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Borneo Field Trip Diaries
Rivers of Sarawak
(Sungai di Sarawak)

by Michael Lo
of Sarawak, Malaysia
From his website: http://www.ibanorum.netfirms.com
Aquarticles

In the past, rivers were the only way to access the interior of Sarawak, so most of the towns and villages were built beside rivers. In the upper parts of the rivers most of the native people are of the Dayak tribe. In the lower parts the majority are Malay. Chinese live in the towns.

Some rivers in Sarawak are infested with man-eating crocodiles, especially in brackish water. That's why I seldom go fish collecting in brackish water....too dangerous!   The most famous "crocodile river" is called Batang Lupar, in the Seri Aman division. It is famous because a lot of men and children have become victims of the hungry croc. Besides crocodiles, freshwater dolphins are also found in the rivers of Sarawak (near Santubong). 

Here are some pictures of rivers that I have taken during my fish collection trips:

NOTE: Sungai = River)

The upper Sungai Sarawak in Bau area

CLICK ON THUMBNAILS FOR ENLARGEMENTS, THEN GO "BACK."

Batang Kayan, (Lundu area). The green arowana is found here!

A small river near Sematan,the most western part of Sarawak

River cruising in Sungai Sarawak near Kuching City

Sungai Bako, the only route to beautiful Bako National Park. If you want to see real crocodiles, go to the upper part of Sungai Bako.

Sungai Rejang, the longest river in Malaysia. It used to be a clean river but after logging activity began in the upper part of the river, the colour of the water turned brown!

An underground river (flooded cave) near Tebedu

Ferry service at Sungai Rambungan. After July 1st 2004, all vehicles using  ferry services in Sarawak State had to pay a toll. Before this they were free of charge.

The famous crocodile "king" called "bujang senang" attacked and killed a lot of villagers living near the Batang Lupar River, Seri Aman. The story of this giant croc. became a legend.....

Upper Sungai Sambas, Kalimantan

Upper Batang Kayan. The water level is very low during the dry season.

Upper Batang Kayan

Upper Sungai Sarawak

Sungai Peduan, of Bau. A beautiful place!