January 12, 2016: Borneo, AlteCocker is Here
The first plane took AlteCocker from Chiang Mai to Kuala Lumpur. After a long walk, she purchased a Malaysian SIM card for her Thai phone and finally got through immigration and customs. It was a very long walk through KLIA 2--KL's smaller airport mainly used by domestic flights and ones to destinations in SE Asia. It is heavily used by Air Asia, so, if you are flying Air Asia, you probably originate or land there. AlteCocker had no idea there were two airports. Plan accordingly.
Fortunately, AlteCocker was also flying out of KLIA2 on her flight to Kuching in Borneo. She did have a long wait for her hostess (who had to work, after all). What she did not know was that her hostess was paying for her round trip to Kuching as well as for a hotel room for her. AlteCocker had hosted this lady in the US and this was beyond her expectations. Offering to reimburse her hostess went nowhere.
Finally we were on our way to Kuching. Unfortunately it was too late at night to get any photos but some were taken landing in KL. AlteCocker saw some container ships (she was seated on the right side window seat), but she is not sure if it was the famed Straits of Malacca or the east side of the Malay Peninsula. She has a feeling it was the latter. A surprise in arriving in Borneo is that the Malaysian state of Borneo has its own customs, so AlteCocker's passport now has a Borneo stamp in addition to one for Malaysia. My hostess Shida told me that it had to do with joining the Malaysian Federation after it was already formed. Malaysian is basically formed from a series of states that were mostly part of British Malaya. At the time they were part of Malaya they all had separate governments. Anyway, 2 passport stamps.
In Kuching AlteCocker is styaing at the Tune Hotel on the waterfront. She has not had enough time to explore the waterfront, but the hotel is the kind of place the locals stay. It is not the Hilton but it will suffice even if the internet has to be used in the lobby. AlteCocker did see what the price was for the 6 nights she will be here and it is not half bad. It is a good value for money.
After finally getting online, AlteCocker played blog catch up. One problem with doing it in the lobby is that you have to put the room key in the slot in the room to get the a/c to run. It will be hot when she goes back upstairs.
Tomorrow the sightseeing begins. AlteCocker's first impression of Kuching is that it is certainly not in the middle of the jungle. It looks very modern--with a lot better roads than the pitted ones in Thailand.
Fortunately, AlteCocker was also flying out of KLIA2 on her flight to Kuching in Borneo. She did have a long wait for her hostess (who had to work, after all). What she did not know was that her hostess was paying for her round trip to Kuching as well as for a hotel room for her. AlteCocker had hosted this lady in the US and this was beyond her expectations. Offering to reimburse her hostess went nowhere.
Finally we were on our way to Kuching. Unfortunately it was too late at night to get any photos but some were taken landing in KL. AlteCocker saw some container ships (she was seated on the right side window seat), but she is not sure if it was the famed Straits of Malacca or the east side of the Malay Peninsula. She has a feeling it was the latter. A surprise in arriving in Borneo is that the Malaysian state of Borneo has its own customs, so AlteCocker's passport now has a Borneo stamp in addition to one for Malaysia. My hostess Shida told me that it had to do with joining the Malaysian Federation after it was already formed. Malaysian is basically formed from a series of states that were mostly part of British Malaya. At the time they were part of Malaya they all had separate governments. Anyway, 2 passport stamps.
In Kuching AlteCocker is styaing at the Tune Hotel on the waterfront. She has not had enough time to explore the waterfront, but the hotel is the kind of place the locals stay. It is not the Hilton but it will suffice even if the internet has to be used in the lobby. AlteCocker did see what the price was for the 6 nights she will be here and it is not half bad. It is a good value for money.
After finally getting online, AlteCocker played blog catch up. One problem with doing it in the lobby is that you have to put the room key in the slot in the room to get the a/c to run. It will be hot when she goes back upstairs.
Tomorrow the sightseeing begins. AlteCocker's first impression of Kuching is that it is certainly not in the middle of the jungle. It looks very modern--with a lot better roads than the pitted ones in Thailand.
