Have you heard of forest sign language? Did you know it exists in Borneo? Associate Professor Dr. Tariq Zaman from the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) shared his insights on Borneo’s sign language, focusing on efforts to preserve it for younger generations amidst advancing technology. This invaluable cultural treasure has been passed down among the Penan people, who were Borneo‘s nomads and undeniable masters of the jungle. Dr. Tariq has spent the past 15 years working in Malaysian Borneo. His first encounter with Oroo’ sign language was in 2010 during his Ph.D. research when he met Penan elder, Garen Jengan, and became involved with Oroo’ language. Globally, indigenous languages are in decline, with projections indicating that half of the world’s 6,000 languages may become extinct by 2050. For over 4,000 years, Oroo’ has been essential for the Penan, helping them communicate across 200 square kilometers of forest. Despite its cultural significance, it remains under-documented. At the Advanced Centre for Sustainable Socio-Economic and Technological Development (ASSET) at UTS, Dr. Tariq leads an initiative to preserve Oroo’, establishing a long-term partnership with the Penan community in Long Lamai. Their goal is to create digital tools to safeguard Oroo’. Working closely with 75-year-old Garen Jengan, he has learned about the traditional Penan lifestyle. Garen, enthusiastic about ICT, believes technology can spark young Penan’s interest in their indigenous history and forest life. “He usually takes me to a nearby forest and tells me how fascinating forest life is on the way. He tells me about the plants and shows me some Oroo’ signs, which are interesting to me, but he doesn’t know much about them. So, he referred me to Richard, another Penan elder of Long Lamai who loves Oroo’ and is the master of Oroo’ signs. Richard is passionate about preserving these signs for future generations, and from there, we began working on it,” said Dr. Tariq Zaman. The time spent with Garen ignited a profound interest in Dr. Tariq, compelling him to help despite the challenges ahead. “What we aim to do is integrate the language into modern communication systems, such as making it available on the internet and mobile devices, so that it remains relevant in the digital age. This required a thorough investigation to materialize,” he explained. Dr. Tariq and Garen began a joint exploration to design digital technologies for preserving indigenous knowledge. Documenting Oroo’ involves capturing, categorizing, and expanding this unique form of communication. Researchers, working closely with the Penan community, collect signs placed on “Batang Oroo‘” (message sticks), the ground, or carved into trees. These signs, made from leaves, sticks, and vines, represent stories. A major challenge is the lack of a documented grammar for Oroo’. Understanding the rules for combining signs is crucial. The “Batang Oroo'” indicates direction, influencing how signs convey messages. Researchers printed all signs and had elderly community members categorize them, collecting 67 signs from eight Baram communities over 13 years. They identified nine categories: Instructions, Warnings, Information, Directions, Durations, Animals, Number of People, River Place Activity, and Hungry. The Penan community has expanded its Oroo’ sign language, introducing signs for the birth of a baby boy or girl and distinguishing between men and women. This expansion follows community principles, with a consensus on preserving Oroo’. The book “Oroo’ Language of the Forest – Ha’ Jin Tana” was written, including textual data confirmed by elders before being photographed and translated. This marks the initial study phase. Recording in a book is insufficient; digital technologies are needed for applicability. Researchers explored two teaching approaches: tangible tools and gamification. The first approach used capacitive sensing tangibles linked with 2D tablet representations, showing promise but raising concerns about practicality. The second approach involved an Oroo’ adventure PC game and a PO-SMS application, engaging youth but needing further refinement. Digitization efforts require improvement. Young community members’ engagement has led to a co-design approach, ensuring the project’s alignment with community needs. The revitalization effort has gained national and international attention, attracting scholars and students to Borneo. Some scholars have applied the study paradigm to sign languages in other countries, such as Indonesia. Prof. J. Stephen Lansing collaborated with the UTS team to apply the PO-SMS approach to the Punan Batu community’s sign language. Paulina Michnowska is working with the ASSET team on art-based methodologies to make Oroo’ more relevant for young Penan. This study received media coverage from organizations such as BBC News and earned several awards, including the SIGCHI Honourable Mention Award in 2015 for the best papers at CHI 2015. It was also honored at CHI 2015. Additionally, in the same year, it received the IFIP Interaction Design for International Development Award and the Brian Shackel Award. According to Dr. Tariq, even though most signs have been collected, there is still more to discover as certain villages have yet to be approached. Moreover, the world of technology is continuously evolving with new ideas, making research essential in this endeavor. In conclusion, the Oroo’ project represents a beacon of hope for preserving this unique indigenous language facing the precipice of extinction. Through meticulous documentation, in-depth research into sign combinations, and innovative teaching methods, the Penan community, alongside dedicated researchers, is working tirelessly to ensure Oroo’’s survival for generations to come. This collaborative effort underscores the resilience of indigenous languages and their capacity to thrive in the digital age while retaining their cultural roots.

