Borneo is mainly popular among tourists because of its breathtaking natural beauty. From pristine beaches and lush rainforests to the most exotic wildlife, this Asian island has it all. This island is a haven for all nature lovers and has long been on their bucket list. But what many people don’t know is that the festival season in Borneo is also something that you must not miss out on. This is the best time to get an insight into the unique culture of the island.  If you love exploring new cultures but aren’t aware of the cultural calendar of Borneo, you are truly in for a surprise. The festival season in Borneo turns every town, city, and village on the island into a remarkable display of culture with glorious music, dance, and endless traditions. So, if you want to experience the true soul of Borneo, make sure to plan your holiday during the festival season. Here is everything you must know about this vibrant time on the island.  Is Borneo’s Festival Season Worth Experiencing? If you need a straightforward answer to this question, it can only be one thing: “Yes, Borneo’s festival season is surely worth experiencing”. This season is a window to the cultural soul of the island, where indigenous, Malay, and Chinese heritage combine. There can only be something exciting coming out of a combination of various rich cultures, and you will never regret experiencing it.  From celebrating history to modern entertainment, the festivals on the island are diverse and unforgettable. One day, you will get a chance to be part of centuries-old harvest celebrations, and the next day, you will be participating in modern art and jazz festivals. There is no better way to bring the communities together than these vibrant festivals.  During the festival in Borneo, you will get a chance to engage with the local traditions, see the region’s hospitality, and treat yourself to the diverse cuisine. The combination of ancient festivals and modern celebrations is unparalleled and will give you some of the most unforgettable memories of your life.  Best Time to Visit Borneo For Culture and Festivals You might know Borneo is a year-round destination. The nature that the island is known for is in its prime all year round, attracting tourists from around the world. However, the best time to visit Borneo for its culture and festivals is from May to August. Many of the popular festivals on the island take place during this time, and being a part of them will truly satisfy the culture geek in you.  Festivals like the major harvest festivals of the island and the Rainforest World Music Festival happen during this time. These festivals promise an unforgettable cultural experience. If this is what you want, plan your Borneo holiday sometime between May and August.  Top Festivals in Borneo Some of the top festivals in Borneo, along with their hosting dates, are listed below.  Gawai Dayak (June – Sarawak, Malaysia) This is the grand harvest celebrated by the Dayak people in June. During this festival, numerous traditional dances, music played on gongs, rice wine, and elaborate feasts showcase the local community’s hospitality and spirit. You will get a chance to experience the true Dayak lifestyle and hospitality if you visit one of the longhouses that open their doors to tourists during this festival.  Kaamatan Festival (May – Sabah, Malaysia) The Kaamatan Festival is another harvest festival, but it honours the Kadazan-Dusun people’s agricultural traditions. During this festival, numerous singing and sports competitions are held, in which communities participate and enjoy. Additionally, the Unduk Ngadau beauty queen is announced during this festival, which symbolises sacrifice and beauty, and is a prominent part of local culture.  Rainforest World Music Festival (July – Kuching, Sarawak) This music festival is now unknown to music lovers. During this festival, musicians from around the globe gather in the middle of Borneo’s lush rainforest. This is the festival when international music, indigenous tunes, rhythms, and cultural workshops come alive in the lush landscapes of the island. There are only a few festivals in the world as diverse, unique, and immersive as this one.  Chinese New Year (January/February – Across Borneo) As Chinese heritage also influences Borneo, the Chinese New Year here is truly unmatched and is celebrated throughout the entire island. From dragon dances and lantern festivals to firecrackers and lively colours all across the streets, the region is brighter than ever with countless celebrations during this time.  Hari Raya Aidilfitri (dates vary – Across Borneo) Borneo is also home to a significant Muslim community, and they celebrate this festival at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims also open their homes to tourists in the spirit of unity and forgiveness. They serve delicious feasts to all the visitors during this time.  Summing Up Festival season in Borneo is an absolute treat for culture lovers. This season is the invitation by the locals for the tourists to come and experience their rich heritage. Therefore, cultural travellers who want to go beyond the glorious beaches and lush rainforests of Borneo would love to visit the island during the festival season. If you are passionate about sharing cultural journeys, you can also write for us and contribute your travel stories. Before you decide on a time to visit the island. Make sure that you have an idea of the festivals that you want to be a part of during your time on the island. Only then will you be able to visit Borneo at the perfect time.

