Weekend Wander │ WALDORF

A Quiet Saturday at Waldorf Tower

Bright and early this Saturday morning, we drove to Waldorf Tower to check on an apartment my sister had left in our care. It had been months since our last visit, so we were hoping everything was still in good shape.

A Small Fix Turns Into a Mini Errand

The apartment held up well overall, but we quickly discovered that the bathroom light bulb had blown. That gave us the perfect excuse to head down to Mr. DIY at the ground floor of Hartamas Shopping Centre.

We picked up:

• A replacement bulb
• A can of Dettol disinfectant spray

Naturally, we didn’t stop there. We walked to the other end of the mall to grab a few bottles of drinking water and some small household items.

A Familiar Lunch

From Hartamas, we made our way across to Plaza Damas and stopped for lunch at Warung Soho—a place we had featured before.

It was a simple, satisfying meal, and exactly what we needed before heading back up.

A Productive Afternoon

Back at the apartment, Cat got down to work with a quick round of cleaning, while I settled in for a few hours of video editing. It was one of those afternoons where everything felt productive and calm.

Sunset Time Lapse

As the sun began to dip, I set up the DJI Pocket 2 on the balcony to capture another time lapse sequence—this time recording half an hour before and after sunset.

This latest attempt is already featured in a separate video, so do check it out if you haven’t already!

Dinner Plans… Changed

With the time lapse underway, we headed out to look for dinner. Our plan was to eat at Restoran Bestari, but we soon realised it had closed down.

It was disappointing, but not entirely surprising given how many similar places had struggled in recent years.

A Reliable Alternative

Still craving Mamak fare, we walked over to Banana, which had taken over a nearby space and seemed to be doing well.

We ordered:

• Fried Yellow Noodles
• Fried Rice Vermicelli
• Drinks

Dinner came to RM23.40 (≈ USD6/EUR5)—simple, filling, and exactly what we were looking for.

Ending with a Treat

After dinner, we popped into FamilyMart to satisfy a quick craving for snacks before heading back upstairs.

Back in the apartment, I continued working through the day’s footage while Cat relaxed after a full day.

Wrapping Up

It wasn’t a big day, but it felt right:

• A little maintenance
• A little shopping
• A little comfort food
• And a beautiful sunset captured on camera

And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

Catch you in the next blog/vlog! 🌇✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Plaza Damas (Main Lobby) - https://goo.gl/maps/Sxe7iE3hGg1hKP2D9

MR.DIY @ Plaza Damas - https://goo.gl/maps/e9eKkXk3Jc4h1oEy8

Mercato Sri Hartamas - https://goo.gl/maps/puBxBM6fdqcMEjH16

Waldorf Tower - https://goo.gl/maps/XjUPBmFXWijxAEcf9

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

Weekend Wander │ BANANA Plaza Damas (Re-opened!)

A Quiet Evening Reset

I spent most of the afternoon working on our videos, while Cat kept herself busy tidying up the apartment. It was one of those slow, productive afternoons where everything just flowed at its own pace.

As dusk approached, I set up the DJI Pocket 2 on the balcony of my sister’s apartment at Waldorf Tower, ready to capture a time lapse of the sunset. With everything in place, we left the camera to do its thing and headed out in search of dinner.

A Familiar Loss

Our first instinct was to head to Restoran Bestari, our usual spot for Mamak (Malaysian Indian Muslim) food. But when we arrived, we were met with disappointment—it had closed down.

We had mentioned this in an earlier video, but seeing it for ourselves still felt a little sad. Another familiar place gone, a quiet reminder of how tough the past few years had been for small eateries.

Oh well… it was what it was.

Finding a New Favourite

With that, we moved on to the next available option and found ourselves at Banana, which had taken over the space once occupied by Mari Canai—another casualty of the times.

Thankfully, Banana seemed to be doing well. The place was lively, with a steady flow of customers.

A Simple, Satisfying Meal

We kept things straightforward:

• I had Fried Yellow Noodles
• Cat chose Fried Rice Vermicelli
• A round of drinks for both of us

Dinner came to RM23.40 (≈ USD6/EUR5)—affordable, filling, and comforting.

Everyday Food, Done Right

It wasn’t fancy, and it didn’t need to be.

This was the kind of meal we always came back to:

• Quick
• Hearty
• Honest

The kind of food that truly defined “everyday meals for the everyday person.”

