View From A Cretin

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Borneo: A Preview in Pictures

Borneo has quickly ascended to the top spot of my favorite countries on my journey thus far.  This outdoor playground is unbelievably diverse, presenting the traveler with all sorts of dilemmas when it comes to what you would like to do.  Trek around the jungle as you cross bamboo bridges made by local villagers and ford a river when they have broken, spot exotic birds, watch orangutans in the wild or at feeding stations, chill out with proboscis monkeys in the mangrove trees at dawn, watch as your boat gets stuck in the middle of a river during low tide and a crocodile glides past 20 meters away, climb a mountain, or dive in one of the most famous sites in the world, catching glimpses of octopus, seahorses, and massive turtles as big as you are.

 

Yes, these all exist in Borneo, and I experienced every one except climbing Mt. Kinabalu.  I would only call these plethora of options dilemmas in the sense that time (mainly regarding my visa) and money (who can afford to dive all the time?) are the only things that hold me back.

 

I love that this country has made me feel like I am 7 years old again, exploring the outdoors, “collecting” wildlife in the form of pictures, and soaking up every minute of my time here.

 

More in depth posts are coming regarding each area, but for now enjoy this preview in pictures.

 

 

Proboscis monkeys search for food among the mango trees at dawn in Bako National Park.
Proboscis monkeys search for food among the mango trees at dawn in Bako National Park.

 

Vendors display their wares at the weekend market in Kuching.
Vendors display their wares at the weekend market in Kuching.

 

A baby orangutan hangs out in the trees at the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
A baby orangutan hangs out in the trees at the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

 

Who knew plants could be so interesting? Pitcher plants in Bako National Park.
Who knew plants could be so interesting? Pitcher plants in Bako National Park.

 

Dusk and high tide in the mango trees at Bako National Park.
Dusk and high tide in the mango trees at Bako National Park.

 

Crossing bamboo bridges made and repaired by local villagers near Bengoh Dam outside of Kuching.
Crossing bamboo bridges made and repaired by local villagers near Bengoh Dam outside of Kuching.

 

Part of the boardwalk trail in Niah National Park.
Part of the boardwalk trail in Niah National Park.

 

Exploring the immense vastness of Niah Cave.
Exploring the immense vastness of Niah Cave.

 

Enjoying the canopy walk (and spotting a pit viper in a nearby tree!) at Gunung Mulu National Park.
Enjoying the canopy walk (and spotting a pit viper in a nearby tree!) at Gunung Mulu National Park.

 

Watching in awe during the nightly exodus of 3 million bats from Deer Cave in Gunung Mulu National Park.
Watching in awe during the nightly exodus of 3 million bats from Deer Cave in Gunung Mulu National Park.

 

Discovering a slice of paradise on the island of Mabul in the Sipadans, and contemplating what it would be like to stay here long-term.
Discovering a slice of paradise on the island of Mabul in the Sipadans, and contemplating what it would be like to stay here long-term.

 

 

Comments

  1. Those bridges freak me out (given that I’m afraid of heights). But I’m glad you were able to spend a long time in a place you enjoyed.

    • I am afraid of heights too but that is one thing I am trying to overcome on this trip.