Despite being Malaysia’s largest state by land area, Sarawak has some of the lowest road accessibility rates in the country.
That means many residents depend on 4x4s to get in and out of their kampungs (villages), a fact that might surprise many living in urban centres.
A TikTok video posted by @anthonynyengat, captioned “balik kampung isn’t that hard,” recently shed light on this lesser-known reality.
The video opens with a lively rumah panjang (longhouse) celebration before cutting to a muddy, off-road journey that looks more like an expedition than a simple drive home.
Curious to know more, we reached out to Tony, the creator of the video, to understand the real story behind those rugged scenes and why for some Sarawakians, balik kampung is a wild ride, both literally and emotionally.
A ride through Ulu Mujok that feels like a roller coaster
Tony revealed that the video was shot along Bukit Ensiring, on the road leading to Ulu Mujok, a remote village nestled in Sarawak’s interior.
While the views are breathtaking, the journey there is not for the faint-hearted.
It took about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there from town. But if the weather’s good, maybe just 1 hour and 40 minutes. Either way, the whole ride feels like a roller coaster from start to finish!” he said.
And that’s not just an expression. The winding slopes, uneven surfaces, and constant jolts are all part of the experience. But for Tony and many others, it’s just part of going home.
4×4 or sampan — there’s no in-between
So how do residents reach these kampungs tucked deep in the jungle?
According to Tony, there are only two real options: by 4×4 or by boat (sampan). And if you think a normal car can manage, think again.
“Sedans, hatchbacks, they’ll get stuck for sure,” Tony said.
“But if your kampung is in the city area, then it’s the same as in Semenanjung (Peninsular Malaysia). It’s only those of us with kampung jauh in the interior who need this kind of transport.”
This shows how different life can be within the same state, or even the same district, depending on location and infrastructure.
Mud, ravines and teamwork
One of the most striking moments in Tony’s video is when a 4×4 vehicle gets stuck on a muddy incline, with its tyres spinning helplessly.
But instead of panic, a group of villagers steps in to help push it forward, a powerful reminder of the strength of community in rural Sarawak.
“That kind of teamwork is very normal in our kampung,” Tony shared.
When it rains, the road becomes slippery and it’s easy to get stuck. Sometimes the corners have gaung (ravines) on both sides. One wrong move and you’re in trouble.”
Despite the risks, there’s an unspoken trust that help is always nearby and that no one gets left behind on the road.
“Jammed at the toll? Try getting jammed in the mud”
For Tony, the video isn’t just about showing off a cool 4×4 moment. It’s about perspective and maybe even a gentle reminder for city dwellers to count their blessings.
“I hope they appreciate that the traffic jam they complain about is nothing compared to this,” he said.
Some people say ‘Aiya, jam ah, malas nak balik kampung,’ (Ugh, traffic jam, lazy to go back) but here, we literally need to fight through mud, rain, and terrain just to get home.”
Watch the full video here:
