It's a free day at Sandakan today. Early this morning after we said good bye and thank you to our home stay host & we droveto Sandakan for 2 hours. Not much group outing today as its a free day but I got a chance to take photos by myself!
So what I am doing today is do some paper work in one of the Internet cafes near the hotel before meeting the group in the evening for dinner.
It's also Sunday today where there is a Sunday market near the hotel where we staying. So I took the group for an orientation walk before I let them wonder around Sandakan by themself. Some of them went to visit one of the Buddhist Temples located at the top of the hill where they also can enjoy the whole view of Sandakan. The group then gathered at English Tea house for high tea. And tonight we preparing and pack up for trip to Turtle Island for the next day.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Day 8 Mengaris Village home stay
Today before we checked out from Jungle camp and checked into our homestay, we woke up early for our final activity: the morning jungle walk. On the walk our guide Hasri showed us some of the useful plant and we had a chance to collect some edible wild fern to bring it back to the village and cook it for our dinner.
Around 11a.m its time for us to say good bye, to the jungle camp staff and also to the 'things' in the jungle that gave us a new experience and good memories: Well, talking about the leech! Lucky we only saw one last night : )
We headed off to our homestay. For the home stay, we don't all stay together so we divided into four home stay. I stayed at 'Makcik' (Auntie) Minah house with two of the girls (well we got a separated room! ) and had a very delicious local lunch!. The group had another new experience as we were eating using only our right hand.
After relaxing at the home stay for couple of hours, once again the mescot van pick us up for Archaeological site visiting. This place which is under the sabah museum management, where people can see an old coffin, aged 500 years & believed to belong to the 'Orang Sungai' (river people) inside the cave. We spent 1.5 hours there before we went back to the Mescot centre and played volleyball with the localx. We formed a team together with the local and Intrepid group & believe it or not we play for nearly 2 hours! They don't want to stop, but we have to get ready for the cooking class at 6 p.m!.
Even after everyone had had a very hot day with sport out in the sun, they still can wait any longer to cook some local dishes especially the wild fern that we get from the jungle this morning. So after the group and the Mescot kitchen team introduced each other, we started to cook the food immediately because its will be our dinner and we are hungry!. After dinner we put on the Malay costume that provided by our host from the homestay & get ready for the cultural performance. During the show we were also invited to dance with the dancer and the group had a chance to play some of the traditional music instrument.
I can see that after the cultural show everyone look bit tired but at the same time enjoying it. And tonight will be our last day at Mescot and we say good bye and thank you to the local people there.
Around 11a.m its time for us to say good bye, to the jungle camp staff and also to the 'things' in the jungle that gave us a new experience and good memories: Well, talking about the leech! Lucky we only saw one last night : )
We headed off to our homestay. For the home stay, we don't all stay together so we divided into four home stay. I stayed at 'Makcik' (Auntie) Minah house with two of the girls (well we got a separated room! ) and had a very delicious local lunch!. The group had another new experience as we were eating using only our right hand.
After relaxing at the home stay for couple of hours, once again the mescot van pick us up for Archaeological site visiting. This place which is under the sabah museum management, where people can see an old coffin, aged 500 years & believed to belong to the 'Orang Sungai' (river people) inside the cave. We spent 1.5 hours there before we went back to the Mescot centre and played volleyball with the localx. We formed a team together with the local and Intrepid group & believe it or not we play for nearly 2 hours! They don't want to stop, but we have to get ready for the cooking class at 6 p.m!.
Even after everyone had had a very hot day with sport out in the sun, they still can wait any longer to cook some local dishes especially the wild fern that we get from the jungle this morning. So after the group and the Mescot kitchen team introduced each other, we started to cook the food immediately because its will be our dinner and we are hungry!. After dinner we put on the Malay costume that provided by our host from the homestay & get ready for the cultural performance. During the show we were also invited to dance with the dancer and the group had a chance to play some of the traditional music instrument.
