We have just returned to civilisation after spending 3 days in a Rainforest in Sabah, Borneo. We stayed at an eco lodge. We were very lucky and only had one huge downpour of rain for 10 minutes during our stay. The lodge is set 2 1/2 hour drive from Lahad Datu. Using 4x4 power to get through the mud. It was a bumpy drive. The humidity was crazy we seemed to sweat constantly for 3 days.
After arriving at the lodge and looking up at the beautiful view of a river with rain forest climbing up hundreds of metres behind it. The trees there grow of to 270ft!
The next thing to hit you is all the sounds. Without human traffic to cloud nature you really do just start to listen. The forest is alive with constant calls, chirps, branches being moved. They have insects there that make the most incredible sounds some seem to imitate birds, others sounds like alarms going off. The noises from the insects changes at different times of the day - these used to be used as a natural time clock for native people.
We heard the calls of Gibbon monkeys in the morning and evening echoing in thge valley.
On our first afternoon walk we saw a large male Orangutan. We were very lucky to see this. He was huge and they said he has 5 times the strength of us. He stayed where he was, watching us and eating happily in the tree. It really did feel special. It was lovely to see an animal this big and impressive in the wild and not stuck behind a cage.
We spent valentines here which meant a 1 hour dinner inbetween afternoon walk and night drive. I put a dress on and then lashings of Deet! Very attractive!
On the night drive we saw Samber Deer, Mouse Deer (50cm tall awww!), 2 owls, flying squirrels ( although not flying t the time), and lizards.
The 15th was my 28th birthday. Thanks Sam, Sean, Chloe and Elle for the lovely cards, and everyone else for their emails and e greetings cards.
We walked up very high to a viewpoint overlooking the valley which was stunning. There we saw and eagle flying. We were above him and so could look down and see all the patterns of his feathers! lovely.
On the walk down we stopped at a waterfall and took a swim in the brrrrr water! The sun was pouring through the trees it was gorgeous.
While heading back we encountered our first leeches. they are a right pain! We bought special leech socks. I looked down to see where I was going and there was one on my hand - yuk. I have no idea how he got their. We learnt how to remove them easily - but it is a mind battle as you just want to scream and flick it off. This doen's work though so you have to pick it up, roll it in your palm and then flick it. Far too much time to be in contact with a leech I say!
In the evening at dinner all the staff came out of the kitchen with a guitar and a chocolate cake singing happy birthday! Just a little bit embarassing but nice too! Chocolate cake was had by all.
The nights were a little difficult to sleep through. We had some massive bugs and huge ants in the room. A little unsettling but I guess that's the price you pay for being in such a beautiful and amazing place.
Today we took a tiny plane to Kota Kinabalu, the main city in Sabah. On the flight we passed Mount Kota Kinabalu surrounded with big puffy clouds. We had wanted to climb it but don't have enough days left. Another time maybe.
It is strange to be back in the city. It is also approaching Chinese New Year. Everywhere is packed. Most hotel rooms are full. Tonight they have a huge market that happens once a year before chinese new year. The roads are blocked and are filled with chinese people. There are food stalls and clothes stalls and culturals shows, music etc.
A big belated
Happy Birthday to my twin, Debbie. I think that was our 2nd ever birthday spent apart from each other.
Chinese New Year is turning into a frenzy of activity. There are people everywhere. Lots of people in fancy clothing. Pretty chinese lantern decorations are up everywhere. The shops have all closed and everyone is having fun.
