♥ Mulu Caves !

The View Of Mulu Caves!

The first time I came here is when I am ten years old. The view of this cave amazed me like WOW. I think this is the most precious moment I ever had :D  

Gunung Mulu National Park near Miri,Sarawak Borneo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses caves and karst formations in a mountainous equatorial rain forest setting. The park is famous for its caves and the expeditions that have been mounted to explore them and their surrounding rainforest, most notably the Royal Geographical Society Expedition of 1977-1978, which saw over 100 scientists in the field for 15 months. This initiated a series of over 20 expeditions now drawn together as the Mulu Caves Project.

The national park is named after Mount Mulu, the second highest mountain in Sarawak.

 Since 1978 these caves have been the focus for a succession of expeditions and this website holds a record of the discoveries made during that period. 

  As we move into the 21st Century, humanity appears to have explored to the limits of our environment. using technology we can photograph the surface of distant planets, probe the immensity of space, scan the beds of the deepest oceans, image the inside of living bodies and picture the surface of structures to microscopic detail. In such a world, it might be imagined imagined that there is no true exploration left to be done. But this would be untrue.

 Under the surface of our planet lies a parallel world, a world of great beauty and mystery formed over thousands of years by the most elemental of forces, the passage of water through rock. This world, the domain of caves, remains largely unexplored. In northern Sarawak, the Mulu Caves project is making progress on this journey of discovery.

Pinnacles at Mulu

Fees/ Permits

To get into the park you must register at the park HQ office and buy the five-day-pass for 30RM per person. To enter any caves you must have a Licensed Park Guide or join a guided group (fees starting from  20 RM per person)

Races In Sarawak~

 Sarawak has more than 40 sub-ethnic groups. Every of the ethnic groups have its own distinct language, culture and lifestyle. Nowadays, cities and larger towns are populated predominantly by Malays, Melanaus, Chinese, and a smaller percentage of Ibans and Bidayuhs who have migrated from their home-villages. Sarawak is rather distinctive from the rest of Malaysia because there is only a small percentage community of Indians living in Sarawak. There are 16 ethnics group In Sarawak. 

Bidayuh

Bidayuh Villages

Bukitan People

Malaysian Chinese

Iban People

Kayan People (Borneo)

Kedayan People

Kelabit People

Kenyah People

Lun Bawang

Ethnic Malay

Melanau People

Penan People

Punan Bah People

Ulu People

Ukit People

Waterfront

The view from Waterfront

  More than any other feature, the Waterfront epitomizes how Kuching has modernized itself without losing any of its charm.

Kuching is a riverine city. Its location on the Sarawak River was chosen not only for its strategic and commercial importance, but also for its enchanting natural beauty. In days gone by the river was the city's main highway. The river still retains its importance and picturesque charm in the modern era. Present day life is still concentrated on the waterfront.

A meander on the Kuching waterfront is a walk through time; from Kuching's humble, ancient origins, to its status as a modern city. No visit to Kuching would be complete without a stroll on the modern esplanade, or to sit, relax and experience a Sarawakian sunset. 

 

 Kuching Waterfront, which lines the south bank of Sarawak River, is THE place to sample the city's cosmopolitan vibes. During the daytime, it offers scenic views of the Astana, Fort Margherita and the Malay kampungs across the river; but night-time is when it really comes alive! It seems like half of the city is out meeting friends, watching a show, or just shooting the breeze. For something different, why not try jetty-hopping along the river on the local Penambang boats, and savour the different sights, sounds (and delicacies!) between the two riverbanks.

A result of a major restoration and land reclamation project, Kuching Waterfront today is the most popular meeting place in the city. Drab warehouses have been replaced with an almost 900m long esplanade, beautifully landscaped and dotted with wooden benches, food stalls, restaurants and entertainment facilities. A number of older buildings have been preserved and incorporated into the design, including the Chinese History Museum, the Sarawak Steamship Building, an open-air theatre and the Square Tower. Modern additions to the Waterfront include a restored Chinese pavilion, colourful musical fountains, and a number of modern sculptures.

