in the
visitors alike,” said Sharzede, adding that collective not too distant future.
Museum
A museum dedicated to
preserving heritage
E
ach place has a story to tell… stories that inter-weave the past, present and future
to a certain extend in terms of community, culture and history. Today, a museum is
an active agent connecting the dots between invaluable knowledge of the past and
the current as well as future generations. Sarawak’s much-awaited Borneo Cultures
Museum (BCM) lives up to such a reputation. As the museum readies to open, let’s get to know
a little bit about what the museum will focus on and what it has to offer.
All about Borneo Cultures Museum
The brand new Borneo Cultures Museum is Sarawak Borneo. With such a remarkable façade, BCM is one of
Museum Department’s largest expansion yet. The the most notable architectures in the region.
imposing structure features gold arches and traditional
weaving pattern adorning its exterior walls. Located Sprawling across 6,726 square metres in exhibition
at Sarawak Museum Complex, Jalan Tun Abang Haji space, the museum has five levels in total, with
Openg, the museum is a world-class centre that houses approximately 31,000 square metres of total floor
substantial cultural, natural and historical treasures of space. Each level explores various themes of permanent
Museum
exhibitions accompanied by modern display methods,

giving audiences an engaging visiting experience.
Some confirmed gallery themes are Love Our Rivers, In
Harmony with Nature and Time Changes.
Archaeology is one of the most exciting exhibits to look

forward to Director of Sarawak Museum Department
(SMD) Tazudin Mohtar told BorneoTalk that, “Sarawak
is one of the areas that is particularly strong in
archaeology.” According to him, audiences can anticipate
the irreplaceable archaeological collections that record
the presence of life and culture in Borneo.
The Museum Department is also active beyond the

scope of exhibition works at BCM. Together with
Sarawak Forestry Corporation, the department is
currently working together in nominating Niah
Caves as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This would
strengthen Niah National Park as a site of high
ecotourism value and importance. To understand
the influence of Niah Caves as a World Heritage Site
candidates, you’ll have to visit BCM once it opens.
Sustainability and inclusivity at focus

Both buildings are equipped with state-of-the-art
Prior to the construction of the BCM in 2014, sustainable facilities for the purpose of conserving, preserving and
efforts were already in place to minimise carbon documenting the museum’s vast collections. They are
footprint. The site clearance and the demolishing of thoroughly vetted following the latest standards of the
Dewan Tun Abdul Razak to give way for the building of International Council of Museums.
BCM were carried out sustainably. The building itself is
Green Building Index (GBI) certified, built with flooring Borneo Cultures Museum may be the focal point of
and wall panels that are certified under Programme for museology in Sarawak. But beyond that are other
the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). landmarks, monuments, and historical sites gazetted
under the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019. With this
As a museum that aims to be all-inclusive, BCM is ordinance in place, and Tazudin’s leadership, the Museum
not merely for the discerning museumgoer only. With Department at the annex building of BCM will continue
so much to experience and learn from this unofficial to carry out vigorous research and necessary heritage
education institution, BCM will keep visitors of all ages conservation efforts for the future-proofing of Sarawak’s
engaged. The younger generation will be ecstatic to rich history and multifaceted cultures. Therefore, visitors
check out the Love our Rivers exhibition. This exhibition can always expect something new at BCM seasonally.
is targeted at Primary school children to learn about the
value of rivers in Sarawak with hands-on participation
and interactive activities. Besides that, ramps, tactile Sarawak Museum (Old Building)
maps and toilets are available for the disabled to enjoy
their time at the BCM. Though the building itself is new, Borneo Cultures
Museum its longstanding history can be traced back
to approximately 131 years ago during Rajah James
World-class collection repository Brooke’s reign.
and research centre
While you’re already at the museum complex grounds
BCM is also the knowledge hub and research centre for on your visit to BCM, head over to the Sarawak
Sarawak and Borneo heritage. According to Tazudin Museum’s Old Building located adjacent to BCM
himself, “research and knowledge of Sarawak culture is highly recommended. The Old Museum houses
and heritage is at the heart of our work.” The two main fine collections of ethnography and natural history,
components of BCM that are in charge of executing tells the story of Sarawak’s most important stages of
these tasks are its main building (as a heritage and development. Don’t forget to make time for memorable
cultural knowledge hub) and the Annex building for #RaonRaonSarawak photos at the garden just outside
conducting museology research work. the museum.
For more information, log onto museum.sarawak.gov.my or

visit our Facebook @borneoculturesmuseum • @jabatanmuziumsarawak
Museum
Most famous finds

