Sarawak - Always a welcoming state

THREE months ago, Eunice Sandi-Moyo led a delegation comprising members of the Zimbabwean industry and tourism players from the province of Bulawoyo to Malaysia to explore potential business collaborations.

The provincial affairs minister, together with her entourage, made a pit stop in Sarawak to search for an “indigenous set-up of cultural tourism” module, which perhaps, could be applied in Bulawayo, which is the second largest city in Zimbabwe.

Sandi-Moyo’s group did not know what to expect when they arrived at Kuching International Airport as the trip was their first to the Land of the Hornbills.

“All I see are wonders, including the warmth of the people here,” she said at a dinner hosted by the state government in conjunction with her visit on March 17.

All this while, she had only heard about and adored the greenery of the forests and richness of Sarawak’s biodiversity from advertisements on television and in magazines.

Her appreciation of natural resources was understandable as Bulawoyo is also the gateway to Matobo National Park — a 44,500ha reserve housing the Matobo Hills rock formations and stone age cave art, which were recognised as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site in 2003.

She also spoke on the richness of the diverse cultures in Sarawak, which she concluded after the group’s visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong and a handicraft centre in Petra Jaya.

“What is great about your state is you keep welcoming. There is so much that I want to say.

“We are so amazed that we want to be the ambassador to those who have not visited the state before,” said Sandi-Moyo in calling for collaborations between Sarawak and Bulawoyo to promote tourism in both places.

Sandi-Moyo’s views on Sarawak had been expressed by many international and local figures, who were impressed with the state’s natural treasures and its racial integration among people from diverse cultures.

Among them was 1Malaysia Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, who acknowledged that the integration of various ethnic groups had helped to develop the state in many sectors, including tourism.

“Apart from Sabah, Sarawak is a good example of what the people can do to bring about greater integration and unity in helping to promote moderation.”

Lee said this was among the reasons that compelled the foundation to declare Kuching the first “City of Unity” in the country.

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The Borneo House Museum Kuching - Museum with a 3D touch

PEOPLE usually think of a museum as a solemn gallery house where antiques are displayed for visitors to browse through and comment on quietly – usually in whispers – but not touch.

The Borneo House Museum in Kuching is different. It is an interactive fun house for both young and old alike. Visitors can even show off their creativity by immersing in the artworks on display and becoming part of them.

The Borneo House Museum can be described as an interactive three dimensional (3D) and educational museum where visitors are encouraged to have fun while interacting with the artworks, seeing them come to life and experiencing the trick paintings and replicas.

Selected Sarawak artists took months to cover the 12,500 square foot museum with paintings, cleverly designed to trick the eyes into seeing depth.

The museum, opened to the public in November last year, features interactive displays that bring Sarawak’s nature, culture, heritage and food to life. Through clever simulations, visitors can feel as though they are walking through the heart of Sarawak and Borneo.

The museum has four zones – Sarawak Nature, Old Sarawak, Sarawak Today and Sarawak Iconic Food. The Sarawak food replicas took half a year to set up – from planning to completion.

All the art pieces on display are the result of concerted efforts from the selected Sarawak artists. Each piece carries a very informative and educational storyline. In fact, touring the museum allows one to be an actor, director and photographer – all rolled into one.

“We try to add a new dimension to the concept of a museum,” said Chai Mingtze, one of the supervisors.

“Traditional museums seem to be serious places and visitors can only look but not touch. But here, the overall setup is focused on interactions because we believe visitors can have a more meaningful appreciation of the artworks if they can touch and play with them. We have, for example, made the paintings appear incomplete if you’re not in them.”

He added that visitors could look for the camera angle guides on the floor to know where is the best spot to stand to take a picture of the object for the best 3D effect. Staff are on hand to help visitors with suggestions on where and how to pose to have a perfect picture taken.

Encouraging response

The museum has received up to 10,000 visitors since its opening. Besides from Kuching city itself, visitors also came from Betong, Sri Aman, Sibu, Miri, Sabah, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan, Perak, Penang and Kedah with some foreign tourists as well. The numbers do not include school educational tours.

“The response we receive is very encouraging. We are planning to add more zones to make touring the museum more interesting,” Chai said.

