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 We continued our river walk towards the waterfall We were told that there were several waterfalls in and around Batang Ai area. Our campsite was actually half way to one of them. The stream that ran close to our campsite has been exceptionally low for the past few weeks according to our Iban guides. The morning of our second day in the jungle, we were all pumped up to continue walking to get to the waterfall.  My second trip to the longhouses of Batang Ai, this time to experience its jungle I was introduced to a local Bidayuh guide Danney Tan from Kuching somewhat early this year. A few months later, we hatched the idea of going camping with the Ibans from the longhouses of Batang Ai. Yes, I have visited the longhouses of Batang Ai before but I knew I had to go back there to see myself the bushcraft traditions of this famous tribe of Borneo. Continue reading A jungle camping trip with the Ibans of Batang Ai, Sarawak- Part I  Our fur-kid Sox enjoying his visit to the Orang Asal village Recently, our nature guide friend Mr John Chan invited us to join him and some close friends to the village of Chuweh in Temenggor. A village of Orang Asal Jahai, this was my second visit to the island. Having been there before, we explored the possibility of having Sox on the trip. John made a few calls to the Jahais and after a few days of deliberation, they said yes. So…it was a weekend away with our fur-kid Sox to Temenggor, staying in bamboo huts and swimming in the lake. This is my second visit to Chuweh.  The engine and the name of the loang boat we were on A ride in a narrow Iban long boat on the Batang Ai is really something. I guess our group was luck (in a way) as the lake was choppy when we pushed off from the jetty. The boatman reassured us that it is only choppy half the way (which is true) as the open lake is prone to strong winds at time.  A view from the jetty at Batang Ai, Sarawak I was in Kuching after a second visit to Semban village when a few of us decided perhaps to squeeze in a short visit to a authentic Iban Long house in Batang Ai, Sarawak. I have heard about long houses but this would be my first time visiting one. Our guide guranteed us this is an authentic long house, as authentic as one will ever find. “Okay…wow me I told the guide”. Nothing like Anna Rais longhouse it seems. Continue reading A visit to traditional Iban long house at Batang Ai, Sarawak; Part I- The journey  Everyone was wondering if the railway support beams would hold!- Pic by Meun A few hours on the train with a few stops along the way, the train from Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok finally halted at (literally) the end of the track, where the Sai Yok Noi waterfall is located. Between the River Kwai bridge and the waterfall, we had some pretty awesome experience which included a close shave with a rock surface and climb up a steep railway track that seems to see no end. Continue reading Sai Yok Noi waterfall, Thailand; Conclusion  Day 2 is kayaking/ paddling day! All is go on second day kayaking on Sungai Perak. After breakfast, there is this busy silence of prepping kayaks & canoe, donning gear and packing on supplies going on. We plan to paddle towards Tasik Raban, Chenderoh and its surrounding areas. Within half an hour after breakfast, we were all in our boats, ready to kayak away! Continue reading Paddling along Sungai Perak and beyond! Part II  The first river crossing to Chilling falls There were rumors about another waterfall not far from Chilling waterfall. Not one but several waterfalls actually. My friend Jan suggested that we try to track down one of the waterfalls. Early one Saturday morning, Jan, Meun and I made our way there.  Lunch break at Kampung Bojong waterfall Here’s the thing, according to local guides, there are about 13 waterfalls in Semban and its surrounding areas. During this trip, we manage to visit 3 waterfalls (waterfall Bojong-Pain, waterfall Susukng and waterfall Petn). With 10 more elusive waterfalls in the area, I reckon my waterfall addict friend Jan already have Semban penned out on his to do list.  Part of the trail leading up to Semban village- Pic by Meun The walk up to Semban village, while painfully slow and tiring for me personally is nevertheless one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences. The trail is a mixture of good jungle, adventure and man’s ability to co-exist with the world around him. |
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