Kampung Semban, a Bidayuh village. Home of
the last remaining ring ladies. Known as the village above the cloud, it
is truly a magical, best kept secret place in Sarawak. Even I didn’t have the
knowledge of this kampung, perhaps because my family didn’t mention about it.
It was Wednesday afternoon when Luke
called me for a photographic trip to a village known as Kampung Semban, a
village loacated at Padawan district. 30 minutes of average speed to reach the
entrance of the trail from 10th Mile
by car. I took the challenged and follow the trip to Kampung Semban. He said
that those going were his dad, Mackenzie and him.
Thursday
0800: They picked me up that morning and we did
some cross check on our trekking list and last minutes shopping. I bought some
medicine at nearby pharmacy while Luke’s dad bought some meat in case the
food provided is less than expected. Our trip was in a package, 2 days and 1
night for about RM150 in total, inclusive food and accommodation. It was a good
deal for us.
0900: We reached at the main entrance where we were dropped off
by Macquin, Luke’s brother. Mackenzie, who supposed to go decided not to take
part of the adventure due to personal reasons. Thus only three of us went;
Luke’s dad Mr Edward, Luke and me. We had our meet and greet session with the
guides, Mr Mering and his sons and relatives, Peter and Zender and others where
I can’t recall their name. (I’m bad in memorizing name. I apologized for that.)
0930: We, about 6 of us including the guides started our
journey from the entrance. We took some pictures along the way. I brought my
heavy tripod along; weighted almost two kilo. Altogether, my bag weighted
almost 7 kilos. It was a long journey ahead plus the weight, I suffered. Haha.
In addition to that, it was an unexpected call from Luke yesterday regarding
the trip to Kampung Semban. I’d never been there before. We cannot give any
expectation to any jungle trekking that we went.
I’ve been to Mt. Kinabalu twice;
it was not as tough Semban. I admit that my level of fitness was low. FYI, I
only took a small amount of breakfast that morning, leftover from my sister’s
breakfast. Noodles; a kind of food you will satisfied for about 30 minutes and
you will get hungry again.
12:00: For the condition of real hunger, it really kills me. I
do some heavy breakfast actually. It feels like I can eat anything, if possible
a dinosaur. Hahhaa. I can say I’m not a human. Feeling dizzy and given some
“cha koi” from Mr. Edward. Thank you. I didn’t expect that the guide didn’t
give any food. What all of us thought that the package was included food
including lunch? Hmm I think too much of assumption is not good as well.
1400: We were almost reached the village. There is a cliff, the
last uphill to get to the village. I stopped in all of sudden halfway. My legs
jammed, and cramped. Luckily Mr Mering was just behind me. I cried, really
because it is so painful hahahahhahaha.
1430: Finally we reached Kampung Semban, the village of heaven,
a village above the cloud that people always mention about. We rest for an hour
and went to the waterfall.
1530: We went to the waterfall and took some pictures
1730: Going back to the homestay, have dinner
and get some rest.
Look at that hungry face trying to absorb as much as he could for the dinner. Hahahaha
Friday
0600: Wake up and went to the pepper farm that
was mention by the guide, not to pick the peppers but a perfect place to
capture photographs and moments of sunrise.
We went back to the homestay, get some
rest and ready to go back home.
1030: Packed and get ready to go home.
1430: Reach the starting point again. Go home
and rest. I feel I am fortunate, although exhausted to go for the trip because
it is not everyday thing that you can go there although the place is not
far away from your house.
Soon enough, the river will be filled and
Bengoh dam will start its operation, as a water catchment for the people of
Kuching. Maybe it will be the last sight to set our foot the trails to the
village above the cloud. It will always be our memories and in our heart.
Some photos are courtesy of Luke Kenny.