‘Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”
– American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor, Oprah Winfrey
As I compose this column, my heart feels burdened yet brimming with emotions.
Concluding the Natural Wonders of Mulu series signifies the culmination of a journey that has been truly transformative.
For weeks, I immersed myself in the awe-inspiring beauty, the profound heritage, and the fragile ecosystems of Mulu National Park, and now that it has drawn to a close, a bittersweet sense of loss envelops me.
This series transcended the realm of a mere professional endeavour—it evolved into a deeply personal odyssey.
It rekindled my passion for storytelling, underscored the potent essence of words, and bestowed upon me invaluable insights concerning our bond with nature and our duty to safeguard it.
Mulu stands as a place that appears almost ethereal, a marvel of nature meticulously crafted over aeons.
From the majestic limestone pinnacles veiled in mist to the intricate caves concealing ancient secrets, each nook of this UNESCO World Heritage Site narrates a tale.
Translating these narratives into words posed a challenge that I embraced with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.
The series plunged me into the core of Mulu, both literally and metaphorically.
Whether it was standing in reverent wonder beneath the immense stalactites of Deer Cave, marvelling at the millions of bats swirling into the twilight sky, or tracing the meandering courses of the Melinau River, each encounter felt akin to unearthing a concealed gem.
However, the genuine marvels of Mulu were not solely in its landscapes—they resided in its people.
Through dialogues with individuals like Mulu Park Manager Hein Gerstner, Mulu Park Warden Mark Tisen, and various community members, I garnered a profound comprehension of the dedication and fortitude essential to shielding this delicate ecosystem.
Listening to their narratives of trials, triumphs, and unwavering ardour for conservation inspired me in ways beyond expectation.
Crafting this series constituted a voyage of growth for me as a storyteller.
Mulu served as a reminder that writing transcends mere documentation of facts—it involves painting a vibrant canvas that binds readers to a place, an experience, or an idea.
It entails enabling them to sense the humid forest air, hear the reverberating calls of hornbills, and feel the awe of standing in a cavern so vast it seems to defy imagination.
At times, finding the apt words felt akin to traversing the dense jungle—daunting and draining, yet ultimately gratifying.
The process demanded patience, introspection, and a profound reverence for the subject matter.
I realized that the finest stories emerge not from a pedestal of authority, but from genuine curiosity and empathy.
This series also reaffirmed the significance of perseverance.
Whether navigating through creative blocks or the physical rigours of exploring Mulu’s rugged terrain, the experience mirrored the resolve of those toiling tirelessly to safeguard this natural marvel.
Their dedication emerged as a guiding light for my writing.
As the series draws close, a profound sense of melancholy envelops me.
Mulu has transcended being merely a subject of my writing — it has become a part of me. Its allure, enigma, and delicacy have etched an enduring imprint on my heart.
The conclusion of a meaningful project is accompanied by a unique melancholy.
It parallels bidding adieu to a dear friend, cognizant that those shared moments may never be relived.
While I take pride in the narratives I have woven, a part of me yearns for more pages to fill, more marvels to uncover, and more voices to amplify.
Simultaneously, this expedition has reignited a spark within me.
For a while, the demands of daily life had dimmed my fervour for writing.
Yet, Mulu reminded me of the essence that initially drew me to words—their capacity to inspire, educate, and foster connections.
It revitalized my belief in the transformative potency of storytelling.
I aspire that through the Natural Wonders of Mulu series, readers have glimpsed even a fraction of the awe and reverence that I encountered.
I hope it has kindled curiosity, evoked gratitude, and perhaps even catalyzed action to safeguard our natural legacy.
This journey has also reminded me that some stories, once narrated, never truly conclude.
They endure in the minds and hearts of those who hear them and in the deeds they instigate.
As I transition to fresh projects, I carry with me not solely the memories of Mulu but also the obligation to persist in advocating for the conservation of our planet’s natural marvels.
The culmination of this series feels akin to shutting a beloved book — one brimming with escapades, teachings, and unforgettable instants.
However, akin to how every finale heralds a new genesis, I recognise that this is not the terminus of my expedition as a writer.
If anything, it marks a renaissance, a reminder that narratives hold significance and that the world abounds with marvels awaiting discovery and sharing.
For this, I am eternally grateful to Mulu.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
