Stranded in Stillness: A Hidden Sanctuary at Pinggir Siak
When my parents proposed a weekend escape to Stranded Cabin – Pinggir Siak, I barely registered their words—until they added, “There’s no Wi-Fi.” My heart sank.
At fourteen, perpetually tethered to technology, the notion of an unplugged weekend felt less like leisure and more like exile. I anticipated tedium. Instead, I encountered tranquillity, wonder, and something remarkably restorative.
Tucked away in Kampung Segong—approximately 40 minutes from Kuching—Pinggir Siak is anything but ordinary. Accessible only on foot, it demands a fifteen-minute trek through untouched rainforest. Beneath a towering canopy, past fragrant foliage, and across a swaying bamboo bridge, the path winds into a realm where time seems to pause. It felt as though we had wandered into a lost world—untamed, vivid, alive.
Then, through the lush greenery, the cabin emerged.
Humble yet poetic, the timber lodge stood gracefully by the pristine Adis River, its waters glassy and inviting. A broad balcony offered panoramic views of the forested banks. A floating kayak bobbed gently nearby, and a rustic wooden swing hovered just above the river’s surface. It was a scene of surreal beauty—worthy of a travel editorial, yet even more powerful in person. It beckoned not for photos, but for stillness.
Despite its seclusion, the cabin was thoughtfully appointed. Air-conditioned interiors, a modest kitchen, and a private bathroom ensured comfort without opulence. Absent of screens or digital diversions, it offered something far more profound: presence.
Our hours dissolved into nature. We glided silently along the river in the kayak. On the swing, I surrendered to the hush of the wild, dipped my feet into its cool, clear depths, and listened to the whispers of the wind and water—no background noise, no notifications, just breath and birdsong.
As twilight descended, we lit the built-in barbecue pit. The sizzle of skewers, scent of woodsmoke, and rhythmic buzz of cicadas formed an enchanting nocturne. We dined al fresco beneath a canopy of stars—more numerous and brilliant than I had ever seen. Laughter mingled with the crackle of flames, and for the first time in months, I felt completely unburdened.
Yes, the mosquitoes made their nightly appearance—a reminder that nature is honest, not curated, but a dab of repellent and long sleeves kept them at bay.
Pinggir Siak is no polished resort—it is a sanctuary; an invitation to shed the noise of modern life and rediscover what’s essential. It is solitude without emptiness, simplicity without lack, and beauty without pretence.
I arrived reluctant, tethered to a world of screens. I left changed—renewed, reconnected, and quietly awed.
No roads. No Wi-Fi. Just forest, river, and the profound serenity of Sarawak’s untouched heart.
If you seek something authentic—secluded yet sublime, immersive yet grounding—get stranded at Pinggir Siak. Let nature recalibrate your soul. —DayakDaily
Claire Chen Ching Yuan from Kuching is the Top 10 Winner (Youth Category) in the ‘Homestay Odyssey’ writing competition organised by DayakDaily and supported by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
