Serian, Sarawak

Serian
Serian
Coordinates: 1°10′0″N 110°34′0″E
Country	Malaysia
State	Sarawak
Population (2010)
• Total	90,763

Durian, Serian Landmark.

Serian is a town, and the capital of the Serian District (2,039.9 square kilometers) in Samarahan Division, Sarawak, east Malaysia. It is located about 40 miles (65 km) from Kuching.

The town is very famous for its durians, which are popularly believed to be the best in Sarawak. This has prompted the Serian District Council to erect a giant monument to this "king of fruits" right in the middle of the market square. However, other monuments such as the tiger and the buffalo statues seem out of place as there are no tigers or buffalos in this district. The town is very well connected to its rich hinterland both by road and by water and thus one can find all sorts of jungle produce available in the jungle produce market but lately, most of these produce were brought in from Kalimantan, Indonesia as the price are cheaper.

The district population (year 2010 census) was 90,763. About 65% of the population are Bidayuh. The other main ethnic groups are Iban, Chinese, and Malay.

Geography

There are many waterfalls found in the Serian District Sarawak. The most famous is the Ranchan Waterfall, located about 5 kilometers from Serian town and is easily accessible by road. The other one is Simuja Waterfall which was badly damaged by logging if you would visit it. It is located some 7 kilometers away from the town and but not accessible by road. Visitors have to park at the roadside of Serian-Sri Aman trunk road and then have to hike 1 to 2 km trail.

The border village of Tebedu, recently renamed Bandar Mutiara just to make it sound better, is located some 50 kilometers away from Serian town, but within Serian District. Along the way to Tebedu, you will be passing many limestones formation, paddy field. There is one attraction; Gua Tiab Bilanting situated in Kampung Pichin.

Other Information

Serian town is one of the busiest towns, especially during fastive seasons. Stores and shops are packed by mainly Bidayuh returning home from Peninsula Malaysia or major towns on Gawai and Chrismas holidays. Roads are badly jammed and the absence of proper traficlight on strategic areas is not helping either. The local council (Majlis Daerah Serian) failed to improve the situation and yet focus on less important areas. Locals and travelers have to bear this seasonal trademark for decades now and hopes the MDS would act swiftly. The town now is known for the bad traffic management rather than the durian landmark as durian can be found easily throughout the state as well as Malaysia. Sarawakians, known to be patient, now reching their boiling point as the massive jam have caused lots of frustrations and anger to the local authorities which failed to act.