Off the Beaten Path - Paganakan Dii

I've found another place where I can further perfect the art of doing nothing-ness.

:)

Paganakan Dii - which means The Family - is a tropical retreat tucked away on a small hilly ridge on the opposite side of the more well known Sepilok area.

Run by Anton, the 'village head' and a crew of friendly staff, it is perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat, away from the well-trodden path of other lodgings in the area.  

Apart from airconditioning, hot showers and WC (with a slow-closing lid!) in the duplex units, there's no other mod-cons here. So if you're someone who can't live without your mod-cons, I'm afraid this ain't no place for you.

What I like most about Paganakan is its design and concept. Have not seen anything like it before and I just love the abundant use of recycled timber everywhere. My first thought was, boy he must've hired skilled carpenters for this project. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

The bed was very comfortable. My favourite feature of the duplex unit are the sliding side-doors. Cooolness! However at night, bugs are plentiful, bear in mind this place is practically in the middle of the jungle so be prepared. Ask for a mosquito net in advance :).

I love this signpost. Happy Estate, indeedy. Should've taken a pic here.

 

Communal area - dining under the stars. A simple ala-carte menu is available. I had a Ramly beef burger for dinner, of all things! 

Fuzzy shot of the breakfast patio overlooking jungle.

I call this the observation deck - facing the green jungle.

Loungers on on the deck. Nice place to sit around sunset time.

Path leading down from the rooms area down to the communal area.

A duplex unit like the one I stayed in - a semi detached, with attached 'open air' bathrooms :)

My room, I asked for the mozzie net to be put up instead of using a mozzie-coil.

View of front sliding door - I love the sliding doors on two sides of the unit! 

Bunk beds - each duplex unit is actually designed as a family room to accommodate at least four persons.

View from my bed looking out to the longhouse opposite.

Only managed a short, airy afternoon nap on Sunday.

Light features are all like this..

'Feature wall' out of latticed bamboo. 

Bathroom door. Note the clever use of tree branch as a hook.

Toilet paper holder - also from tree branch. Moth not included.

Fully functional toilet - with a slow closing lid! Even 5 star don't have that!

Mirror, sink, vanity, next to the shower.

Shower al-fresco. Haha. Right next to the jungle. Creepy noises all the way especially at night. I got startled every time I heard the rustling leaves :) 

Rattan hammocks under the duplex on stilts. Didn't try them out though.

Water tank tower that was climbed on Saturday evening. Green all around. 

Looking down from a top the water tower.

Rattan swings below the longhouse.

Pathways out of wood 'plates'...

Sinks were out of iron woks, this is for the longhouse's common bathroom area.

Not much to do here at night, so it's quiet time for yourself. A simple and reasonable all day dining menu is available. Breakfast is inclusive of the rates. You can take a walk to Taman Rekreasi Jalil Alip, literally just next door, however it could do with a bit of property maintenance. Mornings are cool and sunny, perfect for taking a walk.

I love this place and put it in the same league with Amanpuri/Nagapuri, only thing is that Amanpuri has that awesome, awesome beach.

On my wishlist to be back here one day.

I Love RuMe

I got my RuMe bags last week from Tiny Tapir.

Front view.

Side view; gusset enables the bag to stand upright when filled up.

Roomy enough.

My favourite is the Hamptons Fall in NY - Mini, pictured above. It is roomy, and looks classy. The structured body helps to keep the bag in form. Straps were wide enough for a comfortable hang on the shoulder. I love bags which has room for all my stuff, that's why the past few years I have not used a proper handbag to work or for casual outings. I prefer to use tote bags or at least bags which have roomy compartments.

This is another Mini I got, Fifth Avenue Fall in NY. Very bohemian-chic, gypsy like. Nice! I don't have a picture of it now as my sister borrowed it, will update later. This one is a pic from the catalogue.

The Escape Silicon Valley.

I hung it on a chair since it was empty.

See how big it is.

The Escape Silicon Valley was in Regular, much bigger than I expected. And here I was wanting the Macro size! This looks like it can fit 6 shoeboxes! Yet to be tried though but I am sure it can accommodate at least that.

I am already thinking of getting some more RuMes :)

RuMe bags really don't look like reusable bags at all. And I'm thinking these actually make great gifts as well. Lightweight, compact when rolled up and not in use, machine washable, water resistant, elegant patterns, and most importantly for us girls, stylish and versatile enough for day out, or for grocery shopping! Whatever I buy I can just chuck them in the bag, so I won't need the shop's bags or other extra packaging.

