Borneo 2005

Photo Albums

We flew from Bangkok to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah via Kuala Lumpur on 17 November 2005 where we stayed for 2 nights before flying to Lahad Datu on a Fokker 50. We were picked up in Lahad Datu by our guide and driver at the airport. Before heading off on our 3 hour drive over bumpy dirt roads into the Danum Valley rainforest, we had a light breakfast of pasteries at a small cafe/bakery.

We stayed at the Danum Valley Borneo Rainforest Lodge for 3 jam-packed days (2 nights). On our way to the lodge we spotted an orangatan, which our guide said was very unusual to see them from the road. He spotted a leopard - we only saw the movement. While we were at the lodge we went on hikes morning and afternoon and one night did a night drive where we saw our first ever flying squirrel. There weren't many people staying at the lodge and we enjoyed everyone we met. We loved our guide, he was very knowledgeable and very patient. You have to be patient if you want to see any wildlife at all. We were fed 3 meals a day, and got an extra special treat on our last night there. Kathie and I and another couple of British fellows, one of whom was instrumental in determining the location of the protected rainforest back in the 70's, were the only guests. The staff was planning a Hari Raya party, so we were invited to it. It was interesting, I drank some rice wine and danced, but I did NOT do karaoke!

We did a last hike the following morning on the Sagama River. It was my favorite hike, although the only wildlife we saw were leeches and a lone Sambar deer on the river. It was so peaceful and beautiful walking along what our British friend (who is a retired zoologist) referred to as the alluvial plain. I didn't get a leech on me until we got back and I was cleaning the mud off my boots. It was a very exciting moment.

After our 3 hour drive back to the Lahad Datu airport, we flew back to Kota Kinabalu for a couple of nights and then on to Kuching, Sarawak for 3 nights. We met Enzee, who Kathie met on the Fodors travel board. Thank you again, Enzee, we saw a Kuching we never would have seen on our own and really enjoyed you and your aunt's company. Loved meeting Bill, too, the first night we were there during that exquisite meal at Magenta you treated us to. And that seafood restaurant on the beach was great! Kuching is a charming city. We stayed at the Hilton on the river. There's a wonderful river walkway and numerous Chinese shop houses selling souvenirs and antiques. We plan on visiting Kuching again on one of our trips.

Also, while you're in Kuching you MUST have laksa for breakfast at least one morning. Enzee was so wonderful, she brought Kathie and me fresh, hot take-out laksa to our hotel one morning on her way to work, purchased from her favorite laksa place. We went straight back upstairs to the lounge and ate it, it was truly delicious!

To get lots more detailed more information, go to Kathie's full Borneo trip report on Fodors.

I hope you enjoy the pictures!

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