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The enchanting tale behind Fort Margherita in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, unveils a story of love and protection, often overshadowed by the grandeur of more famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal. While many are familiar with the romantic narrative of the Taj Mahal‘s creation, Fort Margherita’s origin story remains relatively obscure, nestled within the annals of Sarawak‘s rich history. Constructed in 1879 by Sir Charles Brooke, the second Rajah of Sarawak, Fort Margherita stands as a testament to a love as enduring as its sturdy walls. Sir Charles built this fortress for his beloved wife, Margherita Alice Lili de Windt, a French noblewoman, as a symbol of his deep affection. Designed in the likeness of an English castle, the fort’s primary purpose was to safeguard the city of Kuching from marauding pirates, although it never had to engage in battle. Over time, Fort Margherita underwent several transformations, serving as a police museum from 1971 before eventually being entrusted to the Sarawak Government as a tourist attraction. The architecture of Fort Margherita is reminiscent of the majestic castles of old, featuring a three-story layout constructed from plastered stone and adorned with wooden floors and spiral staircases. Iron mastheads grace each corner, adding to its imposing silhouette. Throughout its storied past, Fort Margherita has played various roles, from a base for Sarawak Rangers to a strategic outpost for the Japanese army during World War II. Recognising its historical significance, the National Heritage Department embarked on a conservation project to preserve this architectural gem, investing 2.3 million Malaysian Ringgit over two years. Today, Fort Margherita, now known as the Brooke Gallery, stands as a testament to the legacy of the Brooke Dynasty, housing artifacts and relics that chronicle the reign of the White Rajahs and their impact on Sarawak. The fortress has witnessed the changing tides of history, its flagpole proudly bearing the flags of Sarawak, Japan and Britain over the years. Perched atop a hill near the State Legislative Assembly Complex and overlooking the Sarawak River, Fort Margherita remains a steadfast reminder of Sarawak‘s colonial past. Visitors to Kuching are urged not to miss the opportunity to traverse the passageways of this historic landmark, which offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Accessible by road or a leisurely river cruise, Fort Margherita beckons travellers to explore its corridors and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Sarawak‘s history. Whether admiring its architectural splendour or marvelling at its panoramic views, a visit to Fort Margherita promises an unforgettable journey through time. For those planning a trip to Kuching, a visit to Fort Margherita is a must, offering not only a glimpse into the region’s past but also an opportunity to experience its enduring charm firsthand. As you wander through its halls, you’ll discover a love story etched in stone and a legacy that continues to captivate hearts around the world. Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am–4.45pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 10am-4pm Admission: Malaysian: RM 10 Non-Malaysian: RM 20 Children (under 7): Free

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One of my housemates, whom I rented with last year, mentioned that he did his internship at the Ranee Museum in Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo Malaysia. His statement prompted me to inquire further, though my knowledge was limited; to my understanding, the Old Court House presently comprises only two remarkable restaurants and a bistro. However, he merely chuckled, indicating that there’s more to it than meets the eye. So here I am, embarking on the journey of exploring another heritage site in Sarawak. Yet, despite his revelation, I didn’t take any action. I continued to ponder over it until my office informed me about a Brooke Tour they had organised for us. Being part of the tourism industry, I thought, “Okay, let’s do it.” I believed it would be more enjoyable to go as a group rather than venturing alone. As scheduled, we convened at the Old Court House – Ranee Museum right after lunch. An evening tour seemed ideal as we could all return home afterward, creating a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Similar to the Brooke Gallery, the Ranee Museum is affiliated with the Brooke Trust. If you plan to visit the Brooke Gallery, make sure to stop by the Ranee Museum first. Why? Because you wouldn’t want to miss witnessing the sunset at The Fort Margherita; it’s truly captivating and worth your time. Now, what about the Ranee Museum? As the name suggests, the museum commemorates the life of Ranee herself, Margaret Alice Lili De Windt, the wife of the Second Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Brooke. Despite being born in France and raised in the UK during a much more modern era, she possessed a fervent desire to learn about and explore different cultures and places. At the tender age of 19, she embarked on a journey across the ocean to begin her married life. During her time in Sarawak, she immersed herself in the local community, learning about various customs, cultures, and beliefs. As a result, she was admired for her grace, humility, and friendliness towards the locals. The museum showcases a photograph of her alongside prominent Sarawakian women such as Dayang Lehut, Dayang Sahada, Mrs. Maxwell, and other attendants. According to the museum curator, she greatly valued local customs, evident in her collection, which includes exquisite ‘Songket and Keringkam’ embroidery by the Sarawak Malay community. Songket is a traditional woven fabric, while Keringkam is a type of Malay embroidery featuring gold or silver threads, typically worn as a headscarf by women. It’s said that she cherished this attire and continued to wear it long after leaving Sarawak. This sentiment is echoed in the personal possessions exhibited at the museum, including heritage textiles, paintings, crafts, and literature spanning 140 years. Words alone cannot fully encapsulate her profound love for this nation. Therefore, I highly recommend a visit to the Ranee Museum to delve deeper into her remarkable journey. Similar to The Fort, there’s an admission fee, but if you opt for the full tour (both Brooke Gallery and Ranee Museum), you’ll enjoy a discounted price. Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday & Public Holidays: 9:00 am – 4:45 pm WWW: https://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/ranee-museum Admission Fee Malaysian: Adult – RM10 Child (7-12 yrs) – RM5 Non – Malaysian: Adult – RM20 Child (7-12) -RM10

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When people think of a DJ music festival, images of young people wasting themselves at the sound of rowdy music always come to mind. Also, DJ music festivals are often organised in big cities of well-known countries. The Borneo Music Festival Live 2022, which happened on September 9 and 10, brought a change to this perception.  In fact, this event was not organised in a big town like Kuala Lumpur, but in the humble land of the hornbill, in the town of Kuching, state of Sarawak, in the amazing island that is Borneo.  While looking online for information about this musical event, which involves electronic dance music (EDM), I came across several comments that stated that Borneo Music Festival Live is less attractive than other more known DJ music festival (like Tomorrowland Festival in Belgium and others). I am a local, so I decided to get the assignment from Asian Itinerary and go prove them wrong.  The 2 days event as such was a blast, gathering 6000 people on Friday and 8000 on Saturday at Sarawak Cultural Village, for a total of 14000 people, not bad for a debut. During the event I interviewed random attendees on the spot, getting a great overall feedback.  Savannah from Germany agreed that different festivals have different uniqueness, and she loved both the jungle setup and the great DJ lineup: “The location is perfect. I love the fact that this event does not just showcases the DJs but also local artists, which is something distinctive. The food is very nice, and we enjoyed both DJ Soda and DJ Alan Walker”. Her friends Fina from Brunei, Greg from Scotland, Jowena and Dalton from USA told me they were very amazed by the DJ lineup, and they also loved the idea of performing local artists such as Tuku Kame and At Adau, who never fail to bring the sound of Borneo into the music element. Local Zaphne Philip said that she had really been looking forward to Borneo Music Festival Live 2022 as for the first time international artists of this caliber, who usually perform in Kuala Lumpur, made it here in Borneo: “It’s the time for Sarawak and Borneo as a whole to receive international artists as we also have a great venues here. The booming economy and people living in harmony is a value added to the event, which I hope can continue in the future. I believe whatever negative comments out there should not stop the event. Personally, I agree the organisers did a good job in making this event a success, providing a good platform for the young generation to have a safe party”. A guy named Nash said that “the event was hype and happening, all the audience was enjoying the DJs performances joyfully regardless of their music taste. For me personally, it was a really unique event as it was held near both a beach and the rainforest, taking the experiences to a whole new level”. Nash added: “As someone who loves art and works on art, I can tell you that the stage area was well-lit and very artistic; the lighting play, the sound system experiences, the crowd with their lead band added to the great scenery”. Local vendor AJ mentioned to me that he expected an “awkward crowd”, but that in the end people just enjoyed the music in their own way. “Everyone has their own way of partying, and for me, that is what makes it beautiful”. Borneo Music Festival is the largest EDM music event so far in Malaysia, and the second largest event in Borneo after the Rainforest World Music Festival. Borneo Music Festival proved that you can actually mix EDM music DJs with fusion and traditional music, achieving an amazing connection between music and music lovers. Borneo Music Festival Live 2022 was organised exclusively by Firmament Event Studio in collaboration with More Entertainment and supported by Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.

