Taman Negara

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It's been awhile. We've been to the jungle and back. For those of you without an encyclopedia, allow me to enthrall you. Taman Negara is a 130 million year old jungle in central peninsular malaysia. Among it's dazzling features are the Orang Asli native jungle dwellers. Their name roughly translates as "Africans Lost in Asia." Indeed that is what they are. In all fairness it was neat to see their little village on the banks of whatever river we were on. They started a fire for us without matches, lighter fluid, a lighter, indeed without even lighting up an entire phonebook (Mom). They also did their requisite demonstration with the blow gun. The guy was mighty accurate. They even had a jug of their paralysing poison stuff on hand. It was securely stopped up with some wadded up palm leaves, so nothing to worry about. What else? We did the canopy walk as well. It's some rope / ladder bridges through the "canopy" of the forest. Hence the name. Fi cried a little bit, but not too much. We went on a hike for a few hours after that. Climbing up and down jungle mountains is not easy stuff. I was eaten alive, but didn't realize it until the next day. I don't think we did anything else of much note. Maybe uploading some pictures will jog my memory.

It's true, I did cry just a few tears. That whole being scared of heights thing kinda kicked in. But hey, I made it and felt very proud of myself at the end (if not a little embarrassed about the tears). Taman Negara is an incredibly beautiful spot. However I did start to feel a little lazy, as we only did the one day of hiking. Other travellers seem to arrive and go for a hike immediately, followed up by more hiking - and then maybe another hike after that. I think they're crazy! I much prefer our approach of one hike and then lots of reading on the balcony while seeing others struggle with their backpacks - haha suckers! - Fi

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Photos

Hold On Tight
Tree-hugger

Monitor Lizard
Seen in the wild. Sorry it's blurry.

Comments

[Bea]

That must have been fascinating seening natives. they looked interesting and very hospitable. and dont worry fiona, most people are afraid of heights. at least you still did the canopy walk.