Kota Kinabalu...the Orangutans....and some rafting...

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Second leg of our little trip, and this time, no diving....but as you may guess, some diving coming pretty soon.



I've never visited Kota Kinabalu in the past. Interesting enough, there is no direct flight from Thailand to Borneo, so it's never really a priority.



We arrived late afternoon on the boat from Labuan. Our base for three nights, the 10 years old Meridien bang in the city center. Nothing much to write about the hotel beside the fact that it is a city hotel, providing us with more space than we need, a nice lounge to feed us, and easy connections for everything there is to see.



We spent some time walking around the city. Well, not much to write about KK...there is nothing pretty about this city, it just do the job, but no charm at all around here...and the minimum charge for a taxi ride is 4.5usd, that's outrageous for an inner city ride...no meters....no public transport...not my place to ever want to move too. Still, the people we met where nice.



So 3 nights and 2 full days....Kota Kinabalu is the perfect launch....for discovering the nature of Borneo...with a clean bed back in your holte every night...



First day, was supposed to be only a half day, but ended up way longer than expected, we decided to visit the Orangutans at the rehabilitation center based at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria, some 30 kilometers outside of Kota Kinabalu. I had booked weeks in advance to make sure we had a nice morning viewing. We took a taxi, but once in the taxi, rain started to pour down...solid....once arrived at the Shangri-La, they told us the morning viewing was cancelled, and afternoon was already fully packed. So took me a little convincing, but we got our booking for the afternoon. Now we just had to stay relax and kill some time at the Shangh...was rain was still pouring, till close to lunch time.



But after a nice lunch, they rain calmed down, just enough for the viewing to happen. And we had the leisure of a full hour spent with two orangutans orphans, 3 and 4 years old. I've seen the Gorillas in Uganda. This is way different, as first, these monkey are not yet fully released into nature, and second, at least 50 people were enjoying the same experience. But still, we were happy to have wait the all morning, as these two playful orangutans made our afternoon. The next place were you can see them better is at Sepilok, next to Sandakan, but there, you still have access to only 5 or 6 of them for viewing. Still, what an experience!



Next morning, we woke up way too early...at 5.15am...for a long day....and some rafting in between. When it's not diving, skiing or playing some golf, there is always some rafting to make great moments. The plan today is the Padas River, way inside Borneo. And for those who ask...no we didn't climb Mt Kota Kinabalu, the kids need few more years for this...



We first took a bus to Beaufort, 90 minutes drive...well, we slept...than it was on for a succession of 2 slow...and pretty old, but cute trains. The trains had few locals, but you can really feel that the rafting community is supporting the local community around here. Second stop...everybody out of the train...get changed, than back on the train for the last 13km to the launching pad.



Minimum age here is 12 years old to raft Padas River...that will be done for Tiffany only in a few days, but still ready for adventure. They advertise the river as a succession of Class III and Class IV rapids. Not an issue for Leslie, but for Tiffany, Class IV don't make me that comfortable. Total of 7 rapids...which went from cool class II, to serious Class II plus plus. We had a lot of fun, and Tiffany and I even ended up in the water....not on purpose! All the pictures are taken from within the raft...and yes, at some stage...it's not the right time to shot pictures around, better be busy with the paddle!



Long way back to KK...next morning went around town for a little walk...and it was already time to take a taxi to the airport...for our next adventure in Borneo...I'm sure some of you have already guessed where is next stop...coming soon...

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Comments

[D MJ Binkley]

Borneo
I love the photos of the kids sleeping. They will hate you for that. Might show them at their weddings. :)

[Maisondubonheur]

Weddings!!
Trust me, it's not the amount of funny pictures that are going to miss for their weddings...it will indeed be pretty fun! Good news, Leslie is too busy with other things to read my blog. Found out he actually only used it...to date his first girlfriend...I'm not kidding! Smile!

[tamandfamily]

Great little trip!
Looks like an excellent little trip and i love the way you always find something off the beaten track to do :)