Fort Brooke

Another historical site at Julau is an old fort called Fort Brooke. In 1954-1981, this fort was used as an office by Julau District Council and Education Department respectively.

To get there, turn at the junction after leaving Julau town. Take a turn to Ng. Meluan.

The journey from here on is quite hilly and one will be rewarded with a breathtaking view at certain spots.

Fort Brooke is about 24km from Julau town. The fort is not hard to find as their will be clear signage post on where to turn .

The fort was built in 1935 to quell the rebelion after Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke introduced a tax system which was not accepted by the locals. The rebellion was headed by Asun anak Paing in 1932.

The fort was originally built from bamboo and wooden roofing. 5 years later, the colonial government directed the fort to be built from wooden material (belian), donated by longhouses whereby each longhouses contributed one pole and three units of belian plank respectively. The upgrade of the fort was completed in 3 years.

Brooke Fort don't looks like a strong fort. Probably the rebellions are not heavily armoured to take them down.

Longhouses still exist around the fort and some of the local folks still depends on the surrounding nature to make ends meet.

There is a wide open area and shed just in front of the fort for visitor to chill out and enjoy the surrounding view.

Julau Town

Julau is a small town about 65km away from Sibu. Upon arrival, I notice a pepper tree statue before entering the town. Pepper tree has been chosen as the symbol of the town and it is highly appropriate as I notice a lot of pepper plantation in Julau area.

An arch to welcome visitors to Julau town.

Julau town is small and can be explored easily on foot. It will probably take 15-20 minutes to make a complete quick round on the town.

Most of the shops here are owned by the Chinese. However, majority of the residents around Julau is Iban. A number of Federal Government offices can also be found in the town.

Interestingly, there is a large basketball court in the heart of the town. I believe this site will also be a public gathering venue for the folks here.

This the only gas station here, located at the edge of the town.

There was a fun fair in town during my last visit. I had a peek into it and it is nothing to shout about.

Just next to the fun fair site is probably the only church in the town.

There is a jetty in the town which connects the town with other longhouses along Julau River.

This is the bus station for the town and the timetable of the bus which serve the town. The bus connects this town to the nearby towns such as Kanowit, Bintangor and Sarikei. Long distance bus also connect this town to Bintulu and Miri. I think only Bus Borneo serves this tiny town.

The only place to source for chicken in this town is probably at an open area just beside the bus station. Apparently, they only specialized in selling chickens.

The town market which is also adjacent to the bus station is a place for the local folks to source for fresh vegetables and fruits