Sampan

This chap will take you across the Sarwak River in Kuching for 50 sen. That is 10p!

When you get across you are deep in rural Sarawak as you walk through a very ordinary little run-down village or kampong. That feels surprising because on one side is a burgeoning modern city and on the other a village. It's like having Canary Wharf on one side and Ambridge on the other.

I crossed over yesterday and it was hot!!!! And humid. I couldn't see for the perspiration coursing into my eyes. But fascinating for all that.

The Sultan of Brunei handed Sarawak over to James Brooke for services rendered in 1842. Brooke became the famous White Rajah of Sarawak, and the country was an independent kingdom under Brooke and his heirs until 1888. Then it was placed under British protection.

Impressions? The cost of living feels about a quarter of what it is in Singapore. And the Malays are immensely friendly and welcoming people.

The schedule here keeps changing. Tomorrow is now a day off - and I think I am going to meet some orang utans.