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Our visit to Simunjan (Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia) was not a planned one. We somehow ended up there after scrapping up our original plan to visit the magnificient Belungei Waterfall in Lundu at the last minute. Something happened that made us head towards an alternative location, and I must say this amendment was not to be regretted.  Wong Panchor is a waterfall in Kampung Mentu, Simunjan. The hike to Wong Panchor is relatively easy, and takes about 45 minutes. If that’s not enough for you, continue on to Wong Mawang waterfall for an additional hike of just 30 minutes that is worth the sweat.  We started our journey early in the morning on a Saturday. Simunjan town is 2 about hours away from Kuching via either the Kuching-Serian Road or the Samarahan Road. We woke at 5,30am aiming to be ready to leave at 6am, after picking up our mates.  Looking at the sun rise, driving to Simunjan in the early morning is totally refreshing for the eyes. The views are amazing, quite a treat. We passed Siburan and Serian, and followed the Gedong road until we hit the town.  We decided to stop in a food spot in order to refill our energies before starting our hike. In Malaysia, ordering teh tarik (pulled tea: a milk tea that is pulled until it bubbles) is a must, yet some of us prefer black coffee or a plain tea. Teh tarik goes well with Kueh Tiaw Goreng or Mee Goreng (fried noodles) and fried eggs. I am a vegetarian so I skip the dishes containing meat and try other breakfast delicacies instead.  Once we were done with the food, we drove towards Kampung Mentu, the location where the hike starts. From Simunjan to Kampung Mentu it’s a 1 hour drive, a tough one! The road is like a roller coster and at certain places the conditions were pretty bad. This road used to be a palm oil truck road. If your car is not in good conditions, do not attempt it. The bumpy ride is compensated by the views of the journey: Iban people villages with their traditional longhouses.  At our arrival, we met up with our tour guide and at 10am we stepped into the woods and were on the hike towards the waterfall. The path is smooth: at first we were inside the forest for a few minutes, then we walked downhill along a stream on a stoned path until we passed a water pipe.  We reached the impressively big Wong Panchor waterfall after 1 hour of hiking. The pond it forms is quite deep and dark, and the water is refreshing. After taking turn to shoot photos of the waterfall, we decided to start preparing lunch. Some started cooking, other went for a swim. Eventually we had lunch, and after that some hanged their hammock and went for a siesta.  Sometime passes before we decide to pack up and move on to another waterfall: Wong Mawang. Though the hike only took 30 minutes, most of the path was challenging and climbing ups we were relieved when we reached the place. Wong Mawang is a mesmerising waterfall, so we all took some photos of it, before starting our hike back.  All went smooth on the day, and everyone feels safe and happy. We wrapped up by paying our tour guide and left the area.  This area of Simunjan is vast, the landscapes are undeniably beautiful so yes, I loved it all! Taking a trip and a hike there with a group of friends was the best choice. 

