Leaving Bakelalan
We had a pleasant change to breakfast today with kanpua (Foochow) noodles. It was a satisfying meal that would keep me going for the day ahead, travelling from Bakelalan to Miri then to Batu Niah. As I finished breakfast before 0800, I could tell the clouds were burning off very nice and early today. Perfect for my flight home.
At around 0830 we walked to the airport where I checked in around 2h prior to my 1035 flight back to Miri. I appear to have gained 2kg when I was weighed-in. I didn’t think I had eaten that much but perhaps the scale was reading a little high.
Killing time with Maureen at the cafe next to the airport, we saw the flight coming in some 20 minutes early. It seemed to aim for the rice field then make a turn towards the runway before landing.
I went airside and was soon on board with a total of 12 passengers. I think all were bound for Miri today as I don’t think we lost anyone during the Lawas transit. We arrived into a hazy Miri 20 minutes early as well.
Continuing to Batu Niah
I took a Grab car to the Pujut bus terminal where I was able to hop on a bus to Batu Niah Junction within 10 minutes. With a 15 minute delay, we left at 1245. I snacked on water and a rusk-like cake on the journey passing a few longhouses, some of which were newish modern ones and other concrete.
I arrived at Batu Niah Junction around 1430 and found a private car to the Niah Cave Inn at Batu Niah proper. Strangely, the fare was only MYR15 but the cave a little further carries a price of MYR30.
While I was hungry, I thought it would be wise to wait till dinner. It was pointless having a heavy meal around 1500. I bought milk to go with more rusk to tide me till dinner.
Batu Niah was very quiet. Many of the cafes remained open despite being empty. I found a Malay/Indonesian trendy place that was buzzing (in relative terms) and got a good meal of chicken, lots of veges and rice.
There wasn’t much to do after nightfall so I lay in bed to watch Youtube on my phone as my hotel TV didn’t work.