JAnuary 13, 2016: Sarawak Cultural Village
My Malaysian friend Shida and her husband Dean pick me up a bit later than planned. Everyone is exhausted from all the travel yesterday. We go to the Sarawak Cultural Village outside Kuching, the capital of Sarawak--the main administrative area on the island of Borneo. This is a tourist attraction devoted to the many tribal cultures in Borneo. You walk around to different sorts of houses that native people used to use before the modern era arrived. There is a restaurant and a show. Unfortunately we missed the morning show so we had to hang around until the 4:00pm show. There were very few people at the Cultural Village. The school year starts in January in Malaysia after New Year, so the kids are in school. People were continually amazed that AlteCocker was from the US as Borneo is pretty far away to get much US tourism. Most of the tourism is from other places in Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. Shida and AlteCocker basically spent the entire day at the village. The displays are interesting and she highly recommends this attraction. Lunch was at the restaurant.
It was very hot--same as in Singapore. AlteCocker's energy gave out early. It was the heat, and, yes, AlteCocker's degenerating disk has started to pain her again. When she arrived back at the hotel, she downed the first of the prednisone pills she takes in series for her back. It is the last series she has and, wouldn't you know she needs to use them in Borneo. Fortunately, she brought the pills with her. Augh! The perils of traveling as an AlteCocker. Time for another round of back doctor visits.
After seeing the 4:00pm show (well explained in both Malay and English), Shida and AlteCocker walked down to a nearby beautiful beach. Gawd, AlteCocker would be satisfied just hanging out there for half a day (she does not want to get too sunburned. Some Malay guy finds out that AlteCocker is an American and asks to take his photo with me. Bizarre? Apparently not. Same thing happened with some Indonesian women at the hotel later.
Souvenirs bought were one fridge magnet at a souvenir place near the beach and two t-shirts for AlteCocker at a souvenir place near the hotel plus some of the same for the kids who live next door to AlteCocker at home.
Unfortunately, there is a leak in one of the condos she owns that is going into the unit below hers--a major problem. What really burns is that the condo never got in touch with me after the tenant in the apartment underneath complained and, of course, it is a bigger mess now. At this point a mess of email has been sent with a demand why AlteCocker was not notified. She may be in Borneo, but email works most of the time! Hopefully, this ordeal is not worse than the tenant mess in Martinique_. She has to say that it is less than ideal at the Tune Hotel. She has to do email in the lobby. It does not reach the rooms--no matter what the hotel says.
It was very hot--same as in Singapore. AlteCocker's energy gave out early. It was the heat, and, yes, AlteCocker's degenerating disk has started to pain her again. When she arrived back at the hotel, she downed the first of the prednisone pills she takes in series for her back. It is the last series she has and, wouldn't you know she needs to use them in Borneo. Fortunately, she brought the pills with her. Augh! The perils of traveling as an AlteCocker. Time for another round of back doctor visits.
After seeing the 4:00pm show (well explained in both Malay and English), Shida and AlteCocker walked down to a nearby beautiful beach. Gawd, AlteCocker would be satisfied just hanging out there for half a day (she does not want to get too sunburned. Some Malay guy finds out that AlteCocker is an American and asks to take his photo with me. Bizarre? Apparently not. Same thing happened with some Indonesian women at the hotel later.
Souvenirs bought were one fridge magnet at a souvenir place near the beach and two t-shirts for AlteCocker at a souvenir place near the hotel plus some of the same for the kids who live next door to AlteCocker at home.
Unfortunately, there is a leak in one of the condos she owns that is going into the unit below hers--a major problem. What really burns is that the condo never got in touch with me after the tenant in the apartment underneath complained and, of course, it is a bigger mess now. At this point a mess of email has been sent with a demand why AlteCocker was not notified. She may be in Borneo, but email works most of the time! Hopefully, this ordeal is not worse than the tenant mess in Martinique_. She has to say that it is less than ideal at the Tune Hotel. She has to do email in the lobby. It does not reach the rooms--no matter what the hotel says.
January 14, 2016: Orangutans, No. Snake, Yes.
Today was the day to see orangutans in the wild. AlteCocker guesses from the headnote that you sort of guessed what happened.
The day started with rain, so we decided to go to Semenggoh Nature Reserve for the 3:00pm feeding of the orangs rather than going in the morning. That was a good idea because there was so much rain that they did not allow the people into the feeding station--which requires a walk up a slippery trail. As it turns out, it did was not a good idea as the afternoon, well, we will get there. First we have to do the morning.