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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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Sape’ Songstress Alena Murang has released ‘Pemung Jae (Trio Version)’ in conjunction with Earth Day. Pemung Jae is a song in indigenous Kenyah language about being together with true friends under the moonlight, by the river, the river that gives us so much life. Alena Murang’s songs are thoroughly intentional, drawing from the Kelabit stories of her community. “We are known as Orang Ulu people, because we come from the ulu sungai, or headwaters, in my case, ulu Sungai Baram. Rivers are so important for us not just for resources and connectivity but also as part of our identity. Even when we meet other Orang Ulu people, we will oftentime identify ourselves by the names of our rivers”, says Alena. For release on 22 April 2024 Originally released in 2016, as part of her debut EP ‘Flight’, Alena decided to produce a new arrangement of this folk song. On the release of the trio version, Alena shares “This is a song that I’ve been playing for over 20 years. And I feel that it has grown with me. This Trio version has been developed over the past two years, with the female musicians in my band, Simmy on keyboard and Yi Mann on Guzheng.” The trio first performed this song when they were on tour in Taiwan, as one of the universities requested for a trio set up. They have since maintained this harmonious trio resonance for different performances in Malaysia and Canada. Additionally, the lyric video, now available on Alena Murang’s YouTube page, showcases home footage capturing the beauty of her kampung river in Long Peluan, filmed by Alena herself. Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/KFY1fUGgb_o and stream the song on all major digital platforms. Listen to Pemung Jae (Trio Version): https://bfan.link/pemung-jae For more updates on Alena Murang, please follow these social media platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alenamurang/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alenamurang YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlenaMurang Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7fxEcgl9ozJhSXTQf0Y9vq Alena Murang Telegram Channel: https://t.me/+y9rR5Oi_X9c2NzJl WEBSITE: www.alenamurang.com 

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Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, lies the charming town of Lawas. Tucked away in the northernmost tip of the state, Lawas may be small in size, but it boasts a wealth of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and adventure waiting to be explored. One of the most intriguing aspects of Lawas is its rich cultural tapestry. Home to various indigenous communities such as the Lun Bawang, Kelabit, and Lundayeh, the town offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the traditions and way of life of these vibrant ethnic groups. Visitors can witness traditional dances, sample authentic local cuisine, and even participate in homestays to gain a deeper understanding of the local customs and practices. For nature enthusiasts, Lawas is a paradise waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by pristine rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers, the town offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Hiking trails wind through dense jungles, leading to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden gems off the beaten path. One such highlight is Bukit Kuda, a scenic hill that offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, perfect for sunrise or sunset photography sessions. The rivers of Lawas are also a playground for adventure seekers. Kayaking and rafting expeditions allow visitors to navigate through winding waterways, passing by lush vegetation and spotting wildlife along the banks. Fishing enthusiasts will also find ample opportunities to cast their lines in the hope of landing a prized catch, with the rivers teeming with various freshwater species. History buffs will find plenty to explore in Lawas as well. The town is home to several historical sites and landmarks that offer a glimpse into its colonial past. The Lawas District Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits detailing the region’s history, from its early settlement to its role in the Brooke administration. Meanwhile, remnants of old forts and trading posts dot the landscape, serving as a reminder of Lawas’s importance as a trading hub in centuries past. Despite its relatively secluded location, Lawas is easily accessible by road and air. The Lawas Airport provides regular flights to major cities in Malaysia, making it convenient for travellers to reach this hidden gem. Additionally, the town is well-connected by road, with scenic drives offering stunning views of the countryside along the way. Lawas may be a small town, but it packs a big punch when it comes to offering memorable experiences for travellers. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors, immersing yourself in local culture, or simply unwinding amidst serene natural beauty, Lawas has something to offer for everyone. So why not venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden charms of Lawas on your next trip to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo?

