After an overnight flight with Malaysia Airlines, from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur, and a short domestic flight across to Sandakan, Borneo, I found myself landed in a humid, tropical paradise! Hello Beautiful Borneo!
The Sabah Hotel was the perfect place to meet up with my travelling companions for the next week, an introduction to Intrepid, and the wonderful local guide, Rony. A swim with refreshments by the pool, dinner and early bed were needed, as our next days were full and exciting.
A buffet breakfast, with the resident water monitor taking a dip in the pool, to remind me I really was in Borneo, and then it was off to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. One of the highlights of the trip was being able to sit and watch as the young orangutans swing around their jungle environment. Helping themselves to the food placed around the area for them by the carers. Here, they can come and go as they please, as the orangutans in this rehab program are free, they are not caged in but offered a safe haven and food as they need. Next was the Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where we were able to explore the rainforest from the treetop walkways, spotting many birds and wildlife along the way. The flora and birdlife of Borneo is truly amazing.
A treat for the tastebuds tonight in Sandakan town. Visiting a local Indian restaurant, I watched as roti was made fresh and served with a delicious curry sauce and sweet chai tea to follow. Choosing one of the many waterfront restaurants, our group enjoyed a meal of local Malaysian cuisine, delicious and fresh.
There is so much to learn about our own history here in Borneo. Learning all about the horrors of the Sandakan POW camp and the Death Marches to Ranau, was a very emotional part of the tour. Standing below our own Australian flag in another country, and hearing the stories of war, bravery and terror was not something I expected to encounter but, is an important part of our history.
Kinabatangan River, the heart of the jungle, offering so many sights, sounds and experiences. As a nature lover, this was a beautiful place to be for a few nights. Days here were spent exploring the river in a long boat, morning and night, to spot all sorts of wildlife. With the eagle eyes of the local guides, our group was lucky enough to spot the Big 5 of Borneo!!! Bornean pygmy elephant, Orangutan, Proboscis monkey, Saltwater Crocodile and the Rhinoceros Horn-Bill.
The Bilit Adventure Lodge, with its overwater bungalow accommodation, beautiful local food and the most amazing scenery, was a great base for exploring the jungle and its many creatures. Here we were given the privilege of being the first guests to stay in the newly built rooms, completed just days before our arrival and so beautifully decorated in theme with the location.
Leaving the river and boarding the coach the next morning, we stopped at Gomantong cave to learn about harvesting bird nests. A delicacy in many countries and great source of income for locals brave enough to climb huge ladders in the cave to retrieve them. A few hours later after winding the way up the mountains, we arrived in Kundasang.
Waking to a view of Mt Kinabalu, just spectacular! Today after taking in the majesty of the mountain, the coach was swapped to smaller mini vans for the journey to a local village set amongst steep hills. Learning the art of coffee making from growing, harvesting, pounding the beans, roasting and tasting the finished product. Hot local Coffee! Pineapple tasting and all things pineapple, was created by the local women and a need to diversify and to increase the family income.
As the bus wound its way back down the mountainside towards the coast and the city of Kota Kinabalu, our adventure was nearing its end. But not before having time to explore the colourful markets along the esplanade, enjoy a drink while the local fishermen moored their boats for the day, and take in the sunset. Just enough time the next morning before departure, for the girls to enjoy a massage, and the men to seek out a final beer!
Packed up and ready for the airport, it was farewell to wonderful friends who were strangers a week ago!
Goodbye Borneo, I will miss you and all your beauty. Xx