Be essentially equipped

CQ's second leg (466km) of the approximate total of 886km long drive up to Kuching - from Sibu, took about seven hours plus stops at a petrol kiosk and resting for lunch in Pekan Serian.

There are more than just having fun adventure and experience driving on a long journey. You have to plan ahead and not only be physically fit but mentally too. Ensure that there is another family member who can drive so that the chief driver can take some cat naps after few hundreds kilometres of non-stop driving.

While driving and concentrating on the roads ahead, you can also enjoy the scenic views and many if not all, the kind of life that lies within this region filled with beautiful and luscious greenery.

In fact, Kuching boasts quite a number of National Parks - Tanjung Datu National Park, Batang Ai National Park and Wildlife Centres - Semenggok Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Matang Wildlife Centre.

Occasional sights of terraced of sireh (betel) leaves creeping on stumped trees or poles, thick hilly virgin forests and jungles, palm trees plantations and mills, logging mills, shrubs, old huts standing tall on padi fields, schools, kampongs and different types of longhouses can be seen on either sides of the roads.


Be sure to put together an emergency kit in your car that will save you any grief if you ever got stranded or encounter problems (God forbid) on the road. The kit could include - flashlights with working batteries, jumper cables, duct tape, a container for petrol (optional), car jack and spare tyre. It would be a plus if you have a mechanic's head too.

Can you imagine this long trailer is overtaking vehicles that are supposed to be 'faster' than the trailer itself? It is so common tho'.


When driving on the long roads that seems to have no ends - do be careful as there could be road works ahead and when overtaking heavy vehicles - especially if you are driving at night as hazards may be out of your headlight range. If it rains, reduce speed. Ensure that your front and back wipers work properly. Use the light from oncoming vehicles ahead to gain clues on road curves and bends. Watch for road signs and white lines for further guidance.


Besides, you and your co-driver must be sharp- minded - making sure your brain cells are activated to think fast and be alert at all times, sharp eyes to navigate, read maps and road signs. To add fun and joy-ment to the long journey, bring along good music cee-dees.

If you have small children, do pack some travel essentials like a foodie bag of non-perishables - cereal, biscuits, packets of juices and other lights snacks to ward off hunger pangs. Do not forget (bottled) water and a bag of toys - PSP or games, books and gadgets to kill any boredom or distraction in the children. A set of medicine essentials - liquid paracetamol for fevers, wet wipes, lozenges and anti-bacterial sanitiser - can be handy too in any less extreme circumstances.

Do dress light and comfortably - with proper footwear. CQ and family did enjoy our long drive trip to Kuching. Planning soon for a drive up to Labuan =) ?? Let's think how yeah!