I can see that after the cultural show everyone look bit tired but at the same time enjoying it. And tonight will be our last day at Mescot and we say good bye and thank you to the local people there.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Day 7 - Off to the Jungle
We arrived at the Mangaris village were we were to meet our jungle guides. We left our big luggage again all safe & locked behind and took our boat trip to bring our "jungle daypack" to our Jungle Camp. The group had a lot of questions like:
- Will there be leeches? So I need leech socks?
- Where will we sleep?
- Can I get water to drink?
- Is it dangerous?
- Is there any tigers or elephants?!
After we could explained everything and even the leech fearers got their leech socks! - we did a river cruise to see the lively fauna along the river. We saw horn bills, wild pigs and a lot of proboscis monkeys and macaques as well as a beautiful view of the sunset above the river.
Later we discovered our forest hut accommodation before we started to a night walk. It always feels a bit like a night walk on a school trip. A lot of nervous people not knowing what animal or "ghost" is waiting for them in the dark!
First we saw a sleeping chameleon, some big beetles and spiders. We discovered a small skunk and went deeper into the jungle. Our guide also saw a clouded leopard but he was to first, as we all had weak eyes in the darkness.
Although our guide was disappointed not having shown us any bigger or more dangerous animals, the group was happy with this experience and especially not having meet any leeches! Sleep well all you leeches....
Day 6 - Poring Hot Springs
The best place to relax and recover after the exhausting ascend of Mt Kinabalu is definitely Poring Hot Springs.
Everyone got free time at this day to try the hot springs to soak the aching limbs, relax in the tropical gardens, waterfalls, canopy walkways, do some shopping or whatever one needs to recover.
My trip to visit "Jackie" a semi/wild Orang Utan was well appreciated by the group and all of them tried to meet her. As she was a bit uninterested that day the group was a bit disappointed. But finally she showed to 2 woman of the group how much she loves to wear gummi boots!
Despite the relaxed day everyone was struggling with walking, especially the stairs to our rooms. These were the favorite "not to use " during that day. But I know the complaints about sore legs might get worse on the next day :o)
Everyone got free time at this day to try the hot springs to soak the aching limbs, relax in the tropical gardens, waterfalls, canopy walkways, do some shopping or whatever one needs to recover.
My trip to visit "Jackie" a semi/wild Orang Utan was well appreciated by the group and all of them tried to meet her. As she was a bit uninterested that day the group was a bit disappointed. But finally she showed to 2 woman of the group how much she loves to wear gummi boots!
Despite the relaxed day everyone was struggling with walking, especially the stairs to our rooms. These were the favorite "not to use " during that day. But I know the complaints about sore legs might get worse on the next day :o)
Day 5 The Summit - "We did it"
Getting up at 2 a.m. was very hard as sleeping in a 10 bed dormitory at a certain altitude is never easy!
After a short breakfast to have enough energy & we started at 3.00a.m with our mountain guides in the total darkness. When you looked on the trail you could see thousand of head torches lighting up the way. As it got higher and higher Soppingi needed even more to motivate us, give a lot of breaks and found the right word or helping hand for everybody. We were very lucky with the weather: Hardly any rain or strong wind. So the fear of the group to get totally cold did not actually happen.
Around 5am it started to get a bit light and we all wanted to be there in time to see the beautiful sunrise over the mountain. Once we passed Alexandra"s Peak and Donkey's ear (2 of the peaks around the main peak Low's peak) we knew that we made it just in time and took our first break for amazing pictures. No one got altitude sickness and so we could celebrate reaching the peak with a proud group picture.
After 30 minutes we started to descend and headed down for our breakfast in the Guesthouse. In day light some group members were even more impressed of the challenging route we took in the dark without seeing how wide or tight the path really was.
10 a.m back in the guesthouse we took breakfast and recovered a bit before starting the descend of the Summit trail. Unfortunately it started to rain and did not want to stop until we finished the descend.
