I flew into Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on the island of Borneo for an adventure. This was the second time on this island as a prior trip I visited a more remote area of the island. Borneo is the third largest island in the world, so it takes some time to see all this amazing place has to offer.
I rented a car at the airport as an island of this size requires transportation. Car rental is both the least expensive and most adventurous option. Driving is done on the left side of the road and from the right side of the car (British style). I'm quite adept at driving the opposite side now, but I have one big problem, I tend to forget which side of the road to drive when I return home.
Borneo is a mountainous country. Fortunately for me and other readers of this blog who are as lucky, we grew up in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, so familiarity with driving on steep curvy roads can be advantageous. In fact I was passing many of the locals on the upside of these treacherous curves, it's the law if the jungle out there!
One of the things I wanted to see on my visit was Orangutans in their natural habitat. Now, it's a difficult thing treking through the jungle in hopes to view this, but fortunately the island has a sanctuary where these beautiful creatures can live uninhibited and safe.
I don't like zoos I've been to them as well as other places animals are held captive but I always leave feeling sad. I don't do it anymore no matter how humane they claim to be. But sanctuaries are different. The animals can free roam in their natural habitat and enjoy the safety and security from predators (man) with ample food supply.
The sanctuary is called Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre sanctuary and is located in a remote area of the island. Here these magnificent orange primates can swing from vines as they enjoy 15 square miles of exploration.
Feeding platform
Here is what the jungle is like in which they can free roam:
Although I walked through the jungle extensively, I never saw one in the trees. They seemed to like the open platforms and the people watching them. Why not if you can be admired all day?
I've included a short clip if you like to watch:
I'll cover other parts of the trip another time
Hope you enjoyed!
I think the animals should not be in zoos. The game preserves are more natural environments. The monkey families are an interesting breed of animals
I agree. Animals in captivity do not seem happy at all. Weather it is the big zoos or the little game preserve’s we have around here. They all look sad or they are sleeping. Thanks for sharing this video of animals in the wild. 👏👍🙏