. . . in Borneo Cultures Museum
T
he astounding rare artefacts collection exhibited at Borneo Cultures Museum holds rich
historical significance of the past; and backstories that helps us understand the native
communities of Borneo. From weaponry to burial jars and protective sunhats, here are some
artefacts that you can expect to see on Level 4 and 5 of Borneo Cultures Museum.
Level 4
Burial Jar Jar
This yellow-brown mottled glaze was excavated in 1964 This ovoid shape jar is usually used for storing food, or store trade
at the Upiusing Cave, Niah. Upiusing is a Punan word item in powdered, liquid and grainy form. This jar was a part of
formed of two parts: ‘Upi/Upe’ (name of a fruit tree), the findings from Sungei Jaong, a small creek two miles above
and ‘Using’ (mouth of a river). The cave is located at Santubong village.
the south-eastern side of Subis Mountain, a quarter mile
away from Lasan Iban Longhouse and five miles away Glazed of a light greenish-blue colour, the jar is considered a Yueh
from West Mouth of the Great Cave. ware. An interesting feature of this jar is its exterior wall that is
formed like a pair of fish, incised with fine line drawings of scales,
On its exterior surface, the jar is carved with a dragon spiny dorsal fish, gills and eyes of the fish.
motif. The jar’s lip opening was chiselled off to widen
its mouth for ‘secondary burial’ practices of the past, Divided into two parts, the jar comes with or without handles. It is
when people used to store the body of their deceased believed that the handles were used for tying ropes while carrying
in earthen vessels. the storage jars.
Burial jar Sunhat
Mortar
Jar commando
Sunhat Mortar Commando

Exhibited under the theme ‘Change’, this is a Madang woman’s sun hat of plaited Consisting of a barrel, handle and
rattan in black and white. baseplate, this weapon is known as
the Mortar Commando. It is one of the
The hat worn by the Badeng Community in Kalimantan is hand made from bamboo weapons looted by the security forces in
and its rim is reinforced with a rattan. It is made for women of noble families to operations against guerrillas; during the
protect their infants from the scorching sun. The squatting human figures motif time when communism was prevalent in
with four branches at the apex of the hat signifies the status of nobility. It is also Sarawak in the 1960s.
possible that the motif represents a slave in each quarter. The dots next to the
head symbolise animal fangs, ears, and beads associated with status. In the past, the Mortar Commando was
a common weapon used by insurgents
It is said that the motifs provided spiritual protection to the mother and her infant to engage in guerrilla warfare in addition
from the influence of evil and misfortune. This type of sunhat is still made by to other weapons like hand grenades,
Kenyah Lepo Keh and Lepo Maut. machine guns and artillery.
Museum
Level5
Beaded hat
Beaded Hat
This striking Beaded Hat is known to be worn by a Kenyah female of
Baram. Oval-shaped from the top, the hat is covered with colourful
beadwork and looks rectangular from the side. Meanwhile on the inside
the hat is covered in a specific type of fabric that is brown in colour.
The hat’s beadwork is a masterpiece. It comprises eight types of seed beads,

in colours of red, green, yellow, blue, white, black/dark blue, and orange.
The design process of making this beaded hat is time consuming and
labourious, as the seed beads, very likely from Czechoslovakia or Venice,
are very minute. The simple and colourful design of the hat, and the great
number of beads used usually indicate that this plaited art belongs to a
Iban spinning wheel
wealthy family.
Iban Spinning Wheel

Locally known in Iban dialect as ‘Gasing’, the spinning wheel was used
by the Iban of Sarawak to spin cotton (ngasing taya’) fibre back in the old
days. This handcrafted black wooden spinning wheel with a wide base is
believed to be one of the earliest Sarawak Museum collections pertaining
to Iban textiles.
It has been noted that Iban yarns are strong and uses colour dye that lasts
long.
Carved Canoe Head

The Kayan canoe (boat) figurehead (hudo’ aso’) carved in light brown
wood, shows the exaggerated head and snout of the ‘dog-tiger’ spirit
(aso’ lejo) with horns (huang). Only the round arms of the animal are
Carved canoe head
merged with the back of its neck, with no body or legs represented.
Collected by Hugh Brooke Low, from Kayan between 1878 and 1884,
from either Tubau or Belaga, this canoe head was affixed on a war boat.
A canoe figurehead like this is commonly used by either chiefs (maren) or
aristocrats. In the case of this canoe figurehead, it is identifiable due to the
dog-tiger holding a gibbon (wak-wak or kelawet) in its jaws.
Long Utan Carved Wooden

Model Tattoo
See the abstract tattoo designs of Long Utan women on a carved leg figure
carved wooden model tattoo
on Level 5. Long Utan is a rare native tribe in Sarawak. The design of

Long utan
the tattoo showcases complex spirals and portions of intersecting circles.