Two girls asked Soppingi to tell "mountain stories" and with that the time flew and the wet weather felt less hard while listening to his interesting experiences other climbers have had.
After we finally reached our destination a bus drove us to Poring Hot Springs were we celebrated this achievement with Tom Yum soup and Tiger Beer. After that day we all slept deeply and I can say that I am very happy that no injuries happened and I am proud of the group. Let's see what their legs are telling them tomorrow...!
After a short breakfast to have enough energy & we started at 3.00a.m with our mountain guides in the total darkness. When you looked on the trail you could see thousand of head torches lighting up the way. As it got higher and higher Soppingi needed even more to motivate us, give a lot of breaks and found the right word or helping hand for everybody. We were very lucky with the weather: Hardly any rain or strong wind. So the fear of the group to get totally cold did not actually happen.
Around 5am it started to get a bit light and we all wanted to be there in time to see the beautiful sunrise over the mountain. Once we passed Alexandra"s Peak and Donkey's ear (2 of the peaks around the main peak Low's peak) we knew that we made it just in time and took our first break for amazing pictures. No one got altitude sickness and so we could celebrate reaching the peak with a proud group picture.
10 a.m back in the guesthouse we took breakfast and recovered a bit before starting the descend of the Summit trail. Unfortunately it started to rain and did not want to stop until we finished the descend.
Two girls asked Soppingi to tell "mountain stories" and with that the time flew and the wet weather felt less hard while listening to his interesting experiences other climbers have had.
After we finally reached our destination a bus drove us to Poring Hot Springs were we celebrated this achievement with Tom Yum soup and Tiger Beer. After that day we all slept deeply and I can say that I am very happy that no injuries happened and I am proud of the group. Let's see what their legs are telling them tomorrow...!
Day 4 - The Climb!
As the group decided to do the longer route called "Mesilau" we had to get up early to make our the 8 hour tour on the first part of the climb. The walk lead us along plenty of rain forest plants, orchids and especially huge pitcher plants.
Soppingi, the guide motivated the group with his mountain wisdom "Pelan Pelan" (walk nice and slowly) we take a look of drinking breaks to rest and recover. The group sang a bit of the way until the rain made every step slippery and we had to be even more careful. But at 5 p.m. we finally arrived at the Mountain guesthouse where the travellers taking the shorter route already enjoyed the beautiful view over the landscape. We took our dinner and went to bed at 7 p.m. Not surprisingly everybody was tired and a bit nervous to get up at 2 a.m. in the night to reach the summit for sunrise.
Day 3: Morning in Kiau and Afternoon in Kinabalu Park HQ
We start at 8am and are heading to the house we had our dinner for breakfast. Breakfast was great! We had boiled eggs, fried noodled, local pan cake, fresh pineapple and also Sabah tea!. After breakfast the group did a guided village walk. The guides, Benjamin and James explained some vegetables and fruits along the walk and did a rubber tapping demonstration. The group took an opportunity to get a wooden walking stick and a water bottle carrier for the Mt climb. Around 11am we said "Selamat Tinggal" (good bye) to the kiau people.
In the afternoon we took the bumpy journey to Mt Kinabalu Park HQ where they have dormitories of a fantastic quality and the group was happy about the hot shower. One part of the group drove down to visit the War Memorial in Kundasang, where you can see English, Australian and Borneo gardens beside a lot of history knowledge about WWII.
The other part of the group relaxed at the Kinabalu Park area and took a walk through the botanical garden.
After a tasty dinner in the Resort Restaurant we had to prepare for the challenge of Mt Kinabalu. Everybody has to pack their own daypack with enough to eat and drink but also warm clothes for the summit climb. Thus we went to bed early as everybody was excited, some also a bit nervous, about the challenge to climb the highest mountain in South-East Asia!!
