Phew, it’s been a while I didn’t post my newspaper article onto my blog. But today I feel like doing so. Recently, I wrote about my experience  visiting Annah Rais Hot Spring in Padawan. I was surprised that the New Sarawak Tribune editors published my write up. But, thanks to them, Annah Rais Hot Spring must be a hot cake right now.

[My article that was published on 15 February 2013 in the New Sarawak Tribune newspaper]

Much has been written about Annah Rais Hot Spring in Social Media such as personal blogs and Tourism websites but I trust that one could not enjoy the beauty unless one set foot on the place himself.

Until recently, I had never gotten the vivid pictures of Annah Rais Hot Spring. I started my journey from the route that people unlikely use. However,  for those coming from the East side of Sarawak they could opt to use this route in Tebedu, near kampong Kuhom because it’s nearer than the one at 10th mile, Kuching.

[The bridge to Annah Rais Hot Spring]

The journey took me one hour, braving the narrow and hilly roads. Nevertheless, I was very excited to see the Bidayuh villages built along the road and also the beautiful virgin rainforest. For someone who had never been to Annah Rais Hot Spring, I used Google search engine to identify the exact location of Annah Rais Hot Spring and then, the first thing I did was to find the famous Annah Rais Longhouse.  Once I reached there, a friendly lady in her Bidayuh traditional costume, showed me the direction to Annah Rais Hot Spring.

I then, continued my driving crossing a bailey bridge to a one kilometre stretch of gravel road before coming to another bailey bridge. Driving at a slow phase I finally found a tall wooden signboard on my right that was crafted with “Welcome to Annah Rais Hot Spring”.

[The entrance to Annah Rais Hot Spring]

[The shelter that can accommodate up to 40 people at a time]

At the counter, I was welcome by a young man who was in-charge of the entrance fee.  I paid RM5.00 and was informed that the RM3.00 fee is only applicable to students. “Such a reasonable price” I told myself.

Once at Annah Rais Hot Spring I was very delighted to see the cleanliness of the place and also the basic facilities they offered. They have changing rooms, clean showers, flat ground to build camps and barbeque, paved walkways, and a wide wooden shelter that can accommodate up to 40 people at a time. If you are hungry, you can always buy some food at the entrance fee.

[The paved walkway for easy walking]

[Dipping their feet into the hot water]

According to the locals, the hot spring has been there since 250 years ago. The early settlers used to soak their feet in the hot mineral spring as a form of hydrotherapy to treat diseases, injuries and improve blood circulation.  But beware, the temperature could reach 70C and that’s why after a few minutes, many would swim in the river beside the hot spring.

[The big hot spring]

I was told that the hot spring had gone through major upgrading. I saw the hot spring was isolated using nice circular rocks or granite and planks were put to enable visitors to sit around the hot water dipping their feet comfortably. Many said that by soaking their feet, their tensed muscles became relax and their stress reduced. I tried and it was true. I also tried boiling eggs in the hot spring and to my surprise, they turned into half-boiled eggs. Maybe if I put them for one hour, I could turn them into hard boiled eggs.

After dipping my feet, I decided to swim in the river. I was amazed by the crystal clear water. I could see stones underneath clearly and the cold water balanced my body temperature. The beauty of Annah Rais Hot Spring had kept me for 5 hours there. That’s a very unusual time because normally if I go to other rivers, I would spend one or two hours the most.

My visit there was really a memorable one. Due to its popularity I think it Annah Rais Hotspring will soon become the talk among the foreigners. Also, after tiring and stressful days at the office, why not rejuvenate and restore your tired body with natural hot water at Annah Rais Hot Spring.