If those facts haven't rocked you yet, perhaps the fact that they are made in a South Korean Fair Trade Factory will.

RuMe stands for 'Re Use Me'; so you get the idea. So we can all do something to slowly reduce our dependence on plastic bags.

My take : I love 'em!

My Ultimate Packing List - Toiletries

My Ultimate Packing List, The Series - featuring toiletries.

This looks like a long list, but believe me I think this is the minimum I need. Blurry picture above, emptied from my toiletries bag, from last trip in March.

1. Toothbrush. Full size. I don't like those travel-size, or cut into half thingies. 

2. Toothpaste. Small tube about 30-40 ml.

3. Shampoo. Small tube 50 ml.

4. Conditioner. Small tube 50 ml. Sometimes I bring small sample packets.

5. Face wash. Small tube 50 ml.

6. Face moisturiser. Small tube 50 ml.

7. Body Lotion. Small tube 50 ml. 

8. Sunblock for face. SPF50.

9. Sunblock for body. SPF30/50.

10. Vaseline. Small tub 50 g.

11. Dental floss.

12. Bath gel. Small bottle or tube 50 ml.

13. Small bar of soap.

14. Wet wipes. One packet.

15. Hand sanitizer. Small bottle 50 ml.

16. Shaver.

17. Tweezer.

18. Liquid foundation. One bottle.

19. Lipstick. One light pink shade.

20. Eye make-up. One.

21. Multipurpose lens solution. Travel size.

22. Lens case.

 

Related items :

1. Sanitary pads, if needed. 

2. Paracetamol. 

3. Handyplast/band aids.

4. Medicated Balm.

5. Small nail clipper.

6. Hair clip and scrunchie.

7. My spectacles and its case.

8. Salon Pas medicated plaster.

9. Disposable Shower Cap.

10. Some cotton buds.

All packed into a toiletry bag I got from Guardian. Makes it quite a substantial weight, perhaps almost 1 kg.

I wonder if I missed out anything?

My Ultimate Packing List - Gadgets

My Ultimate Packing List, The Series. Featuring : Gadgets.

Funny how the first list that's finalised is for gadgets. I guess that's pretty straightforward. Here goes :

1. My Nokia handphone.

2. Handphone charger.

3. Handphone earphones.

4. Nokia USB.

5. My Pentax Optio camera.

6. Camera charger.

7. Camera USB.

8. MP3 player + earphones ** (I have trouble charging this thing. I want an iPod or something better in future) 

All bundled inside a cotton drawstring bag, except the handphone and camera of course. The one I'm using now is actually a shoe bag, courtesy from KLCC Convention Centre. Since I don't have shoes that are fancy enough to warrant them individual bags. If I had Manolos or Choos, that's a different story altogether. But why would I travel with fancy shoes in the first place? ;P

Anyway, it's good to have the cables tied with rubber bands to prevent tangling.

Alogether they are a substantial weight. Perhaps a good 700 gms or so.

Next - toiletries.

My Trip to the Duty Free Pulau

(from November 2008 archive)

My so-called adventure started on a wrong note very, very early on a Saturday morning.

Ha ha myself. Apparently I set the alarm wrongly. Instead of 5:45 am, I was woken up at the ungodly hour of 4:15 am.

Great. And coz I was still half asleep, only after I changed then I realised how bloody dark it still was outside. Looked at the clock and saw it was 4:30 am.

Clever.

Anyway, caught the express bus at 6:30 am (RM14) and got to Menumbok safely after 2 1/2 hours, it was quite comfortable and smooth. Then got onboard the speedboat for a quick zip across. I kinda liked that trip - I can imagine the wind blowing your hair had it been an open boat. 

Arrived early enough to have my breakfast at the coffeeshop, then set about looking for this hostel place I had called some time back. Again, me so clever didn't write the address down. Only got the handphone number which was unreachable. Asked some people, they had no idea. After a leisurely search, I decided to check on the net again to find the address. Again, no one had any idea where the address was. What? This is impossible - how can I not find an address in this small town?