He said 3D museums are still rare, being new to the tourism industry, especially in Sarawak, adding that the Borneo House Museum should, therefore, be added to the list of places to see and visit for tourists to the Land of the Hornbills.

Chai explained that since the idea was to promote local culture and food, all art works were produced by local artists.

“In this way, we are also promoting local talents to the world. We do receive a lot of positive feedback from visitors – mainly about the enjoyable time they spent here and that it is a perfect venue for a beneficial family outing because everything on display is educational and informative.”

He noted that children were more attracted to the food replicas probably because they could touch and hold the items and also pose for pictures in their own creative ways.

According to him, the reason could be that children have all the while been asked to just look and not touch or play with any of the displays in a museum. But when they come to the Borneo House Museum, they get very different treatment.

Local food replicas

Chai said the displayed Sarawak food replicas were “very realistic looking” and not cheap to produce.

The tomato kueh tiaw, a uniquely Sarawak dish, is included in the top 10 must-show local foods. It is fried rice noodles served in a slightly sweet tomato-based gravy with sliced fish balls, fish, meat and local vegetables.

Among the other food replicas are Sarawak rojak, Sarawak laksa and kolo mee.

“These are among the popular local food sold at eateries or hawker stalls in the city that foreigners must try if they visit Kuching,” Chai suggested.

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Satisfying Sarawak kolo mee cravings

HAVING spent three years in Miri, Sarawak, I had the opportunity to try food not easily available in the Klang Valley. One such dish is kolo mee.

Not only is it a must-have when visiting the Land of the Hornbills, but it’s also affordable.

I recall paying RM2.50 back then for a bowl of kolo mee.

For those who have not heard of it or seen it, the dish looks similar to wantan mee; with different garnishing and noodles used.

Kolo mee noodles are springier than wantan noodles and it does not come drenched in dark sauce.

When having kolo mee, I strongly believe that you need a Sarawakian to prepare it for you; only they know how to do it best.

So, while I had tried kolo mee in Shah Alam, I found another place I would gladly go back to for a simple bowl of kolo mee.

Hidden on the ground floor of Pangsapuri Kelana Sentral in Kelana Jaya is 7th Mile Kitchen, a restaurant run by a couple from Kuching.

The eatery serving Sarawak street food has been at its current location for four-and-a-half years.

Cook and owner Alex Kwan, 38 said they see a good number of people walking in for lunch but it’s on weekends that they have more Sarawakians, who are mostly regulars.

The eatery is a simple setup, with no fancy decorations.

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No more the hunted in Land of the Hornbills

KUCHING: The state will play host to the 7th International Hornbill Conference, which will be held from May 16-18 next year at Riverside Majestic Hotel here.

According to Deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Murang, Sarawak made a bid for the conference when it was held in Manila in 2013 and was successful with the bid.

“We are expecting around 300 participants, both international and Malaysians. The success of the conference will help in our state’s hornbill conservation efforts.

“With the theme of ‘Hornbills: Fly Free Fly High’, we hope that someday we can increase the population of hornbills in the state. When they are conserved and not hunted, they can fly anywhere. It can be seen as representing the dreams of Sarawakians in achieving their visions,” he told a press conference yesterday.

The 7th International Hornbill Conference is jointly organised by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Sarawak Convention Bureau.The conference is to discuss current status, future trends and challenges pertaining to the conservation of hornbills.

In the build-up to the international conference, a national conference was held for the first time last year in Miri.

Ose pointed out that hornbills have a significant role in Sarawak, being the Land of the Hornbills.

“It is an iconic part of our Culture, Adventure and Nature (CAN) tourism. As the Land of the Hornbills, we must make effort to conserve as well as to ensure their population grows. We hope that one day, we can easily see hornbills flying even in Kuching, and when tourists come, we can direct them to a place to see the hornbills,” he said.

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Sarawak Tourism Board plants trees at Piasau Nature Reserve

MIRI: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), the organiser of the Borneo Jazz Festival, held a tree planting ceremony at Piasau Nature Reserve (PNR) yesterday to enhance its campaign to help preserve, protect and conserve the environment to make the state’s tourism industry sustainable.

