His retirement dream
and loved the rustic setting.
She had flown all the way from Australia just to have a “taste of Borneo.”
Choon, originally from Kuala Lumpur, and her friend and fellow nurse, Lucy Siew, met when they were training in London many years ago.
Both have kept in touch, and for them, the Bario trip was special. It’sa holiday they promised to have together again while still actively working.
Robert said: “I can do special programmes like a special tailormade itinerary for my customers. I can even design a road trip from Miri to Bario in my 4x4 upon request.
“During this kind of road trip, we can visit longhouses along the way, take lots of photos and stop by riverbanks.
“A road trip to Bario takes one whole day. When we reach Bario, my resort is already ready with food and lodging as I will fly into Bario aheadto prepare. Then I will fly back to Miri to welcome my guests. There are so many things to see on the wayto Bario. Even hunting can be arranged.”
Benjamin Lim and his wife who were in Bario with Choon and Lucy, were delighted with the large (10x10) bathrooms with all the modern fixtures such as hot and cold water, showers and toilets.
“It’s big enough to dance in,” they enthused.
Lucy added that bathing and washing utilities were a must in the cool temperature of Bario as mornings can see the mercury dipping below 12 degrees Celcius.
Travellers usually try to carry as little as possible, so laundry facilities will be welcome.
Sometimes a sudden shower may get all the clothing soaking wet. Here, a dryer will be most useful. Cultural performances Most tourists enjoy the cultural performances in the longhouses provided by Robert as part of his homestayprogramme.
He would request the women from his wife’s longhouse to dress in full traditional costumesand dance their traditional dances for the tourists.
The pocket money the dancers earn from the tourism industry is a welcome “gift.”
Guests can also play traditional games such as “Find the Ring” and learn to dance.
Lucy said they had a wonderful afternoon, interacting with the longhouse folks.
Guests can also go for walks and enjoy the captivating scenery of mountains and streams in the highlands.
Photography is a real treat in Bario with its mists, beautiful clouds, lovely hills and small gurgling streams.
There is a special mountain in Bario where many have trekked up to pray.
It is said one West Malaysian had gone up there to pray for a cure for his illness and come down to find himself well.
The grateful man has since donated wood and other materials to build a chalet for pilgrims at the top of the mountain.
“Indeed many who have come to seek solace, and good health have already found their prayers answered,” one villager told thesundaypost. Sweet pineapples A friendly Rela memberatBario Airport told Lucy: “Over here, our pineapples are very huge and sweet. Most people come to enjoy our sweet pineapples especially in the middle of the year.
“Besides, our special organic rice planted in beautiful valleys is also a tourism product.
Bario rice is quality export and many people outside Malaysia know about it.
“People come here and learn how we plant our rice. They even go into the fields to be rice farmers for a day or two.”
A pleasant surprise for Benjamin was the large number of people who speak English. So when foreigners visit Bario, they don’t need a translator.
Robert offers more than just the ordinary homestay programme.
Being adventurous himself, he will, upon request, take his guests for jungle trekking and even shooting the rapids in the Pa’dapur River.
The Long Bayu campsite can provide an overnight stay should visitors choose an outdoor excursion to enjoy the cool and breezyweather of the Kelabit Highlands.
Fishing is an excellent activity in Bario with freshwater fish teeming thePa’dapur River.The well-known semah is plentiful.
Picnics can also be held on the pebbledbanks of the Pa’Bareng River.
If travellerswish to stay a few more days, a tour of the Bario Salt Springs, a trek up the prayer mountain and nature walks to identify plants and flowers with trained guides are available options.
Packages include stays of 3 days 2 nights, 4 days 3 nights or 5 days 4 nights with free transport to and fro airport.
Prices are very reasonable with good seasonal food, all prepared by Robert’s family and sometimes himself.
Robert can be contacted at h/p 0198914829 and his blog — http;// baiohighlandcountrycottageresort. blogpot.co.nz/