The Bintulu sunset

Date taken : 29 October,2014.

The Bintulu sunset

Coastal Hibiscus

Bintulu is near the sea and its coastline faces the open South China Sea. Indeed if you are to sail straight north you would have beached at the coasts of Vietnam. The sea sprays, distinct dry weather, sandy soils and lots of monsoon rains have made the hibiscus plants here high performers. Two species that are native here are the Sea Hibiscus ( Hibiscus tiliaceus) and the Rose of Sharon ( Hibiscus mutabilis). While the Sea Hibiscus need to be planted closest to the sea or even in waters, the rose of Sharon prefers a well-drained soil. One peculiar habit common to both is the changing nature of its flowers as the day progresses. In the case of the Rose of Sharon,it starts white early in the morning and gradually develops into a dark pink as the day progresses. In like manner, the Sea Hibiscus starts the day in strong yellow and changes to orange when evening sets.

CU of Sea Hibiscus

Sea Hibiscus near the beach at Kidurong township

CU of Rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon shrub

P.S. For many other colours of the Hibiscus flowers, click here.

Sea Hibiscus

At the beach along the coastline of the Kidurong Township one can see rows and sometimes big groupings of the sea hibiscus ( Hibiscus tiliaceus) This species of the hibiscus is native to Malaysia and grows abundantly along seashores and beaches of Bintulu. The flowers are bright yellow with large crimson centers, turning orange when they fade. The leaves are large and heart-shaped.

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).

Kidurong Bay

This is a view of the Kidurong Bay from the rocky beach of Tanjung Batu, Bintulu. In the far background is the Kidurong Heavy Industry area which nestles the largest LNG plant in the world ( in a single location). The distance from the beach to the tip of the Bay of Kidurong is about 10 km.

Picnic spot at Taman Temasya, Tg.Batu Beach

Three days ago, Sunday(9th March), I took time off to breathe in some fresh sea sprays at the town only proper public beach. The waves pounding on the rocks , the swaying of the coconut leaves and the cries of the cicadas on the trees kept me in touch with nature momentarily.