Since we were not going to the orang non event until the afternoon, Shidah and AlteCocker got dropped off at some local museums. That turned out to be a non event as well. The Natural History Building is an old style museum with the sort of dioramas AlteCocker remembered from her youth. It would have been more interesting had the air/conditioning and lights worked but there was a partial power outage. Not good. There is information in there about the tribes and the building looks somewhat like at tribal longhouse inside. We did not stay long and thought we would go over to the Art Gallery. Closed for renovation: Struck out again. Even the gift shop and cafe were closed. We were told they should be open but they are run by a private operator. Obviously check what is going on before going.
Not to make it a total strike out is Starbucks. AlteCocker had a java chocolate chip frappachino (skim milk, no whipped cream, but still lots of calories). It was delicious and, more importantly, cold in the heat and humidity that is Borneo (Shida had a hot coffee, but can't remember which kind). AlteCocker, who had not eaten a very good breakfast at the hotel, had a banana chocolate chip muffin). After lazing around in the mall that contained Starbucks for awhile, we wondered around the mall and AlteCocker picked up some items she needed (and mostly should have bought from Thailand, but such as life). Tissues, camera batteries, sunblock and some other crap.
When our air conditioned luxuries were purchased, it was off to explore a street market mainly run by Indians. AlteCocker purchased nothing but did note that there were cheaper t-shirts than the ones she bought last night. Well, such is tourism.
Wearing an orangutan t-shirt she bought for good luck, it was off to not see the orangs. Basically, this time is what Malaysians call "fruit season". The orangs have plenty to eat in the forest, so they are infrequent visitors to the free handout platforms. Today was one of those infrequent nonvisits. Still we learned quite a bit about the orangs--all of whom are descended from orphaned and then rereleased orangs. The main problem now is that they are all inbreeding. Not good for the long term. Orangs are now rehabilitated elsewhere so no babies to see in the cages. The elsewhere is, unfortunately, far from where AlteCocker is located in Kuching, so no more chances to see those guys in the wild. AlteCocker did see some colorful butterflies (who refused to sit still for a photo), one large squirrel in a tree (photo attempt did not go well) but the day was saved by one enormous green and yellow poisonous snake called a "viper". Two good photos there.
Nevertheless we all had a good time--and Shida's husband Dean now knows how to drive to the Nature Reserve (lots of stopping for directions). Tomorrow Shida and Dean are checking into a romantic hotel on the beach (but you can't go swimming in the water because crocodiles have eaten a couple of people resently). AlteCocker is on her own and has arranged a private van tour. Keep reading.Deciding to go out to eat after observing someone's pizza, AlteCocker turns right out of her hotel and discovers it is only a short walk to the Sarawak River. There are tons of fast food places there that are closer than pizza (which turns out to be a Pizza Hut—no thanks). She has a chicken sandwich at the closest place—a bar devoted to the soccer team in Cebu some distance east of Kuching. The owner of the team has set up some food places to promote the team. AlteCocker could give two hoots about soccer but the whole concept is funny. We are in Kuching. People do not root for a team from Cebu here. They root for the Kuching team. Anyway, that is where AlteCocker ate.
The day started with rain, so we decided to go to Semenggoh Nature Reserve for the 3:00pm feeding of the orangs rather than going in the morning. That was a good idea because there was so much rain that they did not allow the people into the feeding station--which requires a walk up a slippery trail. As it turns out, it did was not a good idea as the afternoon, well, we will get there. First we have to do the morning.
Since we were not going to the orang non event until the afternoon, Shidah and AlteCocker got dropped off at some local museums. That turned out to be a non event as well. The Natural History Building is an old style museum with the sort of dioramas AlteCocker remembered from her youth. It would have been more interesting had the air/conditioning and lights worked but there was a partial power outage. Not good. There is information in there about the tribes and the building looks somewhat like at tribal longhouse inside. We did not stay long and thought we would go over to the Art Gallery. Closed for renovation: Struck out again. Even the gift shop and cafe were closed. We were told they should be open but they are run by a private operator. Obviously check what is going on before going.
Not to make it a total strike out is Starbucks. AlteCocker had a java chocolate chip frappachino (skim milk, no whipped cream, but still lots of calories). It was delicious and, more importantly, cold in the heat and humidity that is Borneo (Shida had a hot coffee, but can't remember which kind). AlteCocker, who had not eaten a very good breakfast at the hotel, had a banana chocolate chip muffin). After lazing around in the mall that contained Starbucks for awhile, we wondered around the mall and AlteCocker picked up some items she needed (and mostly should have bought from Thailand, but such as life). Tissues, camera batteries, sunblock and some other crap.
