Media Visit for Pesta Babulang Part3...Tagang Long Lidung(Eco-Tourism)

On our way  from Merarap Hotsprings to Lawas Town. Myself, Mr Lim of Borneo Ecotour & Amirul of STB Visitor Center Miri .We stop by for fish spa in TAGANG Long Lidung.We want to experience the thrill of the wild river fishes feeding from hands and you can even even swim with them.On our arrival we meet by the person incharge Mr Raut Kading & his family.We proceed to Sungei Tengoa but it appears nothing significant has happened. But on the river banks, Raut Kading, a tall pony-tailed man, puts down the can and pours some dried fish feed onto the palm of his hand. He casts the feed into the waters.Immediately, the river’s surface begin to bubble with fish rushing to grab their share of the nutritious fish food.Satisfied that the fish have heard his call, Raut call Lim and Amirul  stands on the water’s edge and drops more feed into the churning water. The fish respond by literally throwing themselves at his feet to get at more tasty morsels.
The village is just off the Lawas-Ba Kelalan road which was recently improved and is experiencing increasing traffic. The villagers hope to be able to divert some of the visitors towards their system Tagang(System Tagang is basically a mean to maintain the ecological balance of a river. It also prevents unsystematic harvesting of fishes and other marine life).

The public interested in visiting Long Lidong to find out more about their unique tagang system can contact Madam Roselyn Kading (0198468079). To help cover maintenance costs of the system, a minimal entrance fee is charged — RM2 per Malaysian adult, RM1 per Malaysian child, RM4 per person for foreign nationalities and RM2 per child).
For visitors wanting to immerse in the water with the fish, fees of RM5 per Malaysian adult and RM10 per adult of foreign nationality is charged for every 10-minute block. For those justing want to dip their feet, the charges are RM2 (for Malaysians) and RM4 (for foreign nationalities) for every 10-minute block.

 Fish foot SPA........

Media Visit for Pesta Babulang (Lumba Kerbau) Limbang. Part2.

Before I write about Pesta Babulang in Batu Danau in Limbang .I thought it is better for me to insert the photograph that I shoot during our trip to Merarap Hotspring in Lawas & my experience traveling off-road journey with gravel, riverbeds, mud, rocks, and other natural terrain.Our guide and experience off road driver is Chong Teah Lim (Mr Lim) from Borneo Touch Ecotour and Encik Amirul (Paul) from Sarawak Tourism Board base in Miri.

Upon arriving Lawas, Sarawak, we drove another 15 mins to the entrance of the forest. The journey to get into this hot-spring took us another 2 hours. Partly because it was an off-road journey with gravel, riverbeds, mud, rocks, and other natural terrain as you can see from this album. One mistake you could be in disaster. Only experienced 4WD drivers dare get in (for now). Along the journey, I learned a couple off-road driving communication signs especially to oncoming trucks and 4WD. Since its deep rainforest, phone lines are yet developed. Whether you’re Maxis,Tune Talk,Celcom or whatever telco..all zero.

Actualy from Lawas to Merarap our journey started late evening after Magrib prayer and dinner & the photograph that I share here is shoot during our return trip from Merarap.We arrive quite late in the evening and almost midnight as Mr Lim could not drive faster due logging truck activity also active during the night.We arrived safely. From the entrance of the Lodge, I heard water rushing loudly. Curious me.I saw a huge muddy river with powerful water that brushes over stones. From my judgement the width of the river is at least 100ft wide. It rushes from left to right. Its already very late and we are tired so everyone say goodnight.When I woke up next day ..wow !! I see such a beautiful scenery this place is blessed with various attractions.. from diverse flora and fauna. Nevertheless, it is still largely unknown to the rest of the world, even to most people of Sarawak or Malaysia.More effort need to be made to promote this region. It's world class.. we should be proud of it..

Encik Amirul enjoy the hotspring spa.

• Get closer to nature.
• Enjoy the surrounding at the same time enjoy the nice cold weather.
• Enjoy beautiful scenery along the long and winding road on a 4 wheel drive from Bakelalan to Merarap Hot Spring.
• Take a dip in the lukewarm water in the pools.
• A great place to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Do bring along your reading material; here you can rest and read comfortably at the common area while listening to the sound of the stream nearby. 

End of part2 & next part3: On our way back to Lawas from Merarap Hot Spring we stop by Tagang Long Lidung Eco-Tourism.

Media Visit for Pesta Babulang,Limbang .. Part 1.

