We are still exploring Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo. Sarawak has many large rivers which opens up to the South China Sea. And around the calm mouths of these rivers, lives an elusive and mystical creature, the shy Irrawaddy dolphin. Today we are heading out to the calm shallow sea front in search of these gentle and shy creatures.
[Photos below] - Early in the morning, we had headed to our main embarkation point, at the Sarawak Boat Club (https://goo.gl/maps/XUvSHZfT3XLXANi48 ), where a small ferry will bring us about 30 mins to some calm sea point to hopefully catch a glimpse of these dolphins.
[Photos below] - As we moved, the boat created much turbulence in the water. And when we get closer to the viewing spots, we really needed to slow the engine down to a whisper, so not to scare away these shy creatures.
[Photos below] - Our viewing spot (https://goo.gl/maps/2qBMqpQLwwhZJcKx8 ) has the backdrop of Mount Santubong. Talk about a place where the mountain meets the sea, literally.
[Photos below] - So here we parked, and lie in wait, hoping to see something. Some visitors had gone away without even catching a sight of these shy dolphins. There is no guarantee. We waited, and looked.
[Photos below] - And then it happened, in the distance, what looked like just some dark body breaking the surface of the calm water.
[Photos below] - With more patience, we saw the playful yet shy dolphins wave their tails. And we waved back.
[Photos below] - And we understood, we were in the wild, not in an aquarium. So, we wont be able to see the dolphins up close.
[Photos below] - As we looked up, the beautiful blue sky, dotted with puffs of white clouds.
[Photo below] - The Irrawaddy dolphins, or known as the “Empesut” is local Sarawak language. This is statue of the dolphins at the Damai Beach resort.
Sarawak has to much to see and discover. Check out some of my recent posts during my visit to Kuching Sarawak below (work in progress)
Link to all recent posts on Sarawak (opens in a new window)
All photos taken on mobile. Quality is limited.
#SarawakMoreToDiscover