Foto: Bako National Park (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Malaysia - As we walk over the wooden walkway through the mangroves, there is now water beneath us. It is high tide. I hadn’t realized this yesterday when the monkeys were playing on the beach here. After a steep climb of a little over a hundred meters in elevation, we reach the plateau. It feels less warm than yesterday. It is partly cloudy and humid. I doubt we will stay dry all day. The weather can change quickly here. On the rocky plateau, there are few sources of nourishment. The plants that are here try to survive as best they can. One of these plants is the pitcher plant, a carnivorous species. The plant tries to lure insects into its cup. They get stuck there and are dissolved by the plant’s acid. I see several types of pitcher plants along the path. The trail is much more passable than yesterday’s route. At marshy spots, wooden walkways have often been made. Still, you have to be careful of slippery tree trunks and muddy clay. As we get closer to Pandan Kecil Beach, our first goal, the route becomes more rugged again. We scramble down between the rocks using wooden steps. The sky above us has darkened and the first drops of rain fall. I arrive at the shelter just in time. I am wet. From the shelter, there is a view of the bay and beach about twenty meters below. A good moment to grab my sandwiches. When it’s almost dry, I descend to the beach. For the last part, a rope is hanging to help you lower yourself down the rocks. As I step into the sea, I immediately notice the strong current. The waves come from two directions. When these two currents meet, a wave forms that is at least two meters high. It’s important to keep your footing because the current back out to sea is very strong. Although I promised myself not to go too far into the water, it’s hard to stay standing. I tumble in a wave, feel myself doing a somersault with it, and come up gasping on the beach.
Deer cave Mulu National Park
Malaysia - In the afternoon, we visit the caves of the National Park. The caves are located in the 2,376-meter-high Gunung Mulu mountain. The limestone caves of Mulu are among the largest and most beautiful caves in the world. Christopher guides us to the caves ...
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. The city has nearly two million inhabitants and is characterized by a great diversity of urban architecture; from old colonial buildings, Chinatown, and Little India to the modern and especially tall buildings ...
Mount Kinabalu
Malaysia - When I come out of the shower, I see the New Year live on the BBC from London. Like any other day, we drive to the entrance of Mount Kinabalu National Park, about ten kilometers away. In the park, you can take beautiful walks along marked trails. You ...
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Malaysia - In Malaysia, there are three rehabilitation reserves for orangutans. Apes that have lived in captivity are here taught again how to take care of themselves in the wild. The orangutans are fed twice daily. This is a great opportunity to see these impressive ...
Survival Island Pulau Tiga
Malaysia - The island Pulau Tiga is a National Park. Hiking trails have also been laid out through the tropical rainforest in this park. The first animals I see are already at breakfast. Near the restaurant, several Tropical Pied hornbills fly by. They settle in ...