“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” I’ve heard this saying countless times, but it never resonated more deeply with me than when I found myself standing amidst the raw beauty of Sarawak. Here, life feels preserved in a way that’s becoming increasingly rare—a lush, living testament to the harmony between nature and culture. There comes a point when the shiny allure of malls and crowded city streets fades. Leaving you craving something more primal. More unfiltered, more real. And in Sarawak, I found exactly that.
A Sacred Encounter: Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
My journey began at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. A place that feels as though it exists in a pocket of time where nature reigns supreme. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth—a mix of moss, greenery, and the teeming life of the jungle all around me. Just 30 minutes from Kuching, this sanctuary doesn’t feel like a typical tourist attraction. It feels sacred, a refuge for one of the most magnificent creatures I’ve ever encountered: the orangutan.
Almost like a dream, they appeared right in front of me. Swinging effortlessly through the treetops, the orangutans moved with a grace that defied their power. Their soulful eyes, their expressive faces—they seemed to hold a mirror up to the fragility and beauty of our world. It wasn’t just an encounter with wildlife; it was a poignant reminder of how vital it is to protect these precious creatures and the sanctuaries that safeguard their future. Places like Semenggoh are not just tourist destinations; they are havens of hope.
ADVERTISEMENTS
Stepping into the Past: Rumah Panjang Annah Rais
Visiting Rumah Panjang Annah Rais felt like walking back in time. This Bidayuh longhouse isn’t just a building—it’s a living testament to the strength, history, and resilience of a people whose cultural roots run deep.
I couldn’t help but wonder—what would it feel like to call this place home? To wake up each morning surrounded by a living history. Where every beam of wood, every carved post, whispered the stories of generations long past. Could I, a traveller from far away, ever truly become part of something so deeply rooted in tradition, or would I always be a visitor, a guest observing from the outside? There was a certain beauty in this distance too. A reverence for a way of life that had endured for centuries.
One of the most profound moments was when I entered a room displaying a collection of skulls—remnants of headhunting expeditions from the past. As someone with a vivid imagination, I was struck by the weight of their journey. The strength it must have taken to preserve their culture amidst the relentless march of time.
If there’s one place that every traveller to Sarawak must visit, it’s Rumah Panjang Annah Rais. It offers more than just a glimpse into the past—it provides an immersive, heartfelt connection to the cultural legacy of Sarawak. In this place, history is alive, breathing through every beam, every smile, every welcoming gesture.
Go Back to Nature: Paddling Through Semadang River and Hiking Bako National Park
After delving into Sarawak’s rich history, I craved something that would awaken my body and spirit. That’s how I found myself in a kayak, paddling down the serene waterways of the Semadang River. The cool breeze brushed against my skin as I dipped my paddle into the water, the gentle current guiding me through a living. Breathing canvas of rainforests and towering trees.
ADVERTISEMENTS
There is something almost hypnotic about the rhythm of paddling—the way each stroke slices through the water, how the river reveals one breathtaking scene after another. Yet, despite the river’s tranquil appearance, it was not without its moments of challenge. The current would occasionally pick up, forcing me to brace myself, heart pounding, as I navigated the twists and turns. It was the perfect balance between nature’s unpredictable beauty and its quiet serenity—a reminder that life, like the river, flows with both ease and resistance.
After the peaceful journey down the Semadang River, my thirst for adventure grew, and Bako National Park was the perfect answer. A short 37-kilometre drive from Kuching to Kampung Bako. Followed by a quick boat ride, brought me to a world untouched by time. Stepping onto the shore, the jungle immediately came alive—the rustle of leaves, birds calling from the canopy, and the rich scent of nature all around me. It felt like stepping into another realm.
As I wandered through the trails, I spotted Bako’s most iconic resident, the proboscis monkey. Seeing them in person, their long noses and slow, lazy movements, was amazing. I felt a sense of awe, standing so close to these creatures in their natural home. Besides the monkeys, birds flitted through the trees, and I had to stay alert for snakes hiding beneath the undergrowth. It was definitely a humbling reminder that I was just a visitor in this wild, untamed place.
The Magic of Sarawak River: A Night on the Water
You cannot visit Sarawak without experiencing the famous Sarawak night cruise that takes you around the Sarawak River. It’s a perfect finale to an already unforgettable journey. There’s something undeniably magical about the way the city lights shimmer off the water. I creates a dazzling reflection that dances beneath the darkening sky. The gentle hum of the boat, the cool night air. Peaceful rhythm of the river beneath me were the perfect way to end the day.
Before this journey, I never truly resonated with the phrase “YOLO.” I understood the idea of living life to the fullest, but the concept always felt a bit distant, almost superficial. But Sarawak pushed me beyond my comfort zones, both physically and spiritually. It wasn’t just about the thrilling kayak rides or the awe-inspiring wildlife encounters. It was about being immersed in something so authentic, so real, that it forces you to confront your own boundaries and expand them.
I’ve always told myself that I wanted to live fully so that, one day, I would have stories to share with my grandchildren. This journey, this connection with Sarawak, will be a tale I’ll carry with me forever—a story of nature, culture, adventure, and discovery. It’s safe to say that I’ve found Chapter 1.