Ending the Day

With dinner done, we headed back to the apartment, knowing the time lapse would be ready for us.

It had been a quiet, reflective evening—one that reminded us how things changed, but also how new places stepped in to keep the rhythm of the city going.

And sometimes, that was enough.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Banana - https://goo.gl/maps/WoSUwfuGnC1a6YuL9

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

*barely a month after posting this Banana closed, apparently for good. Then a few months later it re-opened!)

DJI Pocket 2: Timelapse Take 3

Time Lapse: Kuala Lumpur at Sunset

It had been quite a while since we last worked on a time lapse video, so we decided it was time to try again. Just like before, this would be a short and simple post—letting the visuals do most of the talking.

Third Time’s the Charm

This marked our third attempt at time lapse photography, but this time, we wanted to capture something different.

Instead of our usual angles, we focused on the Kuala Lumpur skyline from a new perspective, watching how it slowly changed as day turned into night.

The Setup

For this shoot, we used the DJI Pocket 2, setting it to capture:

• One frame every 3 seconds
• Over the course of one full hour

We timed it carefully to include:

• 30 minutes before sunset
• 30 minutes after sunset

A Little Experiment

We also decided to experiment with an ND32 filter—something we hadn’t tried before in our previous time lapse shoots.

We were curious to see how it would affect:

• Light exposure
• Motion blur
• The overall mood of the footage

Watching the City Change

As always, time lapse had a way of revealing things we didn’t normally notice.

The slow fade of daylight, the gradual glow of city lights, and the shift from warm tones to cooler hues all came together in a way that felt almost magical.

Keep It Simple

This time, we kept things straightforward. No long explanations. No complicated setups.

Just a camera, a skyline, and time doing its thing.

Until Next Time

We’re still learning, still experimenting—but that’s part of the fun.

More time lapse attempts are definitely on the horizon.

Stay tuned! 🌇✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Waldorf Tower - https://goo.gl/maps/XjUPBmFXWijxAEcf9

Weekend Wander │ WARUNG SOHO Plaza Damas

A Simple Meal at Warung Soho

After running a few errands at Hartamas Shopping Centre, we decided to keep things simple and have an early lunch before heading back home. Our choice was easy—Warung Soho, a place we had always enjoyed.

Comfort Food Done Right

Warung Soho was known for its Nasi Soho, a straightforward yet deeply satisfying dish:

• Rice
• Turmeric fried chicken
• Rich, flavourful gravy

It was simple food, but it was done well—and that was exactly why we kept coming back.

A Place That Endured

We were especially glad to see that Warung Soho had made it through the pandemic. Like many small eateries, it had relied heavily on takeaway orders during the toughest periods.

Seeing it still standing today felt like a small victory—not just for the business, but for the neighbourhood we had come to know.

A Meal for Everyone

With drinks included, our lunch came to just RM24 (≈ USD6/EUR5).

Affordable, comforting, and honest—it was the kind of meal that truly lived up to the idea of “everyday food for the everyday person.”

Final Thoughts

Warung Soho might be small, but it more than held its own.

If you were looking for:

• Simple, satisfying food
• Great value
• A taste of Kelantanese flavours

…this was a place we would recommend without hesitation.

Sometimes, the best meals weren’t the fanciest—they were the ones that felt like home.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Warung Soho Hartamas - https://g.page/warungsoho?share

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

KCH Day 6 │ Flying ✈ from KUCHING

Leaving Kuching — The Journey Home ✈️

After six hectic days of running around, errands, and settling Brendan back into campus life, it was finally time for us to leave Kuching.

Farewell at UNIMAS

We checked out of our Airbnb and made one last drive to UNIMAS to drop Brendan off at his college. We spent a little time there, sharing a few quiet moments before saying our goodbye.

It was never easy, but there was also a sense of pride knowing he was continuing his journey.

Back to the Airport

About half an hour later, we arrived at Kuching International Airport. We returned our rental car to Awang Amirul, thanked him for the smooth arrangement, and made our way into the terminal.

We had booked our return flight on Malaysia Airlines, and after checking in our luggage, we prepared to board.

Flight Back to Kuala Lumpur

We boarded MH2529, which would take about an hour and a half.

• Captain: Cpt Yap
• Lead cabin crew: Syaiful

It was only our second flight since the pandemic, and admittedly, the nervousness hadn’t quite gone away. Thankfully, the plane had in flight entertainment, which helped distract us a little.

