I have never considered myself much of a nature lover, but
places like Borneo make me reconsider my statement.
Now, this is a bit embarrassing, but not that many people
read my blog anyway… I really liked the
show “Going Bananas” when I was little (AKA Roxana Banana in Mexico), and ever
since I have found orangutans extremely entertaining, so when I decided I was
going to Malaysia, Borneo was a most, I needed to see those guys out in their
natural habitat.
I didn’t have that much time, so after a little research I decided Kota
Kinabalu was my safest bet.
The Airport at Kota Kinabalu has the worst system ever, so
be prepared to wait a long while on a very slow line.
I stayed at the Shangri La Rasa Ria, it is
situated outside the city centre, but it has its own beach and its own private
reserve. It is absolutely stunning. The kind of place you just want to stay and
do nothing
Go for a sunrise walk up the observation deck for stunning
jungle views.
Kota Kinabalu city centre is a 30 minute ride away, there is
a shuttle from the hotel. Visit the mosque and have a walk along the seaside at
sunset.
Head for dinner at one of the world’s top night market (More
like markets, one right after the other one). Buy some local crafts and feast
with the seafood of your choice, mine was stingray in a delicious spicy sauce.
I love markets, they are a great opportunity to experience the local life and take it with you in spontaneous photographs
Although it is a little sad to see little kids working late,
carrying heavy loads around.
I visited the Mari Mari cultural centre. It is a bit more
touristy than I normally enjoy, but it gives you a broad idea on what the
different tribes in the region are. You learn to make rice wine, cook your own
meal in bamboo sticks, make a bamboo fire, try a bamboo trampoline and shoot
with an enormous blowgun. It is actually not bad if you have kids, they would
certainly enjoy it.
I also went on a ride along the Garama River. This I can
recommend a bit more. It is a highly enjoyable ride, and you get to see the “funny”
looking Proboscis monkey… wow they are ugly… the ones with the really big nose
are the males. There are also other
smaller, not as relevant, exciting or famous, types of monkeys.
You can also witness a beautiful sunset and marvel at
fireflies covered trees after dark.
But, we haven’t made it to the highlight of the trip, THE
ORANGUTANS. As I said before, the hotel has its own reserve in which they run
an orangutan orphanage. So I went along to see the baby orangutans… so cute…
and so funny… If you have more time, don’t stay in Kota Kinabalu, go further
east to Sandakan, where the biggest concentration of Orangutans is. Now, we
were told that all the orangutans that you see were raised in reserves and then
sent back to wilderness, the real wild orangutans you would never be able to
see, they are extremely elusive. I don’t mind, I was thrilled with the little
fellas in the hotel and the amazing landscape surrounding us.