When our air conditioned luxuries were purchased, it was off to explore a street market mainly run by Indians. AlteCocker purchased nothing but did note that there were cheaper t-shirts than the ones she bought last night. Well, such is tourism.
Wearing an orangutan t-shirt she bought for good luck, it was off to not see the orangs. Basically, this time is what Malaysians call "fruit season". The orangs have plenty to eat in the forest, so they are infrequent visitors to the free handout platforms. Today was one of those infrequent nonvisits. Still we learned quite a bit about the orangs--all of whom are descended from orphaned and then rereleased orangs. The main problem now is that they are all inbreeding. Not good for the long term. Orangs are now rehabilitated elsewhere so no babies to see in the cages. The elsewhere is, unfortunately, far from where AlteCocker is located in Kuching, so no more chances to see those guys in the wild. AlteCocker did see some colorful butterflies (who refused to sit still for a photo), one large squirrel in a tree (photo attempt did not go well) but the day was saved by one enormous green and yellow poisonous snake called a "viper". Two good photos there.
Nevertheless we all had a good time--and Shida's husband Dean now knows how to drive to the Nature Reserve (lots of stopping for directions). Tomorrow Shida and Dean are checking into a romantic hotel on the beach (but you can't go swimming in the water because crocodiles have eaten a couple of people resently). AlteCocker is on her own and has arranged a private van tour. Keep reading.Deciding to go out to eat after observing someone's pizza, AlteCocker turns right out of her hotel and discovers it is only a short walk to the Sarawak River. There are tons of fast food places there that are closer than pizza (which turns out to be a Pizza Hut—no thanks). She has a chicken sandwich at the closest place—a bar devoted to the soccer team in Cebu some distance east of Kuching. The owner of the team has set up some food places to promote the team. AlteCocker could give two hoots about soccer but the whole concept is funny. We are in Kuching. People do not root for a team from Cebu here. They root for the Kuching team. Anyway, that is where AlteCocker ate.
January 15, 2016: Bako National Park with Lots of Monkeys
Bako National Park is the closest national park to Kuching. You can take public transport there but it is complicated. AlteCocker has just opted to go with the tour company that has a contract with the hotel. It is Golden Car Rental & Tours SDN BHD. Because AlteCocker is a solo she had to pay for 1 ½ people. At least it is not 2. The car picks her up promptly and we head off to the boat dock where you take a boat to Bako. Her guide, Pongo, meets her at the boat. On the island he points out a lot of the animals and AlteCocker takes a lot of photos of three kids of monkeys: Probosis moneys, macaques and silver leaf monkeys. She gets some photos of wild bearded boars and another viper (better photos than the ones taken in the place where the orangs failed to grace her with their presence). So this time there are animals. The animals are not afraid of people so you can get close, but don't get too close to the wild boar; they can do real damage.
The guide took me in a boat to see the rock formation that is the salient feature of Bako, "sea stack", but the sea was rough and it was not sunny. AlteCocker got the photos but they are not the ones you see on the posters.
Then it was time to make a decision: The tides dictated that you leave the island at 1:00pm or stay until 4:00pm. Serious trekking being beyond AlteCocker's abilities at age (well, we will leave that out), she opted for the 1:00pm boat. Without staying overnight (which you can do), she was not going to see any of the nocturnal animals (those who did reported basically seeing the same animals AlteCocker did, by the way), so it was back on the 1:00pm boat. A normal 20-30 minute journey turned into an excruciating 1 1/2 hours plus. The problem was that the boats kept getting stuck in the mud and the motors were overheating. Much changing of boats was called for to lighten the boats. The problem with one of them was the boat itself was too heavy. AlteCocker changed boats 3 times and her guide changed boats 4 times. Eventually we all got to the dock but not at the time intended. It was one of those unwanted vacation adventures. The guide apologized profusely but it wasn't his fault. It might have been the same problem at 4:00pm as well. So, if you are going to do Bako, it would be better to go when high tide occurs in the afternoon. Sometimes you just go when you can. AlteCocker did tip both the guide and driver 20 ringit (Malaysian equivalent of the dollar but worth 1/4 of a dollar). They both seemed surprised.