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The Lun Bawang community in Sarawak is looking forward to the annual Irau Aco Lun Bawang (Lun Bawang Festival) to be held from 30 May until 1 June 2023 in Lawas, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia. The festival, a celebration of Lun Bawang’s rich culture and heritage through displays of traditional music, performances, exhibitions and community sports, is organized yearly by the Lun Bawang Association of Sarawak since 1988. “Irau Aco Lun Bawang is the most sought after event by the Lun Bawang community in Sarawak and also across the region where our fellow natives are situated including in Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia. With the rounding success from last year’s event, we are bringing the festival to a bigger venue at Lawas Stadium so all activities are concentrated in one place. It will also allow participants and visitors to fully enjoy and experience the festival,” said Dolphina Balang, President, Lun Bawang Association of Sarawak. The 3 days festival will be a display of various cultural programs and sporting activities which will see at least 3,000 participants involved including the opening ceremony, cultural nights, arts and cultural exhibitions. To promote unity amongst community, modern sports are held including football, volleyball and badminton while community sports like tug of war and blowpipe for men and women are included to add variety. This year, a fun run with a cultural theme will be added into the program to kick off the festival. Dolphina added, “The planning has begun earlier this year and the Association believes the organizing of this year’s festival will continue its success and even better. The festival hopes to also boost economic opportunities for the locals whilst discovering Lawas unique tourism offerings.” For the year 2024, Irau Aco Lun Bawang is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Limbang Resident Office, Lawas District Office and the Limbang Tourism Task Force Group which has been the driving force of the festival’s success over the years. The 37th edition will carry the theme ‘Culture Inspires Unity’ and the Association has also named Mr Jude Benjamin Lisa as the organizing chairman for the third consecutive year. Jude said, “The success of Irau Aco Lun Bawang relies a lot on sponsorship as being a self funded program. We invite corporate partners to participate and leverage this as part of their community engagement. Aside from arts and culture, brand activation can also be explored through other aspects like sports, women and youth. As we aim to be inclusive for all to celebrate, it will be a synonymous branding exercise especially catered for the northern region of Sarawak.” Kicking off the 2024 festival, the search for Ruran Ulung and Padan Liu Burung competition for Lun Bawang’s beauty pageant for the ladies and warrior contest for the men, has opened its registration which offers total cash prizes worth RM20,000. Enrollment to participate is open to Lun Bawang descent across Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia with registration closing by 30 April 2024. click here For more information and highlights, follow Irau Acu Lun Bawang on Facebook and Instagram. For sponsorship and partnership inquiry, contact Jude Benjamin Lisa at 017 877 3871. READ ABOUT PREVIOUS LUN BAWAN HERE

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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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In line with Hyatt’s World of Care objectives, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, committed to advance sustainability actions, joins the global effort to promote sustainable tourism, to ensure the resilience of their destination and local communities. The hotel has been awarded the Silver Certification by GreenRE, Malaysia’s leading green building certification body, for its commitment to green building excellence. Ruben Schrijver, General Manager of Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, says “We, at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, are dedicated to fostering collective efforts towards sustainability by spreading awareness among our staff, guests and business associates. Despite being a young establishment of just seven months, we have the vision to emerge as one of Malaysia’s prominent eco-conscious hospitality providers. We have formulated concrete measures to uphold our hotel’s Environmental Policy and Management Plan, with a focus on a 20% reduction in food waste and the reduction of all single-use plastics.” Energy & Water Conservation Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, the first hotel in Sabah to utilize air-cooled chillers with 300 tonnes of cooling capacity, eliminates the need for condenser pumps and saves up to 35% of energy consumption. It also runs a cutting-edge water condensation programme that recycles condensate water from air conditioning, which is then used in the hotel bamboo gardens, at ON22 restaurant and ON23 rooftop bar. All cooking appliances in the hotel use 100% green electricity, offering fast and sustainable cooking while reducing heat in the kitchen. The hotel employs LED light bulbs for all hotel lighting fixtures and utilizes a