Singapore Flyer

 

View of Singapore from the 61st floor of the Swissotel. In the background on the shore of the South China Sea is the Singapore flyer, a ferris wheel under construction and built larger than the ferris wheel on Canary Wharf in London

Damai Beach Resort

This weekend I stayed in a hilltop chalet at the beach on the South China Sea. Damai Beach is a 45 minute drive from Kuching. This amazing view was from my balcony. It's the same view as sitting up in bed as the bed faced a circular wall of windows. It's nothing short of paridise there. The food and the staff were excellent. I could have easily stayed a week, and I'm not usually one for a lay on the beach type of vacation. Actually I spent most of the time at the pool next to the deluxe chalets where I was staying. Today I had the whole pool to myself for most of the day as a lot of people were checking out. I wangled a late check-out and didn't take the shuttle back until 5. Whereas it has been raining in torrents all last week, both Saturday and Sunday were beautifully hot and sunny, raining only in the evening. I've got to make a trip back here!

Native Dances

The highlight of my trip to the cultural village was the stage show. Natives danced in the costumes and to the music of the main tribes in Sarawak province. It was amazing! So professionally presented! I would have stayed to see it twice, but the beach was calling...

Sarawak Cultural Village

On Saturday morning, I left Kuching for a weekend at the beach. But first, I visted the cultural village down the road from the beach resort. It's a 17 1/2 acre living museum. There are 7 traditional dwellings built in the style of each of the main tribes in Borneo, inhabited by natives displaying their crafts and lifestyle. Really interesting! I could have spent the whole day there, but the beach was calling. I bought a blowpipe and darts. Better stay on my good side! ;-)