A nice outpost in the jungle. We are on the Kinabatangan River. Time is spent going between jungle walks, both during the day and at night, and river cruises, both early in the morning and at dusk. The night walks are to observe the sleeping birds and whatever else may be creeping around at night. Didn’t see a lot, but still interesting.
The daytime hike was to Oxbow Lake. A long, sweaty hike slogging through mud to see very little. We did find a centipede that balls up to a perfect sphere a bit smaller than a golf ball. Kids take them home and play marbles with them. Otherwise a few birds. It is so hot and humid, most animals are deep in the forest and resting.
The boat rides on the river have been very productive. Primarily the Proboscis Monkey, Silver Leaf Monkey and Macaw Monkey. The most fun to watch are the Proboscis Money. Usually they are in harems, with one big male and numerous females, high up in the trees eating figs. The females have smaller noses, but a full grown male’s nose can be 6 inches long. Frequently they hang on to it with one hand, and move it out of the way so they can eat. The monkeys normally live in the jungle, but come to river’s edge at dawn and dusk to eat.
The males are distinguished by their long noses, “white underpants” and “bomber jacket” fur!
We also observed monitor lizards, a 10 foot long crocodile, a yellow ringed snake, curled up in a tree about 30 feet off the ground; numerous birds including the Kingfisher, Hornbill, and several raptors; eagles and owls.
A nice lodge, we are in our own bungalow, they have dorms as well for the backpackers among us. Our privacy is nice. Food is very good. Malaysian, but toast and jam for breakfast and more fruit then we have seen in two weeks. Also, we have enjoyed tea at 3:30. A hold over from colonialism. Very nice to take a break in the day for tea/coffee and biscuits. !
Saying good bye to our new friends. They hail from England, Sweden, Germany and Holland. From University students, HR, English teacher, IT consultant and PhD in toxic waste. A great group to hang out with for three days.
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