These unique circles are also frequently featured in decorative Kenyah art
such as around the top of posts on carved bamboos, and on the back of
sword handles.
According to record, the men of Long Utan were apparently not tattooed.
For more information, log onto museum.sarawak.gov.my or

visit our Facebook @borneoculturesmuseum • @jabatanmuziumsarawak
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Experience
Hemisphere
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Food
Midin
o f S a r awa k
T
Step aside
he official recognition of
kangkung,
Kuching as UNESCO Creative
City Network (UCCN) in

it’s time for Gastronomy recently has
midin to introduced more local dishes of Sarawak
shine! to the world. Laksa Sarawak has already
won the hearts of many foodies around
the world. The curly jungle fern known
as midin, only available in Sarawak is also
gaining popularity. Already, it has grown
to become a favourite among foodies in
neighbouring country, Singapore!
Food
• Sarawak-style
midin salad
• Midin belacan
Sarawak’s favourite wild fern Midin can be served in a variety of ways. A popular
preparation method would be to fry it with garlic
Malaysia is a land of many things, including ferns that slices, dried shrimp and belacan (shrimp paste).
grow abundantly throughout the country. If the rest of In fact, a family dinner at a Seafood Restaurant in
Malaysia has paku pakis, Sarawak has its Midin. Sarawak is incomplete without midin belacan. You
can also have your midin, prepared in Sarawak-style
Also called paku midin or lemidin, it belongs to the salad dressed in vinegar with the combination of
Blechnaceae family. The plant is found in a wide range shallot, chilli, garlic and dried anchovies. What about
of places, from the lowlands to the mountains of up the taste and texture? Think nutty and crunchy like
to 1,000m above sea level. This plant grows in various the asparagus!
geographical habitats such as secondary forests, disturbed
forests, oil palm plantations, riverbanks and roadsides. It
thrives especially well in open, swampy areas. Delicious and nutritious
Growing wild throughout the State, midin is easily Did you know that midin is packed with medicinal and
sourced and makes for a tasty meal. nutritional benefits? This is due to its high contents of
potassium, phosphorus and iron; as well as traces of
To harvest midin, simply snap off the fiddleheads with calcium, manganese, copper and zinc.
your fingers. These days, local farmers are cultivating
midin in farms. This results in a higher yield. Farming The Penan, who were once exclusively normadic,
also protects the crops against attacks from insects and consume midin to regain energy after childbirth.
animals and is more sustainable. There’s also proof that midin can cool down fever.
Readily-accessible from the local markets Where can you get Midin?
Thanks to midin cultivation, the fern is now more Midin grows abundantly in the jungles of Sarawak, and
easily available in markets (or tamu) in Sarawak. They can be harvested easily by hand. But these days, midin
are identified by their oddly-shaped curled-up fronds. can be found easily at markets and even supermarkets.
Another thing to note is the colour of the leaves: light Caros Midin grows this delicious fern at their farm in
green or reddish-green when they are young. Betong. Great care is taken in the farming of midin at
Caros Midin, so you know you’ll get the best quality
farmed midin from them.
Local cuisine enjoyed by all
Previously, only rural, indigenous people consumed Where to eat Midin?
midin. But today, it is regarded as a local specialty that
is served in almost every restaurant and food stall in Almost all street hawkers and restaurants in Sarawak
Sarawak. Midin is enjoyed by diners of all walks of life. serve this special local cuisine.
Given the short lifespan of the jungle fern, midin is Here are some recommended outlets to try midin dishes:
best eaten and cooked within the day it is bought from Kuching: TopSpot Seafood • Miri: Yi Hah Hai Seafood • Sibu: Hong Fu
Seafood Bintulu: Mid Valley Seafood
the market.
Trade News
TRADE NEWS
Close to 200 Sarawak tourism players took a Local homestay owners as well as tour operators
Responsible Tourism pledge in November 2021, in an in Mulu took part in a talk on Responsible Tourism
industry briefing led by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) on Nov 11, 2021, presented as part of an event to
and held concurrently in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri. welcome participants of a Media Familiarisation
The Responsible Tourism pledge focusses on 3Es – (FAM) Trip to Mulu, organised by STB in partnership
Environmental Protection, Empowering Communities with MASwings and Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa.
through Education, as well as Economic Viability The homestay owners and tour operators were also
and Impact - and is a sign of STB’s commitment and given the chance to voice out their opinions and ask
conviction to build a mindful mindset among industry questions relating to tourism. The session ended with a
players and visitors alike. Responsible Tourism pledge.
STB’s virtual music experiences,