Sarawak River Cruise

 

It is also located at Waterfront. I've book online for the cruise and was promise dinner, cultural show and sunset cruise. I was given a special price for booking online. When i reach there as being told to,i was told that the dining area is being renovated so there will be no dinner and they will replace it with syrup orange flavoured drinks and Sarawak layer.Tips: Book earlier(before 3pm) to get 10% on top of full fare of RM69/person. Enjoy your light refreshment while you endure 1 and half hour cruise ride along Sungai Sarawak. Get t with onboard dancer for Culturul show. It is also another way to see Kuching.

We really enjoyed spending time on the tiny little boat that took us along the river. The cool breeze, the little fishing boats we passed , taking in all the different interesting buildings which are build by the edge of the river. A different way to experience kuching.we went a couple of times for an 1 hour or more to spend a relaxed time for very little money and loved it.

Kuching Cat Statue

Me and my friend at Kuching Cat Statue! :D

When it comes to weekends, and I'm going home from Politechnic, I always spent most of my time here, relaxing, hanging out with besties and doing crazy stuffs! It can released our stress and forgetting about our assignments in few hours :)

Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak in Borneo Malaysia. Kuching or rather Kucing is the Malay word for cat and thus this city is known as the Cat City. One of the famous landmarks around the main town area is the Cat Statue which is located opposite the Riverside Majestic Hotel on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Abell. This place also famous among tourists and the special about it is you will also be able to see a few other cat structures and one famous one is located at the end of Jalan Abell nearing a roundabout that leads you to Jalan Padungan. This particular cat statue is said to be famous for the different theme that is being set for each festive season. This Cat Statue was created on the 1st of August 1988 to remember the “Hari Bandaraya” or also knows as the City Day Celebration in English.

 The cat statues not only gives a unique feel to the city, they are also nice photography subjects. This white cat is the Kuching South City Council, it was built in the 90s and is the first ever cat statue in Kuching. For me, it is the nicest and friendliest looking of all. It sits in front of the Little China Town along Jalan Padungan and looks like it is welcoming visitors with its waving hand LOL :D This cat changes into different costumes during the major celebrations, cute eh? And I think the whiskers can be bent into different shapes to signify its mood. 

 

The most recognizable cat statue should be the one near the Kuching Waterfront, opposite the Grand Margerita Hotel.

 

Some of the cat statues play gleefully around here

The Meaning Of Sarawak's Flag

Sarawak (pronounced /səˈrɑːwɑːk/) is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. Known as Bumi Kenyalang (“Land of the Hornbills”), it is situated on the north-west of the island. It is the largest state in Malaysia; the second largest, Sabah, lies to the northeast. Both of them are located to the east of Malaysia, where they shares the island with Kalimantan, a part of Indonesia.

With its 11 divisions, Sarawak comprises about 27 ethnic groups, where we all live together happily and peacefully. But today, I’m not going to talk about our ethnic groups but rather on the subject of our state flag.

A national flag is a flag that symbolizes a country. The flag is flown by the government, but usually can be flown by citizens of that country as well. Well, this is also true for a state flag, where it reflects the government of the state.

 From 31 August 1988 until today . The flag consists of a nine pointed yellow star on black and red diagonal strips with yellow field . It was adopted by the State Government of Sarawak under the Chief Ministership of YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Yellow denotes the supremacy of Law and Order, unity and stability in diversity. The yellow nine pointed star denotes the nine divisions where the Rakyat live in harmony. The star symbol also embodies the aspiration of the people of Sarawak in their quest to improve their quality of life.
Red symbolises the courage, determination and sacrifices of the Rakyat in their tireless pursuit to attain and maintain progress and esteem in the course of creating a model State.

Black symbolises the rich natural resources and wealth of Sarawak such as petroleum, timber etc. which provide the foundation for the advancement of her people.


