BORNEO

Svit just being a kid
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. Read the full disclosure policy here.

The flight with giant Emirates A380 was pleasant enough and we’ve landed in Kuala Lumpur Int. on time. But the problems emerged as we were waiting for our luggage for the next 45 min. So while running through the airport and driving with taxi to other KL airport in Subang from where low cost carriers are flying, of course our Air Asia flight to Kuching already left. Since there was no space on the remaining flights that day we were forced to spend the night and took first flight in the morning.

This was our second visit to Borneo and this time we decided on Sabah area of the Malaysian part of this gorgeous island (you can read about previous adventure in our pre-baby era).

It took a good 45 min ride to reach our hotel at Damai Beach (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298309-d299160-r136357398-Damai_Beach_Resort-Kuching_Sarawak.html). One thing you learn from the get go is that you are really in a place where you need taxi to almost everywhere you want to go. Except if you want to stay on hotel grounds but beware that the beach is not your ideal SEA beach with white sand and turquoise water. But if you did your homework you knew that before you came to this great island.

Baruk suite
Baruk suite
Finally some rest
Finally some rest
The view over Damai beach
The view over Damai beach

Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia covering an area of nearly 125, 000 square kilometres in the Borneo land mass. With such a large land area, Sarawak is home to an incredible range of tropical bio-diversity. With a population of around 2 million, Sarawak’s rich ethnic diversity offers a unique local experience at the very moment you step of the plane. All that stands between you and Sarawak is your desire for an adventure and experience that is waiting to happen.

From rainforest canopies to jungle wildlife, discover the diverse ecosystem of Malaysia’s largest state. A city of modernity yet cloaked with its rich historical charms, Sarawak is a place where commonality and peacefulness is a way of life. A paradise of adventure for the adventure buffs, from the land to the sea, from mild to vigorous, whatever the challenge; if you’re ready for it, you can be sure Sarawak will give you an experience like no other.

KUCHING:

Kuching is Sarawak’s capitol and also its largest town. Like much of Malaysia, it’s a cultural melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous people. In Kuching life is a little quieter, and calmer; a bit like the slowly-moving river that flows through its heart.

Fun things to do in Kuching:

1. Relax by the riverside

The south bank of the Sarawak River has been revamped in recent years to create a peaceful promenade. Shady pedestrian pathways, overhung by trees, and decorated with flowerbeds, become fairyland at night, the colourful lights reflected in the river below.

The Astana, residence of the Governor of Sarawak
The Astana, residence of the Governor of Sarawak
State legislative complex of Sarawak
State legislative complex of Sarawak
No lunch today
No lunch today
Kuching Waterfront
Kuching Waterfront

2. Check out Kuching’s Cat Statues

It’s not a coincidence that in Malay ‘kucing’ means ‘cat’, but, hey, what better reason could there be to become the cat city of Malaysia? There are three main cat statues around town, like this one.

Cats are everywhere in Kuching
Cats are everywhere in Kuching
Gimme 5
Gimme 5

4. Take a river cruise

Whether you get on board the tiny boat that ferry people to and from across the river, take a fast boat out to the mangroves downriver, or do one of the many touristy sunset cruises on offer, it’s worthwhile to get out on the water.

 KAYAKING

Taking this excursion really treats you with fun filled kayaking adventure in some of the most beautiful natural settings in Kuching. It was about 10 kayaks in our group so we never felt crowded or unsafe in account of being neglected because of too many people. There is no age limit to this adventure since Svit was by far the youngest one and the oldest couple was well in their 60s.

Ready to go
Ready to go

You can paddle leisurely through the river from the upper reaches of Sarawak River.  The rapids were gentle and easy to go through but still great fun for us and the kid.

I wanna paddle
I wanna paddle

 

You must savour the sights of unique limestone formations and towering riverine trees while enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the rainforest.

Svit just being a kid
Svit just being a kid
Posing
Posing

After two great hours we’ve made a stop in native Bidayuh village, where we found some cool stuff about local herbs, spices, vegetables and fruits.

Lunch time
Lunch time

THE SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE or chance to Hang out with Head-hunters

The Sarawak Cultural Village is nestled between Damai Beach Resort and Mt. Santubong. It’s created for tourists, but it was worthwhile and fun nevertheless. We went there on rainy day when beach wasn’t an option. It is just 10 min walk from the resort so no transportation needed here.  We learned quite a bit about Borneo’s native tribes by walking around a mix of traditional longhouses and huts and observing traditional chores, foods, handicrafts and rituals. Svit enjoyed hands-on activities, walking on bamboo bridge and looking at local kids playing around. Most of the staff speaks English. The restaurant serves snacks and lunch. The boardwalk around the village is stroller friendly, but some of the houses are on stilts and have stairs.

The Bidayuh Longhouse
The Bidayuh Longhouse
Walking the traditional Bamboo Bridge
Walking the traditional Bamboo Bridge
Trying out the unique staircases carved from a tree trunk
Trying out the unique staircases carved from a tree trunk
Painting
Painting
History lessons at Sarawak Cultural Village
History lessons at Sarawak Cultural Village
Headhunter
Headhunter

After a week we were ready to leave this great island with the memories that will last with us for ever.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery gallery_type=”thumbnails” theme_id=”1″ gallery_id=”12″ sort_by=”order” order_by=”asc” show_search_box=”0″ search_box_width=”180″ image_column_number=”5″ images_per_page=”30″ image_title=”none” image_enable_page=”1″ thumb_width=”180″ thumb_height=”90″ thumb_click_action=”undefined” thumb_link_target=”undefined” popup_fullscreen=”0″ popup_autoplay=”0″ popup_width=”800″ popup_height=”500″ popup_effect=”fade” popup_interval=”5″ popup_enable_filmstrip=”1″ popup_filmstrip_height=”70″ popup_enable_ctrl_btn=”1″ popup_enable_fullscreen=”1″ popup_enable_info=”1″ popup_info_always_show=”0″ popup_enable_rate=”0″ popup_enable_comment=”1″ popup_hit_counter=”0″ popup_enable_facebook=”1″ popup_enable_twitter=”1″ popup_enable_google=”1″ popup_enable_pinterest=”0″ popup_enable_tumblr=”0″ watermark_type=”none” watermark_link=”http://web-dorado.com”]

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Get to Know Us

This is the blog about traveling trips that we have always dreamt of. My wife and I decided to continue our lives the way we have always wanted, even after our kids were born. We met during our student years, working at the biggest cinema multiplex in Ljubljana, Slovenia. We have both studied to become teachers, which we became a few years after we met each other. Since then my wife Tina continues to work as teacher while I went in completely opposite direction. We got married in 2007 and after two years we had our beautiful boy Svit. In 2012 we were blessed with a lovely daughter named Nia, preemie born in 27th week of pregnancy.

Follow Me!

Search the Site

Most Popular

Categories

You might also like...

Svit just being a kid
MALAYSIA, july 2012
Damjan

BORNEO

The flight with giant Emirates A380 was pleasant enough and we’ve landed in Kuala Lumpur Int. on time. But the problems emerged as we were

Read More »
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x
Verified by MonsterInsights