Getting back to the hotel early, AlteCocker took a shower and a badly needed nap. When she came downstairs to pick up her laundry and get a remote for the TV that actually worked (first remote was for a different model of TV), the lady at the tour desk suggested she eat at "Top Spot" and explained how to get there--basically left out the door, pass the 711 and ask two people when she got confused. Top Spot is a food court featuring seafood. AlteCocker had the dish recommended by the lady (kueh tiaw) but made the delicious mistake of ordering some giant shrimp which turned out to be the hit of the show. The recommended dish was a noodle based dish with a variety of fish that is a Kuching specialty. It comes in a tomato based sauce. AlteCocker thought it was OK but nothing to write home about and she did not finish it. The shrimp, however, were the largest she had ever eaten and just excellent. The place would be great for groups as some places sold very large fish that were clearly beyond what one person could consume. Despite not finishing everything, AlteCocker left room for dessert--ice cream (mint chocolate chip).
The guide took me in a boat to see the rock formation that is the salient feature of Bako, "sea stack", but the sea was rough and it was not sunny. AlteCocker got the photos but they are not the ones you see on the posters.
Then it was time to make a decision: The tides dictated that you leave the island at 1:00pm or stay until 4:00pm. Serious trekking being beyond AlteCocker's abilities at age (well, we will leave that out), she opted for the 1:00pm boat. Without staying overnight (which you can do), she was not going to see any of the nocturnal animals (those who did reported basically seeing the same animals AlteCocker did, by the way), so it was back on the 1:00pm boat. A normal 20-30 minute journey turned into an excruciating 1 1/2 hours plus. The problem was that the boats kept getting stuck in the mud and the motors were overheating. Much changing of boats was called for to lighten the boats. The problem with one of them was the boat itself was too heavy. AlteCocker changed boats 3 times and her guide changed boats 4 times. Eventually we all got to the dock but not at the time intended. It was one of those unwanted vacation adventures. The guide apologized profusely but it wasn't his fault. It might have been the same problem at 4:00pm as well. So, if you are going to do Bako, it would be better to go when high tide occurs in the afternoon. Sometimes you just go when you can. AlteCocker did tip both the guide and driver 20 ringit (Malaysian equivalent of the dollar but worth 1/4 of a dollar). They both seemed surprised.
Getting back to the hotel early, AlteCocker took a shower and a badly needed nap. When she came downstairs to pick up her laundry and get a remote for the TV that actually worked (first remote was for a different model of TV), the lady at the tour desk suggested she eat at "Top Spot" and explained how to get there--basically left out the door, pass the 711 and ask two people when she got confused. Top Spot is a food court featuring seafood. AlteCocker had the dish recommended by the lady (kueh tiaw) but made the delicious mistake of ordering some giant shrimp which turned out to be the hit of the show. The recommended dish was a noodle based dish with a variety of fish that is a Kuching specialty. It comes in a tomato based sauce. AlteCocker thought it was OK but nothing to write home about and she did not finish it. The shrimp, however, were the largest she had ever eaten and just excellent. The place would be great for groups as some places sold very large fish that were clearly beyond what one person could consume. Despite not finishing everything, AlteCocker left room for dessert--ice cream (mint chocolate chip).
January 16, 2016: Caves and Market
Getting the same tour Company to take AlteCocker on an excursion once more it was time for Fairy Cave and Windy Cave. Fairy Cave does not have any fairies that AlteCocker saw and is a good distance from Kuching. It was a lot of stairs up that eventually ended in a lot of uneven steps with no railings. AlteCocker did not go all the way up. She stopped as soon as she could get a decent photo of the hole where the nonexistent fairies are supposed to get in. The cave was not very interesting and it is not for the faint of heart or AlteCockers. There was an AlteCocker behind me who wimped out even before AlteCocker did. The cave really should not be attempted without hiking poles at the upper reaches of the stairs. AlteCocker left hers in Chiang Mai. Very dumb move.
So we went to the nearby Windy Cave—much fewer steps and lots of bats flying around. If you shined a flashlight in their direction you could get a lot of action, It was very interesting and was helped by the lack of mountain climbing stairs. Windy Cave is mostly on one level.
Neither cave had dramatic stalagmites or stalagtites, so, all and all, if you have limited time in Sarawak, AlteCocker would recommend that you do something else.