It was hoisted at State Stadium Kuching on 31 August 1998 by Sarawak's Chief Minister, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud on the occasion of State 25th Anniversary of Independence within Malaysia.

By the end of the 20th century more than half of all Sarawakians have become well educated and nationalistic. It was mandatory for all businesses to fly flags on significant dates. Most citizens bought their own flags to fly whenever it was necessary. Children especially love the National Flag as well as the Sarawak flag. The school system has ensured that students are well educated in nationalistic values. Small flags were also made for sale in the market.

♥ Introduction ♥

Asslamualaikum !Hey there! I'm Dayang Nur Afiqah Bt Abang Mustapha, I'm going to be sweet-18 on this 14th Of December. Having the last month of Birthday every year whereas the Holiday time, Christmas and so on makes me jealous of everyone else. every year, Im just celebrating my birthday with Family. They(my friends) do wish me, but still its not as excited as celebrating your birthday at school. By the way, just forget about that then. I'm still new in Blogger. Still a learner. Sometimes my English is broken, even my lecturer said that her English is not perfect. so lets practice to speak English all the time so that it will be perfect <3 Now I studies at Politechnic Kuching Sarawak in Diploma Of Petrochemical Engineering. I know its a tough course. I bet your mind says that, "whoa, you must be a clever girl." absolutely no lah! I just got 3A's in my SPM *frustrated* InsyaAllah, I will try to do my best and get the good pointer and make my family proud of me, I promise mum. I will not let you down anymore. so guys, wish me luck then! 

 I'm so lucky because I can further my studies at Politechnic. I'm being friendly, got a crazy friends and they always be there when I need them. hope our friendship will be last till Jannah, AMIN ♥

Sarawak Layered Cake!

Every year, when only a few weeks left for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Sarawak will be crowded with tourists from Malaysia and abroad to buy Sarawak layered cake that just happen to be in Sarawak only. What make it so special is in Semenanjungs or other places in Malaysia wouldn't have the same taste as here and that's one of the reasons of why I'm proud to be Sarawakian! :D Only post about this layered cake made ​​me swallowed saliva. LOL

Kek Lapis Sarawak is a layered cake, traditionally served in Sarawak, Malaysia on special occasions. In the Malay language, they are known as Kek Lapis Sarawak, Kek Lapis Moden Sarawak, Kek Sarawak or Kek Lapis. They are often baked for religious or cultural celebrations such as Eid ul-Fitr, Christmas, Deepavali, birthdays and weddings.

People in Malaysia practice an open house on festival day. A unique feature of Sarawak’s open houses is the modern layered cakes.

 

 It is also have a variety of colors, flavors and shapes that make it more unique.

The Backgroud of Sarawak Layered Cake

Kek Lapis Sarawak is a layered cake, traditionally served in Sarawak, Malaysia on special occasions. In the Malay language, they are known as Kek Lapis Sarawak, Kek Lapis Moden Sarawak, Kek Sarawak or Kek Lapis. They are often baked for religious or cultural celebrations such as Eid ul-Fitr, Christmas, Deepavali, birthdays and weddings. People in Malaysia practice an open house on festival day. A unique feature of Sarawak’s open houses is the modern layered cakes.

 

 

Characteristics

Sarawakian Modern Layered cakes can be divided into two categories: cakes with ordinary layers and cakes with patterns, motifs, or shapes. all must have at least two colors. The cake can be baked in an oven or microwave. The batter uses batter or vegetavle oil, milk and eggs, and requires a strong arm or electric mixer to be properly prepared. The baked cake has a high, firm texture and the layers are fastened together with jam or a similarly sticky sweet substance. More detailed cakes often require special moulds to maintain the perfect layer thickness.