Newly elected Senadin assemblyman Datuk Lee Kim Shin, newly elected Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, Miri Resident Antonio Kathi Galis, Ministry of Tourism permanent secretary and STB chief executive officer Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, Shell Malaysia (Government Relations) senior manager Jonathan Jolly and Sarawak Forestry (SFC) Miri regional manager Abang Arabi Abang Aiman were among 120 people taking part in the event.

Among the other participants were performers of the Borneo Jazz Festival 2016, staff of Sarawak Shell, government officials, hoteliers, volunteers and media personnel.

A total of 60 tree seedlings indigenous to Sarawak, namely ranggu/sentang, bungkang and kasai, were planted in support of the conservation of PNR to provide food for the animals including totally protected hornbills.

Lee in his speech commended STB for organising the greening programme, which augured well in supporting efforts to make PNR a premier tourism product for Miri.

“We targeted to make this nature reserve an iconic urban park in the country and the tree planting event held today augured well.

“We hope that the rich flora and fauna here including its hornbills – totally protected species of birds – could become important tourist attractions,” he said.

Lee suggested that more environment related seminars and conferences be held at the nature reserve once facilities are available, to further create greater awareness of environmental protection and appreciation.

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A dream trip to Bario

THE many exciting stories about Bario have piqued my interest in visiting the famous Highlands of Sarawak, and on April 3, my dream of journeying to the exotic Kelabit heartland came true.

Assigned to cover a working visit to the jewel of the Land of the Hornbills by the Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, I boarded an MASwings Twin Otter from Miri as early as 8.30am.

There are only three daily flights to Bario — by way of Lawas to Miri that offers a unique experience to anyone who has never flown in a plane smaller than a commercial airliner before — no air stewards or hostesses or toilet.

Flying over the rainforest at low altitude presented a panorama of breathtaking landscapes and scenery viewable through the light air-craft’s window. I took out my camera and snapped away, all while waiting in keen anticipation for the Twin Otter to touch down at Bario Airport — at 9.20am — on my first trip to this fable-like village of hospitable people set against a hauntingly picturesque mountainous backdrop.

Nestled in natural greenery, reaching up to 1,000 meters above sea level and tucked away the northeast part of Sarawak close to the international border with Kalimantan, it is no wonder this pristine wind-swept land is known as Bario which literally means ‘The Valley Of The Wind’ in Kelabit language. The average temperature here is 20 Celsius all year round.

The locals rolled out the red carpet to welcome the visitors who included media representatives and Agriculture Ministry officials. There were warm and sincere smiles all round and, of course refreshing drinks to quench our thirst after the menu-less flight.

I also managed to sample the popular local food at the airport — instant noodles and a traditional delicacy known as ‘senapeh’ or Bario glutinous rice.

After pampering ourselves with food and drinks, we hopped onto a  pickup truck (luggage and all) and headed for the Bario mountain salt processing facility at Main Keramut, Kampung Pa’Umor.

As I entered the place, I felt a scorching heat emanating, apparently, from to the steel drums, containing salt water collected from the nearby salt well and used as part of the salt-making process.

It was a fascinating experience for me — my first encounter with the traditional method of making salt. I was given to understand the water in the steel drums takes about five days to completely evaporate and morph into wet salt crystals.

Once formed, the crystals are packed in bamboo tubes and placed over a fire to continue the drying process. The salt will eventually harden into tubes which are then wrapped in palm leaves (tied with strings) before being consumed or sold.

Bario salt has a high content of minerals (natural iron, potassium, and magnesium) and is a much sought after Highlands product. Tubes of Bario salt are available for sale here at RM20 each. You can also get them in the nearby areas, including shops and markets in Miri.

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Borneo Cultural Festival closes in style to full house

SIBU: The 2015 Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) at Sibu Town Square Phase 1 drew down its curtain in style on Saturday night.

The event, which was held from July 30 to Aug 8 and organised by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), showcased the colourful cultures of the multi-racial people of Sarawak.

On Saturday night, the performances were made more colourful and meaningful with the blend of wonderful cultures depicting the unique cultural diversity and harmony of the Land of the Hornbill, which has about 26 ethnic groups.

