Man of The Forest
- Jan 23, 2016
- 5 min read
Location:
Sepilok, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia
Not only can I not get over the fact that I am 30 today but I am also going to see Orang-utans tomorrow in their natural habitat. How exciting! The bus journey down took a couple of hours. We had beautiful views of the mountains covered in lush green vegetation. It may have been a nice, scenic drive but my stomach didn't seem to think so. Oh well, the joys of travelling!
After arriving at the main bus terminal, we jumped in a taxi to 'Sandakan's Water Front' area. The town was very, very grotty. I wasn't feeling the love. Ten minutes later, after arriving, Jason went to get his phone and couldn't find it. Poor Jay Jay was absolutely gutted. It was a brand new phone. Luckily the security guard in the shopping centre we were in was really helpful. He phoned the phone which must have fallen out of Jason's pocket while he was in the taxi. Thankfully the taxi driver answered and for a small fee, he agreed to drive back up to us with the phone. When Jason got his phone back, he was so thankful. If it was anywhere else, no way would he have gotten it back. It would have been sold in one of the markets.
After a quick bite to eat along the sea front, we jumped in a taxi to Sepilok. Before we knew it, we were at the 'Sepilok Jungle Resort.' It seems really nice. There is a large water area in the middle of the complex with lots of trees and bridges to bring you to the other side of the resort. It's like being in the middle of the jungle. After we checked in, we went for a nice meal in the resort. The food definitely wasn't the nicest we have had but it was edible, which is always a good thing, I suppose! After our meal, we went back to our room and decided to go straight to sleep. Overall, my birthday was average, but the following day is going to be epic!
With the sound of the rooster at the break of dawn, we rose from our beds so we could catch the sun rise from 'The Forest Nature Reserve.' It was a beautiful morning. After a thirty minute walk, we arrived to find the reserve closed. Being very naughty and determined not to see our early rise and long walk be for nothing, we decided to have a wander through the reserve ourselves.
The highlight of the big surprise so far came when we visited the 'Orang-utan Sanctuary.' It was, without any doubt, a once in a life time experience. And I am privileged enough to say that I am about to visit it. How wonderful!
Soon after entering the reserve, we were extremely fortunate to encounter a big Orang-utan on the walk way. We were literally right beside him. Such a surreal experience. As we walked further down, the same thing happened again, this time we were greeted by a junior Orang-utan. It's as if they knew it was only just my birthday. Jason thought it was very funny when he started to chase me. I can add it to my unfortunate, near misses with animals. Hopefully, that will be the last one! After a look around, we went to the nursery where we got to see them enjoying a tasty meal. Keeping a close eye on them, I noticed a smaller one going around the corner. I quickly got up and followed it. Soon after, a member of staff came out to give out to him. He went off like a naughty child. It was so cute. You had to have been there. After a bit of time at the nursery, we went to one of the feeding platforms where we were able to admire 'The Man of The Forest' even further. And what a mighty, majestical creature they really are. It's no wonder they are so closely related to us.
As the area closed until the next feeding, we decided to take a look at the Sun Bear' just next door. We only had a very small area in which to see them as the walking trail wasn't yet open. At least we got to see them.
Back over to the Orang-utans for more encounters with these rather intelligent, man like creatures. This day is definitely getting better and better. We were all very lucky to be able to witness a mother with her little infant join the others on the feeding platform. The little monkey was so cute. You couldn't help but fall in love with him.
On the way back we enjoyed some rather tasty spicy prawns and banana fritters from a small street stall beside the reserve. We bought them back to our new upgraded deluxe room where we enjoyed them on our balcony with lovely jungle views. Of course, after devouring them, we quickly went back for more.
To end a perfect day in style, we went for gorgeous food in the only place to eat outside of the resort. We made pigs of ourselves. I mean when the food is that good, 'It's a must. You simply have to.' It reminded me a bit of 'Avoca' back home in the sense of it being a café that has a dinner menu too. It even has a tree in the middle , just like Avoca. They serve mainly western food that would definitely give any restaurant back home a run for their money! Thank you mam for a wonderful meal! What a way to finish a perfect day. The 24th should have been my birthday instead!
On our last full day in Sepilok, we decided to go for a wander through to the 'Nature Reserve' where we had a couple of hours to stroll through this huge area. Along the canopy which is elevated at an enormous height from the ground through a series of bridges that give you really good views of the jungle. We were privileged enough to see a mother and infant Orang-utan high up in the tree. It was amazing watching them climb and simply sitting on the branches searching for food.
We quickly went back to the resort for a quick change of clothes before our night walk through the jungle. It turned out to be really good. We got see a 'Flying Squirrel.' Ok, it may not fly but rather glides. Nevertheless, it's still pretty impressive. One of the girls noticed a poisonous centipede crawling along the ground that was eaten by a gecko. You could see it sticking out of the gecko's mouth. A very rare but cool experience. That was definitely the highlight of the night walk for me. A lot more enjoyable than being bitten by a load of ants. How dare they!
After a day full of walking, we decided to take advantage of my lovely mothers generous present and go for another meal in our favourite place. It was essential that I got another 'Orang-utan' banana and chocolate milkshake. They are amazing!
I can't believe I got to visit Borneo and see the Orang-utans! What a great way to celebrate my 30th birthday. Borneo and 'The Man of The Forest' will stay in our hearts forever!
By Andrew
Comments