card-activation system for energy in guest rooms and suites, integrated with smart lighting and air conditioning features to enhance energy efficiency. Responsible Sourcing Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu prioritizes responsible sourcing of food and beverages and is actively seeking Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications to ensure sustainable seafood procurement. The hotel plans to collaborate with sister hotel, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to work with local farmers to purchase Cage Free Eggs by 2025 as part of Hyatt Global goals. Sustainability is also considered when purchasing cleaning chemicals and detergents, with preference given to EcoVadis-certified products. Refillable drinking water is made available in the hotel through use of water jugs in the meeting rooms and water carafes at ON23. Eco-friendly room amenities with large-format soap and shampoo dispensers further support the hotel’s aim to eliminate plastic waste. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu has also implemented an environmental data tracking system, EcoTrack, to monitor the recycling of reusable materials like paper, carton boxes, glass, and metal. Raising awareness of the environment This first Hyatt Centric-branded hotel in Southeast Asia is committed to raising awareness about the environment and taking steps to protect it. They minimize pollution and support biodiversity through various measures. Wastewater is treated before being discharged, and they strictly prohibit any trade or promotion of illegal wildlife products. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu ensures that all staff members are aware of sustainability priorities through training during orientations. The hotel’s World of Care Committee leads initiatives and identifies best sustainability practices, to inform business partners about their latest environmental practices. In collaboration with local organizations like Arm of Hope Sabah, the hotel supports the community through projects such as food donations and cleaning services. They also work with partners like Happy Plastics and CarlsBot for recycling and upcycling initiatives. Currently, the hotel team is partnering with Jireh Home for the RiseHy initiative, a Hyatt global program that provides underprivileged youth with an opportunity to undergo job training and gain employment skills at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu. For people, profit, and planet For transparency, regular measuring and reporting tools using Hyatt EcoTrack is important in monitoring environmental performance which allows the group and hotel to pursue reputable certifications. General Manager Ruben Schrijver continues, “Embracing sustainability isn’t just an option, it’s our collective responsibility. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu is fully dedicated to leading the charge in caring for the planet, people, and responsible business. Let’s monitor, improve, and make a strategic environmental impact together”.

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Fairy tale times, or perhaps time for a fairy tale. Yes, because walking here and there among the stands at the Rainforest World Music Festival in the Malaysian Borneo, at the concerts and meetings with the most varied and fascinating people, there is always a story to hear, a life story that ignites your imagination or unleashes a river of emotions. Real life stories or legends, or real facts that have been handed down for generations. Fairy tales in the truest sense of the term: those short narrations in which both men and animals, plants or other inanimate beings can be the protagonists. These are generally symbols or representations of typically human aspects of life that have the purpose to make a moral truth easily understood. I leave the moral truth hidden in the story that follows to those who want to get to the bottom of it. I limit myself to relating it as it has been told to me, hoping that in defining it a ‘fairy tale’ I do not enrage the various Aesops, Phaedrus, La Fontaine, Trilussa and all those ‘real’ writers whose fairy tales we have listened to since we were children, and with whom we grew up. “Domine non sum dignus”… I’m just a little short of a storyteller. Still, fairy tales they are, tales where animals perhaps play a fundamental role but where the real protagonist is always the ‘orang’: the person. Fiona is an artist from the Melanau tribe. We meet her at the ‘Borneo Boat Lute Revival’, an interactive exhibition aimed at keeping alive in the new generations, and at making foreigners familiar with the art of the various forms of the Malaysian lute. Instinctively nice and sociable, Fiona is eager to talk, and to tell: “My family and I cannot eat deer meat”. This is apparently because of an agreement, a kind of contract signed hundreds of years earlier between an ancestor of hers and… a deer of course. Nothing in writing, of course, much less a notarial stipulation but, not for this reason, a less binding and significant agreement. She learned this story the hard way when, at the age of nine, after accidentally eating venison, she developed a severe rash. Although Fiona is a young woman, I imagine that perhaps when she was a child there were no specialist