For Recipes follow this link http://hattorisidek.blogspot.com/2012/01/resepi-kek-lapis-sarawakhow-to-make.html

The Most Special Foods Thats Only In Sarawak :D

  Kuching Sarawak is one of the heavens for food in Malaysia. You’ll get all sort of variety of delicious local Malaysian dishes. I got really carried away and bloated myself with all sort of food. Below is a short list of some of the food that I tried and recommend that you do too. They can be commonly available anywhere in Kuching town, but some of the dishes are only best if consumed at the recommended outlets.

Special foods,

Laksa Sarawak! It is one of my favorite foods! :) Plus, this is in the month of Ramadhan, I'm sure all of you guys wanted to try it for Iftar. Unlike the Assam Laksa and Penang Laksa, the Sarawak Laksa has a taste of it’s own. Both sourish and spicy at the same time with a curry like zest to it give this dish a in my must try food in Sarawak. They are usually served in the morning as early as 6am so you’ll have to be early to get a good bowl. I tried the Sarawak Laksa at 2 spots, the tastier one was at Green Hill Corner Restaurant and the other was at the Sarawak Cultural Village. There are 3 main variations of laksa. Assam laksa, curry laksa and Sarawak Laksa. Assam laksa would be those laksa you can normally find in Penang or Ipoh. Curry laksa on the other hand is more commonly known as curry mee by Penangites, because they use yellow noodle/rice vermicelli instead of laksa noodle. In Singapore, they would be known as Katong Laksa. Also known as the ‘Great Borneo Breakfast’ Sarawak Laksa is most similar to curry mee in the main ingredient used: coconut milk. However it does not use curry powder but other spices for the taste. For Penangites, imagine a bowl of curry mee, with mee hoon only and lots of lime juice squeezed into the soup. That’s how Sarawak Laksa generally tastes. Yes, it’s a bit sour. A bowl of Sarawak Laksa would consist of rice vermicelli, taugeh, chicken strips, omelet strips, and big, fresh peeled prawns. It also comes with a lime, so you can squeeze as much lime juice as desired into the soup. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so it deserves a big thumbs up from me!

Mee Kolok

 Kolo Mee comes from the Hokkien Chinese culture and is quite a famous dish in Kuching Sarawak. You may want to try them at multiple stalls because they taste quite different. Basically Kolok Mee consist of Egg noodles that are flash-boiled, then classically served with crushed garlic and shallot and minced  beef. 

Terubok Masin is a salted 'terubok' fish (or American shad fish), a type of oily fish with lots of scales and Y-shaped bones. The fish can be either freshwater or seawater, local or imported, but local seawater 'terubok' fish costs more than other types.

Ikan Terubok Masin Sarawak is another Sarawak main food that mostly ordered and bought by visitors who came to Sarawak. This is salted fish which can be eaten with rice.

Sarawak's uncomparable favorite and identical unique souvenir craze is the Salted Terubok (American Shad) Fish. Visitors would generally come back from Sarawak carrying salted terubok (nicely wrapped up in a package for more long-lasting preservation) for their friends and family.

Terubok are fully of bones but tasteful nevertheless. The trick of the trade is to find out the biggest terubok fish because the bones are bigger and more at ease to cast out. Also available are the terubok eggs, and far more pricey. It might set you back more or less RM200 per kg or lower.

Wind Cave Nature Reserve

 The Wind Cave

This is also one of the special places in Sarawak. The Wind Cave that is only about 15 minutes away from Fairy Cave Sarawak is one of the famous caves here in Kuching Sarawak Borneo. The Wind Cave consist of multiple river passages through the rock leading to an entrance on the far side of the hill overlooking the Sarawak River. You’ll need at least 2 hours to cover this whole area. The Wind Cave Bau is sort of like a pitch dark maze, so you’ll need to bring along Torch Lights or night vision goggles. I was not prepared with the torches, but not to worry, you can also rent them at the entrance at RM2 per torch light.

