Welcome to Serikin, a small Bidayuh's Village at the district of Bau. It is situated about 40km and 45 minutes drive from Kuching Town. The village is in the middle of Sarawak’s and Indonesian’s Border; which has made it became the strategic location for the neighbouring country, Indonesian to do business and sell their products to Sarawakian. In the other hand, the Serikin folks have the opportunity to earn extra money by renting their lands and properties to Indonesian's traders to store their goods. It's a win-win situation. The Bazaar is opened on the weekends and closed during the weekdays.
The picture above shows a man unloading goods from his motorcycle. Some of the traders do have the initiative to transport goods on their own in order to avoid renting the Serikin folks' places. They are willing to undergo the trouble in transporting their goods from their hometown to Serikin. The Indonesians are pretty good in utilizing what they have to accomplish their goals.
The situations of the road along the way to the village.
There are stalls selling vegetables, fruits and jungle's products. The products on sale are similar products that can also be found in Kuching but sold at much cheaper prices. Most of the buyers are local businessmen from Kuching, who bought the products in bulks and sale it at an open market in the city.
The stalls are built along the roadside. It would be impossible for cars to travel along the road during peak hours. Hence, a parking space has been made by the village folks for the visitors to park their vehicles before proceed and moving on by foot. They are required to pay RM2.00 as the parking fee.
Those who wish to enjoy typical Indonesian's foods may try the foods at some of the Indonesians' food stalls. The most famous delight would be 'mee bakso', a meatball noodle.
Colourful and interesting looking guitars and crafts made of rattan and wood are also available at the Bazaar.
Some of the Serikin’s entrepreneurs do have the initiative to do hospitality-based business as well. They have food stall and 'motel' for the visitors. However, it seems like it is closed on this day.
The main mode of transport at the Bazaar among the Indonesians are the moped. I guess it is more popular and affordable for those people.
You don't need to go to Toy' s' Rus to purchase toys.
Some snacks while walking around.
Colourful home's decorations and curtains are also available.
The boutiques are also available. Not forgetting the imitated 'Adidas'.
Most of the visitors are seen busy shopping while the some of the shopowner is busy at the stall while taking care of their young one.
The visitors need not worry about their safety as the place is quite secured. There is a police station at the village to settle problems that might occur at the village.
