The View from the Top at Kiyau Stay and Campsite
When I think of the mountains, my mind immediately wanders to treacherous edges and dangerous cliffs. To ascend a mountain is to distance oneself from others, from civilisation. However, home is where people plant their feet. You can imagine my surprise when I heard of a homestay on top of a mountain. My thoughts immediately cast it as a gimmick tourist spot. However, the Kiyau Campsite at Kampung Sapit reminded me of something of great importance in life. Situated at Jalan Puncak Borneo, Padawan, the journey there from Kuching took an hour and a half. I went with my classmates from CENTEX Santubong. It was our final ‘adventure’ before each of us started our internship.
When we arrived, the view of the mountains from our spot was blocked by a cloak of mist. This was followed by a heavy downpour. A bit disheartened, we reluctantly brought our supplies from the car to our spot. At night, we had a barbecue and were also fortunate to buy durian from the locals. It was smaller, but it more than compensated with its amazing, sweet, mellow flavour. The barbecue, durian, and night-time gossip made an unexpectedly wonderful combination. After dinner, we had a quick and cold bath. We were also, unfortunately, not wise enough to pitch a tent, so we settled for a simple set-up: a duvet, pillows, and a thick blanket spread on the straw mat.
Late at night, the smell of petrichor after the rain, along with the chirping insects and the occasional drip of water, created a calming atmosphere. I was the last one to shut my eyes. The cold air, combined with the silence, was enough to lull the others to sleep. For once, I was alone with my thoughts. Isolating myself from the hustle and bustle of the city gave my mind some time to think. I thought about my cats, my little garden at home, and mostly, my obscured, cloudy future. Much like the mountain view, I could not see much—even when I was at the top. Even when I seemed in control. When my thoughts turned blue, I immediately shut them down and tried to get some sleep.
I gradually woke up to a radiant, warm sensation engulfing my body. It was the sun. As my eyes opened, I could finally see the mountain view. I saw the sea of clouds covering what seemed to be endless mountain peaks. The peaks looked like small islands, and the clouds’ slow motion almost formed a wave. It was beautiful—like something one only sees in dreams. I basked in the morning light, and so did the others. The breathtaking view gave my eyes and mind what they needed most: clarity.
“What darkness cloaks at night, daylight will reveal in the morning.”
So thank you, Kiyau Homestay, for reminding this city boy that my worries are only as big as I allow them to be—and that the opportunity to be alive is another chance to try at life. —DayakDaily
I’rfan Akmal Azman from Kuching is the Consolation Winner (Adult Category) in the ‘Homestay Odyssey’ writing competition organised by DayakDaily and supported by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
