Last night was the first time I've ever had to worry about tigers while attempting to sleep. That was interesting. Lol
We are so far up in the highland jungle, that it would be extremely rare to see one, according to the guide. They normally hang around where the have more maneuverability, down in the subtropical area on the other side of these hills. Still, the thought of them being out there, with even the slightest chance of them coming near camp, was a little weird! The orangutans still sleep elevated for this reason, we were told.
I never fully dried off from the river and only had a sheet last night, so I was pretty cold. As soon as the sun came up, it felt as though the temperature rose 20 degrees. It's amazing the temperature fluctuation, but I guess I was near the river, so that makes a difference. I was up and wandering around the area surrounding the campsite early, while waiting for breakfast.
After we ate, we swam a bit more while waiting for the guides to clean and pack up camp. We then made our way up the river for our second trek day.
First animal sighting of the day was a 4 foot Water Monitor Lizard. I had no idea they could be this large!!! My first thought was that it was a Komodo Dragon. They definitely look prehistoric, so I'm a little more convinced that I am, in fact, in Jurrasic Park. ;)
A little further up the river we came apon a large group of Macaque Monkeys swimming in the river and playing in a big tree. So funny.
We continued on to a swimming hole, where the river was deeper and the guides had set up a target on the other side to throw rocks at. A little friendly competition and more time to cool off in the river was just awesome.
About 6 hours into our day, and at least a hundred more monkeys, crazy birds, lizards, snakes, and turtles, and it was time to head back to Bukit Lawang. We weren't going to be hiking though. :)
Our guides inflated inner tubes and tied them together to form a raft. We put all our packs in giant plastic bags, and took off down the river.
Sooooo fun! Some areas were tame, and in others, we'd be dropping over small waterfalls and navigating some small rapids.
As we neared town, we started seeing locals from Bukit Lawang and surrounding villages who all flock to the river on Sundays.
It warmed my heart how happy and friendly they were, when we passed by. It was clear by they reactions, that they don't see all that many outsiders, but they were so open and congenial. It wasn't just children, but full families playing and enjoying the water. They struck me as being so carefree. I wonder if we'd all be as happy with the small things if we led simpler lives....
As soon as we arrived back to the village, I ran back to the guesthouse I was staying at before the trek, and asked the owner if she could arrange transport to the airport for that night. I hadn't booked a flight yet, but knew there was a late one that I could probably make if I left immediately.
My driver arrived and frantically drove the entire 4 hours from the village to the airport. He was an older guy, and soooo sweet. I don't think he understood that I was just TRYING to catch the flight, and not actually going to miss a flight I had booked. He left out a big, exaggerated sigh and started clapping when he got me to the airport in time. Ha!
At the ticket counter, I booked the ticket and she said "you are VIP" - or maybe it was a question.... Not really sure. I just said okay, and she slapped a priority tag on my pack, and had a man escort me through exit immigration (I actually stood off to the side and he took my passport and handled everything), and then escorted me to the elite lounge with a full buffet dinner, drinks, desserts, etc. I hung out there until he came and walked me to my seat on the plane.
I HAVE NO IDEA why any of that occurred, but it was pretty nice, and I am still laughing about it now!!!
My first impression of Georgetown, Malaysia is fantastic.
Customs was a breeze, they have body heat sensors when you arrive that notify you if you have a fever, you tell a taxi stand what hotel you are going to and they tell you the set price and you pay at a counter and give the driver your ticket (no haggling or being ripped off)... It's clean and organized. They really have it together here! I also remember seeing a ton of "Visit Malaysia" commercials in the US recently, now that I think about it. It looks like they are really making a push to be a modern and highly desired destination.
I booked a $60 (ugh!) hotel room for the first night, because I was getting in so late. I selected this one because it was a large, recognized hotel, and I wanted to avoid any fiasco with finding it in the middle of the night. Plus, it's been several days since I've had a good nights sleep and a shower, so I splurged a little for the security of knowing I'll have a comfy bed and nice bathroom tonight. The rest of the time here, I'll be in a guesthouse/inn, with a no-window single bed room, with shared bathroom.
Can't wait to see Georgetown in the light of day tomorrow, and indulge in all the yummy things this foodie paradise has to offer!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment