Sailing the South Seas: From Kuching to the Anambas Archipelago and Batam
In late May, our motley crew of academics, graduates, and adventurers set off on a seafaring journey that would take us from Kuching, Sarawak, through the remote beauty of the Anambas Archipelago, and finally to Batam.
Our voyage was organized by Prof. Martin and joined by Prof. Matthias Roth from the Geography Department. Fellow shipmates included Zhan Hong (NUS Graduate), Edward Tam (NUS Graduate), Syam (Y2 Computer Science), Yi Hao (Y1 Computer Science), and Jerina (NUS Graduate). At the helm was Captain Blake, an Australian mariner with decades of ocean wisdom, accompanied by his wife and spirited grandson. The vessel for our adventure was the Four Friends, a sturdy craft ready to face open seas and hidden lagoons.
Kuching: The Starting Point
We landed in Kuching on 26th May. With visas still in processing, we had a day to explore the city. The Sarawak Cultural Museum offered a fascinating dive into Borneo’s heritage, and the streets of Kuching kept us busy until our paperwork was ready. By evening, with visas in hand, we set sail under a softening sky, heading towards the wild blue beyond.
Moonrock Lagoon and the Eccentric Neighbor
Our first major stop was Moonrock Lagoon, where we tried our hands at abseiling down rugged cliffs into the turquoise waters below. Across from Moonrock Island lies another small isle, recently purchased by a Caucasian woman who had transformed it into a yoga retreat — much to Captain Blake’s disapproval. The island, he insisted, was meant for all to enjoy, not just for stretching and meditation.
Rumors swirled that the resident family bred rabbits and ate them raw (a claim we did not attempt to verify). Luckily, the owner was away. Her retainer gave us a polite, if slightly awkward, tour of the yoga facilities before we made our way back to the boat.
SOTA Archipelago: Coral Gardens and Goats
From there, we sailed to the SOTA Archipelago, a cluster of pristine islands where the waters shimmered with preserved coral reefs. We spent hours kayaking around the islands, marveling at the colorful marine life below. To our surprise, the shores and hills were dotted with goats — apparently thriving in their tropical island paradise.
Tokong Malang Biru: The Abandoned Lighthouse
Next came Tokong Malang Biru, home to a long-abandoned lighthouse perched high on a rocky hill. The path up was steep, tangled, and far from tourist-friendly. Captain Blake’s young grandson, fearless and nimble, charged ahead without hesitation, shaming the rest of us into following. At the top, the view was spectacular — the kind of vista that makes the climb worthwhile and the sea feel endless.
The Journey Home: Dolphins on the Horizon
On our way back, we took turns in the crow’s nest, scanning the horizon for signs of dolphins or even whales. The ocean did not disappoint. Sleek, playful dolphins danced alongside our boat, leaping in and out of the waves as if escorting us home. It was the perfect ending to a voyage that had been equal parts exploration, camaraderie, and sheer awe at the natural beauty of the South Seas.