 The reason they call this the Wind Cave is because you’ll feel a light breeze as you walk along the wooden platform that is created along the cave. You’ll hear the bat sounds, and those who are afraid of the dark, might find this place scary. I was told that the Bats consist of many types, but they all have ultra sound navigation system, so there are no cases where the bats touches the visitors. The bats also feed on fruits and other insects so they are fairly safe.

There are 3 main tracks at the Wind Cave and one of them is quite low, so for those who are tall, they’ll need to watch out. All along the tracks are notice boards that explain with illistration about the caves and their geological process. You can also walk through the nature reserve near the Wind Cave.

Getting to this cave is fairly easy because it is located only 45 minutes from Kuching town and 5 minutes away from a town called Bau. The Wind Cave Nature Reserve covers 6.16 hectares and includes the cave itself and the surrounding forest. Outside the cave, if you come in a group, there are Barbeque pit areas and clean bathrooms. They are open every day from 8.30am till 4.30pm in the evening.

 

 The Wind Cave’s has been gazetted as a nature reserve not just to protect the cave and its inhabitants, but also to conserve a number or rare species in the surrounding limestone forest. Amongst the small to medium sized trees and shrubs are some very rare palms, including Arenga pinnata (called Inyok in the local Bidayuh language), Arenga undulatifolia (Opip in Bidayuh) and the gigantic Calamus ornatus (Wi jelayan in Bidayuh).

Squirrels, shrews and a variety of birds can be found along the river and the limestone hill. Black nest swiftlets can be seen and heard inside the cave, as well as 14 species of bat. Twelve distinct species of snail have also evolved in the caves and the covering hill, each unique to its own limestone habitat.

Entry Fees & Permits

A nominal entry fee is charged for visitors to the Wind Cave Nature Reserve. Please check with the National Parks Booking Office in Kuching or the Sarawak Forestry website for the latest fee structure for those who is interested.

Sarawak Cultural Village

  Sarawak Cultural Village is one of the must see attractions here in Kuching Sarawak, simply because it is one of a kind Living Museum in the world. It is located at the base of the legendary Mount Santubong and only a few minutes walk away from Damai Beach Resort. Since I was staying at Taman Sukma, it was quite convenient. Sarawak Cultural Village is roughly 35KM from Kuching town and if you’re driving, it will take 45-50 minutes to get there. Sarawak Cultural Village is an Award Winning cultural showcase and it is also the venue for the yearly World Harvest Festival and the Rainforest World Music Festival (held in July or August). It is the perfect place to get introduced to local culture and lifestyle.

Sprawled across 17 acres, there are about 150 people living in the village, demonstrating traditional daily activities from Sarawak's diverse tribes like the processing of sago and the making of handicrafts. They wear traditional costumes and also put on dances for visitors.

The village residents provide information on their various traditional cultures and lifestyles. You can see replicas of buildings that represent every major ethnic group in Sarawak; longhouses of the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, a Melanau tall-house and a Chinese farm house among others.

The village also has a theatre, where you can enjoy multicultural dance performances. Besides this, there is a restaurant and handicraft shop. You can even get married at the Sarawak Cultural Village, in traditional Iban, Malay, Bidayuh or Orang Ulu style.

The Iban longhouse has separate rooms placed side by side, all of which open to a long communal hall, used for leisurely activities like wood carving and basket weaving.

Guests are often invited to attend nightly ceremonies and drink a potent rice wine, tuak, which the Iban make themselves. Comfortable guesthouses are also available for visitors.

well, I want to make a confession. Eventhough I was born here, I am sarawakian, I only ever go there twice.  Not many information I knew about this places, and sometimes I just googled it LOL.

Inside the Rumah Melanau. This is to get to the third floor (wedding chamber)



  

 The entrance fees to Sarawak Cultural Village is RM60(USD20) for adults and RM30(USD15) for child between the ages of 6 to 12 years old. Those below 6 get to enjoy the journey free of charge. The tickets can be purchased at the entrance of Sarawak Cultural Village, but I’ll suggest that you buy them from agents because they usually give you a discount. I bought my tickets at Damai Beach Resort and it cost RM55. Sarawak Cultural Village is open daily from 9am till 5.15pm. There are 2 cultural shows which are at 11.30am and 4pm and they last 45 minutes. From my experience, you’ll need roughly 2 hours to cover this place comfortably.

