Weekendin Singapore Dec '14 | Issue 09 | Page 158

acrosstheSTRAITS Savor in their variety of traditional food fare including their famed Kuih Lapis (layered cake) that is native to the residents while reveling in the sunset The Satok Weekend Market packs a punch for cooking fanatics as sellers emerge at full force selling fresh fruits, fish and vegatables as well as their coveted wild honey. and decide that this was the perfect place for meditation. A breathtaking climb of 246 steps will take you to the wide-open mouth of a cave with a superb view of your surroundings. You may also relax next to the Japanese pond filled with Japanese carp and tortoises, which in the culture, is a symbol of longevity. Perak Tong on the other hand, is known as the Mystical Perak Cave, it even has its symbols carved into the very rock above the cave-mouth itself, and is essentially integrated into the crevices and grooves of the inner structure. Even if you aren’t Buddhist, the culture here and its scenic backdrop is something you can’t miss. Local Delights & Relaxation Tantalise your taste buds at Miri’s Pasar Malam, a night market starring an assortment of local snacks and cakes along with their adored grilled meat and fish. Also stop by the Malay Kampungs along the north bank of Sarawak River, next to the iconic Fort Margherita. Savour in their variety of traditional food fare including their famed Kuih Lapis (layered cake) that is native to the residents while reveling in the sunset. The Satok Weekend Market packs a punch for cooking fanatics as sellers emerge at Weekendin 156 acrosstheSTRAITS The ever bustling Sibu Central Market Chillies for sale, Kutching Market - Sarawak, Borneo When in Limbang, embrace the natural elements that the Merarap Hot Spring can offer full force selling fresh fruits, fish and vegatables as well as their coveted wild honey. Patronise the Chinese and Malay stalls and choose from a comprehensive range of local snacks and delicacies. Unprecedented in other markets, this particular one sells live animals that you can make a pet of. The Sibu Central Market has its share of delights as well with local Iban ladies selling exotic fruits, hand-made crafts and Chinese sellers offering their live poultry that would make a satisfying meal. Be a part of the local community by taking an evening stroll along Brighton Beach, also known as Tanjung Lobang. As dusk approaches, watch as the radiating glow of the sunset looms over the horizon. A perfect retreat for families and those who seek serenity, the beach displays a spectacle of the shoreline and allows you to immerse into a meal comprising of the catch of the day. When in Limbang, embrace the natural elements that the Merarap Hot Spring can offer. Set in the rural area located 70 kilometres from Lawas Town, re-energise yourself by soaking into their pools of variable temperatures which are sourced by the neighbouring mountains. The rapid Trusan River lying adjacent to the hot spring where White Water Kayaking opportunities are available will make a good fishing spot for the adventurist. Diving The geographical location of Sarawak compels many to have a dip in the waters that encompasses the island. To jumpstart your diving trip, call on Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park, a popular haunt frequented by many divers. Descend into the water and scour through the pristine patch reefs with an average visibility of up to 30 metres. Apart from its dazzling bed of corals, sink into the mysterious realm of ship wrecks just 10 minutes away from the marina bay jetty. An aquatic zoo at its best, Belais Reef offers large oceanic gorgonian fans of red, orange and white whip corals as well as yellow coral trees that don the seabed; spreading over a massive area of 19,000 square metre. Just arms-reach away are the delicate Angelfish, Butterfly Fish, Sea Perch, Lizardfish and the Nudibranchs. Capture the moment here on camera as you hover alongside the Jacks, Yellow Snappers, Batfish, Cleaner Wrasse and Shrimps. Ever wondered how it feels like to be at the edge of a drop-off? Said to be a challenging site, the Tukau Drop-Off showcases a 20