So I was happy indeed when Sarawak Tourism Board  invited me as a blogger to be one of the representative of Sarawak Blogger Community for media visit for Pesta Babulang in Limbang from 6th to 9th June,2013.It;s largely to-do with Bisaya Community cultures from Limbang and Lawas in Sarawak.
So I look forward to telling you more and sharing the photograph of the event that I shoot during my trip.First of all I would like to Thanks and Thank You very much to my host Sarawak Tourism Board..
About Sarawak Tourism Board:
VISION - Making Sarawak the naturally preferred tourism destination.
MISSION- Positioning and promoting Sarawak as a safe and friendly Eco-tourism destination.
                   Be the catalyst for tourism growth.
                   Providing networking and synergy among the official gencies and tourism promotion partner.
                   Increasing awareness among Sarawakian on the benefit and importance of tourism industry.
                   Enhancing performance though motivation and teamwork.
My itinerary on the 6th June is flying to Miri by MAS and Miri to Limbang by MASwings.I reached Miri almost 3PM and Limbang almost 4:30PM.In Miri airport I meet Mr Amirul (Paul)the officer from STB Visitors Center Miri and in Limbang airport Amirul introduce me with Mr Lim from Borneo Touch Eco Tour  who arrange our trip to Merarap Hotspring Lodge in Lawas.
Merarap Hot Springs :: Lodge is in Lawas division and Mr Lim drive us all the way from Limbang airport straight to Lawas via the Malaysian border town of Limbang in Sarawak and Temburong District in Brunei.To cross the border we use ferry, the ferry services are operated by two companies on a rotation basis, each ferry has a maximum load of 10 for saloon cars and six to eight for bigger vehicles, and takes approximately five minutes to transport vehicles across the river.The bridge over Pandaruan River is scheduled for completion in August 2013 three months before the 2013 ASEAN Summit which will be hosted by Brunei.With the increase in cross-border traffic for various purposes, the bridge will facilitate connectivity, increase transport and logistics activities and create a spin-off for the both Limbang and Temburong especially in social-economic and tourism activities.
We reached Lawas town almost dark and from Lawas we heading straight for Merarap .
About Merarap Hotspring Lodge:Located on a 5-acres in Ba'kelalan Highlands, Lawas District, Limbang Division, Sarawak..its a good place to seek rest and recreation. Merarap Hot Spring Lodge is a private/family owned business..How to get to the lodge)  because its' quite remote into the jungle, you have to get-into a four wheel drive (4WD) and it takes 1 1/2 - 2 hours journey (approx 68km) from Lawas town. Fares..is rm600 -max 10 person in 1 car (to & fro) - current fares.

You have to get into a 4WD .

Merarap Hot Spring Lodge.

Crossing the border...
More on part2 & will updated soon.
Thank You.

 

Bidayuh Jungle Survival.

Jungle trekking for a short break, vacation or holiday is a great way to discover and appreciate more of the wonderful world in which we live. It is through this adventurous travel that our mind certainly broadens without question. Travel on foot enhances the enjoyment of the scenery, the wildlife and the people you meet. Visiting Sarawak offers fantastic trekking travel opportunities that give you the chance to explore some of our planet’s most magical corners and stunning landscapes.Much of the forested areas in Sarawak are still unexplored.

 unexplored rainforests offer intrepid trekkers endless opportunities to observe exotic and rare tropical flora and fauna.
I read one article  from Visitor Info Centre in Kuching. Culture, Adventure & Nature Experience with "Pinyewa Bidayuh" of Padawan.The actually theme for the  trip is "Bidayuh Jungle Survival" for more information kindly refer to PINYEWA BIDAYUH .

Any enquiries on the trip please contact..Mr Valentine Ritong@ 019 8785013(mobile) or email him@ valritong@yahoo.com or visit website: www.perayahomestay.com
For your information, the service provider for this trip is Mr Valentine. He is a licensed Tourist Guide and a discendent of "Pinyewa Bidayuh" himself.
To view more photos of  recent trip by Dickson Bundak HERE

A mountain in Bengoh.

Nestled atop a mountain in Bengoh, Padawan sits a Bidayuh Biatah village called Kampung Semban.To reach Kampung Semban at 1000 feet above sea level, one takes a six-hours’ trek through jungle trails passing bamboo groves, paddy fields, pepper vines, rubber trees, durian orchards and umpteen bamboo bridges, amidst cool breezes and the gushing waters of the streams and waterfalls. To read more about my jungle trekking HERE.

Cool breezes and the gushing water of streams and waterfall...more HERE

photo by Awang

Nestled atop a mountain in Bengoh, Padawan sits a Bidayuh Biatah village called Kampung Semban.

Photo by Awang

 The Bidayuh Biatah have been living in this mountainous region for generations.

Bamboo bridges photo by Awang

Photo by Awang.

 And what is so special about Kampung Semban ladies is its remaining treasure of  ladies with brass rings on their legs and arms, the eldest more than 80 years old, the youngest more than sixty years old.

photo by Awang

 At the summit, one is rewarded with spectacular views of the golden sunrise over the magnificent Bungo range, the billowing clouds forming a feather canopy over the valleys and with the fresh mountain air rushing into one’s lungs.
 Need an escape from your daily routine? Explore the wonders of Kuching at RM78. Travel now till 15 May 2013. Fly with us and enjoy value added-services at no additional charge.

Book your seats now at malindoair.com

 Explore The Wonder Of KUCHING by Malindo Air

Hot Spring Panchor Dayak.