namely Rainforest World Music
Festival (RWMF) and Borneo Jazz
Festival (BJF), were named ‘Ones to
Watch’ by WTM Responsible Tourism
Awards 2021 in November 2021.
The virtual festivals were given the
accolades under the ‘Destinations
Building Back Better Post-Covid’
category. Such due recognition
is proof of STB’s unyielding
commitment towards responsible
tourism and sustainability. The
awards recognised excellence in
responsible tourism, and were open
to the African, Indian, and Latin
American regions as well as the Rest
of the World.
Trade News
STB CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor (centre) together with the participating travel agencies at
the opening of WTM Virtual London.
Sarawak expands network to Europe STB also released their latest destination creatives at
at WTM London the juncture, with the theme “A Journey Awaits”,
highlighting Sarawak’s culture, adventure, nature, food
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) as well as 10 local travel and festivals (CANFF). The video can be viewed at STB’s
and tour operators participated in WTM Virtual London official Youtube channel.
on Nov 8 and 9 last year. The travel and tour operators
involved were Authentic Borneo Tours, Borneo Adventure,
Brighton Travel & Tours, Cat City Holidays, CPH Travel STB entices visitors to rediscover
Agencies, Greatown Travel, Ecogreen Holidays, Happy Sarawak at ITB Asia
Trails Borneo Tours, Minda Nusantara Tours & Travel
Agencies, and Paradesa Borneo. As part of their effort to entice visitors to come back
and rediscover Sarawak post-pandemic, STB along with
Their participation in the annual global travel market was local tourism industry players have been hard at work to
done via a virtual Sarawak stand set up at Waterfront promote the State through virtual B2B and B2C events.
Hotel in Kuching. It echoed STB’s continuous effort for One of those events was ITB Asia, the largest travel trade
Sarawak’s prominence internationally and gave the show in Asia organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) and
chance for local industry players to network with trade held virtually from Oct 25-29, 2021.
buyers and media across the globe. STB also took part via
a physical booth in WTM London from Nov 1-3, 2021 in Frogging, photography tours, biking activities, and
ExCel London. community-based Orang Utan conservation efforts are just
some of the tour packages that were highlighted at their
STB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh designated ITB pavilion.
Askor said that STB and its tourism partners had been hard
at work to promote domestic tourism, which had been Participants of the prestigious travel event had the chance
largely affected by the pandemic. Now with countries to learn more about Sarawak and all its offerings such as
worldwide gradually opening up their borders and easing its multi-ethnic culture, rich biodiversity, its list of more than
up travel restrictions, Sarawak looks ready to welcome 20 national parks including UNESCO World Heritage Site
back visitors from outside of the State and country. Mulu National Park, and many others.
Sharzede saw the return of international travellers as Responsible Tourism was also among the main subjects
being crucial for the recovery of the State’s tourism sector, highlighted by STB at ITB Asia. STB’s CEO Sharzede Datu
and said that their participation in WTM London was Haji Salleh Askor said STB and its tourism partners were
another step forward for Sarawak to work together with all about empowering the people to reduce the negative
international tourism partners on the needs and wants of environmental impacts during their travels in Sarawak.
post-pandemic tourists.
“Our travel agent partners are fully on board with us on
Sarawak is also ready to steer both local and international advocating Responsible Tourism and sustainability by
visitors towards its niche travel products centred on incorporating eco-friendly practices into their tour packages
Responsible Tourism, so that they may be driven to such as bicycle-rides in rural areas or organising overnight
make positive contributions while visiting Sarawak and stays at a local homestay where we encourage our visitors
engaging in activities like Orang Utan conservation works, to make positive contributions to the conservation of
cycling, birding, etc. natural and cultural heritage,” Sharzede said.
Education Foundation
I
t’s amazing to see
that in just 50
Yayasan
years, The Sarawak
Foundation or
Sarawak Yayasan Sarawak has evolved
so much. It has helped many
steps forward into

Sarawakians receive good
education and go on to
the future become reputable professionals
in their own respective fields.
The Foundation was established
in May 27, 1971 to advance
the development of quality
human capital in Sarawak. Over
the years, the Foundation had
established various scholarships
and education loans, as well as
many other forms of assistance
that meet different needs of
not just students but members
of the community as well.
In addition, the Foundation has
created numerous education-
based programmes aimed at
the development of students
in Sarawak, arming them with
the necessary skills and know-
hows and fulfilling Yayasan
Sarawak’s vision to be a world
class foundation in developing
quality human capital in
Sarawak.
Yayasan Sarawak
Wisma Adenan, Jalan Sultan Tengah Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
+60 82 441 686 +60 82 440 023
ys@yayasansarawak.org.my www.yayasansarawak.org.my
Moving ahead
Tuan Haji Mersal Bin Abang Rosli

Director of Yayasan Sarawak
Today, with new Director Tuan Haji Mersal bin Abang owned by the State Government, either directly or
Rosli at the helm, Yayasan Sarawak is all set to move indirectly, under one roof so that we can integrate the
even further in tandem with the latest developments. business of IPTS in the State of Sarawak holistically,”
Already, several projects have now been put into motion. Mersal disclosed.
The biggest of these projects is the Yayasan Sarawak

International Secondary School project.
“There will be five of these private schools in total,

including two in Kuching, and one each in Sibu, Bintulu
and Miri,” Mersal said in an interview with BorneoTalk.
The idea to build the schools was mooted by the Chief

Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang
Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg.
CENTEXS, Kuching
They will cater to students from Year 7 to 11 (Form 1
to Form 5) and are being built at an approximate cost
of RM250 million.
In addition to the Yayasan Sarawak International

Secondary School, the Foundation is also in the midst
of completing their new Centre of Technical Excellence
(CENTEXS) complexes, one each in Oya and Lawas.
CENTEXS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Yayasan

