Borneo Christmas

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I'm deleting the text from my old travel blogs here, but leaving the pictures for posterity. Or something.

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Photos

Pulau Mamutik sunrise
Camping alone on the beach, I woke up to this sight.

My deserted beach
Incredible beach, all to myself

Our campfire
I met this Australian couple, Sophie and Monty, on the island after a while, and we had a nice campfire that night.

Tropical fish!
The water is amazingly clear, you can make out all the fish - the snorkeling was amazing.

Christmas watermelon eating contest?
At the Pacos Christmas party.

Another party
Day 2 of partying with the Pacos community - this time a baby shower.

Monsopiad skulls
This row of human skulls are some of those collected by Monsopiad - a famous Kadazan head-hunting warrior - that currently reside in the Monsopiad Cultural Village.

Kadazan blow gun
My friend Nat, who took me to Monsopiad, using a blow gun. They're harder to aim than you think.

Suspension bridge.
I must have crossed a dozen suspension bridges in Sabah - ones that are actually used for practical purposes, and several that were terrifying and falling apart. This one is at the botanical garden, and is in quite good shape.

River-crossing
The trek to Terian include multiple river-crossings. I have to admit, I was pretty surprised the first time. "You mean, I have to walk THROUGH the river?"

Welcome to the jungle...
Scenery from a rest-point on the trek.

More scenery
Another rest point, as the rain is starting again.

A house at Terian
Most houses are stilted, and rather large, with several rooms - made of wood and bamboo, though most now have tin roofing.

Merry Christmas
Two little girls and lights in the shape of a Christmas tree on the wall.

Making Tapioca Wine
Fermented tapioca sludge is scooped from one bucket into this old t-shirt, and then the wine is squeezed out of it. The smell is nearly unbearable after you've had a cup or two.

Christmas Day
Christmas involved a lot of going from house to house, and having a few drinks at each one.

Playing the gongs
Six gongs were hung from the ceiling, from biggest to smallest. Each gong has its own rhythmn, and when played all at once they sound really cool. I learned to play gong numbers 1 and 3, rather poorly...

Comments

[anonymous]

On some faraway beach. . .
Holy crap! You're a lucky duck! - James Annett

[anonymous]

What an adventure!!
Hi Mandy, I've totally enjoy reading about your travels in Thailand and seeing your incredible pictures. What an amazing experience! Loved your photos of Borneo. Great writing as well and photos. Take care, Aunt Carmelita - Carmelita

[anonymous]

mandy, the jungle warrior
hey you, i'm really glad that you're alright with the current disaster. i was talking about you the other day, and never made the connection until someone asked, oh my god is she okay? then i thought, i'm not sure, i forgot that thailand is part of that hit by the waves. colin assured me that night you were fine. your pictures are gooood. doesn't the rainforest smell so much richer and fuller somehow? enjoy the trip. hope your thumb heals well. mind the snakes. love drew. - drew blahck