I ended up asking two gentlemen in a coffeeshop; who couldn't help. Set foot to search again, and finally someone told me to check this staircase entrance across the road from where I started my search. Found it !! I actually passed by at least 3 times. Duh. Went up to check the condition. Er, didn't quite impress me at all and the fact that it had a peculiar smell made me think twice. Told the guy working there I'll come back later if I decide to stay there.

Went down and bumped into the two guys, one of them offered to help me check out his friend's place a few streets away. The place didn't impress me either - and some smell put me off too. Told him the same thing, thanked him for his help and set off to search for other places. I must have circled the few blocks at least 5 times. Well, at least it helped my bearings and saw familiar landmarks.

Finally found one that had a reasonably priced room with attached bathroom, and clean. Next to shops as well so in case I need anything, it's convenient. Paid my rates, left my bag in the room and went out, ready to check out if there's anything new since the last time I was there. Went round, nothing much to see so I decided to walk to the Financial Park, the only 'shopping complex' in town. What a hot, hot day ! I forgot to slap on some sunblock, so I knew I was gonna get roasted and look like a steamed lobster. Took some pictures of the memorial headstone from pre-Merdeka colonial days under the shady trees by the museum.

Reaching FP I texted Saf, who said he'll come by in an about hour's time. Spent time going around and almost bought this backpack from a travel gear shop. Almost. Met up with Saf and we walked around before going for a short tour of the town. Not that there's much to see; we stopped by the beach area near Tiara to chat a bit and took some pics. Then went back to FP for lunch. Stopped by SkyPark to buy duty free stuff - got a bottle of JD and some chocs and sweets.

It was really a hot day and poor Saf was still a bit unwell, having just recuperated from a bad bout of high fever. By late afternoon I was feeling rather tired and sleepy, so I decided to go back to the hotel for a nap and rest, dinner will be later.

At about 7 pm we went to dinner at Mawilla Yatch Club, a nice place with a great night view of the bay where Petronas refineries were, all lighted - pretty sight. And the sound of the waves breaking were refreshing - long time no hear. Good crowd for dinner, apparently it's the place to go since in town area there's only the usual coffeeshops. Pity the pics I took weren't so good coz it was so dark. Had a nice simple dinner of ikan panggang, squids, veg and crab meat soup, then for dessert we went to locate the Lychee Kang place near FP, found out it's called Medan Selera. Chatted some more, then called it a day at around 10 pm. I was a little bit sleepy, so put on the TV and continued reading my Deepak Chopra.

Woke up early Sunday, checked the weather, it was bright and sunny outside. Got showered and walked around to see the morning stirring. There was a small scale pasar tani nearby selling the usual stuff. Decided to go back in the morning but I wasn't sure what time the bus and boats were. Saf came later and got me to the bus ticket counter (RM15.50), alas, the morning bus was only at 9:30 am so looks like I have to leave earlier. Luckily I have packed and checked out. Went to the terminal and got a speedboat ticket (RM15) which would leave at any time once the load was full - 12 passengers.

Breakfast had to be superquick then so we walked across to a kopitiam and true enough in less than 10 mins I could hear faintly the announcement for something. Did you know they have proper announcements like in the airport? Quickly grabbed my bag and rushed across, to hear the last call for my ride LM04. Ran to the departure hall, quickly bade farewell to Saf and went to the door to enter .... and it didn't open? Stupid. Ha ha. Saf quickly pointed me to the correct side door, and as I entered the terminal officer on duty said "I've been waiting for you!". And I recognised him as the guy who helped to look for the hostel yesterday. I laughed and thanked him and he quickly asked me to scan my bags through the scanning machine. 

Then I rushed to go out toward the jetty, ....and again ended up at a wrong locked door! Ha ha. This was getting to be really funny. I made a quick u-turn and found the correct door, and just to be sure called out to one guy to make sure I was at the right place. Phew. Thank God I made it by the skin of my teeth and as soon as I sat my bum on the boat seat the boat was off towards Menumbok. Now I know how it feels being in the Amazing Race! Ha ha. All this happened in like 2 minutes or so. 

On the boat, caught my breath and enjoyed the morning sun and breeze, apart from the occasional thump-thump of the boat on choppy bits of waves. Got to Menumbok, found my blue bus and plonked myself happily. There were many people around already, coming from and returning to the island. Waited a bit which I didn't mind as I spent time reading the newspapers.

