By D’Drift Team
FROM the heart of the wilderness, where Sungai Asap lies tucked away beyond rugged roads, to the foamy shores of Sematan, we found something more than just destinations—we found home.
As we retraced our steps through the past ten days, the memories unfolded like pages of a well-worn book, rich with adventure and serendipity. D’Drift 2025 was never just about reaching places; it was about the moments in between—the ones that shape the journey.
We crossed Bakun Lake under an afternoon sky heavy with dark clouds, looming as if rain was inevitable. Yet, the downpour never came, at least not until we were done exploring the lake. Instead, the thick clouds stretched across the horizon, shielding us from the scorching sun as our boat glided across the vast, rippling waters. It was a scene both dramatic and serene—a rare moment of nature’s equilibrium.
In the depths of the jungle, we picked up lessons in survival, learning to identify fruits that could sustain a weary traveller and plants that could nourish. While we never had to put these lessons to the test, they remained etched in our minds—a reminder that the jungle, though wild, is not without its gifts.
From taking a longboat through shin-high floodwaters in Julau to finding Sibu eerily dry with its unexpected water cut, we pressed forward. A fallen tree barring our path to Annah Rais Longhouse and the temporary blackout en route to Telok Melano were but fleeting hurdles. Such challenges, like passing storms, were transient. What remained steadfast was our determination—our adventurousness in trying new things, our willingness to embrace the unknown, and the stories waiting to be told.
But it was never just about the journey. It was about the people. Strangers became friends in mere moments, bound by a shared Sarawakian spirit—welcoming, warm, and ever-giving.
Each homestay we visited carried its own heartbeat, its own identity. No longer just a place to rest, these homes stood as living, breathing cores of culture and tradition, offering experiences beyond the ordinary. A place is not simply a place; it is the people who define it. And in every homestay, despite the distinctiveness of each, one similarity emerged—belonging. We found it in the kindness of the hosts, in the generous meals shared, in the laughter exchanged across dining tables. And as we bid our farewells, held close in warm embraces, there was always that lingering promise of return.
Ten days. A journey that carved itself not just into our memories but into our hearts—a journey that surprised, inspired, and left us in awe of the world just beyond the familiar.
Once upon a gift: Spreading knowledge and joy
Books have long been the vessels of knowledge, their pages holding the power to inform, inspire, and ignite imagination. Even in the digital age, where information is but a click away, there remain corners of our world where such access is scarce. Understanding this, DayakDaily has long championed the initiative ‘Bless Rural Children with Books and Soft Toys Handover,’ a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme aimed at bridging the gap for children who may not always have the world at their fingertips.
In line with D’Drift 2025: The Homestay Odyssey, our team delivered 1,052 books to schools within the Tarat constituency, breathing new life into their reading corners—each book a new adventure waiting to be discovered, each story a chance to learn and dream.
But education is not only about words on a page; it is about nurturing childhood, about laughter and wonder. Alongside the books, we also handed over 10 large bags of soft toys and two boxes of toys, gifts meant to enrich and brighten young lives. These were received by Kennedy Ago Raoui, headmaster of SK Pesang Begu, while the toys found their way into the hands of the early childhood assistant officer for KEMAS Puncak Borneo, Maryanne Zainuddin, witnessed by Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
Beyond Tarat, our journey also carried us to Song, where the team placed two large bags and one box of soft toys into the hands of children, received on behalf of Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan.
It was a long road, wearying at times, but every mile was worth it. Education is a privilege that no child should ever be denied. If, in some small way, we have helped turn the pages of a young mind’s future, then every ounce of effort was not just justified—it was necessary.
The road beckons again, but first—thank you
As the final sun sets on our 10-day odyssey, we pause to reflect, not just on the road travelled but on those who made the journey possible.
Our deepest gratitude extends to the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his ministry, whose unwavering support and sponsorship have fuelled the essence of D’Drift year after year.
To Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) CEO Amelia Roziman, Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (Pewarta) chairman Peter Sibon, and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), your generosity has propelled us forward, allowing us to bring stories to life.
To the countless Sarawakians who welcomed us with open arms, offered a helping hand, and shared their homes, stories, and laughter—you have left an imprint on our hearts. Your kindness, hospitality, and willingness to embrace us as your own will never be forgotten.
And to you, our readers, who have followed our steps, shared in our experiences and journeyed with us through words—thank you. Your support and engagement breathe life into every chapter we write. We hope you have revelled in this adventure as much as we have.
For now, we turn the final page of D’Drift 2025. But the road never truly ends—it simply awaits its next travellers.
Until we meet again—see you in D’Drift 2026. — DayakDaily
