‘Magnificent Sarawak’ Silver Winner (Adult) — Nur Hidayah Muhammad Nur Arshad Chupuong Abdullah

Nur Hidayah posing for a photo at Tasik Biru, Sarawak. Photo by Nur Hidayah Muhammad Nur Arshad Chupuong Abdullah

By Nur Hidayah Muhammad Nur Arshad Chupuong Abdullah

Tasik Biru’s azure expanse spread out before me, glistening in the burning sun. Its bright blue was a testament to Bau’s heritage, the gold mining town that was once the land of fortune seekers’ dreams. This Sarawak Delta Geopark jewel now lures with tales of spectacular nature rather than wealth.

The afternoon had begun with a sense of anticipation. My family and I were excited to discover this hidden gem in the Sarawak Delta Geopark. The lake called like a siren’s voice, with its gold stories and bright colour.

“Legend says,” our boat guide continued, “that this lake is where miners washed their gold. The minerals mixed and gave it its blue colour.”

I imagined finding hints of gold in the pure water below as I peered over the boat’s side. The water bed was almost within reach. Thoughts of ancient miners still searching for elusive gold flooded my head as I examined its aquatic beauty.

The boat voyage was peaceful, with the steady lapping of water against the hull and distant bird cries. My family and I talked animatedly, pointing out interesting rock formations and speculating on the secrets that Tasik Biru may store.

The next adventure awaited us as we docked: the floating bridge. It swung gently with the ripples of the lake, a tribute to man’s capacity to cohabit peacefully with nature. Stepping onto it, I felt the slight bounce under my feet, a playful reminder of the water below. I stood on the floating bridge, listening to the wind’s soothing murmurs. The weight of city life lifted from my shoulders as the euphony of nature surrounded me. I was on an odyssey, one that would reveal the heart and soul of Sarawak.

It was here that I discovered the lake’s other wonders. A rainbow of fish dashed beneath. Schools moved as one, their scales catching the sunshine and making a colourful dance. I watched, enthralled by the underwater ballet, with my family.

I stood there, engrossed in this aquatic ballet, the surrounding world drifting away. The lake had transformed into a doorway, sending me to a world where nature’s wonders took centre stage. My family and I watched and smiled as fish played hide and seek amid the water plants.

The lake’s blue darkened to gold as the sun sank, mirroring the heritage of miners and their long-forgotten ambitions.

That evening, I departed Tasik Biru with a grateful heart. It wasn’t simply a gorgeous location or a tourist attraction; it was a reminder of the richness of nature, history, and the times shared with loved ones. Sarawak is more than a place; it is a sensation, an emotion, and a great chapter in my life’s history. — DayakDaily

DayakDaily received 153 submissions, with 106 entries under the Adult Category and the remaining 47 under the Youth Category.

Nur Hidayah Muhammad Nur Arshad Chupuong Abdullah from Miri is the Silver Winner (Adult Category) in the ‘Magnificent Sarawak: An Unforgettable Trip’ writing competition organised by DayakDaily and supported by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Imperial Hotel Kuching.