Exploring the Wonders of Bako National Park: A Family Adventure

Nestled on a peninsula accessible only by boat, Bako National Park in Kuching beckoned us with promises of untouched nature and breathtaking vistas. Our overnight trip to this pristine wilderness turned out to be a perfect blend of adventure, challenges, and unforgettable moments as a family.

We started our journey bright and early, a group of seven including myself, my two brothers, my wife, and our two spirited children. The day was already warming up as our boat cruised along Sungai Tabo, eventually leading us out into the expansive South China Sea. The 15-minute boat ride from the jetty to the park HQ was a scenic introduction to the wonders awaiting us.

After a quick registration at the park HQ, we settled into our cozy hostel room, eager to begin our exploration. Our first hiking choice was the Telok Pandan Kecil trail, a 2.5km trek from the HQ. As we set off, the heat of the day bore down on us, challenging even the most resilient among us.

Along the trail, my little girl voiced her complaints about the heat and rough terrain, but my son persevered admirably, his determination unwavering. Nearly two hours later, we reached the viewpoint of Telok Pandan Kecil, greeted by a vista that made every step worthwhile.

Almost running out of water, I was grateful for the support of my brothers, who shared their supply with my children. Equipped with a water filter, we ensured we could replenish our water whenever needed—a crucial preparation in the tropical heat.

With energy levels waning, we opted to descend to the beach in hopes of catching a boat back to the park HQ instead of retracing our steps. Luck was on our side, and within 15 minutes, a boat appeared, whisking us back effortlessly.

The Bako's signature sea stack is being claimed by nature after centuries of standing in the sea.

Back at our room, I settled the children and my wife for a well-deserved nap while I took a moment to unwind. Eager to seize the opportunity, I embarked on a solo hike to Tanjung Sapi, ascending to its breathtaking viewpoint where cool breezes and panoramic views greeted me.

The relentless sun blessed us with clear skies throughout the day, culminating in a spectacular sunset that we savored together as a family. Despite the challenges posed by my little girl's occasional hiccups during the hike, the trip offered us invaluable moments to reconnect with nature and strengthen our family bonds.

Bako National Park not only captivated us with its natural beauty but also provided us with memories that will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape, we reflected on the day's adventures—truly a journey that brought us closer together amidst the wonders of Malaysian wilderness.

In the end, our overnight escapade to Bako National Park proved to be more than just a getaway—it was a testament to the resilience of family ties and the enduring allure of nature's embrace.

Bako National Park not only captivated us with its natural beauty but also provided us with memories that will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape, we reflected on the day's adventures—truly a journey that brought us closer together amidst the wonders of the Kuching, Sarawak's wilderness.

In the end, our overnight escapade to Bako National Park proved to be more than just a getaway—it was a testament to the resilience of family ties and the enduring allure of nature's embrace.

 

Beyond the Map: Unveiling Selio Falls, Usun Apau

 

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.

Chasing Heights: The Adventure of Gunung Ngeli, Simunjan

Embarking on a quest for panoramic views, my brother and I set out on a road trip from Kuching to the quaint town of Simumjan. Our destination? The modest yet promising summit of Gunung Ngeli, stands at 316 meters above sea level.

The journey began at the foot of the mountain, where a well-maintained trail awaited. The slow incline allowed us to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding us, but not without the constant companionship of buzzing mosquitoes. Undeterred, we pressed forward, fueled by the anticipation of the breathtaking scenery awaiting us at the summit.

After a steady hike, we reached the viewpoint rest stop, a welcome oasis equipped with toilets, a barbecue area, and a small rest hut. It was the perfect spot to take a break, catch our breath, and soak in the surroundings. Little did we know, the true peak lay beyond this restful haven.

Refueled and recharged, we continued our ascent along the mountain ridge, where the trail faded into the wilderness. Relying on GPS to guide us, we pressed on, driven by the allure of discovering the highest point. An additional hour into the hike revealed an intriguing sight – a fenced building complex perched on the mountain's edge, seemingly guarding its secrets.

Undeterred by the obstacles before us, we approached the complex, only to find anti-climb spikes deterring any further exploration. From the outside, the structure hinted at mysteries within, yet access eluded us. It was a moment of curiosity thwarted.

Deciding to retrace our steps, we descended the mountain directly, embracing the challenge of a different route. The descent offered a new perspective, with every step revealing the beauty of the landscape from a different angle.

As I share this story, I invite you to join our journey through the lush trails of Gunung Ngeli. Experience the highs and lows, the unexpected twists, and the thrill of exploration. For more tales of adventure, subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow my Facebook page. Let the spirit of discovery inspire you to explore the wonders that nature has to offer.