(^54) Miri - Brunei border - Miri – Kuching - 60km
Departing Miri was at 08h00, and I wasn’t sure whether to expect a long day of
cycling or not. However, it turned out to be an effortless thirty kilometres to the
Brunei border, passing sizable and busy rivers and people working the fields under
conical hats.
Border officials explained they couldn't issue transit visas. One had to return to
Kuching to obtain a visa at the consulate. This wasn’t the information given by the
embassy, but there is no arguing with immigration officials. Tail between my legs, I
returned to Miri to locate a place to leave the bike and panniers and took a night
bus to Kuching.
A long fourteen-hour bus trip and not the most comfortable of journeys took me to
Kuching. The seats were comfy but the way was potholed, and from time to time I
believed it possible one could bounce right out of the seat.
Kuching
I must’ve lapsed into a slumber as I woke and found myself in Kuching, where a
taxi took me to the Brunei Consulate. I completed the forms, paid the required fee
and was told to collect the visa in two days. So, at least that part went smoothly.
Beds Guesthouse made a comfortable home for the next two nights. The evening
was spent enjoying a sunset boat ride along the Sarawak River, which turned out
pleasant. En route to my abode, food was from one of the many Chinese
restaurants and, as anticipated, excellent.
leana
(Leana)
#1