Say GoodBye to RV Orient Pandaw

I guess most of the local may already know that RV Orient Pandaw, the only river cruise in the country sailing up the mighty Rejang River had already ceased their operation starting April this year.

The cruise started its operation since 1st July 2009 disembark its passengers near the dock at Jalan Khoo Peng Loong, Sibu and was once been believed could bring positive growth to the tourism industry in this region. Just Sharing had briefly reviewed about it before the cruise started its maiden voyage.

However, after about two and a half year's operation, the company announced the cessation of its operation in Borneo through one of its official newsletter titled "Last Chance to Join a River Expedition in Borneo!". There are no clear reason been explained, but as written in the newsletter dated 24th November 2011, "The logistical and operational difficulties of working in so tough an environment have make the project commercially unsuccessful."

But as cited from a report by The Star dated March 21, 2012:

"Sources familiar with the cruise earlier said costs to operate RV Orient Pandaw were 60-70% higher than those in Myanmar, Vietnam or Cambodia. 

The same sources also claimed that a longhouse here would charge up to RM3,000 for a three-hour programme, which included cultural performances, sampling of traditional food and rice wine as well as photo-taking session. 

In comparison, tourists are free to visit villages along the cruise’s routes in Indo-China."

(Source: After its final Rajang tour, RV Orient Pandaw will be deported to Myanmar, The Star)

"It is also understood that the busy Rajang River also poses a number of challenges for the cruise boat as it is particularly risky to sail at night or in early morning when visibility is poor due to heavy mist, and also when the river is strewn with floating wood debris.", reported by Philip Hii from The Star in the same article.

I am not sure how deep is the impact resulted from the cessation to the tourism industry in central region of Sarawak, but I believe more or less the industry will be affected and Sibu as well as the small towns at upstream such as Kapit and Kanowit will be at the losing end.

The steamship is now still berthing at the dock near Jalan Khoo Peng Loong and waiting to be sent back to Myanmar. The body had been covered up with canvas to prevent direct sunlight damage to the wooden surface.

Related articles:
1. After its final Rajang tour, RV Orient Pandaw will be deported to Myanmar
2. Cruising into the sunset
3. Last Chance to Join a River Exepdition in Borneo!

Kampua @ Sing Hin Corner

"Kampua" and "Sibu" are 2 terms that are so synonymous. You can get this local specialty at almost every kopitiam you sit in. From breakfast to supper, Sibu people just can't live without it.

There are plenty of low profile coffee shops a.k.a. kopitiam in Sibu who serve very nice Kampua, yet not many people actually talking about and only those patronage aware of them. Among one of this kind of kopitiam is this one named "Sing Hin Corner" located same row as Li Hua Hotel Sibu at Lorong 2, Jalan Lanang.

This Kampua stall is operated by the young man who had started the business for approaching/more than one and a half decade. His style wearing toque at all time when doing his job and preparing foods makes him look like a chef. Besides look pro, it is also for hygiene purpose.

A lot of customers visiting the stall are patrons who had fall in love with his Kampua thus visiting it repeatedly. The shop is always crowded during weekend, so if you wish to visit it on weekend for breakfast, you may need to wait for a longer time before the favorable Kampua will be served on your table. Anyway, the "chef" is very skillful, so the waiting time is relatively short even during peak hours.

I believe one of the reason why his Kampua get its own group of fans is because the noodles is just nicely cooked and not gluey. The ingredients used to produce a plate of Kampua, such as the lard, soya sauce and oil are in the perfect or if not perfect they're in just right ratio. When you slurp the Kampua into your mouth, you can taste the very nice "oink oink" aroma which may make you want to go back to the same place craving for it!

... and this is a more traditional look of a plate of Kampua if compare to the one I reviewed in my previous post served in Rasa Sayang Cafe which is more Kuching Kolok Mee alike. 

There are few version of Kampua you can order from. The most original "white" version, Kampua with black soya sauce (with or without chilli sauce) or you can request for flat version of the noodles. Any of the variation will cost RM2.30 per plate. 

Besides Kampua which is the main attraction dish for the kopitiam, you can also tried the mixed soup at the same stall as it is equally delicious! The soup consists of ingredient such as pork liver, beef tripe, meat balls, fish balls, some deep fried bean curd and green vege and it is very tasty with some Chinese traditional red wine added to it! It is RM2.50 for a regular bowl and RM 4.00 for a big bowl.

There are other choices of foods you may try here such as the Lo Mee, Foochow string noodles with chicken soup, Laksa and so on.

The kopitiam operates as early as 6am every morning, but will be closed in the afternoon hours around 2-6pm then will be opened again from 6pm until around 11pm. 

Looking for authentic Kampua in Sibu? Highly recommend this kopitiam!