Murud Symphony

by Meges Laoi

The beauty of Mount Murud and its surrounding landscape has always felt like a song to me—one that begins softly, almost like a whisper of wind through the trees, then swells to fill the heart completely. Its slopes, ridges, and distant silhouettes rise and fall in perfect harmony, as though each contour has been composed to create the layers of a grand symphony. Every element—the forested valleys, the craggy peaks, the hidden streams—plays a part in this quiet orchestration.

The mountains themselves stand as ancient guardians, timeless and unwavering, while clouds drift gracefully across the sky like delicate, fleeting notes. Birds call and insects hum, their voices weaving into the natural rhythm of the land. When the golden rays of sunlight spill across the ridges, they bathe the landscape in a warm, magical glow, revealing textures and colors that often go unnoticed. Mosses shimmer, leaves glisten, and the distant peaks seem to shimmer with life.

It is in these serene, radiant moments that Mt. Murud reveals its wonder—not as a spectacle to behold, but as a living, breathing composition of nature. Here, every whisper of wind, every shifting shadow, every fluttering cloud feels orchestrated, as if the mountain itself is playing a melody meant for the heart alone to hear. Standing before it, one is reminded of the delicate balance, quiet strength, and timeless beauty that define this sacred landscape—a place where nature’s symphony continues, endlessly, in harmony with all who pause to listen.

About the Community

The Bidayuh are one of Sarawak’s major Indigenous communities, mainly found in the Kuching, Bau, Serian, and Padawan areas. Known for their close-knit village life, they traditionally gathered in baruk—round communal houses used for ceremonies and important discussions.

They have several distinct dialects, including Biatah, Bukar-Sadong, and Jagoi-Singai, each reflecting the diversity within the community. The Bidayuh are known for their warmth, hospitality, bamboo craftsmanship, gong music, and deep connection to the land.

Today, they continue to preserve their cultural identity while thriving in modern life, contributing to the rich multicultural fabric of Sarawak.

About the Artist

Meges Laoi is a Bidayuh multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, sculpture, mixed media, and contemporary cultural expression. With 36 years of experience teaching the arts, he has guided generations of young creatives while continuously refining his own artistic voice.

In 2021, Meges was selected as a MYYLA Artist-in-Residence, a recognition that highlighted both his technical mastery and his deep commitment to nurturing Sarawak’s creative ecosystem. His work often carries the quiet strength and cultural sensibilities of his Bidayuh heritage, drawing inspiration from the land, stories, and rhythms of his community.

Today, Meges continues to explore new artistic forms while serving as an important cultural voice—bridging tradition and modernity, and celebrating the richness of Indigenous identity through his craft.