doctors nearby to consult. So it was that an aunt, one of her father’s sisters, suggested a cure to follow: she had to take fragments of deer antlers, but without killing the animal. She had to collect the splinters that fell when the deer ‘sharpened’ the antlers on the trees, mix them with essences, burn them and get her body ‘smoked’ for three consecutive nights. Naturally Fiona recovered. Sure, we could easily dismiss the incident as a banal allergy to deer meat. But here we are not in a dreamless and cold American metropolis; we are in Sarawak, where there is still room for fairy tales and legends. At the time, Fiona asked her grandmother about an explanation, and she told her a tale: one of her ancestor, a hunter, had been seriously injured in a leg while in the forest. The wound was slow to heal and the leg continued to lose blood; it almost seemed there was no way out and that the fate of the unfortunate hunter was to bleed to death. But some benevolent spirit had decided otherwise. A deer had arrived and had licked his wound until it healed completely, and the man was saved. The hunter, grateful to the animal, entered into a pact on the basis of which there should be no bloodshed between future generations of men and deers, binding the descendants of the man to the pact that they should never again eat the meat of the descendants of the deer. Fiona gladly accepted the explanation but a doubt remained: why had one of her brothers who lived in Kuala Lumpur eaten venison several times without suffering any consequences? But of course… the deal was with the Sarawak deers, not with those of Peninsular Malaysia. Fiona laughed at this explanation and pointed out that “something is not right”. Despite life’s injustices, to my question: “Did you ever think of going to eat venison in Kuala Lumpur with your brother?”, Fiona replied that she was so traumatised by that experience that she would never eat venison again anywhere in the world. Fairy tales almost always have a happy ending, and during our trips in Kuching and Miri we had the opportunity to listen to a few of them. They tell us about women in a type of society where they may find it difficult to emerge, but when they do emerge they are always almost disruptive personalities. Women who express a solid characters that has its own affirmation as its goal, while not turning its back on its religion, its traditions and the rules of the community. Women who perhaps try to get where they want with the help of some innocent subterfuge, but proving in the end that they were right thanks to their merits, in a world where no one gives you pink quotas.

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The Gambus Melayu is a lute-like stringed instrument found in Central and South Sumatra, Indonesia. It can be played alone to accompany singing, or in instrumental ensembles to accompany dances in Muslim homes and community celebrations. It brings a strong association with Muslim identity to the Malay world. – (Prof. Roger R. Vetter – Javanese music scholar). The fairy tale Once upon a time, there was a 14 years old Sabah girl who used to watch her grandfather play the gambus. She was so attracted by that sound that the more she listened to it, the more curiosity and the desire to cuddle that wooden object and to try to extract sounds from it grew in her. But her grandfather was jealous of his instrument and he didn’t even allow her to touch it. Moreover, she was a girl, and no female had ever played an instrument in Sabah before. It was not going to happen with his gambus. Mind you, that stubborn little girl would not resign so easily, and when her grandfather eventually abandoned himself to his well-deserved sleep, she secretly got hold of the instrument. She then went into a nearby forest and tried to pull notes and harmonies out of the strings of that piece of wood. It is a smiling Fauziah who tells this story to the audience during one of the workshops held in Kuching as part of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2022. Her veiled face frames a sweet smile, and she does not seem to be seized by any emotion as she abandons herself to memories. She does however manage to convey emotions to those who are listening to her: to her colleagues, who are also part of this all-female workshop, who listen, amused, amazed and incredulous to what almost seems like a fairy tale; to her audience, who listens in silence to this beautiful story, only to give in to an applause when Fauziah stops narrating, caresses her gambus and lets its notes take over; and finally to me, a wanderer in search of good stories to document. Oh, you want to know how her story ends, right? I almost forgot… Night after night, forest after forest, sleeping grandfather after sleeping grandfather, the little girl grew up and her music improved. At some point the girl realized that she was progressing fast and she felt the need to test herself, to compare herself with other musicians or apprentices. Until one fine day the opportunity presented itself in the form of a musical competition but, alas, as was to be expected in a traditionalist region like Sabah, open to males only. What to do?  