The sea of audience was amazed with the splendid creativity injected into the dances and music depicting life in the rainforest of Borneo.

Besides that, the huge crowd which jam-packed every corner of Sibu Town Square was also enchanted by the awesome presentations by the invited foreign troupes.

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The magnificent hornbills of Sarawak

The hornbills are a family of bird which can be found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia and Melanesia. Hornbills are distinctive from other birds’ species due to its massive ‘double-storey’ bill consisting of a long, deep beak with a projection known as a casque on top.

The large bills are known to assist in fighting, preening, constructing the nest and catching prey. Hornbills usually have large heads, thin necks, broad wings and long tail feathers.

Being known as the Land of the Hornbills, Sarawak is home to eight out of 54 species of hornbills in the world. Oriental-pied hornbill, Black hornbill, Bushy-crested hornbill, White-crowned hornbill, Rhinoceros hornbill, Helmeted hornbill, Wrinkled hornbill and Wreathed hornbill are hornbill species that can be found in Sarawak. Black, oriental-pied, rhinoceros and wreathed hornbills are four most prominent hornbill species in the State.

Most hornbills are found in Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) in Sarawak. Hornbill habitats are protected by the establishment of national parks, nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Piasau Nature Reserve, Gunong Mulu National Park, Tanjung Datu National Park and Batang Ai National Park are among places where hornbills are frequently spotted in Sarawak.

Hornbills are primary frugivorous with figs predominant in their diet, but they also feed on insects and small animals. As their tongues are too short, they cannot swallow food caught at the tip of their beak, so they toss their food from the tip of their beaks back to their throats while eating. They are considered to be important seed dispersers in the forest.

Hornbill breeding biology is remarkable. The male hornbill begins courting the female by bringing her food a month or more before mating. When the time comes to lay eggs, the female will enter a nest hole in a hollow tree. The pair will then spend two or three days plastering up the hole with the female’s dropping, with the female on the inside and the male on the outside.

The female and chicks then rely on the male to collect and deliver food through the small hole. Once the nestlings have gotten their first feathers, the female will break out of the chamber and join her mate in providing food for their young. Hornbills are also known to be collective and they generally travel in pairs, small family groups and sometimes in larger flocks. They pair for life and bond to defend against other members of their species. This helps to ensure adequate food supply as well as “exclusive rights” to nesting sites.

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My first time in Malaysia discovering Sarawak in Borneo

Until a few months ago I had never heard of Sarawak – one of the two Malaysian states of Borneo.

Quite possibly I would have failed to locate Borneo on a map!

I had no idea that at the end of May I would find myself in Malaysia – for the first time – to discover the local food and culture.

Then I received an invitation on behalf of Malaysia Airlines to join a group of selected London bloggers to a foodie’s adventure to Sarawak.

I accepted, of course. What followed was one of the best trips I have ever had, during which I completely fell in love with Malaysia and with Sarawak in particular, and its food!

Sarawak, known locally as the Land of the Hornbills, is situated in the northwest of Borneo (the third-largest island in the world, divided among Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia).

It is a huge state, almost the same size as the whole of Peninsular Malaysia!

We spent four days between Kuching and Damai Beach, visited local tribes and learnt about their traditions at the Sarawak Cultural Village, shopped with the locals at Satok’s food market and cooked traditional meals, tasted the best satay, noodles, laksa and kek lapis.

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Land of the hornbills unique crafts draw tourist

KUCHING: Sarawak is known for its diversity in unique handmade crafts, and the state’s symbol of the

‘Land of the Hornbills’ has become a major attraction to both local and foreign tourists.

Jalan Gambir and Main Bazaar Street, located in the heart of Kuching, are drawing most of the tourists from Japan and Korea who are keen to purchase pepper products in bulk to bring back to their country.

Foreign tourists also go for handicrafts such as the face masks featuring ethnic patterns and antique items as well as Borneo-style keychains, the Iban cotton cloth known as ‘pua kumbu’ and Sarawak batik textiles.

Sarawak Tourism Board media division manager Gustino Basuan said the Sarawak handicrafts reflected the culture of the respective tribes in the state.