The bus left around 9:45 am, and we reached KK at about 12:15 pm. Along the way I finished my book, and slept for an hour or more. Took the bus home and was home by about 1 pm. And it was still very,very hot. 

So that was my weekend in a nutshell. Wished for gloriumptious weather and got more than that coz it was great weather, only too hot!

What I found out : 

I need to remember to bring sunblock.

I still need to learn to travel light.

I am 'sensitive' to peculiar smells in lodging facilities.

Let's see what the next few weekends will bring !

We Live Under the Same Sky ..

Lovely arc of the rainbow over KK.

Hankering for a deep orange, multi-hued sunset.

So the clouds come out real pretty like this.

I wonder if the skies are the same in other places.

An Idiot in a Dive Shop

I made an idiot out of myself just now.

I asked for a 'wet bag' when what I meant was a 'dry bag'.

No wonder the shop assistant looked at me one-kind.

"Oh - you mean, a dry bag?"

DUH. DUH. DUH.

Thank God I recovered and my brain went back to work and the girl was cool about it.

Anyway, I've decided not to get them here in KK mainly because there's too few options, and weren't really what I had in mind. Even though the boss offered me 50% off for a big flat TUSA.

Do some more research and market survey first. :P

What I Wear on My Feet

In finalising My Ultimate Packing Checklist I did some research on the internet. And while surfing on the subject of travel footwear, somehow I ended up in the Ipanema flipflops site, promoting Giselle Bundchen's latest designs.

Ooh, I so want this : The GB Ipanema Seeds Life Brown Sandal

Thing is, they are so pretty, and so pricey for sandals; them glorified flip flops. For the same price, I can get maybe 3 or even 4 pairs of shoes at a Vincci sale. So, I really don't know whether I should get it before my next holiday. These are available at RSH, Warisan Square and I've been eyeing them everytime I'm there to windowshop.

And just now at Watson's I saw Made in China knock offs for a quarter of the price. Gah. But I don't like knock offs. I'd rather have an original rather than a knock off or a fake one.

These days I usually wear my well-travelled brown FOS flip flops - a birthday gift, and an Ipanema Brazil pair that was on sale. Not too mention 2 Bali flipflops (er, they are somewhere in the house), and bright yellow selipar jepun from Kalabakan.

Shoes-wise, I usually wear my Adidas Gazelle or my grey trainers, and now I have my red Originals.

So do I really need another pair of sandals or shoes? 

Sometimes being indecisive has its benefits. 

I will delay this hankering for new footwear for as long as I can. 

I Want To Travel Light, a.k.a. My Ultimate Packing Checklist

I've always wanted to travel light.

With the luggage fees imposed by Air Asia, I'd rather save the money towards actual travelling expenses. The advantages of light travelling outweigh the cons, and I like the fact that it 'forces' me to plan and think of what to pack. Instead of just chucking things into the bag like I used to. Bleh, I was so ignorant and blur = lazy.

What I like most about travelling with just one backpack is that it is easier for you to move around, your hands are free and the weight is spread comfortably on your shoulders. And another big plus is that you need not wait for your luggage at the carousel in the airport, you just whizz by after the Immigration :). Especially after a long flight or a delay.

I always bring another small slingbag for the purse, phone, camera, tickets etc. This helps a lot as I don't have to take off my backpack to fumble through the pockets for all these little things.

Until recently I used to death a brandless backpack I bought from Parkson in 2002 or 2003. The zipper gave way, the rest of it still in good condition. For the price I paid, 5 years is a good lifespan.

My current backpack is a simple High Sierra design, expandable by about 30% so that helps with extra stuff and purchases. Good for a 3-max 4 day trip, it probably fits about 25 litres or so full size, I think. In future I think I might get one that's slightly bigger, if I see one that I really like at a pretty price. Those high-end ones are really nice. With very pretty price tags too.

I have been discovering best ways to travel light through trial and error. 

And I'd like to think that I have almost perfected the art of travelling light; in truth I have not mastered it yet actually. Some days I find that I end up with things I don't really use and I bring them just because. And some days I forget things, like sunblock (I have 3 bottles now, duh)

Am currently doing some homework to prepare My Ultimate Packing Checklist. Will post when it's ready :)

Coordinates : 5' 25' N, 115' 25' E - Bukit Naga Amanpuri, Kuala Penyu

(My first travel-related post dated 15/08/2008, in my Decaf blog. Actual visits in April and July)

Okay, so..