There had to be a way out. But yes, of course! Easy! Showing up at the competition with a man’s name and dressed in men’s clothes, without the veil and with short hair covered by a male headdress, that would do the trick! And so it was: she registered using a male name, Fauziah, which she still uses today, and that’s how it started. Unfortunately, Murphy is always lurking with his law that falls on you like a judgement, so rest assured that if something can go wrong, it will. And something did go wrong because our girl or, better, our boy, did win the contest but her grandfather was present when the winner was announced. When he recognised his granddaughter and realized the situation, he first cast icy glances at the girl and then, either out of necessity or swollen with pride, he took the stage, publicly announcing that this boy was actually his granddaughter. If Orpheus, with the sound of the lyre, had tamed even Charon, the ferryman of souls, Fauziah, with the sound of her gambus, tamed her grandfather and had the green light to start a brilliant career, one that crowned her for several years as the only woman capable of playing the gambus in Sabah. Fauziah at the RWMF All this, as previously mentioned, was told by Fauziah in a confident English during a workshop before an almost enraptured audience.  “So what. What’s so peculiar about it?”, you may say. Nothing, except that Fauziah had been learning English for less than a year, encouraged by a friend who had stressed the importance of speaking Shakespeare’s language when she found herself on a stage. Stubborn to the end, this little girl who is now 34 years old and she is no longer a girl. Far from it: Fauziah is a beautiful woman, and the blue veil she wears and which has long since ceased to cover, with timeless prohibitions, the prejudices and artistic skills of the women of Borneo, acts as a frame to a pretty face illuminated by a beautiful smile that, when it shows, it enchants people. Fauziah Binti Suhaili, who naturally chose Fauziah Gambus as her stage name, was born on November 6, 1988, and after her first competition she started a fairly intense artistic path that saw her from graduating in Musical Arts at the Academy of Arts, Culture and National Heritage, to then continuing with her career as a singer, musician, composer and lyricist and, more recently, to a song taken from her second album which was shortlisted among the top five songs for the Best Ethnic Pop category at the 21st Music Industry Awards (AIM21). Fully aware that the local music is generally not followed by young people, Fauziah tries to carry on continue upon a musical path that, by applying various fresher and more pleasant elements and rhythms, can make young people more interested in listening to traditional music. All this without renouncing her first love: the gambus. And from the warm welcome she received on the Kuching stage, it is quite clear that the stubborn girl is still winning her challenge. Photos by Guglielmo Zanchi (Pluto)

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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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Hands tell us a lot about the people we meet. In the West, we greet each other with a handshake, and Giorgio Gaber, an Italian singer, composer, actor and playwright, even wrote a song about them: ‘Le mani’.  -“A civilised meeting between polite people who stand up and greet each other, a somewhat anonymous meeting made more human by a cordial handshake”. He then continues ‘singing’ different types of hands, with the subtle irony that has always distinguished this artist. It is a fact: in Europe, when we shake hands in that first meeting, we can get an idea of ​​the person we are facing straight away. Moreover, precisely from that initial handshake, we form a judgment that immediately becomes a verdict, often without appeal, upon the character encountered. Tattoos in Borneo When you leave the national borders and you find yourself wandering in the third largest island in the world, even there you realise that the hands can tell you something about an interlocutor. If this, for example, is an Iban, descendant of the Dayak population and, looking at the back of his hands, you notice some tattoos, well… While times have changed, the wisest decision to make is still to leave, and quickly.  According to tradition, that tattoo called ‘tengulun’ means that the owner of that hand may have taken part in a headhunting expedition against someone belonging to an enemy tribe. This person may have returned home with at least one head detached from the shoulder of some unlucky guy as a souvenir. Ill-fated and unlucky or, at least, very unforeseen, since it would probably have been enough to have a ‘pantang rekung’ tattooed on the throat. This tattoo is well-known to strengthen the skin, making it more resistant to the action of the ‘Parang Ilang’, the local sword, which is preparing to snoop behind your Adam’s apple annoyingly indiscreet. The ‘pantang rekung’ is in fact the second tattoo that Iban boys receive around the time of puberty. Tattoos in modern times Nowadays, in the civilised world, tattoos are considered a fashion, a body decoration, a way to make a memory or a situation eternal, and at least an act of rebellion. Frankly, however, I believe that tattoos are not elements that particularly reflect our culture, so much so