“For example, handicrafts such as pua kumbu refer to the Iban culture and ‘sape’ traditional music instrument from the Ulu ethnic group… each pattern woven or carved symbolised the ethnic motives that are not available in other countries,” he told Bernama here.

A tourist who often visited Kuching, Khalid Ahmad, 43, from Perak, said he loved to buy products made of ‘Belian’ wood, such as spoons and spatulas as well as Sarawak batik, while a tourist from Switzerland, Diane Peter, 21, was interested in the Sarawak cultural diversity displayed in the wood carvings.

Meanwhile at the Sarakraf Pavilion in Jalan Tabuan, here, which serves as the art and crafts heritage centre, restaurants, homestays and the museum featured creative designs for woven products.

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Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards website launched

KUCHING: The Tourism Ministry and Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) jointly launched the Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (SHTA) 2011/2012 website yesterday.

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the website will enable tourism industry players to submit their entries for the various awards online.

“The nomination period for Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards 2011/2012 will be from June 1 to July 31 and presentation will be on Oct 26 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) where the chief minister is expected to be the guest-of-honour,” he said at the launch.

He said the awards’ main objectives are to appreciate the efforts and contributions made by individuals and organisations towards the development of the state’s tourism industry.

“There are nine major categories for SHTA 2011/2012, namely Outstanding Hotel and Accommodation Providers, Outstanding Destination Management Company, Outstanding Tour Guides, Outstanding Food Outlets, Outstanding Cottage Industry Contribution to the Tourism Industry, Outstanding Transport Contribution to the Tourism Industry, Outstanding Media Contribution to the Tourism Industry, Outstanding Tourism Attraction and Venue Provider while the most grand one will be the Hornbill’s Special Award.

“The prizes for the winners are trophies and certificates plus trips to selected destinations within the Asia Pacific region to be covered by us,” he said.

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Sarawak Cultural Village hopes to use World Harvest Festival to reposition Sarawak

KUCHING: Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) hopes to use the World Harvest Festival, particularly their annual theme plays, to position the state as the land of folklore and legends.

Still glowing from the success of the festival and this year’s theme play ‘The Fish Princess: A Highlander Love Story”, SCV general manager Jane Lian Labang wanted to encourage other festival organisers to pick a local folklore or legend and stage their own production.

“The cluster of folklore and legends from all over the land could lift Sarawak’s image as a destination with rich culture.”

Sarawak has been promoted as the ‘Land of the Hornbills’ for as far back as the 1970’s, but it is time to admit that hornbill sightings are a rarity, said Jane.

“This positioning and image raises expectations of tourists and visitors that they can sight hornbills at any time.”

She pointed out that unlike animals, a stage production can be scheduled. In turn, tourist arrivals too can be scheduled to coincide with local festivals.

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Hornbills in Miri

YOU might be surprised to learn that there are hornbills resident in Miri. I’m talking about the birds – yes, real live ones in the wild, not in a zoo or a cage.

While some people travel around the world to see such iconic animals, we are lucky to have them right on our doorstep – well, almost on our doorstep. In fact, to be precise, hornbills nest only 8.6km from Curtin Sarawak’s campus.

So what’s so special about that? For a start, hornbills occupy a very special place in Sarawakian culture. The rhinoceros hornbill, with its distinctive curved orange red bill or casque, is featured on the Sarawak state crest. The kenyalang feathers have cultural significance for the Ibans and other Dayak communities. Such feathers decorate some of their ceremonial dress, though today, they are wisely being replaced by more environmentally-friendly imitation feathers. Hornbill symbolism is also widely found in native art.

What’s more, we cannot help but marvel at the sight of these magnificent birds with their enormous and seemingly heavy bills. In the case of the helmeted hornbill, the bill is actually solid and was traditionally used for carving items such as earrings.

Other species have less dense, but no less impressive, bills. The species that lives near the Curtin Sarawak campus is the oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris).

The words anthraco and ceros come from the Greek words for coal and horn and refer to the black markings on the bill of this species. Albi is from Latin and means to be or go white; rostrum is a Latin word for a platform or beak. So, from the name itself, you can picture a hornbill that is essentially black and white – hence the common name pied, which means to have two different colours.