Direction to Hot Spring Pancor Dayak photo by Awang

Location – 48km away from Kuching along the Kuching-Serian Rd.  Pass The town of Tapah drive a farther 300m and make right turn (only at the second right turn).
Drive 10 minutes on bitumen road till you see ‘Hot Spring’ sign on your left .  From there on it’s gravel road for another 3 minutes.  Another signage on the right will lead you to the spring at the dead end.
Facilities – Washrooms, Changing rooms & Canteen.
Entrance Fee – RM 3 for adults and Rm1.00 for children.

The Panchor Hot Spring . photo by awang.

 Article from The Borneo Post, Sarawak.

Kpg Panchor Dayak hot spring draws visitors with its healing powers.

SERIAN: The hot spring at Kpg Panchor Dayak along Kuching- Serian road recorded 15,076 visitors in the first eight months of this year.
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit said its key attraction was its therapeutic values, perceived or otherwise, in treating some illnesses, including skin diseases.
Yesterday, he revealed he had received feedback from at least three persons who were cleansed of heart ailments after bathing at the hot spring.
One lady from the Inland Revenue Board had also told him that she now had smooth complexion after taking a dip there.
“People from as far as Lawas and Kapit have told me that the hot spring here (Kampung Panchor) is really good in the sense that it has medical values to cure some sickness.
“For this reason, this place should be promoted intensively. I believe more people would come here if it were promoted as a prime tourist destination,” Dawos said at the launching of an improvement initiative at the hot spring yesterday.
Dawos added that the hot spring produced sulphur and after mixing with water it produces a form of anti-toxic acid which can heal some sickness, adding that the hot spring at Kampung Panchor Dayak was different from other hot springs in other states.
The Mambong MP advised the village chief to request for parking space from the local council and electricity to be connected to the area. He said his ministry was willing to help.
Improvements to the hot spring, which cost about RM450,000, was completed in May this year under the government’s Community Based Tourism (CBT) programme.
This project, which started in December last year, was among the 52 tourism projects in the state approved under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

If you are interested to do a trip to Kampung Panchor Dayak Hot Spring  make sure you do some exercise to warm up, then slowly put your legs in, then your waist, then your upper body. Do not dip your whole body into the hot spring directly, you must let your body slowly accustomed to the temperature.
Do not stay in the water for too long, make sure you drink plenty of water after that to avoid dehydration.

 I couldn't help but tried to soak my legs into the water.Oh yes, for sure the next time I go, I am going to have a nice long hot bath there.

Panchor village is in Serian District,Serian is a small town in Sarawak and It’s about one hour drive from Kuching.To visit Kuching from Kuala Lumpur taking into example of the recent MALINDO AIR promotion where you can fly to Kuching just RM38 one way or if you prefer to go on December, flights for December is now open for sale. Log on to their website at www.malindoair.com and grab your seat now.For internal route from Kota Kinabalu,Miri,Bintulu and Sibu to Kuching you book your flight with MASwings promotional fare.

 

 

Mukah Kaul Festival 2013.

Mukah Kaul Festival 24-28 April 2013.
Kaul is a traditional festival celebrated by the Melanau living along the coast of Sarawak. In the past, Kaul was looked upon as a religious ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea, land, forest and farm making it the most important festival in the Melanau calender. The festival is a ritual of purification and thanksgiving as well as one of the propitiation for good fortune. Its marks the beginning of the Melanau calender which begins at the end of the Northeast monsoon. Kaul takes place in third week of the month of April every year

Mukah’s signature dish is umai, a spicy salad of raw marinated fish with shallots, lime juice and chillies.

 
The Mukah Kaul Festival 24-28 April 2013, the festival site is on the right bank of the Mukah river estuary.For information just log on to MUKAH KAUL FESTIVAL.

This traditional Sarawak Snack, is a delicacy of the Melanau People of Sarawak. It is taken as a snack and served to guests with tea and coffee. The unique taste of Tebaloi is so special that it has become a very popular snack for all race in Sarawak. The main producing areas of Tebaloi are in the Mukah and Dalat Districts along the coastal region of the Mukah Division. These areas favour large plantations of sago palms which produce sago powder, the main ingredient used in the processing of Tebaloi.

 The Mukah Kaul Festival:
During a week festival, the organiser has line up many activities which include ethnic stalls selling traditional foods, entertaiment programs, traditional games and the highlight will be Serahang (decorated flat round basket made from sago leaf which raise on a bamboo pole) procession lead by local Melanaus' community leader. More Info at LAMAN RASMI KAUL MUKAH
MUKAH TOWN :Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia, is a coastal town which serves as the administrative center of the Mukah District (2,536 square kilometers) in Mukah Division, Sarawak. It is located by the South China Sea, about 2.5 hours by road from the city of Sibu. Mukah is also accessible by air by MASwings from Kuching and Miri. The duration of both flights is about one hour. There are also express boats connecting the town of Dalat (about 30 kilometers from Mukah) to Sibu. The express boat trip takes approximately 2 hours.
Mukah is also accessible by  MASwings Virtual Fair Promotion to support MATTA FAIR is on. Discounts up to 70% off market fare & 150,000 seats up for grabs.
Book from 14 March - 31 March for this special deal at MASwings