2007 Holiday Pictorials

Express Boat Ride

This is a backpost of the short year end holidays I would like to share with fellow bloggers. Most of the time I get emails from tourists from outside Sarawak and Sarawakians who have never gone on a river adventure up the Rajang River. So if you have plans to ride on an Express Boat here's a few pictures on what its like. Water transport plays an important role in the everyday life of the rural folks whose homes (mainly longhouses) and riverine towns are not connected by road networks. The rivers become the lifeline for these settlements/towns. How does one go upriver especially from Sibu? Firstly what does a typical Express boat look like?

A typical Express Boat

Most West Malaysians who have been to Langkawi will call it a Ferry as most of the boats that ply between Langkawi and the mainland Kedah (or Penang Island) looks similiar. I can say most of the 'Ferries' there are built in Sarawak. Sarawak especially Sibu is famous for its shipbuilding industry so its basic shape and design are almost similiar. But for most West Malaysians who are not so exposed to this mode of transport and if you talk to them about 'Express' they will immediately identify it with the Express Bus which plies along the West Malaysian highways.

The Sibu Express Boat Terminal

The Ticket Counter with time, destination and the express boat pictures. During peak season or holidays do buy or book your tickets early

The distance upriver to Kanowit, Song and Kapit. Back in the 70s with slower engines powering the express boats it takes 2 hours to reach Kanowit, 4 hours to reach Song and 5 hours to reach Kapit. Now with the speedier boats it takes half that time. Try not to risk the morning boat rides as the mist in the morning makes navigation dangerous and there are some instances that the express boats collide with one another or also hit the smaller vessels

Passengers on the perabong

During peak time or holidays there is a tendency for the boats to be full of passengers that those who do not get seats will have to sit on top (or perabong in Iban). I do remember the conversation I had with my West Malaysian friends during my school days at a hostel School. At that time I also did not know that for them 'Express' means bus. I mentioned about sitting on the roof of the 'Express' when I go back to my longhouse every Gawai. And being young as I was they would go 'Dasyhat orang Sarawak, naik bumbung Express lagi tu'

You get to travel on the perabong with the chicks (in the box)

The modern Express now is fully air conditioned, so those who manage to get the tickets will enjoy a comfortable environment. Sometimes they will play some wrestling matches, good movies or karaokes. You can get to hear Iban Song also (Nah I would not want to start with that Iban Song joke). Some lucky passengers get to watch some adult movies (not the hardcore ones la) if the crowd is right - and I am not kidding! I think the Sarawak River Board do not have the necessary clauses in their Rivers Board Act to prevent this....should think about it. But the sound will be drowned by the loud engine which may be why they rather play 'Action' movies

The advantage of sitting on the perabong is that you get to see the scenic views along the river. Something like the River Crusie along Sarawak River. Just pray that it does not rain.

The ultimate test for a good Express Boat Passenger is something like a Fear Factor episode. That is getting off a boat (or getting on) if you are stopping over at the nearby jetties. You will need both the skills and the courage to get on or off a rocking boat.

So this are just some of the experiences shared for your further exploration. The days of the express boats are numbered in a way because of the rapid infrastructure developments in the State. The recently completed Lanang Bridge and the improvement of the Sibu to Sarikei roads have reduced the number of express boats trips plying Sibu to Sarikei. Before the Express Boat rides become a romantic past - make a point to try it soon.