that, in the first place, getting tattooed is a relatively recent practice and, secondly, almost always the designs we imprint on our skin are part of other cultures, such as that of the Maori or the Japanese. Far be it from me, of course, to express judgments on anyone who has their skin engraved with any type of design: everyone is free to do what they want with their own bodies. Moreover, here I do not intend to speak of a more or less recent Western fashion. I speak instead of people who have made tattoos a kind of logbook of their existence, imprinting themselves on the body with an indelible testimony of what is called the ‘bejalai’, which means journey, wandering, and the path of one’s life. Things that happen on the third largest island in the world. Sarawakian people We are in the Malaysian Borneo, more precisely in Sarawak, meandering between Kuching‘s Rainforest World Music Festival and Miri‘s Borneo Jazz. And it is precisely in Miri, as part of this latest event, that we ​​stumble upon Ukir Anyam Tattoo & Beauty Studio amongst the spaces dedicated to the various aspects of local life. Local people, modern people, nice people with whom pleasantly exchanging a few words. Someone, like Sylvester, sports his dreadlocks; almost everyone has piercings and everyone, absolutely everyone, has a body covered with tattoos. After exchanging a few words, we realise that their tattoos are not the product of a trend, or perhaps of a passing fashion: they are precise symbols of an ancient culture that they do not intend to give up for any reason. For them, getting a traditional tattoo is a way of keeping Iban art and culture alive, my friend Seth tells me, even if, perhaps, one no longer believes in the magical and ritual meaning of tattooing. Obviously there is nothing magical nor ritual in the current equipment used for tattooing: there are machines surmounted by an ink tank, a cross between a futuristic pen and a kind of printer. Their needles enter the skin at a speed of about fifty penetrations per second, reaching a layer of skin not subject to continuous cell changes. This is done to prevent these from regenerating themselves, hence deteriorating the tattoo in a short time. Tattoos from the past In the past, however, the techniques that were used were slower and more painful, and the tools used were more primitive. It was the time when the Dayak dressed in loincloths and adorned themselves with feathers and beads in everyday life and not only to participate in festivals; when the ‘Parang Ilang‘ was used to cut heads and not as an object to be put on display for sale; and when the bodies were covered with tattoos that were dictated by a form of spirituality, or were intended to tell fundamental moments in the life of the one who wore them.  The tattoos were handmade with two wooden sticks: one of them had one or more bamboo spines called ‘kayok tatok’ at one end, and the other was used to strike the first stick in order to push the needle into the skin. These tattoos were made by artists who, in addition to having skilful hands and knowing how to dose their strength adequately, also consulted the spirits so they would reveal the right design to be chosen. The first tattoo ran parallel to the aforementioned bejalai, so that this was engraved on one’s skin, and it was made when one was considered mature. The transition to adulthood was marked with the ‘bungai terung’, represented by a double spiral that it develops from the center of a black spot, taking the shape...

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Borneo Music Festival Live 2022, featuring Alan Walker of the United Kingdom and DJ Soda of South Korea, will be happening on Sept 9 and 10 at Sarawak Cultural Village.   Supported by Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, the event has been highlighted as the first-of-its-kind outdoor music festival in the state featuring renowned artistes from six countries and uniting different music genres on one platform. Borneo Music Festival Live was actually postponed for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but Sarawak is now coming alive again with the festival staged this year. The line-up With a line-up of well-known international artists, especially DJ Alan Walker from the United Kingdom and DJ Soda from South Korea, large-scale live music events such as this strengthens Sarawak’s position as a prime destination in the region. It also goes to show that Sarawak is an ideal destination for music tourism in Malaysia and the region, whether it’s world music, jazz, country, or popular music. Other personalities at the music festival include DJ Alexis Grace, DJ Ice Cream, DJ Chaca, DJ Myvax, DJ Paul, MC Vibe of Malaysia, Nicole Chen from Singapore, DJ X Factor from the Philippines, DJ Venom C and Moski Love from Indonesia. Malaysian singers who will be performing at the festival are Rynn Lim, Thomas Jack and Priscilla Abby, as well as local music bands like At Adau, Tuku’ Kame’ and Buloh Berkocak. Sarawak top in music festivals organising With other music and arts festivals already staged in the state so far, these events were part of the ministry’s unremitting efforts to promote Sarawak’s diverse tourism offerings in culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals. The events organised