Then my intrepid driver and AlteCocker negotiated for an add on—a market that occurs only on the weekend on the Malaysian/Indonesian border. It's on the Malaysian side so, no, AlteCocker cannot brag that she went to Indonesia. That will have to wait for another time if at all. The market mostly caters to the local Muslim population with very conservative Muslim dress wear (so no purchases there). There were additional items but nothing to write home about. AlteCocker bought two hand held sewing devices to make emergency repairs. They were successful gifts last year and the price was the same as the ones in Thailand. She also bought a locally made kitchen knife for about $4 US. She was not good to the economy at that market. That came later in Kuching.
So, it was back to the hotel for a rest. After a nap, AlteCocker set out to find dinner and ended up at the James Brooke Cafe. James Brooke is quite a character in Sarawak history. He is known as the White Rajah, so why not eat at “his” cafe. AlteCocker had fish and then banana fritters for dessert. Not bad but more expensive and not as good as Top Spot. The Brooke Cafe has the advantage of being right on the river adjacent to the Hilton if you are looking (yes, there is a Hilton in Sarawak) with lots of atmosphere.
Then AlteCocker wandered along the river and into a souvenir shop. AlteCocker should stay out of those places. She went home with a headhunter reproduction knife. She will have to have a case made for it when she gets home—which is bound to cost more than the knife did. It will make a nice wall hanging. No, there are no more headhunters in Sarawak, but is not far from Papua New Guinea where such activities (although illegal) still go on. Mostly in Sarawak it is imitation knives and t-shirts with scary headhunter designs.
Then it was back to the hotel to once again struggle with their shitty broadband internet and not succeed in getting the blog up. AlteCocker is looking forward to Kuala Lumpur where hopefully the wifi situation will improve. We complain about internet in the US but SE Asia is way behind us.
So we went to the nearby Windy Cave—much fewer steps and lots of bats flying around. If you shined a flashlight in their direction you could get a lot of action, It was very interesting and was helped by the lack of mountain climbing stairs. Windy Cave is mostly on one level.
Neither cave had dramatic stalagmites or stalagtites, so, all and all, if you have limited time in Sarawak, AlteCocker would recommend that you do something else.
Then my intrepid driver and AlteCocker negotiated for an add on—a market that occurs only on the weekend on the Malaysian/Indonesian border. It's on the Malaysian side so, no, AlteCocker cannot brag that she went to Indonesia. That will have to wait for another time if at all. The market mostly caters to the local Muslim population with very conservative Muslim dress wear (so no purchases there). There were additional items but nothing to write home about. AlteCocker bought two hand held sewing devices to make emergency repairs. They were successful gifts last year and the price was the same as the ones in Thailand. She also bought a locally made kitchen knife for about $4 US. She was not good to the economy at that market. That came later in Kuching.
So, it was back to the hotel for a rest. After a nap, AlteCocker set out to find dinner and ended up at the James Brooke Cafe. James Brooke is quite a character in Sarawak history. He is known as the White Rajah, so why not eat at “his” cafe. AlteCocker had fish and then banana fritters for dessert. Not bad but more expensive and not as good as Top Spot. The Brooke Cafe has the advantage of being right on the river adjacent to the Hilton if you are looking (yes, there is a Hilton in Sarawak) with lots of atmosphere.
Then AlteCocker wandered along the river and into a souvenir shop. AlteCocker should stay out of those places. She went home with a headhunter reproduction knife. She will have to have a case made for it when she gets home—which is bound to cost more than the knife did. It will make a nice wall hanging. No, there are no more headhunters in Sarawak, but is not far from Papua New Guinea where such activities (although illegal) still go on. Mostly in Sarawak it is imitation knives and t-shirts with scary headhunter designs.
Then it was back to the hotel to once again struggle with their shitty broadband internet and not succeed in getting the blog up. AlteCocker is looking forward to Kuala Lumpur where hopefully the wifi situation will improve. We complain about internet in the US but SE Asia is way behind us.
January 17, 2016: Finally Orangutans!
