Foto: An Orangutan (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
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 creatures. Later on in the trip, we will also visit the Sepilok reserve in the north of Borneo. Omar warns us, however, that this is not the most favorable season. There is currently plenty of fruit on the trees, making it easier for the orangutans to find enough food themselves. We decide to take the chance, and we are certainly not alone. It is holiday time in Malaysia. People keep arriving in small buses. I quickly estimate the group at around 250 visitors hoping to see the orangutans this morning. A slight disappointment about this crowded visit takes hold of me. The ranger reiterates that the season is not so favorable and that this is not a zoo. Nature cannot be controlled. He also points out that there will be no refund if we don’t see the animals. In a line, we follow him about 200 meters to the feeding location. Another ranger is already on the platform. He tries calling the apes, but without success. The platform is a wooden structure in the forest. Ropes are stretched from various sides so the orangutans can easily reach the platform. About fifty meters away is a viewing point for the tourists. The ranger keeps calling, but no ape appears. I also don’t think it will happen. The huge crowd makes quite a bit of noise, and I can imagine this scares the animals away. Suddenly, the ranger receives a message over the walkie-talkie that orangutans have been spotted on the platform near the parking lot. The whole group heads back again. When I arrive at the parking lot, I see two young orangutans sitting in the treetops. What a beautiful sight. My earlier disappointment immediately disappears. They move from branch to branch. Occasionally, they climb onto the platform to grab food. Suddenly, the rangers ask everyone to step back. Richie, the dominant male of the troop, has been spotted and is coming our way. A little later, we see the treetops shaking violently. I look up tensely. Richie climbs over us on the rope toward the platform. When he hangs wide-spread on the rope, his size is clearly visible. He is no less impressive than a full-grown man. The flaps next to his eyes give him an imposing appearance. He calmly sits down on the platform. He grabs a coconut and bites it in half. He pays no attention to all the onlookers from the parking lot.
Bako National Park
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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 ...
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 ...