A moment with the cruise along the longest river in Malaysia

It is my dream to be on cruise since my childhood!! As far as result is concern, dream just like planning but weather you will achieve the result is another issue that we have to tackle. Sometime we could not believe that our dreams can be realize overnight even though we plan it for certain years.

Opportunity to be on board with the first international cruise along the longest river in Malaysia, The Mighty Rajang River has created another interesting chapter in my life. This is my first trip to be on board of cruise, few days before the cruise I keep asking my self what I am going to do within 9 days 8 night cruises. As a local boy who have never been to any cruise in the earth, I just another “slumdog boy”??? Something is very new in my life but I always ready for the new challenge in my life. Looking forward for the journey……

The day I on board the cruise I felt that…here I am and I have a task to do, never forget that. I know that my journey will be mixed up with many “things”. I try to study the whole tour programs. I have set my mind and put priority of my task why I was on board. It is really helped. Discipline has guided me a lots.

Back to the journey, I felt that something different that I have thought before. It is totally different from what I have heard and what people have asked me.
“What are you going to do during 9 days and 8 night”, a friend of mine asking me. I cannot answer their question. I have to be frank with them that I don’t know what I am going to do during the journey.

But after few days on the cruise I can see the answer. I fall back to tourism concept, see things from tourist point of view or in short put yourself in tourist shoes. Yup, I get it. This cruise have very good point why they choose Rajang River, they know what they have plenty of programs that they can do. I have study their first program from their first trip and it is different from what I am going to experience.

The journey has thought me lots of knowledge about tourism market, something I will treasure whole of my life. Overall I really enjoy the trips very much it is totally different from what I have imagine and what I heard from other people. Seeing and experience it will tell you the truth……

New experience for Italian and swedish tourist

Weaving or making bemban mat and dressing in Iban traditional costume is never cross in their mind. Mr Leonardo Maestripieri and his partner Ms Serena Papini, Mr Alessio Narbone and his wife Ms Narda Marchese together with Swedish tourist Mr Stefan hardly can believe that their trip to Bawang Assan Homestay Program is very special because this is the first time they have first hand experience staying at Iban longhouse. Meeting new friends and enjoying local culture is something that they will remember for the whole life.

The Italian couple Mr Leonardo and Mr Alessio feel fortunate because they meet in Sibu Sarawak instead of at their own country. Eventhough they staying at the same city, they did not have chance to meet each other. The world is too small......they meet in Kuching and have tour togehter to Sibu Sarawak by expressboat.

They like local food very much and hoping to enjoy it again in the near future. For Mr Stefan from Sweden, his favorite is TUAK @ local rice wine. He said he like the taste and when you have it chill even better.

Putting on traditional costume even make their trip fantastic. They never dream that they will dress like the Iban's. It was great memories for us, Leonardo said.

Their trip to the longhouse was hosted by the tourism board. They also have opportunity to act in one program by national TV station during their trip to this longhouse. Homestay program in Bawang Assan area is unique compare to other area because there are only 13 families participate in this programme from 8 longhouses where as other homestay in from one longhouse only.

Sibu Sarawak....eveready for BASE Jump event

Captain A. Aziz Ahmad saying that Wisma Sanyan with 142 yard height is conducive area to do BASE (Building, Anthena, Spam, Earth) jump activities. He revealed this after he did the two trial jump from the top floor of wisma Sanyan last Saturday July 25, 2009.

From 2006 to 2008, they have done the BASE jump from Menara Pelita in Kuching. Now they looking for new destination and Wisma Sanyan have meet their requirement. Sibu Town Square is another advantage because it located just next to Wisma Sanyan.

Azuan said that Wisma Sanyan is much better compare to other places where they have been before. Wisma Sanyan as the tallest building in Sarawak will host the Tower International Jump Tour 2009 which plan to be held on October 31, 2009.

Captain A Aziz Ahmad, 52 years old is trying his 1st trial jump from the top of Wisma Sanyan at 835 am on July 25, 2009. Thanks to the weather, its sunny day and the wind also very good.

When a place is pedestrian friendly, you will not get lost

When friends or visitors from other countries visit Sibu I often let them alone to explore the town area. Is not that I am don’t to accompany them but because of the town landscape is pedestrian friendly it is easier for them to walk around to visit one place to another place.

The town landmark is very obvious either Sibu Central Market or the tallest building in Sarawak, Wisma Sanyan. I normally advise them to start their tour at Sibu Central Market, one the biggest market in Malaysia. Those who driving, this market is vehicle friendly because attached to multi storey car park. Built in early 1990’s, from my point of view the concept of this market is similar to longhouse concept. Why? Everything under one roof, a place not-to-missed for those visited Sibu, Gateway To Central Region Sarawak.

After the market tour they can continue their visit to the “first” waterfront in Sarawak, Rajang Esplanade to view the emblem of Sibu The White Swan and The Mighty Rajang River. They will never walk alone because the local people will happily talking to them and asking “where you from?”. From here you will be able to see the tallest building in Sarawak, Wisma Sanyan. On the way to Wisma Sanyan, you have a chance to view the hustle bustle at the Sibu Express boat Wharf Terminal, meeting point for water transport and land transport.

If you are lucky enough you will be able to see the first river cruise vessel berth at the wharf before you reach at the famous Seven Storey Goddess Pagoda. Ask the key from the temple keeper and went to the top floor to view the Sibu town area and Rajang River.

Just 10 minute walks from the pagoda, you will reach Wisma Sanyan.

H1N1 vs RWMF 2009

After the H1N1 epedemic separate globally, there lots of talks that all major events should be stop including world famous RWMF. But support from the state government and all relevant ministry, this year RWMF 2009 has become a reality. The atmosphere and entertaining environment have attract as many as audience from the previous year. Everyone have give thumb up and looking forward to come back again next year.

1st group of RV Orient Pandaw tourist safely complete the Rajang cruise

49 tourist from Australia, UK, New Zealand and USA safely complete their tour "Into The Heart of Borneo" with RV Orient Pandaw cruise. The journey starts on July 1 where the went to Igan area before the turn back to Kanowit, Kapit, Song, Sarikei, Tanjung Manis area before berth back at Sibu wharf on July 8 evening.

Borneo Cultural Festival...what so special??

Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) ......what so special? Thats is common question I heard. In tourism world, when we mentioned about tourism product there must be something not-to-be-missed element. For example, Rainforest World Music Festival representing by international artist or Regatta Sarawak can attract international participants. Did BCF have this elements?

Many people mentioned that BCF lost its identity as tourism products that can attract international tourist. Why? To promote any events for the international tourist, the programme must be ready minimum 6 month ahead, brochures and website must be updated. For the past few years BCF failed to fulfill this criteria. Its very unfortunate that as one of the big events in Sarawak, BCF is still behind to attract the international tourist.

Another issue we always heard about BCF! Lots of comments on the performance during BCF. Credit to the organising committee for selecting words BORNEO as tagline of the festival. They saying that this festival should potray all native culture from Borneo. There are plenty of local ethnic in Borneo that can be perform during BCF......but it did not happen....... Something wrong somewhere!!!!!