A Hike to the Black Pearl Pool Lang Waterfall at Bako, Sarawak, Borneo

That morning, my brother, Yen, and I set out to hike to the Black Pear Pool. The name comes from the dark, tan hues of the water, reminiscent of a mysterious gem hidden in the heart of nature.

Just as we began our hike from the trailhead, I noticed something slithering at the edge of the trail. A black snake with striking horizontal white stripes glided silently through the underbrush, its sleek body a reminder of the wilderness surrounding us.

Our trail hugged the riverbank, where the water flowed in rich tea tones. This dark color resulted from leaves, roots, and other organic matter leaching. The natural dissolved acids—tannins and lignins—infused the water with its distinctive hue, creating a captivating contrast against the vibrant greenery surrounding us.

This is a steel cage, standing over six feet tall, enclosing a long pipe that supplies fresh water to the nearby national park. Inside the cage, I spotted remnants of tree branches, rotting leaves, and tufts of grass, evidence of nature’s slow reclamation of this industrial structure.

As we hiked deeper into the lush greenery, our adventure took a thrilling turn when we spotted another snake. This one, a striking jet black, sported a bold vertical red stripe running from head to tail, like a rebellious fashion statement in the animal kingdom. My heart raced at the sight—was it venomous? I could practically hear my instincts screaming, “Back away slowly!” So, after snapping a quick picture worthy of a nature documentary, I carefully retreated, leaving the serpent to its sunbathing. After all, some encounters are best appreciated from a safe distance!

The scenery before me was nothing short of breathtaking. The tan tea-colored water flowed slowly, so gently that it seemed almost still, creating a perfect mirror for the stunning landscape. The reflection of vibrant trees, lush grass, and the expansive sky danced upon the surface, turning the scene into a living painting. 

I will use this as my laptop wallpaper.

After a few kilometers of hiking, we finally reached the waterfall, where the water cascaded into a sizable pool below. The tea-colored water was so murky that we could barely see the bottom of the creek, adding an air of mystery to the scene. Yet, our fearless guide, undeterred by the unknown, dove right in! As I watched him splash about, I couldn't help but admire the breathtaking beauty surrounding us. The entire geological formation felt like a masterpiece crafted by nature herself, a stunning testament to the artistry of the great outdoors

Family Adventure: Camping Trip at Nanga Tiga Atas, Batang Ai, Sarawak

I went for a camping trip with friends at Nanga Tiga Atas, Batang Ai, Sarawak. This round I bring my boy Gareth with me. And I also get to meetup with my old comrade again, Ah Loong and Gilbert who we always go for hiking adventures back in the old days. 

With the sun beaming down on us in the wide-open space, we're all set to soak up plenty of golden rays. My boy can't wait to dive into the cool, inviting waters, but as for me? I'm all about finding that perfect spot under the shade, kicking back with an ice-cold beer in hand, and just letting the day drift by. It's pure bliss at Nanga Tiga

The breeze was relentless, turning the simple task of setting up my flysheet into a bit of a challenge. Every time I grabbed one end, the other would dance and flip in the wind, refusing to stay put. But after a bit of a tussle with the elements, I finally got the flysheet secured, followed by the tent. With my shade now in place, I could finally kick back, relax, and wait for the sunset—then it’s off for a refreshing swim with my boy. 

As much as I wanted to wait for the perfect sunset moment to take a dip, my boy just couldn’t hold back his excitement any longer. He kept bugging me with that eager grin, practically dragging me to the water. “Alright, alright, let’s go, buddy!” And with that, we were off for our swim.

Playing kite with my boy

He is hungry, time to cook dinner, camping style. 

Dusk was settling in quickly, and the sky had finally cooled down. My friends began preparing their dinners, each working on their own tasty creations. As for me, I had a delicious spread lined up—barbecue chicken, bamboo chicken, and rice. Dinner was about to get seriously good.

PaPa love you my boy 😘

Adventure in the Wild: Camping, Caves, and Culinary Delights in Klingkang Ran, Borneo

I went to Sri Aman area to explore a waterfall inside a cave, we start off our hike from an abandon farm. Two of my friends and my brother are carrying backpacks, hiking in front. The trail is lined with tall grasses, ferns, and various types of trees and shrubs. The sky is overcast, it was a cloudy day that day.  

The my friend and brother are in the midst of a challenging hike, making their way up a slope. The forest around them is thick and alive, with a variety of plants and trees creating a dense canopy. 

We descended deeper into the wilderness, where the forest seemed to hold its breath, guiding us toward a hidden marvel. 

Our journey led us to a narrow entrance, barely visible through the dense undergrowth. It was the mouth of a cave, shrouded in shadows and mystery. Inside, we could hear the distant echo of water, calling us forward. With each step, the sound grew louder, more compelling...

Not long after, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight—a waterfall cascading from a hole high in the cave's ceiling, where a stream from the outside world had found its way through the rock. The water tumbled down in a silvery curtain, splashing into a clear, inviting pool below. It was a moment of pure awe, witnessing such a natural wonder hidden deep within the earth.

Without hesitation, our friends stripped off their shirts and plunged into the cozy waters, their laughter echoing off the cave walls. They swam under the waterfall, letting the cool, refreshing water wash over them as they played and splashed around, fully immersed in the joy of the moment. The cave, with its secret waterfall, became our own private oasis, a place where we could truly appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature.

To our surprise, we noticed a group of bats clinging to the ceiling of the cave. They were small, delicate creatures, huddled closely together in tight clusters. It was as if they were sharing each other's warmth, creating a living blanket of tiny bodies, perfectly adapted to the cave’s cool, dark environment. 

Their presence added an unexpected layer of enchantment to the experience, a reminder of the hidden life that thrives in these secluded spaces. Watching them, I couldn’t help but wonder at their quiet, communal existence, so different from our own, yet perfectly in harmony with the mysterious world they called home.

This was our campsite, a peaceful haven nestled in the wilderness where we spent the night under the stars. As evening fell, our guide worked his magic, preparing a feast that perfectly captured the spirit of the jungle. He cooked bamboo chicken and rice over the open fire, the aroma filling the air and making our mouths water. To our delight, he also prepared fresh shrimp, caught just hours earlier from the nearby stream—a true taste of the wild.

But the most unexpected catch was a frog. I secretly hoped they would spare its life and return it to the forest, letting it continue its journey in the natural world. After all, that tiny creature was a part of the ecosystem we had come to admire and respect. 

See you in my next adventure.