Sarawak, is tasked to train and upskill Sarawak’s youths
CENTEXS, Mukah
to meet the technical needs and requirements of the
State’s industries. The Oya and Lawas centres will add
to all existing CENTEXS facilities throughout the State,
including the just completed Lundu CENTEXS.
As part of its future undertakings, the Foundation will

hold a majority share holding in Curtin University (Miri).
It is currently undertaking due diligence on the taking
over of i-CATS University College in Kuching.
“All these are to ensure that Yayasan Sarawak is able to

CENTEXS, Lundu
control all private institutions of higher learning (IPTS)
Proposed Yayasan Sarawak Private International Secondary Schools at Kuching.
Proposed Yayasan Sarawak Private International Secondary Schools at Sibu.
Opportunities for all
In addition to taking over these universities, Yayasan “In the future, students are marked early, especially
Sarawak also puts its focus on the High Performance at HIPERS level, to be channelled as feeders to our
Rural Schools (HIPERS) programme. Its aim is to technical colleges or universities. Those that are
enhance the output or outcome of students under the good in their academics will be channelled into our
programme based on findings from the research done universities and those that are good in their skills and
by Swinburne University. technical works will be channelled into our technical
college, namely CENTEXS. This will add value to the
“We are doing a lab to focus on areas where we can old ecosystem of our core business, which is education
enhance the outcome objective of HIPERS, which is to through funding, and at the same time provide the
enhance the results of the students as far as English, students with facilities for them to excel in education,”
Mathematics, and Science,” he explained. the director continued.
Mersal said this would ensure that Yayasan Sarawak

could integrate the HIPERS programme at all levels,
from Primary to Secondary (Form 5), and integrate the
students from the programme into the Foundation’s
colleges, universities and vocational schools.
CENTEXS, Dalat
The future is digital
Mersal believes in the power of digital technology

as a means to enhance productivity at any
workplace, Yayasan Sarawak included. Disclosing
that the Foundation has embarked a lot on
computerisation, he explained; “A lot of our jobs
in Yayasan Sarawak are assisted by technology to
ensure high productivity, because technology takes
over all our routine work. Most of our staff will then
CENTEXS, Lawas concentrate on other areas that are of high value
and are not routine in nature. These are the jobs
that need human intelligence in making decisions.”
He said further that Yayasan Sarawak would rely on

the aid of technology in delivering high value products
and services to its customers, namely students.
“We hope that in the future, students will be

able to interact with us more frequently using
their smartphones via the Yayasan student app,
and at the same time get all the payments that
they require from us just using their own digital
University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) device in their pocket, that is their smartphone,”
Mersal enthused. “Ultimately, Yayasan Sarawak
will become an organisation that is available 24/7
through our app.”
A little green for everyone’s

wellbeing
Mid interview, Mersal took us to the garden grounds

Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus of Yayasan Sarawak at Wisma Adenan, Jalan Sultan
Tengah, Kuching. While showing us some of the
orchids and other recreational features at the
breezy open space in the middle of the complex, he
smiled and said organisation, cleanliness, efficiency
and safety were some of the crucial aspects in any
institution.
“As you can see from our surrounding area, this

is an office in a garden. We want it to be clean
and well maintained so that all staff can enjoy the
beautiful environment that we have here currently.
With this clean environment, they will be able
Miri’s Curtin University
to work efficiently and safely, and with peace of
mind,” he said.
It is therefore clear that while all the programmes

and future projects are essential for the growth of
Yayasan Sarawak and the development of quality
human capital for the State, the Foundation under
the helm of Mersal also takes into account the
wellbeing and happiness of its staff members as
among the vital aspects of its success now and in
the future.
Furniture Design
Sarawak Design
Centre (SaraDEC)
A production house to
produce young furniture design
talents and creative designs in
Sarawak to be accepted and
recognised globally
S
arawak’s furniture design is finding its
way to international markets, attracting
all layers of buyers and collectors with
their distinctiveness, and designs that
bind together culture and nature with indigenous
motifs from the State’s multi-ethnic makeup.
Leveraging on the potentials of building these Sarawak young

design talents, ever passionate and compassionate to build
their career paths in the design industry, the Government
through Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation
(STIDC) established Sarawak Design Centre (Saradec).
In order to successfully implement this programme, STIDC
incorporated Saradec Management Sdn Bhd effective
January 2022 with the aim to develop and manage these
young and creative designers.
This supports the goals of Saradec’s vision to be a Global

Design Enterprise by 2030 and its mission to secure a
position for Sarawak furniture in the world market, with
the expectancy to earn a place among the world’s top 10
suppliers and exporters of furniture within the next 10 years.
Commenting on Saradec Management Sdn Bhd, STIDC’s

