Taman Negara Bako Sarawak

 

 

 

It's been a while since the last visit and butterflies were beginning to flutter in my tummy. 7 years can be a long time in the tropics. lifecycles seem to be shorter and longer at the same time.

It was a 5.30 morning call, we had to get to Bako village for an early check in at the park. Having arrived in Kuching the day before, we had not been able to get to the Visitor's Information Centre in time to make bookings for a place to stay at the park. Had our quick toast, jam and coffee at Singgahsana Lodge (breakfast included) where we stayed the night before and carrying with us only our overnighters, rushed off to catch the 7.00am bus.

Races In Sarawak

 The modern history of Sarawak, whiffs of Victorian melodrama. Known to Portuguese cartographers as Cerava, Sarawak, had been a loosely governed territory under the control of the Brunei Sultanate in the early 19th century.
In 1838 James Brooke, a British adventure with an inheritance and an armed sloop arrived to find the Brunei Sultanate fending off rebellion from war like inland tribes. Sarawak was in chaos, Brooke put down the rebellion and as a reward signed a treaty in 1841 was bestowed the title Governor and granted power over parts of Sarawak. He pacified the natives, suppressed headhunting, eliminated the much-feared Borneo pirates, bringing ever growing tracts of Borneo under their control. Brooke was appointed Rajah by the Sultan of Brunei on August 18, 1842 and founded the White Rajah Dynasty of Sarawak. The Brooke dynasty ruled Sarawak for a hundred years and became famous as the "White Rajahs", accorded a status within the British Empire similar to that of the rulers of Indian princely states. Indeed, in 1850 the USA recognised Sarawak as an independent state — as did even the British, in 1864

Sarawak Regaata

The 2013 edition will have the dragon boat category for the first time. Participants are expected to come from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.
This annual event is the showcase of boat race with participation from various government agencies, private sectors and also participants from overseas such as Indonesia and Brunei. Other activities include displays of crafts and exhibitions by local entrepreneurs.
The day programme include “Brooke Swim”, kayaking and duck catching. Racing boats from the various villages around Sarawak will make it a grand affair and also a great occasion for families from outside Kuching to visit the city

Tasik Biru Bau Sarawak

BAU, Sarawak -- Sarawak used to be known for gold mining some two centuries ago, but the state was equally littered with unclaimed dead bodies. In the end, the people started to forget about the glittering metal that used to be found there, and called the place "Bau" (smelly) instead.
Today, the caves here continue to lure with their mystical past and breathtaking scenery. However, the authorities have failed to exploit the town's touristic potentials. Instead, residents are discouraged by the many eerie rumours surrounding the place

Fairy Cave Bau Sarawak

The town of Bau, 22km from Kuching is famous as a gold mining centre and as the headquarters of the Chinese Rebellion of 1858. Nowadays its most popular attractions are two unusual limestone caves.
The Fairy Cave is so-called because of a stalagmite structure at its entrance, which is said to resemble Kuan Yin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy.
The Wind Cave is named for the constant cooling breeze, which blows through it. Visitors can then explore the rock formations, admire the natural limestone sculptures.

Kuching Waterfront

Kuching Waterfront, which lines the south bank of Sarawak River, is THE place to sample the city's cosmopolitan vibes. During the daytime, it offers scenic views of the Astana, Fort Margherita and the Malay kampungs across the river; but night-time is when it really comes alive! It seems like half of the city is out meeting friends, watching a show, or just shooting the breeze. For something different, why not try jetty-hopping along the river on the local Penambang boats, and savour the different sights, sounds (and delicacies!) between the two riverbanks.

Sarawak Hornbill Festival

It is our hope that the new titles will help Borneo Hornbill Festival's Ethnic Pageant establish itself on the national and international stage. Our aspiration and goal is to carry Borneo Culture and Heritage well beyond the borders of Borneo and earn international recognition for the beautiful tradition we guard and uphold with pride.

Our participants are screened across Malaysia, with auditions conducted in Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya to provide equal opportunities for Sarawakians living in various parts of the country.

One of the important criteria in this pageant is the knowledge of one's culture and heritage. We will conduct our audition with focus on Cultural Tourism; Borneo's Perspective and Local Scenes. We hope they would take it upon themselves to learn the significance of culture and heritage in the tourism industry and identify the existence of cultural tourism in their respective origin/village or local community. They may also be inspired to offer ideas to help create a local cultural tourism scene where there is none; perhaps be part of it as well. When it comes to knowledge acquisition, the possibilities are endless

Sarawak Kek Lapis

Kek Lapis Sarawak is a layered cake, traditionally served in Sarawak, Malaysia on special occasions. In the Malay language, they are known as Kek Lapis Sarawak, Kek Lapis Moden Sarawak, Kek Sarawak or Kek Lapis. They are often baked for religious or cultural celebrations such as Eid ul-Fitr, Christmas, Deepavali, birthdays and weddings. People in Malaysia practice an open house on festival day. A unique feature of Sarawak's open houses is the modern layered cakes.

 

 

 

Kolo Mee Sarawak

 

 

 

The beauty in this dish is its simplicity. The kolo noodles are cooked, drained and dry-tossed with the different sauces, hence the name “kolo” was given. Usually in a bowl, there are some must-have ingredients: springy and oily noodles, minced pork, char siew and vegetables. Sometimes, “kiaw” (or wantons) are added.

To think of it, it actually looked similar to our familiar Wanton Mee. But no, it should not be. At Tampines Round Market, there is a stall that sells “Sarawak Kolo Mee”. It doesn’t have the minced meat, but its curly kolo mee is good!
Use only egg white: These noodles are only made of egg white, hence they are lighter in shade. But it is very fragrant!
No alkali: The stall owner told me their noodles has no “kee” (alkali taste like some of the noodles).
The noodles were indeed yummy. And they were complemented with huge wantons with crunchy water chestnuts. A plate of the kolo mee costs $3 / $4 / $5. Sarawak Kolo Mee Set costs $3.50 and above, with the addition of pork ribs (see picture above).

 

 

Laksa Sarawak

 

 

 

Due to lack of worldwide publicity, this cuisine has long been neglected in the ranking of Malaysian cuisines as it is a treasure hidden in the eastern state of Malaysia on the island of Borneo.

Though its popularity has yet to stretch to other States in Malaysia, but it had started to gain popularity internationally.

While Sarawak Laksa had never appeared in any food ranking of Malaysian Cuisines, most people (including Malaysian themselves) may be surprised that as at 30 May, 2013, goggling “Sarawak Laksa” yielded 243,000 results whereas goggling “Assam Laksa” and “Curry Laksa” yielded only 143,000 and 158,000 results respectively.