Leaving the bustling streets of Kuching behind, our adventurous spirit soared as we embarked on a quest to conquer the untamed beauty of Usun Apau. With Ian, Fazi, Ethan, Aiden, and myself. It is a team of intrepid hikers by my side, we set forth on a journey that promised both excitement and challenge.
Our road trip to Usun Apau was a journey and a half! Buckle up, because it's a whopping 7 hours from Bintulu to Murum, and then some more to Usun Apau itself. But hey, the good news is we got to be amazed by the mighty Murum Dam for the first time. Let me tell you, that thing is a real beaut! The water's this crazy shade of blue-green, almost like someone spilt a giant bottle of turquoise Gatorade in there.
As we journeyed through the rugged terrain, our path led us through the picturesque landscapes of Bintulu and Murum. And get this, there were even little islands poking out of the water. Turns out, those weren't actually islands, but sneaky mountaintops playing hide-and-seek! Amidst the dense foliage and towering trees, the stunning Murum Lake is a sight unfolded before us that took my breath away, stretching out in all its splendour, its waters shimmering with a mesmerizing shade of blue.
Eager to capture this momentous sight, we halted our expedition momentarily and made our way to a nearby viewpoint. As we stood there, gazing out at the vast expanse of water before us, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe wash over me. The tranquil beauty of Murum Lake seemed to stretch on endlessly, its azure waters merging seamlessly with the boundless sky above.
After what felt like an eternity (or maybe it was just those 7 hours), we finally reached the end of the road in Usun Apau. Talk about the middle of nowhere! We decided to pitch camp in a clearing that looked like it hadn't seen a human in years. Up went the tent, then the flysheet, and then it was time for a well-deserved rest. By the time we were done feeling like beached whales, we just noticed it was time to prepare dinner. We whipped up a feast fit for kings (or at least weary hikkers) and got a campfire cracklin.
But the real star of the show that night? The moon! It was a full moon, shining brighter than a disco ball, and bathed the entire campsite in this magical, silvery light. No need for a flashlight here – I could see everything. In fact, looking at the picture I took of the campsite, it says it was 8 pm on the dot.
With the anticipation of another day filled with adventure coursing through our veins, we devoured a hearty breakfast, fueling ourselves for the challenges that lay ahead. As the sun began its ascent, casting a golden glow over the rugged landscape of Usun Apau, we set out on our hike, determined to conquer whatever obstacles crossed our path.
However, little did we know that the road to Selio Valley would be fraught with unexpected hurdles. From dodging thorny plants to navigating slippery rocks, the journey tested our resilience at every turn. Yet, amidst the chaos of the jungle, there was a sense of camaraderie that bound us together, driving us forward in pursuit of our ultimate goal.
Amidst the rugged landscape, we encountered glimpses of the rich cultural tapestry that enveloped the region. Stories of the Kenyah samans echoed through the dense foliage, adding an aura of mystique to our adventure. And as we pressed on towards the Selio Valley, the promise of discovering its hidden wonders spurred us onward, despite the challenges that lay ahead.
Hacking through the jungle like explorers, when BAM! We stumbled upon this hidden waterfall we heard of it existed. It must have been whispering our names because there was no way we'd miss that!
Now, this wasn't your average garden hose trickle. We're talking about a monster, a beast of a waterfall, cascading down a good 100 meters! It was like someone tipped over a giant bucket of rainwater from the sky. Halfway down, the water took a crazy nosedive, churning and swirling with enough force to power a small city.
Of course, we had to take a breather (and maybe a hundred photos and some drone video) at this majestic spot. But our quest for waterfall domination wasn't over yet! We had our sights set on the mighty Selio Waterfall, and nothing was going to stop us. So, after catching our breath, we pressed on deeper into the jungle!
As we ventured deeper into the wilderness, the trail grew increasingly steep and treacherous. But with each step, I drew strength from the memories of past triumphs and the unwavering support of my fellow hikers. Together, we forged ahead, navigating the dense jungle and navigating obstacles with a sense of determination and camaraderie.
And as we ascended higher and higher, the landscape unfurled before us in all its untamed glory. The lush greenery stretched out as far as the eye could see, punctuated by the occasional roar of a distant waterfall. With each passing moment, the wild beauty of Usun Apau enveloped us, stirring something primal within our souls.
Finally, after many hours of arduous trekking, we arrived at the sacred realm of Usun Apau National Park. The sight of Selio Waterfall greeted us like a beacon of hope, its majestic cascade towering above the verdant landscape. With adrenaline coursing through our veins, we ventured closer to the base of the waterfall, eager to immerse ourselves in its awe-inspiring presence.
Standing at the precipice of nature's grandeur, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought us here. From the bustling streets of Kuching to the untamed wilderness of Usun Apau, every step of the way had been imbued with a sense of wonder and discovery. And as I stood amidst the swirling mist of Selio Waterfall, I realized that the true beauty of adventure lies not only in reaching our destination but in the journey itself.
As the cool mist enveloped me, washing away the fatigue of our travels, I couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of it all. Who would have thought that a group of city dwellers could find themselves amidst the rugged beauty of Borneo's wilderness? Yet, here we were, soaked to the bone and grinning from ear to ear, united by a shared love for adventure and exploration.
In the end, Selio Waterfall might have been the grand prize, but the whole trip was pure magic. It wasn't just the sight of the graceful female of a Kenyah maiden (Selio Waterfall) that left a permanent grin on my face, but the entire journey. We laughed, we shared stories that would make a sailor blush, and pushed ourselves further than we thought possible, especially the two young adventurers. It was pure camaraderie and exhilarating moments that I will be yarning about for years to come.
The hike back to the campsite was a blur – a happy, sunburnt blur filled with reminiscing and replaying the trip's highlights. But one thing's for sure: those memories of our wild escapade will forever be etched in my mind. It's a testament to the power of adventure, the way it can transform you, and the incredible bonds you can forge in the heart of nature's untamed beauty.