General Manager, Datu Haji Hashim bin Haji Bojet said,
“the intention for this management is to ensure the
successful implementation of SayD’SignersSarawak where
human capital building is very necessary for Sarawak,
not only for the furniture industries but also in bringing
up the State as a design hub. The establishment of this
subsidiary company is important for the continuity of the
SayD’SignersSarawak programme, and I am very pleased
that Saradec will be led by Dayang Nena Abang Bruce as
its Executive Director (ED) / Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
I’m confident that with her leadership, the programme will
achieve its vision and mission to bring our creative designs
globally,” he remarked.
Sarawak Design Centre or Saradec focusses on capacity-

building of fresh graduates in industrial design, interior
décor or product design and is a solution to help build their
Furniture Design
Furniture Design
The first and second

batch of the pioneer
young SayD’signers
together with the
management of the
Saradec programme
STIDC and trainers
from Institut
Teknologi Bandung
and UNIMAS.
career path as furniture designers to serve the known and recognised international centre
furniture industry. Saradec will also be the of excellence for design based in Milan, Italy.
platform where they will experience invaluable Such collaborations will ensure that Sarawak’s
coaching and limitless exposure to international young design talents will be acceptable and
markets, as well as collaborations with industry recognised worldwide, achieving good design
partners and institutions to gain global support marks internationally.
and recognition,” she quipped, adding that the
young SayD’Signers will undergo a specialised Saradec also developed the Gayung
training programme for two years, followed by Bersambut programme in partnership with ITB,
an incubator programme. Upon completion of Whetstone Consultancy, Nonakraft Creativity
the training programme, they will be bonded and the Sarawak Furniture Industries
to STIDC for five years to serve the Sarawak Association. It is a one-year Saradec Link
timber industry as designers. and Match (SLIM) incubator programme
that grooms design talents into business
Saradec’s vision is to become a Global Design entrepreneurs and freelance designers who
Enterprise by 2030, with a commitment to will serve the local timber industries.
produce globalise world-class Sarawak furniture
designs and design talents. It builds and groom “After their two-year training, those who
young designers to become entrepreneurs are unemployed and prefer to work on
from a tender age, providing all the guidance their own will join our Gayung Bersambut
necessary for them to succeed. programme, which is a programme to groom
them to become entrepreneurs,” Dayang Nena
One of Saradec’s activities is to ensure the explained.
continuity of SayD’SignersSarawak, a two-
year training programme established by STIDC The Gayung Bersambut programme started
in 2018 that features a specially customised in Oct 2021, with 16 SayD’SignersSarawak
curriculum developed by Indonesia’s Institut and 12 furniture manufacturing companies
Teknologi Bandung (ITB). The aim is to produce as well as STIDC vendors participating. It is
a minimum of 100 young design talents by slated to end in September 2022.
2030, with 26 trainees already completing
their course since 2018. Meanwhile, Sarawak is home to 27 different
ethnic groups, each with their unique cultures
“This SayD’SignersSarawak programme does and distinct motifs. Saradec intends to
not only build a career path for these young incorporate the intricate motifs from these
talents but also helps the fresh graduates different cultures into creative furniture designs,
under this cooperation pursue their dream lending uniqueness to each furniture produced
of becoming furniture designers,” Dayang using sustainably sourced raw materials.
Nena explained, adding that in Sarawak,
there are currently over 400 SME furniture Surely, these programmes spearheaded by
manufacturers that could benefit from this Saradec will drive Sarawak’s furniture
training. industry towards a brighter future.
Besides the training programme, Saradec also

does marketing and promotion for young For more information on Saradec,
design talents, participate in international contact its ED/CEO, Dayang Nena
design exhibitions, strengthen collaborations
binti Abang Bruce at email at email:
with other professional designers and
institutions. Already, Saradec is working nenabruce@gmail.com or on mobile
together with POLI.design, a universally at +60 19 857 1311.
Furniture Design
• Maliha binti Mail
• Arifin bin Mohammad Sidek
Ryan Matthaeus
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hotels are the perfect pick for travellers who are either on a business trip or a leisurely holiday.
All the perks you need. All at reasonable prices. Where else but Medan and Li Hua hotels?
Sibu (No.1) (next to Sibu Express Wharf)
+60 84 324 000 +60 84 326 272
medanhotel.com.my
Mukah (No. 5) (at Medan Mall)
+60 84 874 888 +60 84 874 666
FOR UCTS HOSTEL

Sibu (No.8) (at UNICITY, Jalan Wawasan ) Sibu (No. 3) (next to Sibu Bus Terminal) Sibu (No. 6) (next to Medan Mall) Betong (No. 4) (next to Medan Supermarket & Bus
+60 84 367 300 +60 84 367 301 +60 84 216 161 +60 84 215 151 +60 84 353 888 +60 84 353 555 Terminal) +60 83 471 919 +60 83 472 727
Health
KPJ Miri Specialist Hospital