Of the 10 hornbill species found in Malaysia, the oriental pied hornbill is one of the smaller ones of those more commonly found in coastal areas. However, only four individuals, all members of a single family, are currently known to inhabit the Piasau peninsula in Miri. These birds are so special that you can even follow them on Twitter (Piasau Yelping @PiasauYelp) – but watch out as these birds don’t tweet but yelp! You can also find and like them on the Facebook group Save Piasau Oriental Hornbill.

By now you must be wondering what the fuss is all about and what this has got to do with Curtin Sarawak.

In 2012, a Casuarina tree on Piasau Camp was found to be home to an adult female hornbill and her two chicks. Hornbills are unlike other birds in that the female lays her eggs and incubates them in a hole in a tree. The entrance to the hole was sealed with clay by the adult male bird, leaving just a narrow open slit. It is through this slit that the father provided all the food needed by the mother and their growing chicks.

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Explore Sarawak: Sarawak Culture Village

As I was going through my photo albums yesterday, I realized I completely forgot to blog about my trip to Sarawak Culture Village (SCV)! There will be lots of pictures in this post as I didn’t want to collage them because I believe the readers would like to see a bigger and clearer image of this place.

Of course, if you’re on my FB friends list, you can always view all the pictures for my Sarawak trip there.

For those who are planning a trip to the Land of The Hornbills, SCV is a place you shouldn’t miss. At this place, you will get to know more about its local ethnic groups namely Iban, Melanau, Bidayuh, Penan and Orang Ulu.

If I’m not mistaken, the journey from Kuching town to SCV takes approximately an hour and the entrance fee is RM60 for adults, RM30 for children from age 6-12 and FOC for those below 6.

Here’s a tip if you plan to visit SCV: be there early and do not miss the cultural performance which takes place twice a day at 11.30am and 4pm. For my trip, (my friend and) I miscalculated and arrived at the place an hour late and was this close of missing the performance.

Since we wanted to make it for the performance on time, we didn’t have much time to explore each of the houses in SCV. Luckily for us, the person-in-charge said we could come again the next day without purchasing tickets.

I think you need at least half a day to fully explore this place so don’t plan too many activities on the day you’re visiting SCV.

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Setting up a fund for hornbill conservation in Sarawak

BINTULU: The state government is to set up a hornbill conservation fund or foundation for the conservation and study of the bird which is our state emblem.

Environment Assistant Minister Datu Len Talip Salleh told reporters the fund would enable the authority and community to work together on the bird which was presently given less attention than orang utans, dolphins and turtles.

“If we want to adopt the bird as the state icon, we must have expertise and knowledge of it,” he said at a press conference after officiating at the Sarawak Hornbill Workshop 2012 at a leading hotel in Bintulu yesterday.

“The funds will enable us to study the bird and how best to conserve the species for its future survival,” he added.

The Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department revealed that the government had allocated 1 million hectares of land under Totally Protected Area (TPA) for hornbills.

But future threat could arise from the cultural aspect of some communities that use their feathers as accessories on their costumes.

He believed the fund would enable authorities like Sarawak Forestry or the Forest Department to impart knowledge to wildlife rangers and educate communities living in proximity to the bird for the purpose of conservation.

He said the bird was still in existence but it called for trained eyes to spot their habitat.

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Into the kingdom of hornbills

LOOK there! On that branch! Someone exclaimed as our engine-powered boat skimmed along the milky-coffee coloured surface of the silted Mendalam River.

He pointed up towards a tree with barren branches rising above the towering green and brown wall of jungle and vegetation lining the river.

My gaze followed the direction indicated and was rewarded with the sight of a large hornbill, perched high overhead, its horn gleaming an almost blinding ivory white under the glare of the afternoon sun.

But before I could free my camera from its waterproof bag to capture what I had seen, our longboat sped by and I missed my chance to take a photo of what is indisputably, the king of birds in all of Sarawak.

