Kapit

Sarawak

Malaysia

January 20, 2013 

I rode the express boat up the Rajang River from Sibu to Kapit, took a quick lunch of chicken and rice, and along with the driver, traveled up into the mountains for my stay in a traditional longhouse.

The scenery is lush but the longhouse was a bit “primitive” even for me, and it was pouring rain.  So after a polite visit we drove back to Kapit (pop 14,000) to a small but clean hotel. 

The next day we made a tour of the surrounding areas of town.  Of course, the local market is always entertaining. 

The driver mentioned that there are only two main roads here and neither of them goes to Sibu.   The only connection is along the river. 

After two days in Kapit, I traveled back to Sibu (pop 255,000) and my room, overlooking the river, in the new wing the four-star Kingwood Hotel. 

I must admit that as I get a bit older, I am also seeking a bit more comfort in my travels.  

Good thing they accept MasterCard here in Borneo!

Sibu

Sarawak

Malaysia

January 19, 2013 

Sibu is my favorite city in Sarawak (pop 255,000).

When I arrived I had lunch in the hotel dining room and had the best meal so far. 

I enjoyed a leisurely stroll down the Esplanade along the Rajang River. 

The Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple invites my camera. 

The city is a mixture of old shop houses and modern buildings. 

At the end of the day, there’s always the Night Market - colorful, busy, and a bit exotic. 

For dinner, pig head anyone?  Chicken head?  Anyone? 

I chose the Halal chicken curry.

Kuching to Sibu

Sarawak

Malaysia

January 18, 2013 

 “A flying coffin.” The editor of my guidebook takes macabre delight in using that expression from time to time.

 Undaunted, I spend most of the five hour ride from Kuching to Sibu on the outer deck of the small ferry boat. 

Down the Sarawak River - some colorful spots.  East across the South China Sea … well … it’s The Sea.  Up the brown-yellow Rajang River – the shorelines are mostly jungle green.  

The cloud formations … that’s what caught my eye. 

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