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  Before becoming a mom, I was very active in hiking and kayaking. Mostly hiking I would say, so when one day a friend suddenly proposed to visit Bengoh Dam, I knew I had to go: according to the many friends who visited the area, it looks like the famous Jurassic Park environment. How exciting! I can anticipate to my readers that my previous article about Bidayuh Bangles users, the famous ring ladies, is somewhat related to this article.  The story of Bengoh Dam But let’s continue with my story. The Bengoh Dam was still under construction when I was a student in 2009, and I had to hike for about 7 hours to reach Kampung Semban for my Anthropology research. That village, along with the majority of the others in the area, as a result of the dam it has now been relocated to the new Bengoh Resettlement Site (BRS). The Bengoh Dam project flooded the majority of the surrounding mountain area, as its final purpose was to supply water to the Kuching people. To be noted that Bengoh Dam is not an hydropower project: the nearest hydropower project is in Sri Aman, in Batang Ai. As a result of the dam construction, the area had to undergo quite a chance. Water now covers the majority of the land, and the previous river has now become a massive lake. One of the most famous villages unaffected by the flooding is Kampung Sting, which has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. I decided to join my friends on this trip because I am a passionate traveler, and the Bengoh Dam is one of the newest tourist attractions here. Visitors are usually encouraged to visit Bengoh Dam in the morning, so I recommend you gather enough information and book the trip.  Getting there For those like us who live in the Borneo Height area, it takes a mere 30 minutes drive to reach the Bengoh Dam. We reached there at around 8.30 am, we listened to the short briefing conducted by our tour guide, then we boarded our boat at the small jetty and cruised through the man-made lake. The journey was breathtaking: we saw dying trees, mountains and small paddy farms. We stopped at a few tourist attractions to take memory photos. We finally reached our first stop, Kampung Sting, from where we left on foot for the few minutes’s hike to the top. On the  village ridge there is a spacious, one-of-a-kind bamboo structure. We sat there and amazed at the majestic scenery of mountains covered in clouds surrounding the lake. Clouds and mist were formed by the morning rain that day, and the area resembled China, and perhaps also Vietnam. It is such a nice and relaxing place, we allowed one hour for the early lunch there. The waterfalls We were so eager to explore so we boarded the boat for the next ride and proceeded to the first waterfall: Pee’an (or ‘curtain waterfall’). It took us a good 30 minutes hike to get there, and then another 20 minutes to reach Susung waterfall, where the views are magnificent. During the hike, visitors usually come across a variety of flora and fauna, including pitcher plants, exotic mushrooms and many others. There’s also this one-of-a-kind architectural bamboo bridge. It had rained a bit earlier, and the path was slippery, so we needed to be sure-footed. I advise wearing proper trekking shows in case the path is challenging.  As we reached destination, I was amazed by the massive lianas that serve as a frame to the waterfall. We spent some time, enjoying the sight and taking shots, then returned to Pee’an waterfall, where we swam and soaked in the refreshing water until the rain caught up with us and the guide summoned us for the hike back to base.  The hike to Bengoh Dam was tiring, but we were all so proud of being able to reach most must-see sights in the area. The scenery is mind-blowing, the air is clean and the relaxation after the hike is guaranteed. I advise good shoes, raincoat, plenty of water, extra clothes and mosquito repellent, as well as a good guide!  Two are the tour options: a day-trip or a 2 Day/1 Night tour. If you are not from the area, we recommend the 2 Day/1 Night tour. Your overnight stay will be at a lovely, traditional homestay with Bidayuh features, where you can also enjoy local delicacies such as Ayam Pansuh cooked in bamboo with cassava leaves.  Let the alluring nature of this amazing destination transport you to another world. INFORMATION Drive: Allow 1 to 1 hour and a half drive from Kuching town. Entrance Fees: RM 5 per person Location: Bengoh Dam, Kampung Bengoh, Borneo Height Road, Kuching Attractions: Kampung Sting, Pee’an Waterfall, Susung Waterfall and boat ride Trail: Easy to moderate Hiking time: Around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your fitness level and hiking speed Reservations: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1x9IJva3gw4WKBiURWIhc3c59tXFNWBBFwtkMilc2Sa0/edit  Minimum pax: 2 people

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A few days before flying to Krabi, Thailand, my travel agent friend Pluto from Fantasia Asia, who is based there, asked me what I planned to do this time. Since I’d been there many times before, I told him I just wanted to relax and give my mind peace. My plan is therefore, I told him, to enjoy ocean breeze and perhaps do some kayaking, and swim at the Emerald Pool. A great suggestion for us… He suggested me to try the hike to the Dragon Crest, also known as Tubkaek Hong Nak Hill. As I love hiking, I immediately said ‘Yes’ to his idea. I perform my usual Google search on the place, and it turns out the place is undeniably amazing, and the idea of doing it got me exited. Though I was well aware that I would lose my rest and get very tired, I still held my wish to hike there. In Krabi, we were lucky to be introduced to a guy from a bar who decided to join us for next day’s hiking. Since my friend Zap and I have no means of transport to move around, the guy offered us to ride on the motorbike with him. Just imagine, three people on a small bike, it was weird and hilarious at the same time. And I regret not having taken a picture of the moment to hold as a memoirs of that day. The adventure The next day we woke up late and left for the Dragon Crest Hill at about 10 am, reaching there at 10:30 am. We were greeted by the friendly smile of Thai National Park officials, and were asked to register. After that, we started our hike to the top. During the first 40 minutes, the track is not too challenging, but it’s quite tiring as it’s a continuous climb.  We encounter several places on the track where works are still ongoing, like for instance the construction of wooden staircases. After that, it’s a very challenging hilly trail. The reward is the amusing experience of witnessing a clean forest filled with green flora, amazing insects, different mushrooms and lots of pitcher plants. After about one and half hour of hiking, we began to see spectacular views of Krabi surroundings, and I can assure you that it is well worth the exhausting hike. And the motivation to capture the beauties of the islands and its mountains got us going for another half an hour. Finally, as the watch marked 12.30 pm, we reached the top of the Dragon Crest Peak. I can assure you that all my exhaustion disappeared as I watched several remarkable sights of Krabi. It was an amazing experience and I am totally pleased. I took plenty of picture and videos to add to my collections. As this hike is righteously described: “the best view comes after the hardest climb”.  Information What is Dragon Crest? Dragon Crest is a peak situated in Nong Thale district of Krabi, Thailand. This place is gazetted under Thailand National Park, and for the hike no map is provided, but the route is well-signed, so no worries, you won’t get lost. How to get there? There are several ways to get there, but we recommend to rent a scooter and use your google map, or to hop onto a Tuk tuk. Entrance Fee? No entrance fee, just fill in your name in the record book for safety purposes. What to bring? Bring plenty of water and some food. Most recommended fruit is a banana, which replenish the energy during the hike. How long to hike to the top? 4/5 hours in total: 2 hours up to the top, some time at the top, and 2 hours going down.

