Gomantong Caves

After leaving KK we had a jam-packed schedule ahead of us. It was nice to get back on the road, everyone was refreshed and ready for an adventure.

We went to Sepilok, and stayed near a few conservation sanctuaries, for Orangutans, Sun bears and Proboscis Monkeys. Also there was a lovely area of jungle with a canopy walkway, where we did a night walk.

Our first hotel was very cool, we stayed in a outdoor wooden stilt, hut style room and had all the nature joining you. It was lovely, although one night everyone did end up standing on their chairs as a huntsman spider roamed around! We met a lovely family there and Freda instantly hit it off with their daughter.

Our trip to the Orangutang centre was unforgettable! The centre rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and injured Orangutangs. We had the privilege to watch up close these amazing primates both in the nursery, where the juveniles learn how to fend for themselves (slowly making their way out in to the wider forests) and the jungle where we saw the large adults, who although fed, are distanced from humans, with the hope of them becoming self sufficient in the wild. Amazing to see. The sun bears were also a real treat….here once they are ready the the centre releases them back into the wild, so interaction with humans is kept to a minimum.

After seeing semi-wild and rehabilitating animals, the reality that so many species are no longer able to live alongside us in this inhospitable world we have created, was extremely apparent. With the hope
of seeking out some (fully roaming wild) wildlife we made a trip out to the Kinabantang river. After 2 hours of constant palm plantation, we arrived at a small protected area for wildlife.
We decided to go very basic for our stay here, bit of a mistake!! Say no more. We checked-out in the morning after a 6 am boat ride down the river and stalked our new found friends from Sepilok to where they were staying. We did another boat trip in the afternoon seeking out the wildlife that has become so scarce. We saw lots of monkeys and some cool birds, and just as the sun was setting at the very end of the trip we finally saw a wild Orangutang, (really the reason why tourist’s flock to Borneo) it was right up in the trees making its nest for the night. It felt very special to see it.

Next on the itinerary was a trip to turtle island, another conservation area for nesting turtles. An hours boat ride off the mainland. Arriving at a beautiful island surrounded by turquoise waters, coral reefs and sandy beaches, we spent the day snorkelling and basking in the sun waiting for the main event! That evening we watched a turtle lay her eggs and gawped in awe at hatchlings being released into the sea. It was a very special day and we all had the best time. We did have to avert our eyes for the (very discrete) armed police that patrol and guard the island in case of Filipino terrorists!!

This area of Borneo has been a mixed bag, it’s easy to be in love with the tourist areas we visited, but the days of Borneo being a magical jungle habitat for the most amazing wildlife is a fantasy. It’s impossible to overlook the devastation that has been caused here by deforestation and the now abundant palm plantations that feed the global need for cheap, brown food!.Read more