A Green Escape: My Unforgettable Journey Through Sarawak

A Serene Escape to Sarawak: My Green Adventure Begins

My journey to Sarawak began with anticipation and a heart full of excitement. Sarawak, a stunning and lush green state of Malaysia, had always held a certain mystery for me. I had heard so much about its natural beauty, the warmth of its people, and its unique culture. So, when the opportunity came, I packed my bag and boarded an early morning flight from Singapore.

The flight was short—just about half an hour—but the view from my window seat made it feel like a journey through a dream. All I could see from the sky were endless patches of green forests and shining bodies of water. There was no sign of crowded cities or towering buildings—just pure, untouched nature. At one moment, the clouds were so close that it felt like they were gently colliding with the airplane. That soft impact was surreal and magical, something I had never experienced before.

As we descended into Sarawak, the weather changed. A light rain was falling, and the soft drizzle only added to the beauty of the moment. When I stepped out of the airport, the fresh smell of rain mixed with earth welcomed me. My uncle was already waiting for me at the airport, waving with a big smile. We hugged, exchanged greetings, and then headed straight to his home.

Once we reached his house, I changed my shoes, took a warm shower, and freshened up. After that, we headed out again. My uncle bought me a new pair of shoes and sandals, a thoughtful gesture that made me feel even more at home. I was a bit hungry, so we stopped at KFC—my favorite. There’s something special about having comfort food in a new place.

Later, we traveled across different areas of the city. My uncle has a small business, and he was collecting payments from customers. He sells various items and travels to different neighborhoods. I noticed that many people in Sarawak lived in small, open houses—something quite different from our culture, where privacy is more valued. It was a cultural shift, and I admired how people adjusted and lived happily with simplicity.

While accompanying my uncle, something unexpected happened—I met an old school friend! We were both shocked and delighted to see each other in such an unlikely place. We stood there talking for a long time, catching up on life and sharing memories. He even invited me to stay at his house, which I considered, but then remembered that my cousin had been waiting for me since morning. He had called me multiple times, so I didn’t want to disappoint him.

So, after saying goodbye to my friend, we made our way to my cousin’s place. It wasn’t too far from where we were. The moment I saw him, I felt a rush of joy and nostalgia. We greeted each other warmly, had dinner together, prayed, and then sat for a long time, sipping tea and talking late into the night. Finally, I went to bed feeling peaceful and happy.

The next day, we woke up early in the morning and decided to visit the seaside. The weather was perfect—sunny with a light breeze. We drank fresh coconut water at the beach, enjoying the calm waves and soft sand. Afterward, we went for a short mountain trek and even swam in a freshwater stream. The place was breathtaking—ideal for hiking and swimming, surrounded by green hills and the sounds of birds.

On our way back home, we stopped by a local fruit stall and bought a seasonal fruit called Duree in the local language. Once we got home, we were welcomed with a delicious meal: rice with meat, freshly cooked and full of flavor. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

This short journey to Sarawak gave me much more than I expected—reunions, nature, adventure, and above all, peace. It reminded me how important it is to take a break from routine, explore new places, and reconnect with people and nature. Sarawak is not just a green state on the map—it is a place where the soul feels light, and the heart finds joy in simplicity.