Nevertheless, it somehow seemed appropriate we should be graced in such a magnificent manner, seeing as we were on our way to Gunung Mulu National Park (considered by many to be the kingdom of the hornbills) for the Mentawai Scientific Expedition (MSE), the third in Sarawak under the Heart of Borneo Initiative (HoB).

First of its kind

The MSE – named after the Mentawai ranger station which would serve as base camp and temporary residence for over 100 researchers, assistants and Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) during the next one and a half weeks – was the first expedition of its kind in Mentawai.

Researchers from Forest Department of Sarawak (FDS), Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains Malaysia, Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak campus) were among those who took part in the expedition.

From September 5 to 17, they scaled hills and valleys, waded through streams, pulled boats over shallow rivers, dug (and refilled) large pits over all sorts of terrain and even chainsawed through fallen logs all in the name of science.

Their mission: To study, survey and document the area’s native flora and fauna, geology, water and soil.

Gunung Mulu National Park (MNP) is just one small part of the 20 million hectares of tropical forest which lies within the HoB, a voluntary transboundary cooperation between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam dedicated towards the principles of sustainable development through research and development, funding and other activities relevant to the management, conservation and development of the area.

MNP is also recognised internationally as an area rich in biodiversity, making it a most promising location to launch scientific expeditions and surveys.

During the MSE, hundreds of specimens and samples were collected, documented and preserved by the researchers to bring back to their respective labs for further analysis and where necessary, for identification of new species.

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Hornbills – revered but endangered

THE rhinoceros hornbill is one of nine species of hornbill in Sarawak, all of which can be found in Mulu.

Hornbills are now totally protected species under the Wild Life Protection Ordinance (1998).

Totally protected species are defined as species in danger of extinction due to hunting and habitat destruction. Penalties for keeping one as a pet, killing, hunting, capturing, selling, trading or disturbing them, or possessing any recognisable parts of these animals are severe – a RM25,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment.

According to Ahmad Ampeng, there have not been any studies done in recent times to determine the population status of hornbills in Sarawak although it is widely accepted the birds are particularly vulnerable to forest destruction and logging activities.

Feasting mainly on fruits such as figs, they live primarily in secondary forests. During nesting season, the female hornbill will seal herself into a treehole with mud, where she will lay and incubate her eggs.

She will not leave the nest until her eggs are hatched, depending fully on her mate to bring her food which he passes to her through a small opening in the mud wall.

Mystical powers

While in general, all hornbill species are revered, the rhinoceros hornbill seems to hold a special place in most Sarawakian native cultures.

It is closely associated with the god of war and of bird-omens Singalang Burong, a significant figure in Iban legends and folklore. The festival of Gawai Burong is held in his honour.

Anglican author Eda Green noted in Borneo: The Land of River and Palm that Iban warriors would make a feast to him after taking the heads of their enemies.

Continue reading at: Hornbills – revered but endangered
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Sarawak Gaining Prominence As MICE Destination

KUCHING -- Sarawak promises a totally new experience for those attending the 'Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) events.'

Opportunities to socialise at MICE events all over the world are much sought after by business people who want to expand networking and learn of the latest developments in their field.

Aware of such lucrative returns, the Land of the Hornbill through the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) has worked out creative and innovative ideas to woo businessmen to the MICE events.

Established in 2006, SCB plays a big role in promoting Sarawak as a competitive hub for business events at the regional and international level.

MICE has been identified by the government as one of the key sectors under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) for the oil and gas, agriculture and hydro-electric sectors.

WHERE RIVERS AND JUNGLES MEET

During a recent media tour organised by SCB, participants were shown the facilities available at the capital city of Kuching to cater for MICE events.

Sarawak Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said, "Though MICE is still viewed as a new sector here, the government has readied all the basic amenities needed for the sector's development."

Among the MICE facilities available in Kuching were the Kuching Borneo Convention Centre and numerous other hotels that could cater to such entrepreneurial events.

"We feel that Kuching has its own advantages as the destination of choice for MICE events due to the city's strategic location," he told Bernama.

The city that straddles across the Sarawak River has maintained much of its natural surroundings and provides an extraordinary advantage of becoming a MICE destination.