Towards better days ahead
When the world was first hit by the COVID-19, all hope seemed lost. At
KPJ Miri Specialist Hospital, their team had fought hard and long to keep
COVID-19 at bay. It was extremely tough at first, what with the lack of
equipment to cope with the rising number of daily cases. But despite the
hardships faced in these unprecedented times, their frontliners stepped
up and managed to keep things from getting even worse.
When the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine came into effect mid 2021,
everyone could finally breathe a sigh of relief. KPJ Miri’s COVID-19
vaccination centre started out with 100 vaccines administered to the
public per day and then increased to 200 per day. The vaccination
exercise was a success and had greatly helped to reduce the daily death
tolls and number of new COVID-positive cases.
Now with the reopening of economic sectors, the people remain

vigilant, and their daily practices changed. Booster shots now provide
extra peace of mind even though we are yet to be completely free from
the grasp of COVID-19. KPJ Miri’s continued effort in carrying out the
administration of booster doses has greatly helped to provide extra
protection to members of the public in Miri.
It’s heartening to see smiles again on the faces of all, regardless of their
background. Certainly, it is something KPJ Miri can be very proud of
having battled the coronavirus for so long.
KPJ Miri Specialist Hospital

“Ready to serve”
R e s i d e n t C o n s u l ta n ts & D o ct o rs
DR. AGUSMANAN BOJENG DR. AIDA ESA

RESIDENT CONSULTANT RADIOLOGIST RESIDENT CONSULTANT
DIP.SC (ITM), MD (UNIMAS), OBSTETRICIAN & GYNECOLOGIST
M.MED RADIOLOGY (UKM) MBBS (MALAYA), MOG (MALAYSIA)
DR. ARUN ILANTHIRAYAN Dr. Denny Clare

RESIDENT CONSULTANT
RESIDENT CONSULTANT
ANAESTHESIOLOGIST
Orthopedic Surgeon
MBBS (MALAYA),
MBBS (UM), MORTHSURG (UM)
M.MED ANAESTHESIOLOGY (UM)
DR. LAU KENT TER Dr. Pui Wei Chieng

RESIDENT CONSULTANT
RESIDENT CONSULTANT
Internal Medicine
General Surgeon
MBBS (AIMST), HKCPIE (HK)-MRCP (UK),
MBBS (IMU), MRCS (EDINBURGH), DRGENSURG
MRCPS (Glasg), CMIA (NIOSH), AM (MAL),
(UKM), CMIA (NIOSH)
FRCP (UK), FRCPI (Ireland)
Dr. Selva Kumar

RESIDENT CONSULTANT DR. WONG TIONG HIEN
Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeon RESIDENT CONSULTANT PAEDIATRICIAN
MBBS (MAL), FRCS (IREL), FRCS (GLAS), MD (USM), MRCPCH (UK)
MS ORL (MAL)
Dr. BONG JI YUAN Dr. CHUA EE YONG

MEDICAL OFFICER MEDICAL OFFICER
OH. MD (CSMU), CMIA, TTT, OHD (NIOSH) MD (FMSMU)
Health
Always
there
A
n ounce of prevention is
when
worth a pound of cure.
This phrase best describes
help is
the medical centre where
patients seek treatment in the hope
needed
that things will go well with their health
through ad hoc spending.
The fundamental medical treatment that has advanced is complied with the aim to provide relief in pain
and improved since hundreds of years ago is still management. Some couldn’t even go through that
evolving, and it’s indeed a continuous passion in process and stop at A&E.
ensuring that people get reliable medical attention and
when needed. Since the start of COVID-19 till today, medical
centres have been the pillars and strongholds of the
The 2½ years of tenure in this line has been eye opening continuation of survival for any community on Earth.
for the non-clinical team, seeing patients at the A&E Desperate situations call for desperate measures, and
right to the OT where surgery is performed and to the private medical centres all around the world in response
ward for a rest before the patients are discharged later to the pandemic have assisted Government hospitals
on the day or the following day, after having settled in the form of lending medical machines, devices and
their medical bill. even manpower to ease the shortage of resources.
Doctors and nurses are the backbone as well as the Having said this, we should be grateful that the
support services in this industry and teamwork is the existence of medical practices has saved our lives and
norm or culture in their daily duties. When ad hoc loved ones.
tasks arise, they will be there to assist promptly, using
straightforward conversations. Last but not least, continuous and utmost appreciation
should be given to the front-liners and the essentials
Patient safety is the goal throughout the process, and service staff for their sacrifices that have enabled and
it is pivotal that every point of service from A to Z prolonged the survival of our community in this century.
Mr. Tiong
Kia Hung
General Manager,
KPJ Sibu Specialist
Medical Centre
KPJ Sibu Specialist Medical Centre
Greenleafbrings Sarawak flavours to the world
Founded in 2010, homegrown beverage manufacturer Greenleaf Food &

