20070502 Sarikei-Bintangor

It was a rainy morning, as u can see from the photo above.
I went on my solo drive to Sarikei & Bintangor as my team mates were not keen on going on the road trip to small towns through uneven road conditions. They were worried about not having access to halal food in both places :(


Well, that didn't quash my enthusiasm...off I went. I used the first and only tolled bridge road in Sibu at the moment, the Lanang Bridge that is the closest link from Bintangor/Sarikei to Sibu. It costs RM3/car each way.

I did a little research from http://www.sarikeiro.sarawak.gov.my
the night before.

Photo on the left shows the gravel road that's in the process of being tarred by the Sarawak government. Almost completed for the Sibu-Sarikei stretch.

Right photo shows the newly tarred road.

Finally in Sarikei...the only monument to snap along the Batang Rajang in Sarikei.
The famed Sarawak pineapple, sweet!

Have u seen papaya trees lining the road? I noticed it along the road on my way to Bintangor (coz drove kinda fast towards Sarikei, missed out photo opportunities).

Hey, keep in mind that I was driving and taking photos on my mobile phone ok? I know that it was dangerous, but I was alone :(

For the benefit of those whom have not seen pepper farm/plant.

Bintangor's limau. I asked around whether there's a special name to the fruit but had no answer...The citrus fruit is pomelo-like (famed fruit in Ipoh, Perak) but a little smaller in size.

I was informed by Ms. Toh (SBUBC colleague) that the fruit rojak is a must have if u are in Bintangor. Managed to find it after asking a lady in hardware shop facing the Batang Rajang. It's located in the Gerai Makanan Islam, stall number 6.

On normal days, it's RM5/packet. If it's during the festive season, it could go up to RM10/packet! I bought 2 packets back for G & I and another for Geracie & her family :)

Started back towards Sibu after buying the rojak. Photo on the right shows Pulau Li Hua, the developer reclaimed land on the river bank of Batang Rajang. Exclusive homes, including a residence for the Agong, I was told.

I wonder if the homes there floods if the water level in Batang Rajang rises.

Goodbye, Lanang Bridge. Expensive but shortened the wait for the previous ferry crossings (I was informed) and using the Durin bridge (which is approximately half hour from Sibu town).

That's all on my half day's driving trip/visit to Sarikei & Bintangor (completed under 5 hours, including walking around both towns - see Lanang Bridge receipt above).

Up next is my trip via express boat to Kapit. FYI, the furthest one can travel by car on the roads inland is to Kanowit. Boat ride along Rajang River is the only way to get to Song, Kapit, Pelagus and Belaga.