Betong – Serikei - 128km ^27
Early morning, I resumed my ride, with trucks carting loads to the palm oil mills.
The forest was slowly making way for more palm oil plantations. Riding, one could
hear monkeys in the dense forest, but they seldom showed themselves.
The weather was boiling, and Borneo wasn’t for those afraid of heat or humidity.
The road became hillier as the day progressed, with an option to turn off to
Saratok (which I should've taken). The map, nevertheless, indicated a nature park
a little further, which looked more appealing. Unfortunately, the Sebangkoi Nature
Park and Resort turned out disappointing and neglected. I, therefore, merely filled
the water bottle and proceeded toward Sarikei.
The day was marred by oppressive heat, which made it exhausting riding. As a
result, Sarikei lured me in as it sported various places to overnight and had plenty
of food.
Even by Malaysian standards, Sarawak has an extraordinary mix of people: the
largest ethnic group was neither Chinese (26%) nor Malay (21%), but the Iban
(29%), known as the fiercest head-hunters in Borneo. The food was equally varied
- in nearly all towns, one could find Malay, Chinese and Indian food and a wide
selection of ethnic dishes. However, Sarikei appeared more Chinese, as most of
the stalls sold Chinese food and supper was a substantial plate of Chinese noodles
and a bowl of soup. Just what the doctor ordered.