Clocking a new Record

Typical single two lane carriageway from Bintulu to Kuching ( 600 km )

Today we're off to Kuching. We started the journey from Bintulu at 10 am. in fine weather. The journey to Kuching by road would normally take 9 hours in reasonablly fine weather inclusive of short pit stops at selected three or four rest areas along the 600 km Bintulu - Kuching stretch of the Sarawak, Borneo highway. Travelling at this time of the year i.e. during the 'Landas' season ( November- February) when the severe north-easterly monsoon rains hit the coastal regions of Sarawak has its hazards. For the first half of the journey the weather was fabulous, cloudy mostly and in some locations had the full sun overhead. However during the second part of the journey, rains were our constant companion thus slowing the journey by at least an hour. Most of the river crossings have waters that have overflowed its banks. We saw at least two longhouse areas flooded and hundreds of people moved to evacuation centres. One kampung at Tatau ( 40 minutes drive from Bintulu) had waters that ran havoc throughout the village, partly seen in the picture below.

View of Tatau River and flooded kampung, from Tatau Bridge

On board the pick up were other members of the family viz, Inul and her mother Mama Daisy. This is their 11th trip back to Kuching. By nightfall when we arrived Kuching, they would have clocked another 600 km to their present travelling record of 12,600 km . For more stories about our cat's family attempt to create a new Malaysian record for the most travelled cats in Malaysia, please check it out here.

A diversion to ease traffic at the road slip

At one point of the journey i.e. between Bintulu to Tatau, the heavy rains had washed away a major portion of the road. A temporary diversion has helped ease traffic near the road slip. But Lo! at the top right of the picture above is seen a yellow bulk cement truck that unluckily skidded into the ravine below.

Inul and Mama Daisy taking long naps, uncommon for cats

Inul had the best of times with her mother. Daisy seemed in good mood during this journey and Inul took advantage by pinning down on her. And not a grudge from Mama!.

Daisy takes a rest at Betong Rest Area for her favourite tuna.

We wish to thank all those who have prayed for us to have made this journey safely.