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Bukit Batu Selabat is mostly famous for its hill and for its waterfall. Giant boulders are scattered all around the hills. Up there you can enjoy views of the whole city: Kuching. This is an amazing sight to witness at night when the city is covered in lights. The best recommendation is to hike and spend a night there camping.  Remember to take with you all your camping gear and gadgets as well as good buddies if you need companions. Hiking in the evening ensures you will be witness of a majestic sunset. After setting up your tent, have a drink, sit on a rock, and take a couple of pictures as a memoir. Trust me, you will be happy to have a memory for your future storytelling.  Do it at night! Before nightfall, make sure you get food prepared for the night, as the skylights there will definitely wow you. Let’s pray for dry weather, of course, and remember to bring plenty of water with you as there are no water reserves at the top. In the morning, you should wake up early if you wish to experience a great sunrise. And if you do not fancy camping out, do not worry, most people only come for a day trip. You can chose to hike in the morning, afternoon or even in the evening. A part from fit junkies, Bukit Batu Selabat is one of the favourite of those who want to challenge themselves to slim down. The waterfall Arong Serait Waterfall is nature at its best, greatly organised and created by Mother Earth. You will feel you are in a unique place, one that is beyond your imagination. The flow of water is so nice, and the stones are arranged in a way that it seems like planned by an architect. Vegetation around the waterfall is so lush, which makes it the perfect place for kids too.  If you chose to go there in the night and you decide to soak yourself at the waterfall, you won’t regret it. Having cold water in nature is absolutely best for mental and physical clearance. There are actually two tiered waterfall in the area, both are amazing and at both of them you can spend the night camping. Since the area is near a source of fresh water, you don’t have to worry about water supplies. All you have to do is set your tent, make a campfire and do proper camping cooking with all the gear you carry with you. I hiked in the day and spent my time at the waterfall, but all options are ok and worth your trip. My only advice is to bring enough supplies for the night and also some mosquito repellent. Good news for nature lovers: you will encounter pitcher plants, unique mushrooms, and frogs, as well as abundant flora and fauna. Hiking and camping It takes about 1-hour hiking from the checkpoint to reach both Bukit Batu Selabat and Arong Serait Waterfall – it’s a 2.5-kilometres trail. Hiking time depends pretty much on individual stamina. Look at this video for inspiration. The checkpoint itself is located at Kampung Selabat, Muara Tebas, not far from the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency, APNM, and it is about 17 kilometres from Kuching city. The hike between the waterfall and the top of the hill should last 30 to 60 minutes. As for the fee, you have to pay RM10 for either hill or waterfall, and if you visit both the ticket is then RM15. Parking there costs RM5 per car.

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Yoga and health are inseparable, just like food and drink. Many in Asia wrongly think that yoga is an old people’s exercise, but that mindset is totally wrong as many young people nowadays accept Yoga as a relaxing practice that leads to a healthy lifestyle. Sure enough, in term of burning calories, yoga is quite a slow activity compared to other types of exercise; however, if taking into consideration the aspect of mental health, yoga is indeed winning its mark.  We are all aware that, despite of the feeling of so many beautiful moments in life, our human brain tend to fill with worries and negativity, mainly due to work stress, a troubled relationship or any other similar cause. Yoga is believed to be the miracle cure to these mental ailments.  Yoga originated in India and it’s a term that comes from Sanskrit, meaning ‘to find peace and relaxation’, hence it became a form of meditation. It is a proven fact that a disciplined Yoga practice leads to the achievement of peace and relaxation, as well as fulfilling the control of body and mind.  Hinduism encompasses several types of Yoga, amongst which is Classical Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga and Hatha Yoga, while in Buddhism, Yoga is known as Jainism and Tantra. Many nowadays will state that Yoga is a form of aerobatic exercise. By practising Yoga, you will build muscle strength, improve body balance and flexibility, reduce body pain, achieve stronger bones and increase blood flow. Yoga helps us to focus and to calm down and relax, increasing our level of of happiness. For the ladies, the great news is that by practising Yoga regularly, you can maintain an amazing body shape! Few studies have concluded that Yoga can help fight cancer. Whether this is correct or not, one thing is certain: practising Yoga correctly does no harm! Rainforest World Music Festival 2018 in Kuching, Sarawak, was complete of Wellness and Lifestyle class as usual. This, the organiser said, was thanks to the positive and overwhelming response they got from the previous year. And like the previous year, Asian Itinerary (Stefano and Cato) once again took part in the Yoga session. At 11am of the first day at RWMF we followed the Power Yoga class introduction by teacher Louise, who is indeed a great Yoga instructor; she had extra yoga mats for those who did not bring theirs, and started off by showing us the poses properly, in a professional manner. Some of the poses, I must admit, were hard for me, but that was partly due to my not exercising regularly, hence my body was not so flexible. That was ok though, as Yoga is all about understanding your body after all. The 45 minute session with Louise and her team were really amazing. She started it with basic step and progressed slowly up to more challenging poses. Louise runs Come Reza Yoga, which Spanish language means Eat ad Pray, both important elements in our lives.  To wrap it up, Rainforest World Music Festival is indeed the perfect and ideal place to get introduced to Yoga. You should always take into consideration the fact that Yoga is one of the oldest traditional form of exercise, one that help shaping body, mind and soul.  For those interested in Yoga class, please note that Come Reza Yoga has a centre in Kuching. Their address is 1st FL., Sublot 1, Survey Lot 3262 Lot 2089, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, 93150 Kuching, Malaysia. For more details can log into their Facebook page https://web.facebook.com/enjoyyogaa/ 

