Exploring Bung Sa'a: A Hike Through History and Nature

I went for a hike with my brother and friends. The trail offered not only a great viewpoint but also some historical artifacts—two bunkers built during the Japanese occupation era, which was really interesting. On a previous hike to Bau, we also discovered something historical, which you can read about on my blog here.

I haven't been hiking regularly and have gained some weight, so I hope I can keep up with the group.

Very muddy trail

This is a Japanese bunker, cylindrical in shape, with windows on each side. I’m guessing the windows were likely used to set up machine guns. It’s visible from the outside and not hidden underground.

This is the second bunker, and it’s completely covered by trees and vegetation. It has two chambers, built with bricks. Inside, it’s damp and wet, with fungus growing on the brick walls and tiny roots covering the ground. Surprisingly, it hasn’t collapsed.

The summit viewpoint of Bung Sa'a stands at 389 meters above sea level. The final stretch was really tough—I felt exhausted and out of breath when I reached the summit. Could it be that I’m getting old?

After descending from the summit viewpoint, we encountered a large wall. At the edge of the cliff, we saw a group of bats hanging from the ceiling of the wall.

The fungus grows from the rotting tree bark, and if you imagine five of them together, they look like fingers emerging from the ground—spooky!

To return to the starting point, we’ll need to cross this river. The trail forms a large loop. The water level reaches up to my knee, and while the current is somewhat strong, it’s manageable. We just need to cross slowly to avoid being swept away by the current.

The villagers told me that a man had committed suicide in an abandoned house, and ever since, it has remained deserted.

 Watch my video here

A Family Adventure: Hiking to Jangkar Waterfall

Last weekend, my brothers and I embarked on a memorable hiking trip with my two energetic children, aged 6 and 7. Our destination was the renowned Jangkar Waterfall nestled in the picturesque Sematan area of Kuching. Excitement filled the air as we set off early in the morning, eager for a day of exploration and bonding amidst nature.

The trail began gently through a rubber plantation, the morning sun filtering through the canopy above. Accompanying us was a friendly local dog whose curiosity matched our own adventure spirit. As we descended, the anticipation grew for the crystal-clear waters that awaited us at Jangkar Waterfall.

Halfway through, we faced an unexpected twist — we missed a trail turn and found ourselves navigating through the waterway instead of the jungle path. Large boulders challenged our footing, but with teamwork and laughter, we managed to forge ahead. The children, despite the occasional stumble, were thrilled by the adventure, their faces lighting up with each new discovery along the way.

Finally, after a bit of adventurous detour, we reached the breathtaking Jangkar Waterfall. The sight of the expansive cascade tumbling into a pool of clear water was awe-inspiring. To recharge, I treated the children to some donuts while they recounted their favorite parts of the hike.

After a quick snack, it was time for the real fun — splashing and playing in the cool, refreshing water. Watching my children explore the pools and chase each other around filled my heart with joy. These moments of unbridled happiness and closeness are what make these trips priceless.

On our way back, we made a delightful stop at a nearby local homestay. The place was adorned with traditional musical instruments, hunting weapons, and colorful local attire. A serene pond with fish added to the charm, providing a peaceful ending to our adventurous day.

As the sun set on our hike, I couldn't help but reflect on the invaluable memories we had created together. It's moments like these that remind me of the importance of family, nature, and embracing the unexpected. Our hike to Jangkar Waterfall was not just an adventure, but a journey that strengthened our bonds and left us with cherished memories to last a lifetime.

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.