Sail around the world

Today, we returned from Kuching to our hotel in PJ. There isn’t much to say about the journey itself, but the trip as a whole is coming to an end, leaving me with mixed feelings. With age, every ending, every goodbye, tugs a little harder at my heart. These last 60 days have been rich with impressions and memories—most of them good, ones I wouldn’t trade for anything. But the constant change of scenery has taken its toll, and I find myself longing for rest.   In just two days, we’ll be home. Yet, this vacation will linger in my mind for a while. We captured about 1,200 photos, each waiting to be sorted and processed. This task will keep me busy—and let me relive the journey all over again. Of course, there will be more mundane matters to attend to: laundry, a less glamorous souvenir from the trip; and the lawn, which I’m sure has grown wild and will demand immediate attention. Rest will have to wait a little longer.   What I will undoubtedly miss most is my daily rit...

Today is all about relaxation—no bustling jungle treks or city explorations. Instead, we embrace a slower pace with a serene sunset boat ride along the Sarawak River. Sometimes, words aren’t needed—let the photos tell the story. India Mosque Kuching Relaxed living outside the busy city Hikmah Exchange Event Centre : The first "Smart Building" in Sarawak Kuching City Mosque: this time from the water side. Chinese shophouses along the waterfront River taxi to cross the river or avoid the traffic jam Historical boats often still in service Dragon Boat Racing: a popular sport in Asia Twilight at the river Darul Hana Bridge:  iconic pedestrian bridge spanning the Sarawak River connecting South and North Kuching.

Source: sarawakforestry.com Today, we are heading to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre . Established in 1975, the center cares for wild animals that are injured, orphaned, or previously kept as illegal pets. It also conducts wildlife research, runs breeding programs for endangered species, and provides public education on conservation.   The orangutan , native to the rainforests of Malaysian Borneo, is one of the world’s largest primates and almost entirely arboreal. The name "orangutan" comes from the Malay words orang (person) and hutan (forest), literally translating to " person of the forest ".   We set off early in the morning—before coffee—to make it in time for the 9–10 am feeding. As Semenggoh is a wildlife center and not a zoo, there is no guarantee of seeing the orangutans. Currently, it’s fruit season in the jungle, so the orangutans are less inclined to make an appearance, as there’s plenty of food in the wild.   After a one-hour drive, we arrive at...

Today's visit to Semenggoh Nature Reserve was postponed due to bad weather. We weren't prepared for a 30-minute walk through tropical rain. But at least we now know why it is called rain forest . Tomorrow is a new opportunity!

Today's program involves exploring Kuching's waterfront, Chinatown, and the Borneo Cultures Museum. Kuching, founded in 1827 along the Sarawak River, thrives on its historical connection to the waterway. The river remains an essential source of water and transportation for Sarawak's inhabitants. Today, it is also a magnet for tourists, with its scenic pedestrian area lined with trees, benches, cafés, and starting points for river cruises. Across the river, the imposing Parliament building and the Governor's residence dominate the view.   Waterfront walk with shady parks inviting visitors to rest. Fascinating trees cover the road and offer shade. New Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building  Chinatown begins along the waterfront, characterized by its historic shophouses, many of which are still in use. Those near the river often cater to tourists, having been converted into cafés, restaurants, or souvenir shops. However, further away from the waterfront, the shophous...

Our first trip together after we met took us to Sarawak. Older German readers might recall Sandokan , the legendary Malay prince who lost his kingdom and title due to British annexation. He became the leader of a band of pirates, waging relentless attacks against British forces, until he was eventually lured into a trap in Sarawak. Inspired by those memories, I decided to revisit our past and fly to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, located on the island of Borneo.   Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, is known for its vast stretches of virgin rainforests, headhunters of the past, and an array of wild animals—evoking images similar to the Amazon.   We left early in the morning for Kuala Lumpur’s airport, not the main terminal, but the Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) terminal. Entering the building felt surreal. Instead of the usual airport setup, we found ourselves navigating through a massive restaurant and shopping area before finally entering a small gateway that...