Mulu National Park, Sarawak

Last November was my first ever trip to Mulu National Park in Sarawak. Despite working more than ten years of my career in the tourism industry, this was the first time I finally had the opportunity to visit one of Sarawak's most iconic and breathtaking attractions.

After years of promoting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, I arrived only to have the visit feel like the ultimate teaser trailer.  I was only able to walk around the main entrance area and didn't get to visit any of the caves.

That was because my main purpose for traveling there was to attend an event held at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. While the resort and the surrounding jungle atmosphere were incredible, the deep, dark secrets of the caves will, unfortunately, have to wait for another time.

However, even a quick trip to Mulu’s entrance area offers its own rewards. I manage to pick up a few precious souvenirs, making sure to support local artisans. I came away with a beautiful woven bakul (a traditional basket) and a lovely necklace. It’s a great way to remember the trip and ensure that the local community benefits from the tourism surrounding the park.

Mulu, you've offered me a magnificent tease. The caves might have to wait, next trip, maybe.

Care Less

At This Age, I Just Don’t Care Too Much Anymore.

There was a time when I would stress over every small thing.

If I plan to cook, I must cook — no excuses. If I missed an ingredient, I’d rush back out, annoyed with myself, determined to “stick to the plan.”

Well… not anymore.

These days, if I reach home and suddenly remember I forgot to buy the chicken, I just steer my car straight into the porch, take a deep breath, and open a food-delivery app. Even though the grocery store is just two minutes away.

And I’ve stopped feeling bad about it.

Maybe it’s age. Maybe it’s experience. Remember this burned? Life has taught me something important: sometimes you have to listen to the universe. Things happened for a reason. Maybe it’s saving you from a kitchen disaster. Or maybe it’s reminding you that rest is a valid reason too. Maybe it’s dangerous to go for a drive when you’re angry with yourself.

So is this bad? Is it pure laziness?

I think it’s wisdom wrapped in practicality. It’s knowing that your energy is limited, your time is precious, and your peace of mind matters more than forcing yourself to chase perfection over a piece of chicken.

So that night we had prosperity burgers,  bukan selalu dapat beli ni kan 😄

If ordering food instead of driving two minutes makes me lazy, then it's fine, I accept the title.

But I like to believe it’s something else: choosing ease, choosing comfort, choosing myself, is what I think most important now.

And at this stage of life, that feels just right.

I think it goes the same with my career, ohh well..

Unrelated photo in Salzburg, coz all I care now is when can I travel next.

Ankeruhr Clock, Vienna

The Ankeruhr Clock: Vienna's 12 PM Parade

The famous Ankeruhr Clock, which I’d read so much about, was literally just a few steps away from our Pension. We knew we had to catch the main event!

We wanted to see the full parade, which happens daily at 12:00 noon. This meant we had to rush after attending High Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral. Well, not really rushing, it's just about 3-5 minute walk from St Stephen's, but we had to stop by at our room for a toilet break because the High Mass was longer than we expected.

The Grand, Yet Reserved, Spectacle.

The midday show is the most complete, featuring all twelve of the clock's historical figures in a full procession that typically lasts between 12 to 15 minutes.

As the clock began its performance, we watched the historical figures—which represent important personalities from Austrian history like Marcus Aurelius, Charlemagne, and Empress Maria Theresa—slowly move across the bridge connecting the two faces of the clock. Each figure is accompanied by music from their respective era, culminating with the figure for midnight (Joseph Haydn).

This is a piece of living history and art worth seeing once, especially since it was so close to our stay.

If you missed the full 12 PM parade at The Ankeruhr Clock in Vienna, don’t worry — here’s my video capturing the entire show from start to finish.