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Are you familiar with beads? Have you ever come across ancient ones? Generally, beads are well-known objects the world over. Some of them are believe to have existed for over 100,000 years! They are usually employed as small decorative objects and come in variety types of shapes, sizes and colour. Beads can be made up of stone, bone, shell, glass, plastic, wood and pearl, and are later collaged together with threads or strings. Despite being previously mostly known as jewellery, beads in modern times are more related to art and craft.    History tells us that the use of beads indicated social status, wealth and power amongst the natives of Borneo. Narrowing it down to the Sarawak area, original beads there were made out of wood, shell, stone, glass, wild boar and leopard teeth and also bones. It can be said that beads in Sarawak are quite unique as they are related with the region several ethnic groups. The ethnic influence played a major part in the pattern and technique of beads making, with each ethnic groups having different patterns and meaning of their beads, commonly used as jewellery and also sawn into traditional clothing. To give you a few examples, beads in Iban communities – Iban is the largest ethnic group in Sarawak – are used in a traditional piece of clothing (Ngepan Iban) called Tango.  A tango is worn on a lady’s shoulder and is an essential part of women traditional dress. Bidayuh ethnic group uses beads as the necklaces, while the Orang Ulu group mostly uses beads in headbands, traditional dresses, hats and accessories such as reed baskets. Most of these beads are worn by natives during Gawai Festival. The yearly Kuching Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is mainly a celebration for culture, and as beads and culture are inseparable, the festival Craft Bazaar showcases a great range of beads made ad used by Sarawak indigenous people. There you can see both beads belonging to the past, and beads used in modern times, sawn onto handbags and modern times clothings. I am a local and I have visited Rainforest World Music Festival craft bazaar every year in the past five years. I admit I really admire the beads made by my own ethnic people. Sure, the variety of beads around the world is quite wide, but Borneo beads design and colours and patters are so unique, you will not be able to find a match anywhere else. Similarities perhaps many, but never exactly the same. In fact, Sarawak takes the beads business quite seriously by organising a Beads Conference: https://greendaun.com/borneo-international-beads-conference-2017/ – This internationally acclaimed Beads Conference has seen many countries participating over the years, and is highly recommended for those who love beads, or want to know more about them. There will also be a special craft bazaar in conjunction with this event, showcasing many traditional and contemporary beaded jewellery on sale. Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is back this year from 12 to 14 July – for tickets and program click HERE. This will be your chance to visit the Craft Bazaar, open daily from 10,30 am to 8,30 pm, and grab some interesting specimen. For Sarawak Tourism Board website and events, click on https://sarawaktourism.com  Unique Sarawak beads are waiting for you!

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Usually when talking about Krabi, Thailand, people refer to Ao Nang as the recommended must-visit destination, together with Krabi Town itself. However, Krabi is a beautiful province with plenty of undiscovered places to visit. Today, let me introduce you to Klong Muang. This is another hidden Krabi gem that is only beautiful, but also tranquil and peaceful, the perfect location for honeymoons, family trips and for those who seek for a luxury break in tranquillity. Facing the Andaman Sea, with stunning views over Koh Hong Island archipelago, this area has two sides: the southern side comprises of wide sand and an area where fishermen anchored their boats, while the northern side is home to an industrial pier. If compared to Ao Nang, the unrivalled and famous tourist area which has already been established for over 20-years, Klong Muang is still a baby that has only developed in recent years. Nevertheless, this doesn’t make it any less attractive. But let me share my experience of Klong Muang attractions which I managed to experience at first hand in recent times. As I mentioned in my previous articles, Thailand, Malaysia’s neighbouring country, is like a second home to me as I have been there for more than 5-times in the past 4 years. Like Ao Nang, Klong Muang is also renowned for its restaurant that not only offer and serve local food but also Western food. The difference is that in Klong Muang, unlike Ao Nang, some of the restaurants are right on the beach itself, presenting scenic views of the Andaman Sea and enjoying the warm breezes that come from the ocean. Trust me, sitting in one of this sea-fronting restaurants during sunset will sweep away all your problems. Not only that: for those who want to experience an Hawaiian atmosphere, this place is highly recommended.  “Eat Bar” is one of the restaurants that I liked most as Jaja, the owner, was so friendly. I nearly forgot: no worries for Muslim travellers as this area also serves halal food. Apart from its restaurants, Klong Muang beach also offers plenty of bars to sit and enjoy an evening with live music. One of those is called “Freedom Bar”. The owner was so friendly and I did really enjoy myself singing there, even though I have to admit I was a bit out of tune. This bar has a snooker table and playing cards to fill up your evenings. For those who bring kids, no worries at all: most beach front locales at Klong Muang beach provide toys, which means you and your kids will not be bored. For those adventurous like me, do not worry, one of the restaurants there, if I’m not my mistaken it’s Saing, have a kayak that you can rent for just 200 Thai Baht for an hour. My advice is, do this activity when the tide is in your favour. I say this because my best friend, Zaphne and I kayaked in the late afternoon, with the high tide, and believe me, it was bad. The waves were rough and our kayak was really wobbling. Klong Muang is as you can guess home to hotels located just steps away from the beach. There are plenty of 4 and 5 star choices like Sheraton, Ritz-Carlton, Klong Muang Sunset Hotel, Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort and more. There are also more affordable hotels and residences. We picked Klong Muang Dream House, owned and managed by one of our Asianitinerary writer Pluto together with friendly Alice and Claudio.  https://klongmuangdreamhouse.com  Another reason for loving Klong Muang is its vicinity to Tup Kaek National Park with its hilled called Hang Nak, the Dragon’s Crest. I will tell you about my trek in another article.  Klong Muang is right by the sea, a 20 minutes drive north of Ao Nang, 30 minutes from Krabi Town and 40 minutes from Krabi International Airport. To get to Klong Muang from the airport, you can either take a taxi, which costs you about 700 Thai Baht per person, or a shared minivan at 200 Thai Baht per person. The ticket counter is just opposite of the arrival entrance, so no worries there. Overall, Klong Muang for me has been just like a miniatures Hawaii. Take a trip there and I can assure you, you won’t regret it. After all, sometimes you just need a few days on the beach…

