Location : Kampung Sait, Padawan, Kuching Division, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Is one of the 4 villages that have been compelled to move due to the construction of Bengoh Dam, the other 3 being Bojong, Rejoi and awesome Semban.

This trek to Sait is the first for the 5 of us and maybe our last once the dam gets filled up next year. One hour of easy walking, crossing 2 suspended bamboo bridges we were caught in the rain 5 minutes into the village.

Guided by school teacher/photographer Redan Ginoh of Rejoi we were able to take shelter at Ms Kibik’s convenience store. As we enjoyed drinking our 100+ Ms Kibik enlightened us onthe standoff between the government & the villagers on the issue of compensation. I couldn’t help feeling sympathetic for her as she has to sacrifice her ancestral land as well as her present house which costs RM60,000 of her savings to build over the years. The same story goes with all the villagers.

They just want a better deal than what is offered right now. These humble folks deserve every respect for the way they stand up to their rights. We wish them every success.

As the rain stopped, we trekked back a short distance to the junction that led us to location of ‘New Sait’ which was another hour away. 15 minutes from the junction we were tempted by this cute little waterfall just 10m from the track. Had a very refreshing 30 minutes dip at this 2 tier waterfall.

Continued with our journey, new Sait was a pleasant shock for us. Maybe a hundred times more beautiful than Old Sait. All of us agreed we would not mind stay here for the rest of our lives! Most of the 20 odd houses are not inhibited yet, all very well spread out over the slopes.

Will definitely be back to try the homestay for a night or two once the villagers move in.

Bombastic Borneo shows you the gateway to indigenous lifestyle, culture and nature of Borneo.

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