Well AlteCocker has finally achieved her goal of laying her eyes on a male orangutan. It was off to Matang Wildlife Centre where orangutans are rehabilitated so they can live in the wild. Some of the orangs have been abused, some illegally used as pets. The center tries to get them in shape to live in the wild. We could only see the ones in cages. There are lots in the surrounding jungle but they, of course, come and go as they wish. AlteCocker saw two large males and a baby. The baby had been someone's pet. One male, Aran, had had cataract surgery to restore his sight. The other male orang appeared to have something wrong with his stomach, as he was eating his vomit and repeatedly throwing it up. He was larger than the first one but AlteCocker got good photos only of the Aran. If you are in Kuching, you Matang is a better bet than Semenggoh. The best place in the trip, however, was the zoo in Singapore, but that zoo has no full grown males (who can fight and even kill each other; perhaps that is why there were none. The Wildlife Center did have some sun bears and a large variety of hornbills (the Borneo national bird). As AlteCocker wanted to see the birds as well, she was very happy with her excursion. Lots of good photos too!
AlteCocker got back to the hotel fairly early and had a Japanese lunch at the very small Hillside Shopping Mall just up the street followed by an ice cream at the nearby 711. The mall was virtually empty. The small stores shut down on Sunday in Kuching so it is malls or nothing. Then AlteCocker went back to the hotel for a rest and ended up watching a program about Tun Razak, the second Malaysian prime minister. Being that AlteCocker is in Malaysia, it seemed to be the right program to watch. Malaysia has had a lot of problems among all the ethnic groups.
This has been a learning vacation--as all of AlteCocker's vacations always are. She learned all about the Iban people from, John, the guy that has been driving her around. Many people living in Borneo are descended from headhunters and are the base of the Christian community in Borneo. Some Borneo residents also want to be independent again rather than a part of Malaysia. Lots of political problems but surely a beautiful place and deserving of more tourism than it gets.
Dinner was back down by the Sarawak River at the same joint ballyhooing the Cebu football team. There AlteCocker ran into an American man living in Kuching. He was the third American she ran into here; the other being a backpacker from Chicago. Come on North Americans, get off your collective butts and come to somewhere totally different!
AlteCocker got back to the hotel fairly early and had a Japanese lunch at the very small Hillside Shopping Mall just up the street followed by an ice cream at the nearby 711. The mall was virtually empty. The small stores shut down on Sunday in Kuching so it is malls or nothing. Then AlteCocker went back to the hotel for a rest and ended up watching a program about Tun Razak, the second Malaysian prime minister. Being that AlteCocker is in Malaysia, it seemed to be the right program to watch. Malaysia has had a lot of problems among all the ethnic groups.
This has been a learning vacation--as all of AlteCocker's vacations always are. She learned all about the Iban people from, John, the guy that has been driving her around. Many people living in Borneo are descended from headhunters and are the base of the Christian community in Borneo. Some Borneo residents also want to be independent again rather than a part of Malaysia. Lots of political problems but surely a beautiful place and deserving of more tourism than it gets.
Dinner was back down by the Sarawak River at the same joint ballyhooing the Cebu football team. There AlteCocker ran into an American man living in Kuching. He was the third American she ran into here; the other being a backpacker from Chicago. Come on North Americans, get off your collective butts and come to somewhere totally different!
January 18, 2016: Sad to say, bye bye Borneo!
Today it was time to say farewell to Borneo and head for the big city, Kuala Lumpur. To tell the truth, AlteCocker was very sad to go. Borneo was like another world. AlteCocker wishes she had decided to spend more time there, but the fact is that she hadn't and that was that. It will be either another trip or not at all.
Before leaving there was one more place to visit, the Tun Jugah Foundation. The Foundation is located along the waterfront in Kuching in a small shopping mall behind the McDonald's. Kuching resident Tom McLaughlin suggested that AlteCocker visited it. The place has almost no publicity and is wonderful. They teach native women the old weaving skills, giving them good jobs and preserving the native culture. The items produced are magnificent and attractively displayed. Nobody knows about the place. Should you find yourself in Kuching, make a point of going.
Then it was back to the hotel for a rest before heading to the airport for the flight to KL. If you want to keep reading, check here.
Before leaving there was one more place to visit, the Tun Jugah Foundation. The Foundation is located along the waterfront in Kuching in a small shopping mall behind the McDonald's. Kuching resident Tom McLaughlin suggested that AlteCocker visited it. The place has almost no publicity and is wonderful. They teach native women the old weaving skills, giving them good jobs and preserving the native culture. The items produced are magnificent and attractively displayed. Nobody knows about the place. Should you find yourself in Kuching, make a point of going.
Then it was back to the hotel for a rest before heading to the airport for the flight to KL. If you want to keep reading, check here.