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The drive was an adventure in itself. The road snaked through the landscape, twisting into sharp turns and rolling over gentle hills. Along the roadside, the land was a tapestry of agriculture; vast paddy fields stretched out alongside vibrant plantations of papaya, pineapple, bamboo, corn, and rambutan.
Kampung Mundai is a self-contained community, home to a small library, a local kedai runcit (grocery shop) , and a Catholic church. Notably, it houses a water treatment center that serves as a lifeline for the region, providing clean water to the residents of Tapah, Beratok, Mundai, and the surrounding villages from the 21st to the 23rd Mile.
While most families here own cars, the motorbike remains the heartbeat of local transportation. It’s the most efficient way to navigate the narrow paths to the paddy fields and transport crops. However, in the more remote outskirts, the traditional way of life persists. At one point, I passed a man walking toward the main road, carrying a heavy, traditional woven basket on his back, a stark reminder of the physical resilience of the people here.
I drove slowly, frequently pulling over whenever a scene caught my eye. The green of the young paddy was so vivid it made the surrounding grass look dull in comparison. My journey eventually brought me to a junction with a surprising signboard: Forward to Padawan/Borneo Highland, Right to Janbu/Karu. I was shocked to realize this backroad actually links all the way to the Padawan area and the 10th Mile.
As I began my U-turn to head home, the sky finally opened up. By the time I reached the emerald paddy fields again, a light drizzle had begun to fall. In a strange twist of timing, the rain ceased just as I reached the Kuching-Serian main road, marking a perfect, refreshing end to my morning photography session.
I wonder why is there a big rock in the middle of the field? At Tapah village, there’s also a place where it is full of similar rocks.
The paddy yield in this particular field is noticeably denser and more vibrant than those on the opposite side. From a geological perspective, the nearby river has clearly been a silent partner in this growth, enriching the soil and providing the natural irrigation necessary for such a flourishing harvest.
I like coconut drinks, but here the village boy they just let it drop and no one pick it.
Here is a 135° angle view of the green paddy that I mention. (click the image for full view)