Kunak waterfall gaining popularity among tourists

KUNAK: A 40-metre high waterfall in the Madai Baturong Forest Reserve, 15km from here is a hit among local and foreign tourists.

Managed by the Sabah Forestry Department, it was opened to the public 1999 after public amenities were provided for visitors.

“Besides locals, the waterfall has attracted foreign tourists including Americans, Germans, Spaniards, Canadians, French, South Koreans and Japanese,” its supervisor, Souzey Saiki told Bernama.

Tourists can walk in the cool mountain air on a 119-metre canopy walk 40 metres above the ground spanning across a river at the waterfall.

Continue reading at: Kunak waterfall gaining popularity among tourists
.
.

The Pinnacles of Borneo, They are Worth the Trek

Gunung Mulu national Park in Sarawak Malaysia is a must see destination on anyone’s list visiting Borneo. Take a twin engine plane from Kuching and fly over the vast jungle. By air is the only way to get to the park and once you land you feel as if you are in the most remote corner of the world.

A climb to the mysterious pinnacles is the star attraction of Gunung Mulu. The Pinnacles are a stone forest jutting 45 metres out of the earth in razor sharp formations. Part of the fun and challenge is getting there. Make your way to the parks headquarters and you can book your multi-day excursion deep into the heart of the Borneo Jungle.

You will arrive most likely in the afternoon, so book a dorm room for the night. Meeting other trekkers, you can arrange to share a boat and guide to bring down the costs. It can be quite expensive to hire a private boat so it is worth it to make friends quickly as people tend to pair up fast.

You have to bring your own food with you, so if you did not bring anything on your flight, you can go to the canteen to stock up. Pack lightly because you have to carry everything on your back. After being dropped off by boat 2 hours into the jungle, you will have to hike 8.9 km to your camp. Make sure to bring enough to eat for 3 days and remember to carry all of your waste back out.

At 7:00 am you start the journey up the Melinau river. The water can be low and the driver and navigator earn their money as they pull it through shallow water careful to avoid rocks and logs. Once you arrive at the trail entrance, make sure to inform the captain how many days you will be staying so that you are not stranded.

Continue reading at: The Pinnacles of Borneo, They are Worth the Trek
.
.

Sarawak Restaurant - Simply Eaton

I was introduced to a really good Malay restaurant in Miri recently.

It is good in every sense - right from the concept of the name, down to the food and the people who serve you.

Patrons come from far and near. Not only that, VIPs also frequently patronise this place. I noticed that patrons consisted of Malays, Chinese, Dayaks and other races as well.

The place is called 'Simply Eaton'. According to the owner, Mr Rammel Firdaus Ramli, the word, 'Eaton' is derived from 'Eat On'.

"You can order a few dishes and simply eat on as you go along. You are not pressured to order a lot of things in one taking.
"In this way, you take your dinner or lunch in a relaxed manner and simply add on your menu and eat on as and when you feel like eating," said a smiling Rammel.

"We spent a lot of money on the decor to create the ambience that is soothing and relaxing for the patrons. They even have a choice of outdoor or indoor air-conditioned room."

I noticed that there was also a surau or prayer room for Muslims.

On Fridays, Simply Eaton has a special menu, Nasi Berani lamp shank, priced at only RM6. Many Muslims come for this special signature dish on Fridays.

Another signature dish of Simply Eaton is Mee Jawa, a traditional Malay dish consisting of yellow noodles, with egg, beef and bean sprouts.

What makes this Mee Jawa different from others is the sauce, which is a family owned secret recipe handed down by parents of Puan Zaiton Adeni, the mother of Encik Rammel. Both mother and son manage Simply Eaton.

They are the perfect example of successful Malay entrepreneurs. They started the business with their own capital, with chipping in of savings from the father, mother and sons.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Sarawak Restaurant - Simply Eaton
.
.

Kuching Waterfront - hive of activities

KUCHING: The Kuching Waterfront was a hive of activities of all sorts, ranging from cultural demonstrations and joget competition to sales of local delicacies, besides the Sarawak Regatta.

There were so many different activities held at the same time. At different sections of the Waterfront, emcees trying their best to get the attention and participation of the spectators.

The main organiser of Malaysias Crafts Promotion 2009 (Education), Udaidah Haji Suhaili, said that this year, there seemed to be more visitors and participants to various activities organised at the Waterfront.

He estimated 30,000 to 50,000 people came to the Kuching Waterfront to witness the Sarawak Regatta and other events yesterday.

According to Udaidah, the response to the Malaysian Crafts Promotion had been very positive and the bail workshop had 180 participants since it was first held on July 25.

The food stalls along the Waterfront were constantly busy with customers and experienced brisk business.

Apart from Kuching Waterfront, Main Bazaar was lined with stalls with white canopies. Endless demonstrations on handicraft-making, such as Penan carving, Pua Kumbu weaving, and pandang-weaving were held for those who were interested in culture, arts and crafts.

Continue reading at: Kuching Waterfront - hive of activities
.
.

Borneo International Kite Fest

By Anthony Tong

BINTULU - The 5th Borneo International Kite Festival is currently being held at Bintulu old airport until Aug 9 this year. The big event is expected to attract at least 3,000 guests and visitors.

It is jointly organised by Bintulu Development Authority, Malaysia Kites Union, Sarawak Kites Union, tourism organisations and various government departments. More than 200 kite participants have enrolled their names from 15 foreign countries, as well as West and East Malaysia.

The overseas countries include Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Brunei, China and Germany.

The kite festival includes a kite-flying competition, a kite-making contest and many more activities. This also marks the festival's fifth year.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
.
.