Mulu Caves- Malaysia-2009

We recently spent 3 days the Mulu Caves in the Gunung National Park Sarawak, staying in luxury at the Resort. (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

The Mulu Resort

The Mulu Caves National Park  is a UNESCO World Hertiage Site as it has one of the world's most extensive cave system, the world's largest cave chamber and passage, the razor sharp limestone pinnacles and a rainforest walkway and Canopy Walk.

We visited the 4 of the famous caves and very bravely walked on the swinging Canopy 40m above the rainforest.

Inside the Massive Cave

Creepy Crawlies Living in the Dark

Brave Tom on the Canopy

Karen, Tom and Fran Dwarfed by the Tree!

We also visited a local village market and a longhouse.

Village Longhouse

Craft Market

At dusk we watched the millions of bats flying out of the caves. Then treked 3 km back to our luxury resort where we enjoyed a buffet dinner and a colourful Cultural Performance.

Tom on Stage Again!

Another of Tom's Magic Photos

If you ever have the chance go a for a visit.  It was a fantastic experience and we would both love to go back again!

Kapit- Malaysia-2009

Arriving in Kapit

While in Sibu we did a one day trip from Sibu on a fast ferry to the little town of Kapit further up the Rejang River. (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

Unloading Cargo

This quaint little town dates from the time of the white rajahs and the old wooden fort built by Charles Brooke is still standing. The river banks are very steep and the high water flood marks are evident on the old fort which was named after Brooke's wife, Silvia.

Note the Flood Marks

Fort Silvia

Riverbank, Kapit

Loading Logs

Local Market

Kapit Riverside

Tom and Guy Townside

Local Store

Local Pharmacy

Pagoda Kapit

Many traditional and more modern longhouses can be seen when travelling along the river.

Longhouse on Rejang River

A memorable part of our "fast ferry ride" up and back from Kapit was that the air con was on freezing and all the locals wore winter jackets for the trip! We just had to freeze! However, it was a fun day out.

Sibu- Malaysia-2009

Overlooking Sibu

In July we left sv Hamamas safely tucked up in the Miri Marina while we took a  4 day trip inland to Sibu which is the main port city on the Rejang River. It is a very busy port with all types of sea going vessels arriving with raw materials from inland Sarawak including, logs, gravel, minerals and agricultural  products ready for export. (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

Ferry Terminal

Sibu Forshore

Log Raft

Our friends from sv Remora accompanied us on the trip which began with a 6 hour bus ride from Miri to Sibu! While in Sibu we enjoyed the local points of interest and the markets.

We were amused by the "Swan" as the emblem (mascot ) of Sibu. I suppose if Miri , a coastal city, can have the "Seahorse"  then why not have a "Swan" for a riverside town!

The Swan Mascot of Sibu

Night Shopping with Chris and Guy

Fran at the Pork Market

Chinese Meal with Chris and Guy

One of the most spectacular sights was the Chinese Temple with it's amazing spire and view over the city.

Chinese Temple Sibu

Inside the Chinese Temple

Fran and the Beautiful Silver Bowl

Chinese Temple at Sunset

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Niah Caves- Malaysia-2009

While in Miri we did a day trip to the Niah National Park and Caves about a 2 hour trip away. We used our trusty driver Simon for the trip.

The Niah National Park and Caves area is an important archaeological site as the oldest modern human remains were discovered in the massive Great Cave in 1958. The great Cave is one of the largest caves in the world as well as being home to thousands of bats and swifts and the guano collectors! (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

The Vast Great Cave

Sleeping Platforms for Bird Nest Collectors

Rest Huts for Guanoo Collectors

The Painted Caves also contain ancient rock paintings and were the only ones known to exist in Borneo when they were discovered.

Inside the Painted Cave

This Creepy Crawly Lives Entirely in Darkness

It's a 9km round trip walk to the Caves along the plank walk, up and down hundreds of steps and part of the walk inside the caves is in total darkness! 

The Plank Walkway

This was a great day out with our South African yachting friends!

Cultural Heritage Village-Sabah- Malaysia-2009

We had an amazing time at the Sabah Fest and the Cultural Heritage Village at the Museum while we were in Kota Kinabalau in May 2009. These fantastic events were some of the most colourful and photogenic activities of our visit to Sabah!

We visited the Cultural Heritage Village at the Museum on a number of days. Like the Sabah Fest this too offered days of cultural fun, dance performances and incredible photo opportunties. Don't miss this event either!
 (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

Cultural Village

Tom and Longhouse

Fran Tried the Blowpipe

Tom Tried Sawing

Go Granny Go!

Tom Tried the Blowpipe

Fran Danced!

Tom Danced!

What fun we had! Then we watched another spectular performance.
 

Even the Band Had Fun

An Amazing Photo from Tom

Traditional Dance

The Blow Pipe Dance