Semenggoh nature reserve

Caught an early bus to Semenggoh nature reserve as it is home to 27 orangutans, and breakfast is served at 9am.
For over 20 years the reserve was home to a rehabilitation centre where orphaned or young orangutans who had been rescued from captivity, were taught how to survive in the wild.
The programme has now been transferred to another centre but Semenggoh is still home to its graduates - semi wild orangutans and their babies.
It is fruiting time in the forest at the moment and the orangutans have lots of wild food to eat, so we were warned that non might turn up at feeding time.
We were lucky though and Seduku, a 43 year old female turned up with her six year old son. She has two other children, is already also a grandma and is known as the grand old lady of the park.
She came down to the platform more often than her son and at one stage she took two enormous bunches of bananas - one in her mouth and one in a foot - and carried one up the rope to him.
They both came down later and were given a coconut each that they carried high up into the trees. Seduku hit hers really hard against the tree trunk to crack it open and the young one went to do the same, but dropped it.
Instead of picking it up, he went over to his mum and I am sure ended up eating most of hers.

Bako National Park

Caught a bus this morning to Bako National Park. Whilst waiting at the bus stop we met a lovely couple, Mr and Mrs Du Lac from Spain/Greece and we stayed together for the whole day.
Once we arrived at the Park entrance we had to take a boat for the next step. Unfortunately, the tide was out so we had to wait at least an hour before we could set off.  Once aboard we shot along at high speed until we came to a sudden stop. The water was too shallow so the captain had to punt us along the coast until we landed at a beach and then splashed ashore.
The captain explained that as the tide was coming in and the sea would get very rough, then we could only stay for three hours.
There was a little settlement by the beach and we picked up a map. We trekked along a tiny path - up and down rickety ladders, and over huge roots and rocks - until we got to a deserted beach. Well, deserted apart from a bearded pig wandering around, and two proboscis monkeys in the trees.
On the path back we walked right past another pig and I was mindful of the signs saying 'beware of wild animal attacks'.
We then had to find our way over another jungly hill and through a mangrove forest to a tiny gap in the trees where our little boat was waiting.
The journey home was dramatic as the waves were about two metres high. Our driver had a clever technique and surfed us home on the back of the waves. along the coast.
It was really exciting, but I was pleased to be wearing a life jacket.

River cruise

We got discounted tickets for a sunset river cruise tonight. Unfortunately, it is monsoon season and the sun didn't put in an appearance, but at least it didn't rain.
We set off from Kuching city centre and although the scenery was interesting, I can't honestly say it was very photogenic.
On our return journey we were treated to some traditional dancing and it did cheer up the whole event.
Afterwards we had our photos taken with dancers, and I apologise for the wardrobe malfunction, as I am wearing the same clothes as yesterday.

Cat city - Kuching

In Malaysian, Kuching means cat. I don't know if there was loads of cats around when the city was named, but it is certainly full of them now.
The first cat photo is at the gates of Chinatown and has been dressed in a lovely red outfit. I think this is especially for Chinese new year which happens at the end of January. The shops are full of red lanterns, flowers, lucky charms and fireworks all around here.
We found the small cats during a quick rainstorm, and the third are in the middle of a roundabout.
There is also a cat museum which is full of interesting cat info, including about Hello Kitty and Garfield.
We were planning on visiting it yesterday, but the taxi driver was so keen to over charge us that we refused to go and it is closed today as it is a public holiday.
Darren is allergic to cats anyway, so we might have to miss out on this treat.

Sampan ride in Kuching

Walked down to the waterfront and caught a sampan across the river to the opposite bank. It cost 10 pence each and only took a couple of minutes. The drivers are very skilled and use two oars at the front of the boat that they cross over each other in a very cack handed looking way. They then turn the motor on for a quick blast of speed before switching it off midstream and gliding to the little jetties.
There are some pretty strange buildings enroute. The first photo is of the State Assembly Building and the second is a multi coloured, multi storey car.
Whilst on the other bank we bought a local speciality, multi coloured, multi layered sponge cake.
Very tasty with coffee.

Lazy Sunday

Darren found us a fantastic deal at the Pullman Hotel in Kuching and they upgraded us to an enormous room, so we have decided not to leave it except to eat and to visit the beautiful pool.
We were the only people swimming this morning and were outnumbered by the staff.
Breakfast was an enormous buffet and rather than cereal and toast I had sushi, roast potatoes, a chocolate doughnut and a chunk of cheese. Probably not the healthiest or most balanced choices, but very tasty.
Spending the rest of the day looking at the view from our room and reading the Sunday papers.