Mukah II: Getting there and coming back

There's absolutely nothing that is obviously wrong with making a short roadtrip to Mukah ... except for the 2 hr slow moving traffic along very bumpy and dusty roads full of potholes. Mukah itself is great, getting there though takes plenty of grit. You are ok if you are driving one of those monster lorries or air-conditioned VIP express buses; if you driving anything else bring extra supply of patience, a clear mind and a very strong constitution. A few cuss words help to express your feelings at many appropriate times. Stay home if you intend to go there in one of your new SLK convertible or anything else more dainty.


If it's not the oil palm transport, it's the coal transport. Once in a while you'll have slow express buses chugging through. Not too pleasant for those travelling the road by bikes or on foot ... imagine those living along this dusty stretch. All 50 km of it, day in and day out.


Those travelling on motorbikes would not be spared the free-flow of dust courtesy of the road construction. Seeing it in a more positive light : no pain, no gain I guess. How are you going to benefit from using smooth, modern road if you don't suck up all the dust first eh? I'm glad I'm only visiting, but I do feel for the little guys having to put up with the big guys' antics who for the most part live much cushier lives.


Past all the dust, pot holes and giant lorries, visitors are greeted into Mukah by a bright cheery yellow metal bridge. The rest of the way (all the way to Mato ferry) the bitumen is fresh and smooth and without potholes, smells new too almost.


A coal shed for the Mukah power plant ... couldn't locate the company name anywhere around the compound. Very low profile for the work that they do.


Here comes the big boys again. From the coalface to the coalshed? Presumably with all the cash from the coal mining operation, the power generation, why can't they upgrade the roads first to a standard it should have for the bitumen to put up with daily traffic of this massive lorries. They seemed to be the major users anyway?


A peek at the coal operation ... couldn't locate the name of the company here either. Seems to be located right smack in the middle of an existing kampong. Taking a flight to Mukah might be good for more than one reason : an areal shot of the place would definitely be quite revealing.


A journey's end at a stop in Selangau situated at the junction to Mukah, halfway between Bintulu and Sibu. Typical of any rest stop restaurants, the place is filled with lethargic folks - proprietors, consumers alike.

Would I do it again? Hell, yeah if someone else is driving in a very comfy, flushed suspension, air-conditioned car that must not be my own. Who has a dainty SLK ... I'll gladly navigate and be your guide to the splendours of Mukah.