Beverages Sdn. Bhd. is out to make waves and has been rather successful
at it. With its motto “Our Taste, Our Quality”, Greenleaf continues
to hold true to its vision to be the leading company in the food and
beverages industry domestically and internationally.
The manufacturer is steadfast towards its mission of producing

varieties of new products, promote Sarawak products internationally,
resourceful in the use of healthy ingredients in its drink products
and supply the best supplements into our daily life, consistently
maintaining the quality of its products, and be actively involved in
activities aimed towards social responsibility.
“Curiosity, dare to create and unique. Those are the points to create multi
secret recipes, and of course, the taste of magnificent flavour.” These are
the words of its Managing Director Lester Ong, whose decade of
aggressive R&D in the F&B market and years of experience have
helped him shape the company into what it is today.
Some of Greenleaf’s products include beverage concentrates

like Green Tea, Wheat Grass, Herbal Tea, Teh C Special, Honey
Chrysanthemum Tea, Barley, Fibre Lychee, Fibre Rose and many more.
Between 2015 and 2017, Greenleaf released its Lu Lu Tong

vinegar health drink, now Malaysia’s number 1 vinegar drink,
as well as Cha-Cha matcha milk tea. The year 2018 saw the
release of its Roselle, Nyonya Blue and Passion Fruit syrups.
Greenleaf became the first to offer Kuching’s famous Teh C

Special drink in a can, namely Three Tea Teh C Special, with
choices of pandan & coconut or caramel flavour.
The company’s latest offerings are Three Tea Coffee Special (pandan
& coconut, and caramel) as well as Three Tea Rose Milk (Air Bandung),
both launched in 2021.
It’s easy to see why Greenleaf has amassed an impressive fan base in
Sarawak and beyond. Their drinks, especially their milk teas and milk
coffees made with the highest quality ingredients, are smooth and full
of flavour. The same can be said about their concentrates and syrups.
All Greenleaf products are available at supermarkets such as AEON, emart,

Ta Kiong, H&L, Choice, Everrise, Boulevard, LePapa and many more, as
well as convenience stores including 7-Eleven, KK 24 Hour Convenience
Store, Redpapa and R.A. Mart just to name a few. Greenleaf products
can also be purchased online via Shopee, Lazada, Alpha Bees, Qoo10
Singapore, and Shopifull. They are available Petronas and Shell
petrol stations, as well as wholesalers Chai Jee Kiong, Sweet Heart,
Chong Yin Kim and more.
Besides Sarawak and Sabah, Greenleaf also has distribution

partners in Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and West Malaysia.
All Greenleaf products are certified halal.
Greenleaf Food & Beverages Sdn. Bhd.

S/L 33, Hakka Avenue Industrial Estate, 5th Mile, Jalan Penrissen, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak.
MS 1500
greenleaffoodbeverages@gmail.com @greenleaffnb 1059-11/2014
Reach
beyond your
imagination
Designing for tomorrow
At Sarawak Design
Centre, Kuching, Sarawak,
Malaysia - Saradec, we build
young furniture designers to
reach higher level than they
can ever imagine.
To know more, contact

Dayang Nena binti Abang Bruce (CEO, SaraDEC) at
email: nenabruce@gmail.com or mobile at +60 19 857 1311
See story on pages 68-71

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VOL.

Editor-In-Chief Ivy Pan Editor Lester Geres Marketing

CONTENTS BorneoTalk magazine is a publication audited by The Audit Bureau

Malaysian Borneo can match

the magnificence of Gunung

Mulu National Park. This

fascinating tropical rainforest locale about

100 kilometres away from Miri is riddled

with some of the largest, longest, most

fascinating cave systems on the planet.

Gunung Mulu National Park ticks all the

boxes, more than adequately meeting not

just one but all criteria (earth’s history and

geological features, ecological processes,

superlative natural phenomena or natural

beauty and aesthetic importance, as well

as Biodiversity and threatened species)

needed for it to be listed among UNESCO’s

globally renowned World Heritage Sites in

Rock formation resembling a camel’s head.

Cave of the Winds

Underneath it all however is a completely different

VIPs and the media on arrival in Mulu via Maswings.

Journey into the deep

Each of the caves in Gunung Mulu National Park is

Getting to the mouth of Clearwater Cave was a

From the mouth of Clearwater Cave, we could see

Down where the water flowed through the passages

That, for us, was the highlight of our cave exploration

Small cascades at Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort.

how close you are

want to go to a waterfall for a

weekend escapade, you can get

there just within the hour. The

mesmerising views, the water

rushing through the pool, and

the total seclusion... Waterfalls

are incredibly calming to look at.

There are many waterfalls

in Sarawak, all in different

shapes, sizes, widths and

depths. Regardless of their

unique individual forms, we

can all agree that some time

at the waterfall make a great

weekend spent recharging and

engaging in fun activities with

friends and family. Let us take

you on a trail around the State,

from southern to central to

north, on a quest for Sarawak’s

best natural water shows.

Bronang Waterfall, Bau

Sebarau (aka Bidak) Waterfall, Siburan

The best part of this waterfall is the journey. It requires

Homestay: Nanga Sumpa Lodge @borneoadventure

Wong Klangsau, Saratok

Don’t be fooled by the waterfall’s short vertical drop! The

Wong Klangsau is just 10 minutes walk away from the