7 sept 2018
For the past 2 weeks, I have been on the move. It has been a very enriching and satisfying experience. The few days in Mulu Park is like a return to my past. Living in Ulu Sembawang in a house surrounded by trees and scrubs and walking on isolated track, sometimes wet and muddy and walking in pitch darkness was not a choice.
The stretch of isolated track about 300 metres to reach my house was quite terrifying and eerie to walk or cycle. Those are my vivid memories that are forever etched in my mind and only my siblings can attest to it. Eventually as I grew older, I was able to put aside the negative thoughts of seeing ghosts or robbers. It took time to overcome the illusion and I learned to manage those self induced fear.
Here I was at the Park, walking all alone on the jungle trail, the sound are similar to the days I lived in Ulu Sembawang. It was just nonstop sound everywhere. They are the noises of insects, birds, frogs, creatures, leaves scrubbing as the wind blow. While walking our footsteps would crushed the twigs and leaves below. They sound are all too familiar. You hear but you couldn't see them at all.
A sudden gust of wind or fallen branches create the sensation someone is running from behind. If you allow your imagination to run wild, sure it will be cold sweat. I am so glad I am I’m harmony with this jungle environment. I am so at ease walking back 3 km from watching the bats exodus and cycling back to Mulu Village with just a torch in pitch dark condition.
The rest of the journey was enriching to learn about civilization, understand the dynamic
of small towns like Miri and Kudat. Knowing how he Chinese dominated the commerce especially in trading business and restaurants. The Chinese characteristics are so prominent in both Sarawak and Sabah. It's the signboard that the Chinese hold dear.
In Brunei, a traditional community on stilts faces a city of modern buildings. One need to be here to be amazed how the large communities of people have lived above waters with the houses connected by a complexes of walkways.
For multi racialism and religion, KK can truly manifest these traits. The different races and tribes sharing the spaces in harmony is commendable. Christianity presence is very strong in Borneo as well as Taoism and Buddhism with big colourful Temples stand side by side with Mosques. Brunei is very religious. Shops shuttered from noon to 2pm on Friday as I experienced missing my lunch
that afternoon. The entire city were filled with prayers and sermons blasted on loudspeaker during this period.
Food wise, KK provides great values for all kinds of seafood. It has diversity even in catering. Both Muslim and non Muslim like Chinese have their unique recipes for delicious seafood. From food in the night markets to aircon restaurants, customers are spoilt for choices. There are no shortage of Indian or Malay or European food too. Chinese Bah Kut Teh was really good. I had it a few times. Night life along the waterfront with pubs, bars and cafes provide great ambiance to those who love to socialise.
I will be back in KK.