The flight departed at 2:00pm.

A Smooth Ride

As always, we preferred travelling by land—but once again, we were in safe hands.

Under the steady control of Capt. Yap, the flight was:

• Smooth
• Calm
• Almost turbulence free

Both take off and landing were uneventful, which went a long way in helping us feel more at ease with flying again.

Touchdown and the Ride Home

We landed in KLIA at 3:22pm. After collecting our luggage, we headed down to Level 1 to purchase tickets for the ERL (KLIA Express).

The train ride to KL Sentral was smooth and comfortable, taking about half an hour. From there, we hopped into a Grab car for the final leg home.

The End of a Chapter

And just like that, our Kuching trip came to an end.

It had been:

• Busy
• Meaningful
• At times emotional

But above all, it was a journey that mattered.

We left Brendan behind to continue his studies, while we carried home a mix of memories—food, places, and moments that stayed with us.

Looking Ahead

This may be the end of this Kuching series, but as always…

another adventure is never too far away.

Stay tuned—we’ll be back with more soon. ✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Kuching International Airport - https://goo.gl/maps/BHTYCsLM5S1JXuBp7

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 

- https://goo.gl/maps/8baSawAxGVmgdH6n6

ERL KLIA Transit - https://goo.gl/maps/MZ3yGvdMpNhyhWuG6

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

KCH Day 5 │ Rumah Asap Dayak SAMARAHAN

Kuching Trip — A Smoky Farewell

⚠️ Note: This post contains references to pork dishes. Our Muslim friends may wish to skip this one.

Last Night in Kuching

All good journeys eventually came to an end.

On our last night in Kuching, we decided to close our culinary adventure the same way we began it—with a trip back to Rumah Asap, the beloved “Smoke House” known for its generous spread of grilled meats.

It felt fitting. A full circle.

Back for More

Without much hesitation, we ordered some of our favourites again.

At the heart of the meal was pansuh—a traditional dish cooked inside bamboo stalks, filled with water, herbs, and seasonings, then covered with tapioca leaves. It was rustic, fragrant, and uniquely Sarawakian.

Alongside it, we went for:

• Grilled ribs

• Pork belly (“three layered pork”—rind, fat, and meat)

• Cuts from the grilled pig’s head

It was a hearty, smoky spread—bold flavours that we had come to appreciate over the past few days.

One Last Feast

With drinks included, our dinner came to about RM72.50 (≈ USD17/EUR16).

Yes, it was slightly pricier than our first visit—but honestly, it was still worth it.

The food was satisfying, the atmosphere familiar, and the experience felt like a proper farewell to Kuching’s unique food culture.

Looking Ahead

As we sat there finishing our meal, it finally sank in—tomorrow, we would be leaving.

And Brendan would be staying behind, continuing his studies.

It was a quiet moment. One filled with mixed feelings—pride, a little sadness, and the understanding that this was part of his journey forward.

Closing the Chapter

Our last night in Kuching wasn’t extravagant.

Just:

• Good food

• Familiar surroundings

• And a sense of closure

And sometimes, that was all we needed.

Stay tuned—the journey continues. ✈️✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Rumah Asap Dayak Samarahan - https://goo.gl/maps/tztC3d5ZPDSuyNbZA

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

KCH Day 5 │ KANTIN at The Granary

Birthday Lunch at KANTIN 🎂

As part of my birthday treat—for myself and for them too—we decided to stop for lunch and give our tired feet a rest after the long walk. We found ourselves at a rather upmarket eatery that immediately caught our eye.

A Unique Setting

Located within a warehouse style event space in the heart of Kuching, and part of The Marian Boutique Lodging House, KANTIN offered an atmosphere that felt both refreshing and nostalgic.

The setting was open, airy, and thoughtfully designed. We chose to sit outdoors for better ventilation—you could never be too careful—and took our time soaking in the surroundings before ordering.

What We Ordered

The menu was short but appealing, and we eventually decided on:

• I had the Nanasi (pineapple fried rice) – RM20
• Cat went for the Rainforest Fried Rice – RM19
• Brendan, still full from earlier, settled for Fried Chicken Wings – RM15
• Along with an assortment of beverages

The Verdict

We were pleasantly surprised to find that there was no service charge, but the total still came up to RM93.00 (≈ USD22/EUR20).

