Gleaming and glassy futuristic buidings dot the campus. Hard to believe this used to be a huge swamp.

Sarawak is a huge state with lotsa terra firma. I wonder, why the need to destroy swamps which are ecologically important?

Men at Work 260203

As we re-enter Kuching metro, we spot these men hard at work. Hard hat and odd contraptions on their backs? Poles and pails in hands too? What the heck?!

Professional ball pickers on a driving range. I hope the dynamic duo have insurance.

Fire away, guys! Can try to hit the moving targets also.

The Yellow Culprit 270206

Last day in Kuching today, and we are due to leave 9.30am, but this cargo plane decided to overshoot the only runway at KCH at 6.00am, leaving it stranded in the mud. The whole airport is now closed, till the stricken machine is removed, and the runway cleaned and inspected.

Finally freed and being towed away (plane registration 9M-TGH). It's 11.00am and well past noon before the airport is re-opened.

The Departure Area 270206

Meanwhile all flights are in disarray. When the aiport reopens, planes are queueing to take off and to land. Imagine trying to make up the lost 6 hours!

Full house in the departure area.

And suddenly VIPs appear to do a quick walkabout.

[Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu & tycoon Ting Pek Khing, main contractor for KCH upgrade work]

KCH Terminal Scenes 270206

With many hours to kill, I spend the time exploring the KCH terminal, in the process of being upgraded. Quite impressive, but the design seems to be generic among newer airports in this part of the world.

Ideal place to watch planes, provided the glass panes are squeaky clean.

Nope, I did not ask this bloke to pose for me.

On the Airfield 270206

Almost noon, and they are still cleaning the runway due to the morning's cargo plane mishap. Don't want another plane to play slide, do we?

Spectacular jagged mountains towards the south.

The Blue Whale 270203

Then out of the blue appears this beautiful Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200, affectionately nicknamed The Blue Whale by local plane spotters.

This model is Boeing 777-2H6 (Extended Range), registration 9M-MRD. It sports the blue heliconia theme. More pics of this beauty here.

Delivered to Malaysia Airlines brand new in July, 1997.

Congested Airport 270203

Delayed AirAsia planes arriving one after the other, congesting the ramp area. This poor chap has to wait for 30min before it can taxi and park on the ramp.

Bye-bye KCH 270203

After almost 7 hours of delay, we are ready to leave for Kuala Lumpur. Long but interesting wait, and see you, Blue Whale!

Gates all taken up at KCH (the ones at the far end are being refurbished, hence unserviceable). Planes are still landing and taking off non-stop.

Suddenly KCH is a busy airport and crowds throng the perimeter fencing on the other side of the runway, watching the spectacle.

On the Way Home 270206

AirAsia Boeing 737-300, flight AK-5203, seven hours late, climbing above the South China Sea. At last, going home!