Let TikTok inspire your next spontaneous getaway
Have you ever noticed how our border-crossing holidays tend to follow the same routine? A dash of shopping, a generous serving of dining, and perhaps a bit more shopping for good measure.
It’s a pattern we all know too well, often devoid of much variation. The anecdotes from friends or family returning from Sabah or Sarawak typically echo this sentiment.
However, on a recent trip to Miri with a few adventurous friends, we decided to break free from the monotony. Tossing caution aside, opting to leave our itinerary to fate’s whims.
In this context, fate took the form of TikTok, an unexpectedly rich source of travel information, particularly when it comes to uncovering unique places to explore, shop, and dine.
Gone are the days of resorting to generic Google searches like “Things to do in (insert city)”, only to be greeted by the same old tourist traps.
In recent years, TikTok has emerged as a game-changer, impacting not just the realm of social media but also transforming the landscape of how travel and tourism are marketed and experienced in today’s age.
The short-form video platform transcends conventional travel guides by providing real-time, authentic snapshots of local experiences, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking unique and up-to-the-minute insights during their travels.
As of date of writing, the travel hashtag has amassed more than 230 billion views.
As Bruneians, with one of the highest rates of social media penetration in the region, we are undoubtedly in tune with the pulse of this new social media phenomenon.
The Brunei TikTok hashtag, boasting over one billion views, attests to our active engagement and participation in this evolving digital landscape.
So, armed with the unpredictability of TikTok recommendations, our Miri escapade became a delightful journey of discovery, steering clear of the well-trodden paths.
Upon crossing the border to Miri, a journey that mercifully took no more than half an hour, kudos to meticulous planning and guidance from BorderKiu – a website offering real-time updates on border queue situations – and arriving around lunchtime, our immediate mission was to satiate our hunger, strategically delayed to avert inconvenient pit stops during the trip.
TikTok led us to our first destination, peculiarly nestled in what felt like a suburban housing area in Jalan Pujut. Yet, the real curiosity lay not in the location but in the restaurant itself, snugly positioned between ordinary residential compounds.
This eatery, ingeniously repurposed from a yard, presented itself as an open-air warung-style haven.
Adorned with captivating water features, it boasted a serene ambiance where koi elegantly navigated through meandering waterways, seemingly embracing the entire vicinity.
Definitely not your everyday suburban scene. The food was not only affordable but also superb. Yet, what truly set the experience apart was the distinctly unique ambiance that enveloped the place.
Our next destination, suggested by TikTok, unfolded at Tusan Bekenu Beach.
Keep in mind, dear readers, while TikTok served as our trusty guide, it is advised to blend its insights with your own research to dodge any potential surprises.
This time however, our lack of prior knowledge turned out to be serendipitous.
Tusan Bekenu, more akin to a coastal cliff than a conventional beach, lies within an hour’s drive from Miri’s city centre.
Resonating with the atmosphere of our very own Tanjung Batu Beach, Tusan Bekenu offers expansive open spaces, adorned with structures along concrete walkways – perfect spots for visitors to unwind.
These pathways lead to a scene so captivating, it steals anyone’s breath away.
A standout feature of this beach is a large cliff with a natural arch, sculpted by erosion, framing the horizon impeccably.
This spectacle is particularly enchanting during the golden hour – precisely the time we found ourselves there. The sunset, with its warm and vibrant hues, was nothing short of magnificent.
Before hitting the beach, a stall at the entrance road to Tusan Bekenu tempted us with ais batu campur (ABC).
Manned by warm and friendly staff, we struck up a conversation, uncovering news of a festival in the nearby township of Bekenu, just a 30-minute drive away.
This mini-regatta event promised ample activities and food options. Feeling intrigued, after the sun dipped below the horizon, we set off for the town.
Our expectations were surpassed as rows of tents, stretching in every direction, offered a gastronomic journey. From wagyu steak to the traditional Chinese delight tanghulu, Middle Eastern treat knafeh, and even deep-fried mini crabs – it was a culinary feast.
As we explored the bazaar, we learned that the residents of this small fishing town near Miri converse in the Kedayan dialect, which was a happy discovery.
Nearly three hours later, we returned to our hotel, bodies drenched in sweat but with hearts (and bellies) brimming with satisfaction.
This represented just one day of following TikTok’s lead, and already we’ve etched numerous delightful memories into our journey among friends.
It’s a testament to how technology, in this case, a social media platform, can redefine the way we travel, injecting an element of spontaneity and authenticity into our wanderlust-filled pursuits.
So, dear readers, perhaps the next time you contemplate crossing the border for a swift getaway, consider giving the app a glance and discover the adventures that might be awaiting you. – Wardi Wasil