"We are now in the midst of maximising the use of water transportation modes that will serve as another attraction for MICE delegates. The delegates can travel from their place of stay to the MICE venues by boats and this is bound to provide a totally new experience unlike those in other major cities surrounded by concrete buildings", he said.

"We promise an exhilarating experience for the delegates as their meeting venues are surrounded by natural jungles instead of concrete jungles", added Amar Abang Johari.

SARAWAK CONVENTION BUREAU

SCB serves as a one-stop centre to assist MICE entrepreneurs in Sarawak to bid for business events at the national, regional and international level.

Last year, SCB managed to bid for up to 56 conventions that attracted 25,555 delegates and brought in revenues worth RM59.26 million to Sarawak, placing the state as the biggest MICE destination in Malaysia.

Sarawak could cater up to 5,000 delegates at any single MICE event with the average duration of conventions here standing at 3.9 days. The money spent for each delegate totals RM3,000 per person, which is three times more than what is spent on visitors during a holiday retreat.

Continue reading at: Sarawak Gaining Prominence As MICE Destination

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Routes Asia heads to Sarawak in 2014

It was announced today that in 2014, Routes Asia will return to Malaysia when the event takes place in Kuching, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak, jointly hosted by Sarawak Tourism Board and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.

This will be the fifth time that a Routes event has taken place in Malaysia. In 2003, the first Routes Asia event, also the first ever Routes regional event, was held in Sepang, hosted by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, who went on to host Routes Asia for the following two years and World Routes 2008 in Kuala Lumpur. Since these early days, Routes Asia has gone from strength to strength welcoming 672 delegates in Chengdu earlier this year.

Sarawak, known as the Land of the Hornbills, is the largest of the Malaysian states and is situated on the island of Borneo. Home to the world's oldest tropical rainforests it is abundant in wildlife including rare and endangered species such as the orangutan and the hornbill. The historic capital city of Kuching has a population of around 600,000 and dates back hundreds of years when traders from China and the West would travel there to trade the exotic treasures of the rainforest. Today, Kuching remains the central hub and gateway to Sarawak.

“We are delighted that Routes Asia will be in Sarawak in 2014," said David Stroud, Executive Vice President, UBM Aviation Routes, continuing, “Our regional events began in Malaysia almost 10 years ago, and once again the passion and commitment of the airport and stakeholders impressed our selection team. Sarawak, though, will offer delegates an experience like no other, a real 'once in a lifetime' location unlike any place we have ever held a Routes event; a stunning choice for the 12th Routes Asia event."

Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, commented: “We are delighted and honored that Routes Asia will once again reach the shores of Malaysia in 2014 but this time to the majestic and enthralling city of Kuching, Sarawak. Malaysia Airports looks forward to partner[ing] with the State of Sarawak in ensuring a greatly successful forum, which will be productive and fondly remembered by all delegates."

Minister of Tourism Sarawak, the Honorable Datuk Amar Zohari, said: “Routes coming into Sarawak for the first time will mean a great tourism boost, as it will gives us the opportunity to showcase our unique attractions to the aviation and tourism industry and above all to tell the world that Kuching, Sarawak, is capable and ever-ready of holding any big congress of any nature that otherwise was not known to many."

Continue reading at: Routes Asia heads to Sarawak in 2014

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6th Joint Gawai Kaamatan to be the grandest

KUCHING: The 6th Joint Gawai Kaamatan Celebration dinner to be held here on June 23 will be the grandest ever, said its organising chairman Datuk Sri Celestine Ujang.

“Many programmes to highlight the Dayak cultures and tradition and that of the Kadazandusuns have been included for the evening.

“Among the items will be the parading of Unduk Ngadau (Kadazandusun beauty queens) and a display of ‘Dayak Specials’ by the Dayak Kumangs,” he said yesterday.

He also said the Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin will be invited to the ‘Ngerebah Ke Ranyai’ which is the highlight of the dinner.

Ethnika Orchestra will entertain guests with a potpourri of traditional music and songs from both the Land Below the Wind and the Land of Hornbills, he added.

Yesterday, Ujang who is also Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) deputy president and members of the organising committee paid a courtesy call on the Head of State at his residence.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: 6th Joint Gawai Kaamatan to be the grandest

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