After conquering the island of Penang and the highland of Genting, this year, our University friends flew across South China Sea, landed on the island of Borneo to have our 10-day SARAWAK TRIP. Those who joined the trip were Lim (from Kedah), Fang Yee, Pei Ying, Shih Gin, JJ, Jia Lin, Eric (from Penang), Yi Herng, Jay Sern (from Perak), Xiao Ci, Wee Kheng, Michael (from KL), Liang Yi, Yong Jenn (from Johor), and with all the Sarawakians, Kerry, Graham, Vyner, Suria, Andrew (Kuching), Laura (Sibu), Serena, Sze Mei, me, Hon, Jasmine (Bintulu), Lawrence and Harold (Miri).
Since Chua already blogged pretty much detail about it, I would only mention or add on a bit my side of story. I only joined the trip on 1 July night since my flight that day was a bit late. So, I didn't get to join them to visit Sarawak Museum, Waterfront and Friendship Park. Been there before though but the experince to go there with friends would make a difference. Get to see the gang at The Spring. I stayed at Kerry's home with Wee Kheng, Yi Herng, Jonathan, Eric and Jay Sern. The girls stayed at Graham's with Michael. Lawrence and JJ were at Vyner's. Get to visit Cultural Village but they missed Iban longhouse since everyone was rushing for the cultural show. Anyway, it has been a great visit. For students, the entrance fee is only RM15. Remember to bring your student card. Went to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to see "orang utan", cat museum to see LOTS of cats including Tom (as in "Tom and Jerry"), Main Bazaar for souvenirs, and also, Kerry's uncle shop for brunch of "Kolo Mee" of course.
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
Cat Museum
Sarawak Cultural Village
Nice picture. :)
Kerry' uncle shop
Oh ya. Forget to mention, we were having BBQ at Graham's home. And, for the first time, I drinked a gulp of alcoholic drink, whiskey. It burned my tongue and around my neck, it got hot. Unique experience. Haha. And, JJ kept on saying, "More romantic than that...".
On 4th July, the groups started to split up. Graham, Michael, and the girls (the girls group) went to Sibu while the guys went to Bintulu. Since our flight would be at night, Kerry's Dad was kind enough to bring us around Kuching city to take some photos, especially at famous landmarks of Kuching like the cat statues.
Old Brooke's court (not really sure, forget already)
Upon reaching Bintulu, the guys group was divided into two groups again. Jay Sern, Kerry, Yi Herng and Wee Kheng slept over at my home, while the rest at Sze Mei's. Good for these four guys, they were warmly welcomed by my friendly youngest brother. Within a short time, he managed to learn some "BK" words from them as well. -.-"
Next day, we went to Popular Corner Restaurant to have our breakfast and took some photo around the Council Monument. Walked around Tamu to look for Sago Worm but failed. Get to buy some local delicacies like Kuih batik and kuih jala (in Iban, we called "ruti semut" because it looks like ant nest). Dropped by at the riverside and temple, too. Afterwards, went to the only Mall in Bintulu, Parkcity Mall. Oh well, Bintulu is not famous for the shopping spree and all. It is famous for its belacan, the shrimp paste.
Tamu
Temple
Riverside
Have I told you Kerry was the one driving my dad's car, the green Matrix car? Get a bit dramatic when we were heading anywhere because it's my dad's, not his. haha. Anyway, later in the afternoon, we stopped by at Hon's home. Eventually, the girls arrived from Sibu and we met at Taman Tumbina. Yi Herng kept on saying he is so eager to see the hornbills. So, finally he has the chance. Then, we hang out at Tanjung Batu beach before going to Serena's home for BBQ.
Hun Pin was joining the BBQ as well. He is currently working at MLNG and is in the same department with my dad. What a coincident. If Hun Pin was there, so was Jenny. Jenny Ngu, not Jonathan's Jenny. My mom was responsible for the "manok pansoh", the bamboo chicken, Iban's food. :)
On 6th morning, we went to Similajau National Park. The beach there is seriously nice and I never know Bintulu has such beautiful beaches (pronounce it correctly). Since the guys (except for Jonathan) were rushing for our bus to Niah at 1.30pm, we only spent around two hours there.
Similajau National Park
We failed to find Sago worm at Tamu that day, but I didn't know that my mom has the cooked at home, and so, I asked them to give it a try. For the first time also, I ate it, just for the sake of them. But, still, Jay Sern refused to eat one. -.-"
The girls stayed at Bintulu until 7th and went back to KL. Jonathan and Sze Mei went to Sibu and flew back to JB on 9th. As for the rest, the trip has not ended yet.
We headed our way to Niah but only started our adventure on 7th. It was a 5 hours non-stop walk from 10.30am in the morning. Get to see the Great Cave and all. Eric said it was not that nice but it is good enough for me. Perhaps this is my first visit to a cave and so, I have nothing to compare with. But, the creation there is really magnificient. Hand-made structure will never beat that, at all. What makes the cave special is that it is the place of the beginning of human civilization. Who mind about no electricity at hostel? Niah, it is all about nature, not about comfy bed or may be nice shower. :)
Take this photo using my 1.3 Megapixel phone camera, not bad, eh?
Perhaps Mulu Cave will be much better. Save it for the next trip.
Later in the evening, the guys continued their trip to Miri City and I went home. Sort of regret didn't join them though. They left on 10th.
Anyway, it has been fun in spite that I only took part in three quarters of the trip. The best vacation with friends ever.
To end this post, let me show you the picture of Sago worm.
They are eatable and juicy, high in protein. They taste like chicken:)
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