It was a little steep by our usual standards.

That said, it was my birthday—and it was a fusion dining experience—so we didn’t mind paying a little extra for something different.

Final Thoughts

The food was good, the setting was memorable, and the experience felt special.

If you were in Kuching and looking to try Sarawak inspired Western fusion dishes in a unique environment, KANTIN was definitely worth a visit.

And for us, it turned out to be a lovely way to spend part of a birthday. ✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

KANTIN at The Granary - https://goo.gl/maps/r13MfFdMGCiLYjMRA

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

KCH Day 5 │ MAIN BAZAAR Walkabout

Kuching Trip — Birthday Walkabout Continues

The drive back from Bako took a little under an hour and a half. Once we reached Plaza Merdeka, we parked, made a quick stop at the washroom, and headed back out.

Walking Toward the Waterfront

We walked northeast along Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, then turned right at the Harmony Arch into Carpenter Street. From there, we continued east, before turning right onto Upper China Street, following it all the way to the end.

Next, we turned onto Jalan Wawasan, walking through a quieter part of the neighbourhood. The rain never really stopped, but we didn’t let it dampen our mood.

Trusting Google Maps, we pressed on.

Finding Our Way

Sure enough, we reached Wayang Street, and soon enough, the Kuching Waterfront came into view. We crossed Wayang Street, then Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, passing by the Hornbill Fountain before strolling along the riverfront.

The scenery was calm, even in the rain.

A Visit to the Cat Statue

A short walk later, we arrived at one of Kuching’s most iconic landmarks—the Cat Statue.

It felt only right to stop here for a few moments, paying tribute to the city’s namesake (the feline, not Cat!).

Many believed that the name “Kuching” came from the Malay word kucing (cat), though others suggested it could have originated from a Chinese term for port or even the local name for the longan fruit. Whatever the truth, the city had fully embraced its identity as the “Cat City.”

Back Through the Old Streets

We retraced our steps along the opposite side of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, passing the Tua Pek Kong Temple, before turning into Temple Street.

Here, we made a quick stop at Asma Cake House, then continued along Wayang Street.

Lunch at KANTIN

This was where we had our birthday lunch at KANTIN at The Granary—a highlight we covered in a separate video.

After lunch, we continued walking north along Wayang Street and onto Jalan Main Bazaar.

Sweet Treats to Go

Along the way, we stopped once more at Asma Cake House, picking up some Kuih Lapis, a colourful layered rice flour dessert. (“Lapis” meaning layers.)

We then continued west along Jalan Main Bazaar until we reached its end at Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg.

Ending the Walk

From there, it was just a short walk back to Plaza Merdeka, where our walkabout came to an end.

Looking Ahead

It had been a rainy, winding journey through the heart of Kuching—but one that we thoroughly enjoyed.

And as the day drew to a close, we knew one thing was certain:

Tonight would be our last night in Kuching…

and it promised to be another smoky affair. 🔥

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Plaza Merdeka - https://goo.gl/maps/8MC4QcoRrGEyNeeX7

Harmony Arch - https://goo.gl/maps/RjZSAXhUpAQKzfxeA

Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple - https://goo.gl/maps/6xRh9x2ps9TvcX7q7

Hornbill Fountain - https://goo.gl/maps/CMwimLgnE424upiu8

Kuching Waterfront - https://goo.gl/maps/DtrjWJdSxX63pqgs5

Cat Statue - https://goo.gl/maps/qwBTh3u3T5CggKWMA

Tua Pek Kong Temple - https://goo.gl/maps/e6E4FiehwiCNpfRC7

Asma Cake House - https://goo.gl/maps/SRJiDQurqf4xci6w6

Jalan Main Bazaar - https://goo.gl/maps/nziqMa7n62ErJdyP7

Kuching Old Courthouse - https://goo.gl/maps/e3H36ZMaZc7M8SqbA

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

KCH Day 5 │ Morning Drive to BAKO

Kuching Trip — Birthday Detour

It was my birthday, and we had originally planned something special—a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), about an hour’s drive from Kuching. It was often described as the state’s “living museum,” and we were really looking forward to it.

But sometimes, plans simply didn’t work out.

Plans Changed

When we arrived, we were told that SCV was closed for sanitisation. It was disappointing, especially since we had planned the day around it.

