On our way to Kuching
Motor-sailing aboard our Lagoon Catamaran Sedna as part of the Sail Malaysia Rally Passage to the East, our next destination is Kuching, Malaysia, following a delightful visit to Natuna Island in the South China Sea. While cruising, flying fish respond to our motors, showcasing their remarkable speed and agility. A sudden alert captures my attention – a large log on our starboard beam, followed by another. Fortunately, we navigate safely past them. However, vigilant for obstacles, Sedna encounters a potential threat as it straddles a large plastic bag, emphasizing the importance of avoiding debris in our propellers. Among the sea’s offerings are various plastic items – a rope, part of a plastic bucket, and several shopping bags.
After clearing the rubbish and low water tanks we decide to use the watermaker to fill the tanks. No long after the water maker pump overheated, we possess less than a quarter of our tank’s capacity. Captain Mark suspects debris interference through the inlet valve.
A splash catches my attention, and I observe a pod of dolphins racing towards the front of our catamaran. Enjoying their company, they playfully swim in front of our hulls, attempting to keep pace as we cruise at 6 knots. Despite their spirited game, we always emerge victorious as they tire. However, my gaze returns to the present, discovering a small log ahead. With insufficient time to reach the helm, Sedna’s starboard hull makes contact with the log, fortunately causing no damage. The distraction stemmed from the joy of encountering the dolphins, a sight we hadn’t seen since last year, bringing happiness as they continue to navigate the ocean amidst fishing trawlers and massive tankers.
Navigating the shipping lanes of the South China Sea aboard Sedna requires yielding to vessels constrained by draft. Four sizable ships appear on our AIS, with the closest traveling at 12 knots—a fully loaded cargo ship. Meanwhile, the yacht Starzan 2, another participant in our rally, gracefully passes our stern, captured in several photographs by Captain Mark. This double-masted sailing vessel showcases its elegance.
Our journey, however, encounters a disheartening sight as we pass more debris—plastic bags, foil wrappers, caps, and even a foam rubber mat. Among logs, a minefield of plastic rubbish unfolds, including straws, wrappers, fishing floats, and bucket lids. Observing small fish near overturned debris, thoughts turn to the well-being of dolphins and turtles, hoping they avoid ingesting harmful plastic.
Brief intervals of clear water provide a momentary relief, lasting five minutes without encountering plastic debris, until the cycle resumes. Sedna continues to motor through an unending trail of plastic rubbish, emphasizing the persistent environmental challenges at sea.
Darul Hana Bridge is a Beautiful bridge, especially at night when it lights up and changes colours. The Darul Hana Bridge is a pedestrian bridge in Kuching that connects both sides of the Sarawak river. The bridge is fashioned in an S-shape, and is a curved bridge with two masts, inclined in opposite directions, symbolizing the balance of cultures living together. Steel towers topped with stylised hornbills pay tribute to the emblem of Sarawak. Several resting areas invite people to take in the panoramic view over the river and city, and the State Legislative Assembly Building.
In August, the Street Parade marks the celebration of Sarawak’s 60th anniversary of independence. Participants represent a diverse institution and organisations, the parade unfolds with each contingent delivering captivating performances and dances. This lively showcase becomes a spirited competition as participants vie for the title of the best performance in various categories. In doing so, the parade successfully captures and presents the vibrant culture and enthusiastic community spirit of the city.
The Hokkien Chinese Temple Constructed around 1840, this temple boasts a distinctive and beautiful design, showcasing unique architectural features.
The main highlight at Gunung Gading National Park, approximately an hour and a half’s drive from Kuching, is the Rafflesia. This renowned flower, measuring 3 feet wide (1 meter), is famous for its distinctive and unpleasant odor, making it the world’s largest flower. Whenever one is in bloom, rangers will lead visitors to it.
Located only 20 kilometers south of Kuching, the Semenggoh Nature Reserve hosts a colony of semi-wild orangutans that are familiar with human interactions. Trained to identify the forest reserve’s caretakers during feeding sessions, this unique setting allows you to capture memorable snapshots as the orangutans gracefully swing down from the trees to receive fruits.