Sarikei

The New Batang Sadong Bridge

PAN BORNEO HIGHWAY

Exploring Sarawak during the last school holidays was a great experience.

This time I flew with Malaysia Airlines and my mom was with me. Her first Kuching trip....MH service is improving. Alhamdulillah.

I decided to drive from Kuching to Sibu. To me it was the 1980s view in Peninsular Malaysia. Not much difference then if I drive from Seremban to Penang via the old federal road. It was the same view when driving from Kuching to Sibu.

However I noticed that Pan Borneo Highway is slowly progressing.

Watching the fierce Rejang river flow in Sibu was a blessing.

Lunch at Sarikei mosque (brought home food all the way - day one) was a BLESSING. In 1982 I got to know a pen pal from Sarikei  from a radio program. We keep in touch for about a year. Anyway she invited me to her hometown Sarikei.  I told her I will go to Sarikei one day.

Although we have lost contact I've honored my promise to go to her hometown.

I wish her well with her husband, family and grandchildren.

Anyway upon arriving in Sibu, I decided to drive to Bintulu the next day.

Alhamdulillah that is all I can say. I'll be 50 In Sha Allah on Nov 4th. Thank you Allah for giving me the health and  pleasure to drive long distance again (just like driving from Saskatoon to Thunder Bay Canada)

I understand the next town after Bintulu is Miri. And from Miri to Limbang and Lawas we must drive via Brunei. That is really weird.

I suggest that Pan Borneo Highway make some kind of short cut or new road from Miri to Lawas the border town before entering Sabah. Also there must be many rest and relax areas. Since in Sabah and Sarawak, Muslims accounted to Not More than 50% then I suggest at every R&R a Muslim food area and surau (prayer room) be designated. To have ONLY MUSLIM food courts at Pan Borneo Highway will not be practical. (Only an idea)

Why must I go through various posts if I am driving from Miri to Lawas? My international  passport IS NOT WITH ME if I am flying to Sabah or Sarawak. Think I will fly to Brunei...

Hope the Najib and Abang Johari administration will take note on this matter.

One thing which still make me nervous was when approaching Betong.  In the 1980s Betong was a black area where the bulk of Communist Party of Malaya  members was based. At present Betong is still green with jungles....can't imagine Betong in 1980s.

Crossing the new bridge at Batang Sadong river near Simunjan was unforgettable. (seeing crocodiles swimming here and there)

I look forward  to flying to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu again.

Sarawak Day

The state government of Sarawak under the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem has declared every July 22 nd  as Sarawak Day.

To all Sarawakians
Happy Sarawak Day.

Sarawak 2

In Kuching there was a colonial building beside Plaza Merdeka. It is now a Pos Laju center.

That building can be preserved for future generations.

I understand that the Sarawak government have no interest to turn that colonial building into a museum.

At least make it shines.....

The Long House

Bidayuh Long House

Kuching

The cat city

Kuching Waterfront

Sarawak-Land of the Hornbills

I flew to Kuching Sarawak on January 28th 2017. Thus I have been to every state capital in Malaysia.

Malindo Air flight to Kuching was late and also was the returning flight back to Klia. They said coz of congestion.....Also wonder why I was given Pepsi when I asked for 7 up????Maybe coz of turbulence.

My trip to Kuching was pre planned since last November 2016. It was unfortunate that Sarawakians were still mourning the passing of the former Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem - AlFatehah

Nonetheless I drove to Santubong but didn't go into the cultural village coz I can't afford it. Visited the Unimas campus in Kota Samarahan. Tasted the Bidayuh's chicken pansuih (chicken cooked in bamboos)

I visited the Brooke Museum near Sarawak Legislative to instill the patriotic spirit into my two Sarawakian nephew and niece.

However one thing that I really notice is Kuching city lack signboards. Yes we waze but still without proper signage one might still get lost. Waterfront is very appealing.

I can't wait the time when Pan Borneo highway is complete where I could drive from Kuching Sarawak to Kota Kinabalu Sabah. Well that is still a few years to go.....

I won't comment on laksa Sarawak coz my Bidayuh's ex brother in law and his siblings cook tasted laksa Sarawak. But mee sup Sarawak is very delicious.

Driving through the Puncak Borneo road reminded me of the Seremban Kuala Pilah road in the 1990s.

I won't comment on Kuching city highway and malls. Sarawak and Sabah need more rural developments.

I look forward to flying to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu again.