Deep Sea Trawler

I saw this deep sea trawler unloading its catch this morning at the Bintulu fishing wharf on the river bank of Bintulu town center. For generations Bintulu was known as a fishing village and the local Bintulu fishermen are almost all Melanaus. However with the coming of the deep sea trawlers the ship's crew are mainly people employed from outside Bintulu because the local Melanau fishermen prefer to go out to sea in their own traditional small fishing vessels like their forefathers before them. Deep sea trawlers appeared in the Bintulu fishing scene around fifteen years ago.

Kuala Tatau Water Festival

A race in progress.

The Kuala Tatau village was a buzz today, roaring to the powerful outboard engines like the ones above as part of this year '45 Years of Sarawak's Independence Through Malaysia ' celebration.

A section of the large crowd of spectators by the river bank.

A fishing boat decorated with the Malaysian flags greet spectators as they walked up the ramp after disembarking the small boat that ferry them to reach the main village across. Rates: Adults = RM 1.50 per person. Children = Free.

Strong winds and choppy waters in Bintulu today

The first sign that a sudden change in weather was imminent was when I saw these grasses bending low at the Bintulu Waterfront Promenade.

Very quickly strong winds slammed the palm trees, sending visitors scurring for cover.  Suddenly there was not a soul taking a stroll at the promende.

Going further up to Kidurong Housing Beach area some 20 minutes drive from the mouth of the Kemena River ( where sits the promenade) I saw many small fishing crafts moored at the lagoon area seeking safety from the choppy waters offshore and  impending stormy weather. This is typical of the end of year weather at Bintulu ( Nov- Dec) when strong winds can send waves up to three or four meters high making the sea most dangerous for small fishing crafts like these.

Fishing Boats of Bintulu

I was passing the beach area in front of the Kidurong Township today. In the calm waters of the man-made bay are parked colourful fishing boats belonging mainly to part-time fishermen . Most of the fishermen bring their boats up to ten kilometers offshore to fish in their free time because most of them are employed by the big companies or organisations at Kidurong Industrial Zone, some 12 kilometers away ( by road).