Most Inspirational Moment
After completing the 9k Sepilok trail, we went for dinner at the Banana Restaurant. There was a board walk leading from our accommodation to the restaurant and by that time of evening, it was quite dark. I was sitting with my back to the rails above the water, when I realised that people were looking at me or beside me... I turned round to look straight at an Orang Utan sitting on the rails! I had never heard him arrive. Seemingly Boogle, for that was his name, was a naughty escapee from the nearby Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and this was his habit - to visit the restaurant, get a baby's bottle of milk and some bananas, before returning to the Centre! He was very calm, as he was still being handled by humans at the centre and was happy for the diners to take photos. It's not often I have had an Orang Utan at my table in a restaurant!
We were making our descent from a viewpoint at the beautiful Danum Valley when our guide directed our attention to the trees - not easy when you are watching where you are putting your feet in a trail made from exposed tree roots - but as I looked up, I saw a mother Orang Utan, with her baby clinging to her chest, swing through the trees. She came into the trees above my head and I could look into her eyes. If I had stretched up, I might have been able to have touched her, she was so close. She paused for a moment but sensing no threat from the spell-bound human travellers, happily continued on her journey.
Just after our arrival at the Myne Resort on Kinabatangan River, the group went on a river trip. Our Guide Manuel had said that some elephants had been sighted grazing, so off we sped. As we turned a bend in the river, there was a whole herd of Pygmy Elephant - approximately 60 of them - grazing and bathing on the opposite bank. The boat was stopped on the river and we sat initially in silence and awe, gazing at these magnificent animals - then the cameras went into action! The guide and boat crew were happy to wait for as long as we wanted - there was no rush or urgency to move on to see something else - so we sat for almost an hour!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was Manuel Gidiun and he was excellent. He was very knowledgeable about the animal and plant life of Borneo and was always able to answer our queries. He also knew good places to eat, shop or the places of interest for sight-seeing. Manuel also helped us to deal with the practical issues e.g. where the nearest chemist could be found for those with tummy upsets or where to get laundry done cheaply - there is only so much that can be done in hotel basins! When any problems arose, he dealt with them immediately and effectively. We had a flight cancelled at the last minute due to weather problems, but we were not alarmed as Manuel immediately sorted out accommodation for us and made sure our boarding passes were ready for the next morning. He then re-arranged our remaining itinerary to ensure we did not miss out on the activities that had been planned. Manuel was a very sociable leader, remaining with the group at all times and sharing in our excitement and fun throughout the trip. He would tell us stories of growing up in Borneo, which added to the rich insights of the country. He was also a very organised team leader - every evening we had a briefing on the next day's activities - what clothes or footwear were advised, how much water we should take with us, whether we would be visiting places where we would spend money etc. - the little practical aspects which ensured we were able to enjoy all the activities. He was a team leader in whom we all had confidence and that reassured all of us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of memory cards for the camera! When you think you have enough packed, then add a few more - I have never taken so many photographs and videos on a holiday as I did in Borneo. You don't need to pack fancy clothes - it is definitely a tee-shirt and trekking trousers holiday. Good trekking shoes/boots, trekking sandals and a pair of flip-flops. Some of the treks can be a bit tough - I never knew there were so many steep hills in the jungle! - but they are still worthwhile and very enjoyable as the guides will ensure you get plenty of rest and water stops . You are in very safe hands in Borneo.
