A TRIP TO THE INTERIOR of Sarawak really does take you to another world. For the determined and properly equipped, the adventure possibilities are endless. From some of the world’s biggest caves, huge limestone peaks, hunter-gather tribes, indigenous communities, wildlife and faunu and beaches and more!
A river runs through Simalaju National Park. When we inquired at the parks office in town about visiting, we were told that yes, the park is open, but it had not been gazzetted yet.....so we are unable to take your money for accommodation!
Riding the cargo ships up the mighty Rajang River to the interior of Borneo was fun. I woudl love to do it again one day.
Semenggoh is an ornag utan (lit "man of the forest") rehab centre for orphans, rescued from logging operations and from homes.
Weird and wonderful things grow in the forests of Borneo.
The rivers are the roadways of Borneo, carrying most of the passengers and freight.
Fort Margherita, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, styled on a British castle, was built in 1879 by Charles Brookes, the so-called "white rajah" of Borneo.
The Chinese delicacy Birds' Nest Soup starts here in Niah Cave, where these men scramble up poles and ladders to collect the nests. I was invited to spend an eductainal night in the caves with them.
More whacky fungus on the forest floor.
When Charles Brookes ran Northern Borneo as his private fiefdom with British backing, he built Fort Margherita in the capital Kuching. My dear great Aunt Vida actually grew up in the palace, when her father was a treasury official.
Bako National Park is the closest wildlife action to Kuching, and contains sveral primate species. This village is where the road finishes, and the river transport begins.
Looking out at Niah Caves National Park.
Barges lined up in Sibu, the last "big city" before heading up the Rajang.
High speed catamarans were being used in the 90s for passengers, but freight like logging and construction material still goes the old way.
Colourfully dressed passengers wait for busses in Kuching, one of the most likable cities in Malaysian Borneo.
Beraded pig.
Beach at low tide, Bako National Park. The setting can be quite pretty but it is the forest and its residents whic are the attraction.
Long tailed macaque, probably my least favourite primate, Bako. They are really aggressive, stealing food, rummaging through bins.