Borneo

Kota Kinabalu

We flew into to Kota Kinabalu on the western side of Malaysian Borneo.  We spent a few days catching up on school, visiting a cultural village, and enjoying the fantastic sunsets.

It was definitely not a tourist area, which was great.  The food was extremely cheap and very good.  We ate at roadside outdoor cafes, and often ended up ordering by pointing to what other tables were eating, since we couldn't decipher the menus.

Watching the sun set across the South China sea towards Vietnam

The Kota Kinabalu floating mosque

Traditional tribal wedding bench where the bride and groom would accept visitors for three days

Katie getting inked

Alex, Keri, and Katie's matching gang symbols

Picture with members of one of the Borneo headhunting tribes

It was fascinating to see the jungle fighting back against development

A mudskipper!

Looks like Vietnam is on fire

Pulau Selingaan - Turtle Islands National Park

Next we drove to Sandakan on the east side of Borneo.

We took a boat out to the Turtle Islands National  Park, where they protect the nesting areas of sea turtles.  We spent the night to watch Green Sea turtles laying eggs and hatchlings being released to the sea.  The turtles were a fantastic experience.  It was the most tourist-oriented place we visited on Borneo, and unfortunately, the only place where the food made Alex and I sick.  Better to stick to the roadside cafes.

Snorkeling off of Puluau Selingaan

Giant blue and gold clams hiding in the coral

Enjoying the beach before the sunset curfew (to protect nesting sea turtles)

They've grow a lot in the past year!

Moon over Pulau Selingaan

Green sea turtle laying eggs on the beach on Pulau Selingaan

After the turtles lay eggs, they are moved to this hatchery to prevent them from being crushed or eaten

They will be turtles one day...

Hatchlings being released on the beach

Tracks of sea turtles coming ashore for nesting

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Since Alex and I weren't feeling well, Katie and Keri got to check out the orangutans at the rehabilitation centre.  A big part of the appeal of Borneo was for Katie to see the orangutans, so I'm glad she was able to visit them!

Who needs a hammock when you have four hands to hang from

Don't be concerned about the pit vipers hanging in the trees above the trails

Katie - come play with us!

Unreal looking green crested lizard

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Next stop was the conservation center for the protection of sun bears.  Sun bears have gold patches that look like necklaces on their upper chests.

Sun bear just strolling along

A white flower landed right on the sun bear's forehead

Yummy insects!

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Last stop was the proboscis monkey sanctuary.  Of all of the lemurs, monkeys, and apes we've seen, the proboscis had faces and expressions that are most similar to humans.

Pondering the meaning of life

It's uncanny how human their expressions are

Amazing fuzzy hands and feet - they look like they are wearing mittens

Who invited a wookie to lunch?

Hugs!

Add one more to the list of pets/friends Katie wants

Next stop...

Thailand!