Take off from Miri Airport for Kelabit Highlands - video clip

I'd wanted to post this video clip but my realplayer was problematic. This is a belated post.



Video clip shows MASwings Twin Otter taking off from Miri airport bound for the Kelabit Highlands. I kept a close watch on the propellers, fearing they'd suddenly stop and...



Quiz: How many passengers do you think this plane can take?



(A)19 (B) 25 (C) 30 (D) 37

Mir, Sarawak

When people heard I was going to Miri they gave me such a look as if to suggest the sun had got to me. Their reactions ranged from "Why go to such an ulu place?" "What's there to see there?" to "Haha, they're headhunters, right?"

These pictures will dispel such notions. You may not be aware but Air Asia now flies to Miri from Singapore (haha, no, Air Asia is not giving me free seats for this publicity)

Is this ulu? Broad streets and pavements.

Imperial Mall and Hotel. Ulu?

The seahorse: mascot of Miri

Miri also has its smaller version of "kampung ayer" (water village)

A bus stop: Good bus services connect even remote villages and towns. For long distance travel e.g. to Bintulu, Sibu and Kuching go to Pujut bus terminal outside town.

Air Asia to Miri, Sarawak

Air Asia now flies to Miri, gateway to the famed Niah and Mulu caves, from Singapore (no, Air Asia is not giving me free seats for this publicity).

Free wifi with your murah-murah (cheap) kopi-O!

Malaysia Boleh (lit: Malaysia Can)

Sarawak, East Malaysia

This exceeded my perception that Sarawakians are laid-back people.

Miri, Sarawak

After the energy-sapping trek in Niah National Park yesterday, I decided to take it easy today and just walked about exploring the town.

Best part about Miri: cafes everywhere! They prefer to sound more up-market a bit so the term "coffee shop" is absent.
Fierce-looking dragon from Tua Peh Kong Temple.
Miri's Taoist Tua Peh Kong Temple
Bamboo on sale at wet market.
Rattan baskets on sale at wet market.

Niah Caves Part 2

Americans seem to think this entrance to the Great Cave looks like one of their presidents. Can you guess who?
Sunlight filtering down into the cave. What emotion does this give rise in you?
Can you see the ropes hanging down from the roof of the cave? They are used by bird nest collectors.
Wooden scaffolding enables bird nest collectors to reach the roof of the cave.

Niah National Park, Sarawak

The Great Cave, Niah National Park
The well-maintained boardwalk leads all the way to the caves (1 hour leisurely stroll). Terrain is flat throughout so even Grandma can make it.
Niah cave
Niah cave.
Man collecting fertilisers from the caves.

We hired a private car to take us to the Niah caves (102 km from Miri). This is the best way as public transport is not only time-consuming but also full of hassles.

Though the walkway was shady, it was still very hot and humid. The Swedish guy with us sweated buckets.

Tips: bring a powerful torchlight, at least 2 litres of water, a lunch packet, snacks, poncho, face towel, cap (in case of direct hit by bird poop).

Tomorrow I'll post more pictures of the caves and an Iban village (including village girls bathing in a croc-infested river)

Miri Day 2

Today I'll be going to the world famous Niah Caves about 90 mins (102km)drive from Miri. Originally planned as a 3-day trip, it's been changed to a day trip.

It costs RM60 for the return trip.

I'll post pictures tonight.

Miri, Sarawak Day 1

VVIPs greeting visitors to Miri at the airport.
My backpacker guesthouse at Dillenia.
Miri street scene.
Today I took Air Asia''s first ever flight to Miri (Sarawak). This was my first flight with Air Asia, and I must admit I was quite impressed with its service. The meals were reasonably priced much to the delight of the passengers who booked them online (served first).

Now comes the surprising part. On arrival at Miri, we were greeted by big shots and a lot of photographers.

Another surprise is that Miri is full of cafes, eating places and hotels.

I stayed at a backpacker place called Dillenia (RM 30 for a dorm bed) with free breakfast and internet. The only downside is that it has no attached bathroom and toilet. But the owner is nice and friendly.

Miri, Sarawak

Sarawak, infamously dubbed Land of the Headhunters, will welcome me on Wednesday next week. With a lion dance hopefully?

Lion dance? Yes, you see, it's Air Asia inaugural flight to Miri (situated in northern Sarawak)famed for its national parks like Niah Naional Park and the World Heritage Site at Mulu caves.

It's also my very first flight with Air Asia which boasts that it's the best budget airline in the world. Hmm...l'll let readers know to what extent this is true or whether it's
just pure hype.

If you like trekking, nature/wildlife photography and exciting river rides in the heart of Borneo perhaps Miri might appeal to you.

And, hey, you need only $50 for the air ticket -loose change really.

I hope my head doesn't end up hanging from the ceiling of a longhouse!