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The ever popular Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) happening in Kuching, Malaysian Borneo, is not an ordinary festival to the world crowd. Running since the early 90s, this  yearly festival never failed its audience and keeps bringing various talented performers from all over the world. Last year Rainforest World Music Festival, organized at the Sarawak Cultural Village, SCV, gathered a big audience at the performance of Tahitian group O Tahiti E. This amazing team who managed to woo the crowd through their amazing dancing movements was not just an ordinary group but a famous one the world over. Seeing their dance and listening to their music made me move as well. While their appearance reminded me of Moana, the Disney movie, they were for real, and every workshop they joined was a great success too. Same I can say for most of the groups invited year after year at this amazing gathering. This year, Rainforest World Music Festival is expected to bring 27 performers, among them Danai Kuwai (Sarawak), Dona Onete (Brazil), Elisouma (Comoros Islands), Kevin Locke (USA), Votosi (Poland) and many more, as well as the extraordinary and interesting combination of Sarawakian music in local band At Adau. For a complete list of performers, click HERE. But it does not stop at the music. In line with FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia, Rainforest World Music Festival does not miss the chance to display Russian culture through the performance of a Oyme, a group from the Republic of Mordovia, part of the Russian Federation. And if music is not your cup of tea, please do not retreat: Rainforest World Music Festival also provides its cheerful public with other activities such as Wellness and Lifestyle: Yoga and Zumba classes, Sape sessions, Sampeh stories, Children’s sessions, Rainforest Crafts Bazaar, Food and Village Mart and also mini sessions known as workshops. Don’t miss out a chance to join us at Rainforest World Music Festival this year.Tickets can be booked and buy online through http://rwmf.net/tickets/ or https://www.facebook.com/rwmf.official/. My advice, book early for affordable prices. See you there, and enjoy the festival.

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I have just returned from Phuket, yes, the popular destination in Thailand! Nothing new then, you may think. But this time I did not travel there by plane or bus: I joined Star Cruise Libra, a luxury cruise ships from Penang. Before I go any further, let me briefly share with you my experience to Thailand so far, a country also famous for its… elephants! In the past three years I have been to Thailand four times. In 2014 I traveled to Thailand by road twice from Penang, passing Danok and visiting Hat Yai and Krabi. Then, a few months ago, I went to Phuket by plane with my good friend Ah Wen. I love Thailand, not only because it is a valuable neighbour to my home country Malaysia, but also because I love its food, its attractions and its culture. Going to Thailand again and again is amazing as this country is blessed with beautiful nature, surroundings, food and culture. My recent visit to Thailand, a few months ago, was slightly different as this time I went with one of the biggest and best-known travel cruise companies in the world. This is what made my fourth trip to Thailand special. I had never been on a cruise before. Also, I remember seeing Star Cruise Libra ship near Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang Port, back when I was in Penang, and my dream was to one day join one of their cruises. Finally, my dream has become true, and I feel totally blessed! What about Star Cruise?  Star Cruise is the biggest ship operator in Malaysia, with ships that function as a hotel and offer a wide range of services that entertain you along the journey. SuperStar Libra was build in 1988 in Finland and was owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line as Seaward as Seaward. In 2005, Star Cruise company took over this ship and named it SuperStar Libra.  As SuperStar libra, this ship has sailed to several places namely the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Guatemalan gulf before ending in the East. In Asia, this ship deployed to Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Japan and Singapore before berthing and serve in Malaysia. The ship tonnage is 42,275 GT, length 216 meter and beam 28 meter. SuperStar Libra can accommodate up to 1500 passengers and has 740 cabins with 6 types of room: Executive Suite, Junior Suite, Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom, Oceanview Stateroom, Oceanview Stateroom with Porthole and Inside Stateroom. SuperStar Libra facilities include 8 bars and restaurants, outdoor swimming pool with jacuzzi, a golf driving range, basketball court, fitness centre, karaoke lounge, show lounge with entertainment and duty free shops. PACKAGES Packages include a 1 night high seas cruise and a 3 nights cruise to Krabi and Phuket, Thailand, or vice-versa For info and bookings visit http://www.starcruisepackagesmalaysia.com/ – http://www.starcruise.org/sslibra.htm Prices depend on season and promotions. Here are some tips for those interested in booking a SuperStar Libra cruise to Thailand: 1. Queuing start from 12.30 pm at the registration counter 2. Don’t forget your passport 3. Make sure you book your Thailand tours in Phuket or Krabi early (Krabi Guide is one of your best choice, contact them online ), and to rent a bike once there to move in complete freedom. 4. Your room card will be like a credit card: once aboard the ship, just swipe the card and pay before you leave the cruise. SCHEDULE Day One-Sunday: -Check in at Star Cruise 12.30pm -Sailing between Penang and Phuket Day Two-Monday -Afternoon arrival at Phuket Jetty -Sightseeing in Phuket until midnight Day Three-Tuesday -Arrive at Krabi around 8.00am -Sightseeing in Krabi -Must be back at ship before sunset. -Gala Dinner with Ship Captain Day Four-Wednesday -Arrive at Penang around noon MY EXPERIENCE I was totally happy to be onboard SuperStar Libra and in my opinion, taking a Star Cruise is one of best option. I fully enjoyed my overwhelming stay, the facilities, the food and the karaoke bar (I was singing there for 3 night non-stop). The staff is friendly, and don’t be surprised if they address you as Madam or Sir. The sightseeing was awesome too and I’m lucky that I has a chance to meet my friend Pluto, also a writer for Asian Itinerary. I have made sure I visited all the facilities including the casinos, the gym, the show area, bar and even buy some souvenir for your memory before I left the ship. Overall, I hope to hop on another cruise in the future since I enjoyed the idea on being inside this big ship. It made me feel like being on the Titanic, and I did not miss posing like Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio, capturing those moments with a photograph.

