Our first sightseeing stop in Sarawak was to Bako National park. This required a bus trip, boat trip, and a bunch of trekking. For Sara, the only IMPORTANT thing there was seeing the rare Proboscis Monkey. Sara sometimes sez promiscuous monkey (hah). They have 3 types of monkeys at the park, and at first entry we caught some of the very cute silvered leaf-monkeys chomping on a tree. No good pics (forgot my camera again, doh!), but checked that one off the list.
Next, we started hiking up a short, but steep trail. There are 3 trails that have some probability of seeing the proboscis- this was the first. We got to the top, very hot and sweaty, with no monkeys. But there was a nice overlook! About 3/4 of the way back down, we came across a couple staring into a tree – and figured we should do the same. There sat a proboscis monkey – they’re very big compared to most monkeys! He sat there munching for a while, letting us take pictures and video (just with our phones) – before moving on. Super awesome! He also made the funniest sounds – somewhere between a snore and a sigh – I’ll post a video of that. A bit later – two more crossed the path presumably following the other one.
We followed that with a LONG hike to a waterfall. Came across some Bornean bearded pigs, a couple wagler’s pit vipers, wandered through the rainforest and a very dry plateau with an abundance of pitcher plants. A biologically dense journey!
After that, while hydrating at the cafe, some Macaque monkeys (same as earlier video) stole someones watermelon. Monkey mission complete!
Sara got pics up yesterday. After the 32k+ steps yesterday, we chilled out today – but will head back to the food festival later! Yum.
And because I love bullet points..
- Bonus! No leeches on this hike (though we wore proper shoes).
- Kuching seems like a sleepy place. We’re staying right by the waterfront (river) – which gets lively at night – but otherwise is very calm. Generally we like it.
- Not to keep harping on the “value” of Malaysia – but after Singapore almost everything seems like a bargain here.
- Tomorrow is a national holiday – and a big Muslim holiday – Hari Raya Haji We’re gonna try to get out, but will probably stay low key.
- So much more nature to explore here. Caves, Irrawaddy dolphins, orangutans…stay tuned.