Still, we weren’t ready to give up on the idea of exploring.

On the Road to Bako

We decided to take a drive instead and headed toward Bako National Park, hoping to catch a glimpse of some Sarawakian wildlife.

But the weather had other ideas.

It rained the entire way—and it didn’t let up. We considered a river cruise, but with the constant downpour, it didn’t feel safe or enjoyable.

So, once again, we had to change plans.

The Journey Matters

In the end, we turned back.

And yet, it didn’t feel like a wasted trip.

The drive itself—rain, quiet roads, and the changing landscape—gave us time to slow down and just be in the moment. It reminded us of something we strongly believed:

It’s not always about the destination. Sometimes, it’s about the journey.

Back to Kuching

We made our way back to Kuching, still determined to make the most of the day. This time, we had something lighter in mind.

We were going to look for something the city was known for—giant cats. 🐾

Stay tuned—the birthday adventure continues!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Bako National Park Carpark and Boat Jetty

- https://goo.gl/maps/wGTZbe3MduFEhN576

KCH Day 5 │ ORIENTAL PARK Kolo Mee

Kuching Trip — Birthday Breakfast 🎂

After four days of constant running around, errands, and extraordinarily little time for us, we finally slowed down.

And rightly so—it was my birthday.

A Proper Start to the Day

We decided to begin the morning at a place we had heard so much about—Oriental Park, known for serving some of the best Kolo Mee in Kuching.

For those unfamiliar, Kolo Mee (or Kolok Mee) is a local Sarawak favourite. It is a dish of springy noodles tossed in a light savoury sauce, typically topped with pork, shallots, and fragrant fried onions. It is simple, but deeply comforting, and could be enjoyed at any time of the day.

The Best We’ve Had

We had tried many versions of Kolo Mee before, but this one stood out.

It was:

• Light yet flavourful
• Perfectly balanced
• Comforting in a way only good local food could be

Without hesitation, we could say this was the best Kolo Mee we’ve had so far.

A Birthday Meal Done Right

With drinks included, our breakfast came to about RM20 (≈ USD5 / EUR4).

Affordable, satisfying, and memorable—it was exactly how we wanted to start the day.

A Simple Celebration

It wasn’t a big celebration. No fancy plans. No elaborate meals.

Just:

• Good food
• A quiet morning
• And a small moment to breathe

And honestly, that felt exactly right.

Final Thoughts

If you ever found yourself in Kuching, Oriental Park was a place we would not hesitate to recommend.

Sometimes, the simplest meals were the most memorable—and this was one of them.

Stay tuned—more birthday adventures ahead! 🎉🍜✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Oriental Park Kolo Mee - https://goo.gl/maps/owPUNgkUBRUHPz7P9

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

KCH Day 1 │ Rumah Asap TABUAN DAYAK

Kuching Trip — A Smoky First Night

⚠️ Note: This post contains references to pork dishes. Our Muslim friends may wish to skip this one.

First Night in Kuching

For our very first dinner in Kuching, we decided to try something truly local. We made our way to a place called Rumah Asap—which literally meant “Smoke House.”

True to its name, the place was filled with the aroma of meat being grilled over open fire. It was lively, smoky, and full of character—exactly the kind of place we loved to explore when travelling.

What We Ordered

Not knowing what to get, Brendan reached out to a local friend, and Terence pointed us in the right direction.

His recommendation? Pansuh.

Pansuh was a traditional dish where meat was cooked inside a bamboo stalk, together with water, seasonings, and wrapped in tapioca leaves. It was both simple and fascinating—something we had never tried before.

Alongside the pansuh, we also ordered:

• Barbecued ribs
• Pork belly (the “three layered pork” — rind, fat, and meat)
• Grilled cuts from the pig’s head

It was a spread that truly introduced us to the bold, rustic flavours of the region.

The Verdict

With drinks included, our meal came to about RM50 (≈ USD12/EUR11).

For the variety and quality, we found it very reasonable—and more importantly, memorable.

The smoky flavours, the different cuts of meat, and the unique pansuh preparation made it a proper introduction to Kuching’s local cuisine.

It was the kind of meal we wouldn’t forget anytime soon.

A Few Quiet Days

After that first night, things slowed down for a bit.

For the next three days, we didn’t film anything. Our cameras stayed at the Airbnb as we focused on something more important—helping Brendan settle back into campus life.

We made daily trips to his dorm, sorting through his belongings, restocking essentials, and furnishing his room. It was a busy but meaningful few days.

What’s Next

With everything finally settled, our next round of filming would begin again soon.

The next batch of videos would pick up on a special day—my birthday on the 15th of March.

Stay tuned… something good (and smoky!) is coming up next. 🍖✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel) 

📍 Location:

Rumah Asap Tabuan Dayak - https://goo.gl/maps/p3MAyiyHgYuVTzno9

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

KCH Day 1 │ AK 5212 KUL ✈ KCH

Kuala Lumpur to Kuching ✈️

We had booked our tickets on AirAsia, and on the appointed day, we finally boarded flight AK5212 to Kuching. The journey was expected to take about an hour and a half.

Back in the Air

This was our first time flying since the pandemic two years earlier, and to be honest, we were a little uneasy.

We had always preferred travelling by land whenever possible. Flying wasn’t exactly our favourite way to get around—but sometimes, it was the only practical choice.

Still, we were in good hands.

Our captain, Capt. Hari Krishna, and lead cabin crew Mir, made sure everything felt calm and well managed from the start.

A Smooth Journey

The flight took off promptly at 11:51am, and from that moment on, things were remarkably smooth.

There was:

• Very little turbulence
• A steady, comfortable ride
• Smooth take off and landing

It was, without question, one of the more pleasant flights we had experienced. The calmness of the journey definitely helped ease us back into air travel.

Touchdown in Kuching

We landed at 1:22pm, right on schedule—and just like that, we were in Kuching. It felt like a small step, but an important one. After two long years, we were finally travelling by air again—and it felt good.

And so, a new chapter of our journey began.

Stay tuned—Kuching awaits! 🌴✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

KLIA 2 - https://goo.gl/maps/5ufiq6Gb1DuggFBUA

Kuching International Airport - https://goo.gl/maps/BHTYCsLM5S1JXuBp7

KCH Day 1 │ Flying ✈ to KUCHING

Brendan’s UNIMAS Journey

Brendan had been pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in English for Global Communication (with Honours) at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) since September 2019. It was meant to be a straightforward four year journey.

But things didn’t quite go as planned.

When Everything Changed

He returned home for his first semester break in March 2020—and that was when the pandemic hit.

What was supposed to be a short break turned into something much longer.

For the next four and a half semesters, Brendan remained at home, attending lectures online. Meanwhile, his belongings stayed behind in his dorm room at Cempaka College, untouched and inaccessible.

Friends Who Made It Possible

Eventually, with help from some truly amazing friends—Prem, Amy, and Esther—his belongings were packed up and placed safely into storage.

We couldn’t thank them enough.

The Call to Return

Halfway through his sixth semester, Brendan received an email from UNIMAS asking him to report back to campus on 12 March 2022.

But with rising COVID 19 cases at the time, we hesitated. We held off making any travel plans until the very last moment.

When no further changes were announced, we decided to proceed.

Off to Kuching

We booked our flights, secured accommodation in Kuching, and arranged for a rental car.

On the appointed day, we boarded our flight. After a smooth one and a half hour journey, we landed without incident.

At the airport, we headed to Pintu 3, where Awang Amirul, our rental contact, was already waiting with our Toyota Avanza.

Back to Campus

From there, we drove straight to UNIMAS and made our way to Cempaka College, where Brendan’s belongings had been stored.

Seeing everything again after such a long time felt surreal. 

We loaded everything into the car and headed back into Kuching.

Sorting It All Out

Back at our Airbnb, the real work began.

Cat and Brendan spent hours going through everything:

• Sorting
• Packing
• Deciding what to keep

In the end, more than half of his belongings were discarded—a sign, perhaps, of how much had changed over the past two years.

A New Chapter

It felt like closing one chapter and preparing for the next.

What started as a simple return to campus turned into a reflection of everything the pandemic had disrupted—and how everyone slowly found their way forward again.

We end this chapter here.

Stay tuned—next up: a smoky dinner awaits. 🍽️🔥

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

ERL KLIA Transit - https://goo.gl/maps/MZ3yGvdMpNhyhWuG6

KLIA 2 - https://goo.gl/maps/5ufiq6Gb1DuggFBUA

Kuching International Airport - https://goo.gl/maps/BHTYCsLM5S1JXuBp7