Pekan Lachau Comes Alive As A Must-stop Fruit Haven Along Pan Borneo Highway

By Anasathia Jenis

SRI AMAN, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Each time the fruit season arrives, Pekan Lachau, located about 140 kilometres from Kuching, takes on a noticeably different character.

The small town on the Pan Borneo Highway comes alive with renewed energy, drawing passing motorists to stop and take a break, much like a rest and service (R&R) area on expressways in Peninsular Malaysia.

Sidewalks in front of shop rows, which are usually quiet, are transformed into vibrant displays of local produce, including langsat, rambutan, an array of forest vegetables and the glossy black dabai fruit, a prized specialty of Sarawak.

Adding to the experience is the unmistakable aroma of durian, mingling with the scent of damp earth and fresh leaves, creating an atmosphere which lingers in the memory of those who stop by.

For small traders, the fruit season is more than just a business opportunity; it is a time to reap the rewards of months of hard work and patience.

Most of the fruits sold in Pekan Lachau are sourced directly from the orchards of residents around Sri Aman, with some harvested as early as dawn, and transported by motorcycle or four-wheel-drive vehicles, before being neatly arranged at hawker stalls and the town’s tourist market.

Kelvin Jugol, 68, is among the regular visitors who never miss the opportunity to stop by during the fruit season. For him, Pekan Lachau is the ideal place to find fresh local produce at reasonable prices.

“The fruit here is different. We know it comes straight from the garden and hasn’t been stored for long. When it’s dabai or rambutan season, it’s hard to resist coming here,” he said, while selecting fruit to take home for his family and neighbours.

The lively atmosphere also offers a meaningful experience for visitors such as Easter Sering, who brought her children to stroll through the market.

“Children can see for themselves where their food comes from. They learn to appreciate the hard work of farmers and small traders,” said the 52-year-old teacher.

Easter said that the fruit season in Pekan Lachau is not merely about buying and selling, but also serves as a living classroom for the younger generation to become familiar with forest produce from an early age.

For road users such as Jurina Johari, 56, stopping by the town during the fruit season is a satisfying pause after a long journey.

“The feeling of fatigue immediately disappears when you see fresh fruits neatly arranged. We stop not only to rest, but also to bring home a taste of village life,” she said.

A recent Bernama check found that local fruits such as dabai, durian, rambutan, langsat and engkala are sold at prices ranging from RM3 to RM20 per kilogramme, depending on the season and supply.

In addition to fruit, visitors can also find a variety of forest vegetables, freshwater fish from Batang Ai, such as tilapia, and smoked and pekasam (pickled) fish - items which are rarely available in urban areas - all offered at affordable prices.

However, amid the excitement of the fruit season, small traders and visitors alike hope that public facilities such as toilets, parking areas and directional signage will continue to be upgraded to ensure greater comfort, particularly during peak periods and busy weekends.

With the increasing traffic flow following the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway, Pekan Lachau is no longer merely a brief stopover for road users.

During the fruit season, the town transforms into a meeting point for farmers, traders and travellers, where produce changes hands, stories are exchanged and journeys continue - with vehicles carrying not only baskets of fruit, but also lasting memories.

-- BERNAMA