I'll first write about my current favourite place to take a break and do absolutely nothing, except breathe fresh, clean air. And of course, just tidur and makan, in that particular order.

Bukit Naga Amanpuri is a little slice of tranquility away from the city and is a beautiful place to destress. Too beautiful for me, in fact I feel guilty sharing this gem of a place to anyone out there who don't know about it...yet.

Best described as rustic, all basic facilities are there. Be forewarned, no TV though. Duh, who needs TV in a place like this? Most of the time I just lounged feet up at the upper deck with a cool beer/drink and a good book. There's an old hammock if you don't mind feeling tangled/strangled.

Best place to swim in the sea. Water is clean and very clear, I almost jumped out when I saw small jellyfish(es?). Fortunately was told that they were harmless. I love the outdoor shower..oh, there is an attached shower and toilet to each unit so don't worry.

Lazy mornings were spent swimming, imprinting footsteps along the white sandy beach, collecting shells and bits of washed up coral, till the sun was hot enough to burn. After that, time for a simple breakfast of coffee and toast (plain toast never tasted so good !). Then it's nap time on the upper deck. I swear I must have snored, it was that relaxing! Nap is followed by a delicious lunch prepared by the host; then lunch was preceded with another afternoon siesta.

Don't plan to do anything while you're here - just sit back, relax, eat, sleep and be happy !

Next visit I shall stay longer !

Kuching Adventures - Wet, Wet, and Wet..

Kuching was...bloody wet. 

It rained from the time I arrived Friday till I left on Sunday and apparently it has been raining like that the whole week! So traipsing and touring around in torrential downpour and drizzle was a first for me. I was so happy and relieved that I decided not to bring any shoes on this trip - only had my flip flops - and what a joy they were to wear in the rain. Shoes would've just get bloody soaked and heavy. The downside was, I didn't bring any socks so my poor toes were a bit chilly at night.

Well, my (mis)adventures -  as usual - started on a wrong foot. Again. Haha.

After reaching KKIA and checking in, I realised I didn't have my handphone with me. Called the office and true enough it was on my table. And I locked my office. And spare key was with me too. Geez. Had to call my brother to turn back and fetch me again from airport to office and back to airport. Boy was he mad. Flight took off on time without any dramas.

Arrived at the Kuching airport 10 minutes ahead of schedule (always a nice surprise from Air Asia) and was greeted by a huge crowd of welcomers including a kompang troop. Hmm, no; I don't think they were there to wait for me. Became a busybody and asked someone and was told that there were waiting for a certain VVIP. Oh, okay. So waited around for a few minutes (my taxi hadn't arrived yet) and managed to snap this pic of the aforementioned person. After all the handshakes and waving, he was swiftly whisked away in a black Merc S350.

Arrival of a certain 'VVIP'

Reached the Pinnacles Lodge just before 7 pm and checked in. The dorm room was very small I thought - not for claustrophobics. Cleanliness was alright. The common bathroom/toilet was also on a wee side. After a quick washup and change, left my stuff there and went out to scout the area and look for dinner. Armed with a city map, I walked out (it was still raining) and found that the block is just opposite Hilton. 

The Pinnacles Lodge, 1st Floor above 7-11

My bed which squeaked and squeaked

Further down, I reached the Waterfront. Not many people were around in the bad weather. I didn't have an umbrella and tried to walk in sheltered parts trying not to get too wet. After a while walking the length of the Waterfront, I got basic bearings of the place and managed to find a place to eat which I had read about somewhere before, called The Junk. Quaint little place choked to the brim with artefacts and stuff. Very cozy I'd say, menu was pricey though. Not feeling meat-y I ordered some pasta and a 555 very sour drink (yummy but strong on the stomach). Next time I'll try the lambshank. Mains are served on HUGE serving plates, portions are also generous so I guess the hefty price tag is acceptable. Sorry food pics too blurry to put up. In the same row I found out there are 2 other outlets belonging to the same owner. One is called The Living Room and the other Bla Bla Bla. I say, Ha Ha Ha. What a name. Apparently food is cooked in The Junk's kitchen and delivered to these two. Nice, tasteful decor combining both modern and ethnic stuff. 

