Orang Utans at Semenggoh, Kuching
Up early, very early at 5.30am. Today's mission, Orang utans. There is a sanctuary about 40 minutes away by local bus that is leaving at 7am, according to research and since the fruiting season is over here on Borneo then there's is a pretty good chance that one or two will swing down to grab a nice fruity breakfast, kindly funded by us tourists. About ￡2 to get in and up to the feeding platforms according to the tourist information book.
So, tramping the Streets of Kuching at 6.15am towards the bus station which is located by the pink mosque, about 20 minutes away from base. Nothing open, no where to get breakfast, not even a cup of tea (teh) as the residents of this fine city are only just stirring into life. More life around the bus station thankfully, the food booths open for well, rather limited business. I managed to get 6 pieces of deep fried banana and a cup of tea for 80p. Looking at the time, 10 minutes to 7 and that slight feeling of anxiety knowing I should probably be there, just in case it all go's horribly wrong. A pretty close call actually as the K13 bus rolls out at 6.55am! About 60p for the 40 minute ride down to the sanctuary at Semenggoh.
Kuching suburbs are just like any others in Malaysia, concrete blocks, old and new. Estates springing up where clearly ancient rain forest once ruled, and of course Orang Utan habitats. Forests soon return as the landscape changes form to that of rural. 7.45am as the bus pulls up opposite the entrance. Tickets available from 8.20 apparently and feeding time is at well, one says 10 another says 9!
10 Ringitt and a twenty minute hike to the Orang Utan feeding area, slightly misty, where hopefully they will swoop in for some tasty grub. It's not guaranteed by any means and I have read a few blogs where folk have made long, expensive journeys only to see, zero, not even one of these endangered animals at Sanctuaries around Borneo.
Soon a rustle in the tree tops, nothing to be spotted yet though. More rustling, yes, there's one, just visible between branches. The feeding staff make a howling call, and various other noises. More rustling, and four big Orang Utans swinging on ropes, jumping tree to tree and looking mighty hungry. Quite a crowd of tourists have gathered, cameras snapping merrily away. Next, a short trek through the forest to another feeding area, and hopefully many more of these primates descending to grab a feed. Nothing, after 30 minutes of calling, no sign of anymore Orang Utans.
Hiking back to the 1030 bus for Kuching and reflecting on what is really quite a rare opportunity for most people to see these animals. It's a huge forest and actually there isn't anything to stop these creatures from moving on - freely available food is a good enough reason to stick around I guess! Local bus and a bit of hiking for ￡2.60. Others are paying considerably more, about ￡30 for a tour sold in the city or from their hotel!
Up early, very early at 5.30am. Today's mission, Orang utans. There is a sanctuary about 40 minutes away by local bus that is leaving at 7am, according to research and since the fruiting season is over here on Borneo then there's is a pretty good chance that one or two will swing down to grab a nice fruity breakfast, kindly funded by us tourists. About ￡2 to get in and up to the feeding platforms according to the tourist information book.
So, tramping the Streets of Kuching at 6.15am towards the bus station which is located by the pink mosque, about 20 minutes away from base. Nothing open, no where to get breakfast, not even a cup of tea (teh) as the residents of this fine city are only just stirring into life. More life around the bus station thankfully, the food booths open for well, rather limited business. I managed to get 6 pieces of deep fried banana and a cup of tea for 80p. Looking at the time, 10 minutes to 7 and that slight feeling of anxiety knowing I should probably be there, just in case it all go's horribly wrong. A pretty close call actually as the K13 bus rolls out at 6.55am! About 60p for the 40 minute ride down to the sanctuary at Semenggoh.
Kuching suburbs are just like any others in Malaysia, concrete blocks, old and new. Estates springing up where clearly ancient rain forest once ruled, and of course Orang Utan habitats. Forests soon return as the landscape changes form to that of rural. 7.45am as the bus pulls up opposite the entrance. Tickets available from 8.20 apparently and feeding time is at well, one says 10 another says 9!
10 Ringitt and a twenty minute hike to the Orang Utan feeding area, slightly misty, where hopefully they will swoop in for some tasty grub. It's not guaranteed by any means and I have read a few blogs where folk have made long, expensive journeys only to see, zero, not even one of these endangered animals at Sanctuaries around Borneo.
Soon a rustle in the tree tops, nothing to be spotted yet though. More rustling, yes, there's one, just visible between branches. The feeding staff make a howling call, and various other noises. More rustling, and four big Orang Utans swinging on ropes, jumping tree to tree and looking mighty hungry. Quite a crowd of tourists have gathered, cameras snapping merrily away. Next, a short trek through the forest to another feeding area, and hopefully many more of these primates descending to grab a feed. Nothing, after 30 minutes of calling, no sign of anymore Orang Utans.
Hiking back to the 1030 bus for Kuching and reflecting on what is really quite a rare opportunity for most people to see these animals. It's a huge forest and actually there isn't anything to stop these creatures from moving on - freely available food is a good enough reason to stick around I guess! Local bus and a bit of hiking for ￡2.60. Others are paying considerably more, about ￡30 for a tour sold in the city or from their hotel!
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