(^20) Kuching - Serian Ranchan pools - 70km
I was excited as this was the day I was to start my journey through Borneo.
Unfortunately, the weather was (as can be expected) sweltering, precisely the type of
hothouse effect one could expect from one of the world's last wildernesses. A sole
paved coastal road led to Sabah, but the genuinely interesting places were inland along
waterways. Still, I ambled past numerous rural settlements.
With traffic driving on the left-hand side, I stopped at a motorcycle repair shop to
change the mirror to the bicycle's opposite side. People were incredibly friendly, and
the guy at the shop was eager to help.
The second stop was at a store to get a drink of water. Again, the lady (who spoke
English) was interested in my travels and we chatted for a while. Upon departing, she
hurried out of the shop with a packet of biscuits - how sweet of her. Shortly past the
village of Serian a convenient recreational area with a great swimming hole appeared.
Camping wasn’t allowed, but bungalows were available and I was happy for the relative
luxury.
At around 20h00, I strolled the short distance to the restaurant and sat chatting with
the owners. The temperature was a wonderfully comfortable 28°C and perfect to sit
outside (albeit with a few nasty flying insects). Supper was nasi goreng (spicy fried
rice) and tea.
Soon, thunder and lightning started, and rain came pelting down. Luckily, the
restaurant had Wi-Fi, and I sat surfing the net until the storm subsided, allowing
getting to my chalet without getting soaked.
leana
(Leana)
#1