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The 20th Rainforest World Music Festival, which started July 14, successfully brought several people of different background, culture, language, religion and tradition together with the aim to make them enjoy and help them stir towards the preservation of nature and environment. In fact, according to the festival organizers, nature is the main root and music starts from nature. Who better to represent nature than At Adau. At Adau is a local group from Sarawak, one of the performers at Rainforest World Music Festival, whom I had the fortune to interview after the Press Conference held at the Media Centre of Damai Beach Resort. Representative Meldrick Udos told me: “We really appreciate the jungle. As boys, jungle was our playground, we played hide and seek in it. It is for this reason we came to appreciate it so much”. In tribal Bidayuh ethnic language, ‘At’ means ‘root’, while in Orang Ulu ethnic language, ‘Adau’ is an old tree used to make the Sape instrument. At Adau simply means the ‘Root of the Adau tree’. Meldrick told me the name was chosen because of their love to nature, and as a symbol to tell people how much nature helps you to be who you are. The At Adau performing at the Rainforest World Music Festival was a group of 7 young men – the new generation of Sarawak musicians – who define themselves a “experimental world music band”, as they will play a mix of traditional and contemporary music. At Adau was put together in Sarawak in 2014, and their main music instrument will be, guess, the famous Sape, which is real music coming from nature. The Sape can only be found in Sarawak and its music is played for healing the body and soothing the mind. For a taste of their tribal music, listen to their studio album entitled ‘Journey’. At Adau presented an amazing performance where the Sape sounds mixed well with other ethnic instruments from tribes like the Iban, the Bidayuh and the Orang Ulu. It was especially for this festival in the land of the hornbill that they created a happy atmosphere that reflects the bond Sarawak people have with nature. Their experimental songs was driven by ancient tunes played with Sape and Perutong, and mixed with contemporary rhythms played by tribal drums, electric and bass guitar as well as an interesting mix of traditional instruments from other parts of the world. Members of the audience described their music as healing and rejuvinating. At Adau has managed to use the power of roots music to overcome cultural, gender, age, language and ideological barriers, and to represent and reflect feelings of peace, serenity and appreciation for people from all over the world and for nature, the leitmotiv at the Rainforest World Music Festival. We thank At Adau for these amazing feelings. Check them out at http://www.atadau.com/about.html Listen to their music here: http://www.atadau.com/ourmusic.html Or follow them on fb: https://www.facebook.com/loveatadau

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The 20th Edition of Rainforest World Music Festival has had an amazing crowd compared to the year before. According to Sarawak Tourism Board, STB Chairman, Datuk Haji Abdul Wahab Aziz, talking at the press conference on 15 July at Sarawak Cultural Village, this was proven through the pre-sale tickets that recorded an 8% increase (or 1440 visitors) from the 18, 000 tickets sold in 2016. This increment in tickets sold, he added, is without taking into account the festival gate sales, which were very encouraging. This thanks to the actions and initiatives promoting Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Australia, which resulted in great attendance. Datuk Haji Abdul Wahab Aziz reckons these are not the only reason for this year’s success: – The new Wellness Programme compromising meditation, workouts, martial arts, Zumba and yoga were well received by visitors. – Booking service for taxis, private cars or motorbikes Grab first time partnership with the festival provided a unique experience to participants as there was great discount promo codes. Rainforest World Music Festival proved to be able to achieve its objective of taking Borneo Music to the world, and to make it a well-accepted music genre for our younger generation for the preservation of their culture. “Our objective is to promote Sarawak as the region’s premier destination which emphasizes on performing arts and the preservation of culture. It is also to deliver a world-class event that generates generous revenue and profit for the local businesses, communities, sponsors and individuals, from Sarawak and beyond.” This can be seen through the performances of young local talents like Alena Murang and At Adau. It was this beautiful crowd and the general enthusiasm that drove driven the Sarawak Tourism Board, STB to look forward to next year festival that will take place on July 13 to 15 (2018). Thumbs up to Rainforest World Music Festival!

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Their music has been described as “heavenly music that allows one to see the mountains and hear the breeze”. The Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe was formed at the Taiwu Elementary School in Taiwu Township of Pingtung County, Taiwan, situated near the sacred North Dawu Mountain. Their leader, Camake Valaule, began documenting ancient songs of the region that had previously only been handed down orally. This amazing tribe from Taiwan, inhabiting an ancient and sacred area of Taiwan, was voted as “Amazing Voice” by the Japanese NHK Network Programme, and not without reasons. I was lucky to participate once again to the Rainforest World Music Festival, which in its agenda showcases unique cultural and traditional music from all around the world. And this year, Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe was on the line up of performers thanks to a cooperation with the Taiwan Tourism Board. I was lucky enough, after the second day press conference at the festival, to manage to stop their leader, 38 years old Camake Valaule, who allowed me a few words. Camake is the teacher of Taiwu Elementary School in Taiwu Township, Pingtung, and he is a real indegenous people of Taiwan. As a member of the Paiwan tribe, he told me that a lot is expected from him. Apart from teaching physical education, he is in charge of teaching a   wide range of subject to local students such as Mathematic, Science, Chinese language, environment and history. Camake has a real passion in keeping his traditional culture alive, and this is reflected in the way he teaches it in the school, as he firmly believes the local children of Taiwan should get to know their culture better. He tells me that one of the unique things about the Paiwan tribe is that “each of the ballads is tightly related with the tribe and to familys’ history. Even love songs and chants used during ceremonies follow strict rules. Singing ballads is a way to let the children learn about themselves”. During his teaching times, he has started to form a group that plays and sings traditional music; members are children and kids from his tribe with an age range that spans from 5 to 28 years old. At the beginning of this project he has little expectations, but as the years passed their performances began to become well known to the people of Taiwan and not only. Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe has been performing for over 16 years and they have so far recorded two albums, and even winning some Taiwan Award. And as I talked to Camake through the help of his translator, Pei-Ti Huang, I realized the Paiwan people are not only amazing with their traditional culture and costumes, but are also very similar to the Dayak of Sarawak. Among the similarities are the beads, the woven clothes and also the patterns. Being a local, I believe that studying Asian tribes’ similarities is paramount to get to know our background and to realize that we are all related, from a time when Asia was a big lump of land, long before Taiwan became an island. In fact, Camake told me that his government, the Taiwan Aboriginal Government, has already sent representatives to Sarawak to study these similarities. Impressive. So in the end, what Japanese NHK Network said was true: the amazing voices of Paiwan’s Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe are amazing indeed. Check out their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TaiwuAncientBalladsTroupe/?ref=ts&fref=ts

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