so far are Rainforest World Music Festival, Borneo Jazz Festival, Sibu International Dance Festival, Borneo Cultural Festival, Kuching Festival and Tribute to Queen Concert, while upcoming events are Kuching Waterfront Jazz and Miri Country Music Festival. Citing an example of the revival of the state’s tourism industry, the recently concluded Rainforest World Music Festival was an impressive success with 16,000 visitors recorded, exceeding the target of 12,000 visitors, and Borneo Jazz Festival also achieved the target with 3,008 visitors. Besides, the organising company Firmament Event Studio had been leveraging on their regional presence to offer bundled packages with music festival tickets, hotels and flights to draw more foreign visitors to the state, as well as arranging a special Sarawak trip for influencers and the media. About 30 to 40 food stalls will be set up at the music festival as well for attendees to experience the local cuisines of Sarawak. Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore will also support the event by putting up posters in the lead-up to the event. The tickets Tickets can be purchased online at www.excitix.com.my and the two-day pass is divided into two categories, namely general admission and rock zone. Under Phase 1, the tickets open for purchase are each priced at RM450 for general admission and RM750 for rock zone. For Phase 2, once the tickets under Phase 1 have been sold out, each ticket will be sold for RM500 for general admission and RM800 for rock zone. All ticket prices are subject to RM4 processing fee and admission to the festival is strictly for those aged 18 years and above. For updates on the music festival, music enthusiasts can follow their official Facebook and Instagram page under the name Borneo Music Festival Live 2022.

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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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Borneo Jazz (Miri – Sarawak) – The second encounter with music in Borneo could not have started better. The first surprise we got in Miri was to see us hosted in one of the best, if not the best, hotel in the city: the Pullman Miri Waterfront. The room was beautiful and spacious, and overlooking everything there was to overlook at. But that was only the beginning. The real experience, the emotions, the fun and the shows began a few hours later at Coco Cabana. This is less than 4 km from our hotel, the location where Borneo Jazz came to life. Sarawak Tourism Board provided the transfers with an efficient shuttle service.  Minister Press Conference A note of merit must be spent to the the Sarawak Tourism Board, the organiser of this event, as well as of the Rainforest World Music Festival and of other events designed to drive the growth of tourism in the state of Sarawak, in the Malaysian Borneo. I need to highlight their efforts to restart two such demanding events, separated from each other by only 4 days and about 800 km away, after two years of break due to the Covid pandemic. These guys have actually worked miracles and allowed us to experience these two important musical spaces. Thus, after a short press conference held by the Minister of Tourism of Creative Industries and Arts of Sarawak, Honorable Dato Sri Haji Abd Karim Rahman Hamzah, the seventeenth edition of this creative event begun. Traditional Instruments But Borneo Jazz, as announced by the presenter of the initial evening, does not only give space to jazz but also to other musical genres represented by international and local performers. As it often happen in the music sector, Borneo Jazz opens to local traditions and instruments – which easily find space in this type of event. This is evidenced by the permanent exhibition dedicated to the most famous and loved musical instrument in the region: the Sape. This is a kind of lute shaped like a boat (hence the name of the exhibition: Borneo Boat Lute Revival Exhibition). Moreover, in the characteristic setting of the Coco Cabana, overlooking the ocean, and as if looking at sunsets was not enough, Borneo Jazz allows you to immerse yourself in a specific oriental culture. As if the one of a Borneo that is still not sufficiently known in our world, and that certainly deserves some in-depth analysis. Music, fashion, tradition and holistic practices So let’s deepen our knowledge of the Sape, in short workshops in which the instrument is presented to those who are eager to know more, or in sessions were it is applied to yoga. Let’s become acquainted with the world of tribal tattoos, in an environment where they do not represent fashion but a tradition with very specific and distinct meanings according to the various tribes present in Sarawak. And let’s get to know about the local culture, that here is not represented only by the various musical genres, but also by the symbols, customs and food of a people who, while moving towards the future, do so without cutting ties with its past. Because, it’s evident, flowers cannot sprout without roots.  In a nutshell, let’s go to Borneo Jazz and discover this amazing Borneo, which never ceases to amaze me and to make me fall in love with it. For further info, click on https://jazzborneo.com 

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