"The Junk"

After dinner I walked along the block again; Kuching has a few trendy cafe's / eateries which looked interesting, shops were mostly closed. I then went around looking at other hostels/lodges - went to Singgahsana Lodge and fell in love with the place. Ms M showed me the dorm and it was nice and spacious and toilets were super clean and dry and airy! I was hooked, so I made up my mind to stay here for the 2nd night. I also bought my Cultural Village ticket + shuttle service there (RM60 + RM20 return) for Saturday morning.

Shaky night shot of the waterfront

Walked along the Waterfront again on my way back and decided to call it a day. Read a magazine, internet wasn't working. Found the bed was very squeaky; move a bit and it squeaked which was kinda annoying. Went to sleep and was woken up at 4 am from the loud sounds from the beating rain against the walls of the building. Yes, it was that heavy.

Woke up to my alarm at 7 am, showered and checked out. Walked to Singgahsana, checked in, left my luggage and went for breakfast at the coffeeshop across the street. Still had an hour to go before the shuttle van arrives so I went to see the Chinese Temple and check out some other lodges/hostel along Carpenter Street.

Singgahsana Lodge

Berambih Lodge at Carpenter St.

MySarawakTravelCafe at Carpenter St.

Hong San Si Temple at Temple St.

At just after 9 am, our shuttle van arrived and took us to SCV - it was about 45 minutes, along the way we could see the swollen rivers. Arrived at SCV and were given our visitor sticker and passport, where you can have it stamped after visiting each of the traditional houses. I went walking with Lindsey, an English lady I befriended on the shuttle bus. 

It was enjoyable even in the rain - we managed to cover all except 3 houses before we headed to the main hall for the cultural performance at 11:30 am. That too was enjoyable although for me I have seen them before. 

My favourite - Rumah Orang Ulu

Iban warrior at the cultural show

With Thomas, Penan warrior

At the Rumah Orang Ulu - fantastic background.

Lindsey trying out the rice grinder at the Chinese Farm House.

Gongs and other artefacts at Iban Longhouse

Bamboo bridge to Bidayuh Longhouse

Wood sculpture by Korean sculptor

The rest of the sculptors at the entrance

Main stage for RWMF in July

Sarawak Cultural Village entrance, taken before leaving.

After the show, I continued my visits while Lindsey decided to have lunch first since she will be there the whole day. I on the other hand decided to take the return shuttle at 1:15 pm after completing my tour. While waiting for the driver I chatted with one of the managers there, he was very helpful and shared useful information about the coming RWMF in July. Reached the city at about 2 pm; the rain didn't get any better in fact it got worse - decided to sleep it out and see how things would turn out in the evening. 

After my nap, I chatted with my dorm mate, Louise from London - who is an avid traveller. She's been to all these wonderful places and is in love with Malaysia. Next time she'll include KK in her map :). It was great chatting for hours exchanging travel stories and experiences. We kept hoping the weather would clear up but it didn't. By early evening she decided to go to the night market in Satok anyway, with one of the lodge staff Ina, since she will be leaving the next day. I decided to stay put and explore the City Centre, determined to locate the cat statue. And I found it despite the rain !!

Cat Statue, next to Grand Margherita Hotel

I also found that Kuching doesn't have big malls in the city centre. I went to three small ones in the same area - Tun Jugah, Sarawak Plaza, and Riverview - I may have gotten the names wrong. The new mall called The Spring is out of city centre, I didn't bother to go since I wasn't in a shopping mood (yeah right, my excuse, I just try to stay away so I don't get tempted!)

On the way back, I braved the rain and wind to get back to the Lodge; made a quick stop at Life Cafe for dinner and back to the lodge for shower and nap. Louise was back from her night market jaunt, not much to see except she managed to try out the durian. We decided to continue chatting upstairs at the rooftop bar and were joined by Bruno and Michel, two Frenchmen who had just arrived that day. 

Wall graffiti encouraged - leave your mark !

The walls are covered with autographs and comments.

The bar. Breakfast is also served here in the morning.

After swapping tales and political opinions (potent topic) we called it a day just before 1 am and went back to retire for the day. I slept soundly in my warm bed. Traffic could be heard outside but I was okay with it. Light sleepers might find it very noisy. As advised in the lodge's website, wear earplugs if you are one :P

Well that's the story so far. Day one verdict : I like Kuching :)

Will be back for RWMF in July! Whoopee-do-dah!