Live at Rainforest World Music Festival 2012THE STRING SISTERS is a band that I’ve been lusting over for a long time. Six of the world’s leading female Celtic violinists backed by an all male rhythm section.With their own frantically busy solo careers, they cannot get together very often. To actually find that they can make it for the Rainforest weekend was like winning the lottery.And just see where these beautiful ladies come from –- Catriona M...

'Buah' means fruit in Bahasa Malaysia. So buah engkalak simply means ‘engkalak’ fruit. All of our three trees are fruiting again and this week we harvested a big basketful.  Engkalak or Litsea garciae belong to the same family as avocado. I didn’t like this fruit before; it truly is an acquired taste much like avocado too.  But now, I love it! Rich and creamy and especially tasty with a pinch of salt or soya sauce, I think it’s a lot nicer tha...

Borneo Jazz is actually just round the corner. It’s a definite East-West flavor there this year. And a fairly balanced mix (I think!) of men and women musicians.F.V.E. ProjectMost emotional setting at the festival is going to be F.V.E. Project who is based in Kuala Lumpur, but guitarist Dean Sim is a Miri-boy so it is a home-coming of sorts. They are young and cool and adoringly enthusiastic like only the young can be. This is said with a consi...

In Sarawak, a visit to an authentic longhouse is considered a must.In the Central Region of Sarawak, an Iban longhouse is one of  the main attractions for tourists. Several other ethnic groups traditionally live in longhouses, so expect a variety of ways in which you are welcomed. Traditionally the Iban do not shake hands to welcome visitors. Today, though, this is highly acceptable.Tuai Rumah Longhouse headmen are respectfully add...