Kuching Orchid Garden

Gardens in Kuching, Malaysia

Having visited the excellent Orchid Gardens before, I was very sad to see on my recent visit to Kuching, that the gardens have now been replaced by a government building. I have asked around to see if the gardens have been moved somewhere else but, as far as I can ascertain, they have not.

Forts in Oman

Forts and Fortifications in Oman

Al Jalali Fort, located in Oman's capital Muscat, commands views of the harbour and the old city, including the Sultan's Al Alam Palace.

Together with its 'twin', the Mirani fort, standing on a rocky outcrop a short distance away, the Al Jalali Fort once served as the main defense against foreign invaders.

Originally built by Portuguese occupying forces in the early part of the 16th century, Al Jalali Fort, after many changes in design over the centuries, is now a museum.

Wilayat Al-Hamra is a town in the interior well worth a visit. Towers and ancient forts are scattered all around the surrounding rural area. Two locations worth visiting are Al-Mesfah and Jabal Shams. You need a 4-Wheel drive to climb to 3000m above sea level where you will experience a different type of climate in this unspoiled region. Al-Hamra’s old market is worth a visit.

Set amid a verdant oasis planted with date palms, Nizwa fort guarded the town through its turbulent history in its strategic location at the crossroads of vital caravan routes. This magnificent 17th century fort, the largest on the Arabian peninsular, receives tens of thousands of visitors each year. Built by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Yaarubi in 1668 AD, and taking twelve years to complete, the fort is believed to stand on the site of a castle built by Imam Assalt bin Malik al Kharusi in 845 AD. The fort's design reflects the advancements made in the field of military fortifications and mortar-based warfare during the Yaarubi era. The walls are rounded, a design meant to withstand fierce barrages of mortar fire — a common feature of warfare in those times.

Fraser Island

Islands in Queensland, Australia

At just over 120 kilometres long, Fraser island is the longest sand island in the world. It is a World Heritage Site and for those who love tropical, white sandy beaches this is a must for visitors to Queensland.

The best way to get there is to drive by 4 x 4 and cross from the mainland by ferry. Once there, the main 'highway' is a drive along the pristine beach. I drove the full length of Seventy Five Mile Beach, seeing only one other person the whole way, and camped overnight in the sand dunes.

My tent was visited by dingos during the evening but I made sure they were aware they were not welcome to share my food.

In addition to peace and quiet the island is a haven for wildlife and birdwatchers will be in their element.

Lambir Hills National Park

Rainforests and Jungles in Malaysia

For the keen walker and gentle stroller alike, Lambir Hills National Park offers a wide range of visual and aural experiences.

There are currently around 9 or 10 marked tracks open to the public with four of them leading to waterfalls and two leading to the summits of hills. Walks range from 1.6 kms to over 20 kms. I have walked all of the trails in the park and enjoyed every one.

At weekends local families bring their children with picnic baskets and walk to the nearest waterfall or the first shelter to enjoy a day out whilst the keener walkers, often ex-pats from Miri or Brunei, tackle the more severe routes. Occasionally the park is is used by the Hash House Harriers for one of their jungle runs.

The park consists of rolling hills covered with mixed dipterocarp forest and claims to be the most ecologically diverse area in the world. There are over 1050 different species of tree, each tree providing a habitat for over 1000 species of insect life.

For the non-biologist the forest provides a wealth of jungle sounds and many of the insect species can be spotted. Mammals are a little more elusive and will normally only be spotted if you walk quietly alone. There is overnight accommodation available at a reasonable price.

Longhouse Culture of the Iban people in Borneo

Traditional Cultures in Malaysia

Loagan Tasan is an Iban longhouse near to Marudi on the Baram River in Sarawak. In June the Ulu (upriver) tribes or Dayaks all over Sarawak celebrate Gawai, equivalent to a harvest festival.

During this time family members gather at the longhouse and party.

Celebrations include a communal meal on the verhanda which stretches the length of the longhouse, often followed by games and singing.

The Iban people are traditionally great drinkers and in the evening the games turn to traditional dance or ngajat induk. These dances simulate hunting with the women performing the part of the hornbill (the national bird of Sarawak) and the men hunting them by simulating the mating dance of the cock.

Each dancer, on completion of their performance, is expected to down a glass of rice wine or tuak. Failure to finish the drink or spillage results in the glass being refilled for another try.

Visitors to Sarawak longhouses are often treated to a performance like this but are usually expected to join in. Be warned!