Anyone at least a little bit acquainted with Cantonese cuisine will know that there is little that trumps the breakfast meal of dim sum, and owing to its Chinese heritage, Miri is a good place to sample it. Each dish of dim sum is normally served in sets of three (two seems a bit meagre … read the full post

Other than being famed for its jungle, Sarawak is also known for its indigenous communities and for good reason; there are more than 45 recognised ethnic groups. Between them they make up more than half of the overall population and it is this diverse range of cultures that makes Sarawak one of the most fascinating … read the full post

Handicrafts make great souvenirs from Sarawak; not only are they a change from mass-produced knick-knacks but, when bought from a local community, you are supporting their economy and can ensure the producer gets their fair share of payment. Sarawak has a plethora of indigenous communities and each have their own handicraft tradition. From beaded jewellery to rattan … read the full post

Although in the past 50 years Malaysian Borneo has undergone dramatic development, there are still pockets where you can experience “old Borneo” — that is, places where people still live in longhouses and go out into the forest to gather food. Here are a few suggestions on finding them. One such place is Bario, home … read the full post

The Borneo jungle can be an unforgiving place; it’s humid, it’s mountainous and around inhabited areas, although there are trails, it’s easy to get lost. However, last year in a moment of spectacular spontaneity, I booked a trip to head into the Ulu, or interior, of Sarawak. I would stay with a local indigenous community, … read the full post

I have met many a traveller at the airport who has just stepped off a twin-otter flight from the interior, their bags heavy with damp clothes that have been unable to dry under the canopy of the forest and their legs pock marked with leech bites; the residue of the rainforest lingers darkly on their … read the full post

Travellers coming through Malaysian Borneo often complain that it is much more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia. Travel and accommodation can often be double the prices of West Malaysia and public transport in Borneo is often non-existent, forcing travellers to use taxis. However with a little bit of know-how and forward planning, it … read the full post