Trip of a Life Time!!??
I’ve had so many trips that could be describes as “a trip of a lifetime”! So blessed in that regard! This is another trip that can fall into that category!
!3 years ago, I left to explore new areas of SE Asia. I started in Kuala Lumpur mostly because it had such a cool name and was close to so many things! How may places have a name that rings as smoothly as “Kuala Lumpur”?
There are many other bonus’s about starting there. A Chinese Medical Clinic a few blocks from my lodging helps me get through jet lag very quickly. After 30 hours of travel, door to door, and a 15 hour time change, that acupuncture is most helpful! And, they made up an herb blend for me last time. Two sessions, $7 each US, and symptoms of jet lag vanished.
Next, metro travel to and from the airport is really easy! If that doesn’t work, bus travel is simple! Once at my hostel, I am literally a couple blocks from great Indian food or from the street food of China town!
Finally, using Air Asia’s cheap flights, everything in the area is accessible!
First time in Malaysia!
So much to explore!?!? The most visited Hindu Shrine outside India…Batu Caves. One of the oldest rain forest on the planet! Taman Negara was amazing…I might go back! I had never heard of a “mouse deer” until I saw one there! Food, history, culture, tea country, islands and beaches…so much to see.
First time in any country is overwhelming! There is no way I could do everything. However, while traveling, talking to other travelers, I learned about so many cool experiences! An obscure reference to the son of the original guide in Ketambe grabbed my attention! I had no ideas how to get there but travel magic took over and I found myself there with Johan trekking in to an original forest (yes, with leeches) looking for wild orangutan. Amazing!!
Exploring the region
One intention I had was to explore new places in the region. I did that within Sumatra and other countries I visited. After Sumatra, I flew to Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, the Malaysia Northern Part. in three weeks, I only skimmed the surface. My experience was great but after the trip, looking at the places I had heard about, I wanted to go back! When covid hit, that wasn’t possible.
Now, things have changed and now it is feasible. So in a few short hours, I’m off to explore! I’m heading to four or five different jungle camps. Several are on the Kinabatangan River known as “The Amazon of the East”. Here’s a trailer for a movie about the area.
https://www.zdf-studios.com/en/program-catalog/international/unscripted/wildlife-nature/amazon-eas
Friends heard about a sanctuary for Proboscis monkeys outside Sandakan. We took a day trip there to observe these awesome animals up close and personal! That was amazing!
They are wild along the Kinabatangan River!
And now....
I’m heading to explore new areas! The Danum Valley is a primary forest with 50 of the tallest trees in the world. Because it is a thick forest, wildlife sighting is more challenging! But, early morning and evening walks provide the best opportunity to experience life there. I’m simply delighted at the prospect of waking up hearing the jungle come alive in the early morning hours. To smell the smells, see the sights, hear the sounds, visit people in local communities and let nature guide me to my perfect experience.
So...follow along!
Magical Morning!
From here, cold and brown and blustery…changing every day!
To Here! Hot, humid, rainy and oh so different! People often ask me about adjusting to different climate and time zones. I change my diet, do a cleanse, stay away from dairy, sugar and alcohol…and eat light foods before leaving. That makes a big difference for me!
Open and flowing...seeing what experience brings me!
Not everything in the jungle is huge. The leeches are about the size of a toothpick. The bottlenose beetles above roughly the size of a thumbnail. And the tarsier below is about the size of a tennis ball that will fit in the palm of your hand. It’s the world’s smallest primate!
Travel day!
Snowing here lightly! Getting ready to jump into that surreal world of travel! Time lets go, I’m somewhere between “here” and “there”. Sleep a little. Stay ‘present’….breathe and flow. Then, I pop out of the bubble into a different world!
After the wilds of Borneo, I’ll be heading back to Bali and staying near where the photo below was taken. A few days of swimming in the ocean (crocodile in the river in Borneo so no swimming!), then off to see my friends and the healers of Bali!
Travel along with me! If you have any questions, please let me know! For now…Ciao!
