Residents dub it Bau’s Golden Gate Bridge, but it is more like a bridge to nowhere.
We drove to Tasik Biru yesterday morning, planning to hike the 1km Miner’s Walk trail for a panoramic view of Bau, a former gold mining town 35km from Sarawak’s capital, Kuching. There is an old Chinese temple at the top of the hill.
To get to the trail, we had to walk along the 60m Bau Bicentennial Bridge, but the gate at the end of it was locked.
More perplexing, the area was devoid of information, and traders at the food court did not know when the gate would be unlocked, or who would do it.
One trader suggested we go to the other side of the lake, where there is a floating bridge.
This leads to Roxy Tasik Biru – which offers visitors floating chalets – and attractions such as paddleboat rides and a jungle trail that meets Miner’s Walk. Going this way is RM10 per entry.
However, there was no one at that entrance at 8.17am. It was a missed opportunity to get tourists up the hill to experience the sunrise.
For the record, the Bau Bicentennial Bridge only opened to the public on Sept 22 to mark the town’s 200th birthday. Entry to the Miner’s Trail is free.
While there is a sign to mark the town’s bicentennial near the lake, it is strange that there was nothing near the bridge – not even its name or historical significance.
What a missed opportunity!
Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep revealed during the opening ceremony that the bridge was a nod to the red concrete bridge that used to be there. He said there are plans to construct an observation platform called Tanju Ninyau for visitors to enjoy the view.
Bau is already famous for its nearby Wind Caves, Fairy Caves, and the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre.
It also has another hidden gem – Paku Hot Spring in Kampung Sibulung.
Even this opens for business late, from 9am to 7pm on weekdays. It closes an hour later on weekends.
Sadly, it is not wheelchair accessible as there is no ramp. Facilities consist of two shower stalls and three sitting toilets.
There is no mobile coverage, but that may not necessarily be a bad thing.
It opened on Oct 23, 2021. Entry is RM5 (adults) and RM3 (for children below 12). For foreigners, it is RM10 (adults) and RM5 (for children below 12).
If you do not fancy a dip in the hot spring, you can walk around the area for free.
Imagine what it would be like if visitors or tourists could hike up Miner’s Walk in the wee hours of the morning, and then take a dip in the hot spring.
That is something the Bau town council should look at. That, and a description of the historical significance of the Bau Bicentennial Bridge.
GOOD END TO THE YEAR, HOPEFULLY, IT CONTINUES IN 2023
Malaysia recorded its lowest weekly total of Covid-19 cases and fatalities this week.
In the past seven days, we had 4,020 new infections, the third consecutive week of a dip in cases.
Two weeks ago it was 7,571, and last week, it was 6,121. Malaysia also had its lowest number of infections in a single day on Tuesday when 423 cases were reported.
As of yesterday, Malaysia recorded 5,026,164 Covid-19 cases.
There were 22 deaths, which took the total number of fatalities to 36,852, while 6,058 patients fought off the coronavirus.
That brought recoveries to 4,976,990.
Worldwide, there are 664,526,116 cases and 6,696,038 fatalities.
A FAMILY TRADITION
By the time you read this, my brother-in-law, Michael, would have emerged from the jungle with some flowers.
It is a tradition that at the stroke of midnight of the new year, family members would ‘mandi bunga’ for good luck.
My late father-in-law used to be in charge of the rituals, but the duty fell to his wife in 2015, with Michael or other sons picking the flowers.
As this is our first Christmas back since 2019, the home minister, our daughter Carra, and I, will once again receive the blessings.
Here’s hoping for a better 2023 for everyone.
SAY HELLO TO YOURSELF
Here is an easy way to save messages sent to you via WhatsApp – forward the messages to yourself!
Yes, starting early this month, Meta made this option available to all. You can read more here.
CHOCOLATE PANETTONE BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING
On several Facebook food groups, panettone, an Italian type of sweet bread, is all the rage.
But it can be expensive, so here is a recipe to try at home to welcome 2023.
ACREDITA NO VEIO (LISTEN TO THE OLD MAN)
We end the 53rd, and final Diary of 2022, with a song by football’s greatest player, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele.
The Brazilian maestro died two days ago, aged 82.
Until next year, stay safe.