The History of Sarawak

Sarawak Tanah Airku

James Brooke, who was the first Rajah of Sarawak, originally used the St George's Cross as the state's flag. The decision for Sarawak to have its own flag was made in 1845, but it was not hoisted until 21 September 1848. The first Sarawak flag was originally made up of a cross, half blue and half red, on yellow, thought to be based on Brooke's coat of arms. There is a controversy on whether the first flag was made up of purple and red, or blue and red.

During the first few decades of his first rule, Brooke’s hold over the century was greatly challenged not only by problems like piracy, but also by the armed resistance by his subjects, particularly the natives. Some measure of law and order was achieved and administrative changes were introduced. By 1861, Sarawak has been further enlarged with the Sultan’s cession of all the rivers and lands from Sadong River to Kidurong Point. By 1864, it has been recognized as an independent State by both the United States and Britain. Further cession of territory occurred in 1868 with the reign of the second Rajah, Charles Brooke, so that by 1885 Sarawak’s frontier extended to the valley of the Trusan River. In 1890, the Limbang region was added and in 1905, the Lawas River area was purchased from the British North Borneo Company.

Foreign protection was sought as early as the reign if the first Rajah to ensure Sarawak’s political and economic survival and independence but it was only in 1880 that Sarawak was accorded British protection. With the decline in piracy and in a situation of relative political stability economic development gained momentum, This continued during the reign of the third Rajah, Charles Vyner Brooke, who succeeded Charles Brooke in 1917.

James Brooke

In 1941, a new constitution was granted by the Rajah which paved the way for self-governance by the people. Among others, the constitution specified the composition of the Supreme Council and Council Negeri. Before the enactment could be effected, however, the Japanese invaded and occupied Borneo. When Sarawak was liberated in 1946, the third Rajah declared his intention to cede Sarawak to Great Britain, a decision which was opposed by many especially the natives who formed what was known as the Anti-Cession Movement. However, the Council Negeri voted 19 to 16 in favour of cession and Sarawak became a British Crown Colony on July the 1st, 1946. Dissatisfaction mounted, resulting in mass resignation of the of 388 Malay civil servants and the assassination of the Second British Governor of the colony of Sarawak in 1949. The British reaction to this attack was swift and the protest movement virtually died by 1950. A number of the anti-cessionists continued their involvement in politics and won for the State its "second independence" by supporting the formation of Malaysia mooted by Tunku Abdul Rahman, the then Chief Minister of Independent Malaya. In 1963, Sarawak achieved its independence within Malaysia.

On 7 May 1870, the colour of the half blue cross was changed to black by the second Rajah, Charles Brooke, and was hoisted on 26 September, the birthday of the then Rajah Muda Charles Vyner Brooke. It was retained as a coat-of-arms on a Blue Ensign when Sarawak was ceded to the British Crown on 1 July 1946. The 1870 version saw continued use even after cession, flying side-by-side with the Union Flag. Upon the formation of Malaysia and subsequent independence of the state, the flag remained in use and unchanged until 1973.

The Trisakti was adopted on the 10th anniversary of Sarawak's independence in 1973, and was first hoisted by the then Chief Minister of Sarawak, Abdul Rahman Ya'kub who also designed the flag. Accompanying the new design of the flag is the new state anthem and motto, Sarawak Bahagia and Hidup Selalu Berkhidmat ("Live to serve").

In 1988, the flag was replaced again with the current version along with yet another new state anthem and motto, Ibu Pertiwiku and Bersatu, Berusaha, Berbakti ("United, Striving, Serving"). The new design was adopted on the 25th anniversary of independence of Sarawak within Malaysia.