In the afternoon we took the bumpy journey to Mt Kinabalu Park HQ where they have dormitories of a fantastic quality and the group was happy about the hot shower. One part of the group drove down to visit the War Memorial in Kundasang, where you can see English, Australian and Borneo gardens beside a lot of history knowledge about WWII.
The other part of the group relaxed at the Kinabalu Park area and took a walk through the botanical garden.
After a tasty dinner in the Resort Restaurant we had to prepare for the challenge of Mt Kinabalu. Everybody has to pack their own daypack with enough to eat and drink but also warm clothes for the summit climb. Thus we went to bed early as everybody was excited, some also a bit nervous, about the challenge to climb the highest mountain in South-East Asia!!
Day 2: And The Journey Begins!
Today is Sunday and it is the day we are heading to Kiau village. I am glad because it seems that the weather is on our side, its was sunny and warm. This morning when I wake up, I feel so excited to meet all the smiley faces people in Kiau village and I cannot wait to test the flavour of their very own home made 'Lihing' or Rice wine.
Around one o'clock I meet up with group and the local van are ready for us for the journey to Kiau village junction. Kiau village is one of the small villages located on a foot hill of the majestic Mt. Kinabalu where the people are called 'Dusun' and Dusun are the largest indigenous people of Sabah.
To get there we have to drive two hours from the coast to the highland.After1 1/2 hours we have to change transport from van to four wheel drive because the road is bumpy and steep.
There was a big welcoming from the local people when we arrived. "SELAMAT DATANG !". A group of gong players and traditional dancers introduce the group to the Dusun traditions. Everybody had to try the dance and learn how to play the gong.
After that we had a bit of time to prepare for dinner. The famous Mt.Guide "Soppingi" invited us for a local dinner at his sister's house. Food is simple but fresh and delicious. After dinner Soppingi as the host offered us drinking their special home made rice wine and Soppingi set up a rule: After emptying your glass you have to turn it upside down and if there comes a drop down you have to drink another. Everyone had to drink a second glass : ) !.
Some local men joined us and we sang and danced to the guitar music they played. Around 11pm we said "Terima Kasih" (thank you) and "selamat malam" (good night) to our host.
Around one o'clock I meet up with group and the local van are ready for us for the journey to Kiau village junction. Kiau village is one of the small villages located on a foot hill of the majestic Mt. Kinabalu where the people are called 'Dusun' and Dusun are the largest indigenous people of Sabah.
To get there we have to drive two hours from the coast to the highland.After1 1/2 hours we have to change transport from van to four wheel drive because the road is bumpy and steep.
There was a big welcoming from the local people when we arrived. "SELAMAT DATANG !". A group of gong players and traditional dancers introduce the group to the Dusun traditions. Everybody had to try the dance and learn how to play the gong.
After that we had a bit of time to prepare for dinner. The famous Mt.Guide "Soppingi" invited us for a local dinner at his sister's house. Food is simple but fresh and delicious. After dinner Soppingi as the host offered us drinking their special home made rice wine and Soppingi set up a rule: After emptying your glass you have to turn it upside down and if there comes a drop down you have to drink another. Everyone had to drink a second glass : ) !.
Some local men joined us and we sang and danced to the guitar music they played. Around 11pm we said "Terima Kasih" (thank you) and "selamat malam" (good night) to our host.
See you in the morning!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Day 1: Meeting day!
I am very excited to meet the group and tell them all about my lovely place, Sabah. This time I had a mix of people from three different country. I had them understand all about intrepid way of travelling, all the preparation for the trip and I took them to one of the best seafood restaurants in town.They seem so excited with all the new experience waiting them ahead!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Welcome!
Welcome to Jun’s trip blog. Jun will be leading Intrepid’s exciting 13 day ‘Sabah - Land Beneath the Wind’ trip.
He will be giving us a local’s insight into this wonderful region of the world and documenting his group’s journey as they soak up the mystical wonders of Borneo.
He will be giving us a local’s insight into this wonderful region of the world and documenting his group’s journey as they soak up the mystical wonders of Borneo.
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