We were woken up around 5.15am by the x6 Malaysian ladies bashing about and chatting loudly. We weren’t planning to get up for another 30 mins but we were awake so sorted things and walked through for breakfast
As it was coming up to 6.00am we got to see the sunrise, it was pretty good at that time but when we left to get in the speedboat at 6.20am the view was lovely. Very bright orange glow, almost better than the sunsets that we have been witnessing in Langkawi.
On the boat for 50mins and then off to the same curry house as yesterday morning but this time only to have a coffee and for Mason to give history on the orangutangs and Sepilok sanctuary that we were about to visit.
Slept on the way there then watched a ln explanation video, twice, and then made our way to the wooden walkway and a few things were pointed out. As we got close to the feeding platform we saw one of the orangutans and then we waited for 20 mins as 10.00am was feeding time.
Lots of monkeys turned up as the warden arrived with a basket of fruit and we then waited patiently. An orangutan slowly made his way down along the ropes and fed and kept the monkeys away. They kept trying to sneak and snatch food and then a second orangutan walked through who was a lot more shy. There was a third in the trees out the back but he didn’t come down.
Obviously everyone there was quite excited by it all and loads of photos being taken. After they’d had their fill the orangutans sloped off and the ranger tipped over what was left and the monkeys just swarmed all over it, they reminded me of rats.
It was an enjoyable experience but that was it!
We didn’t see any others and we then made our way to the exit and left. Mason gave us some ideas of food and drink for the afternoon and then dropped us off at Hotel Sandakan which was a bit of a relief when we got there because when Mason pointed it out yesterday it looked an absolute dive. We’d clearly misunderstood his meaning and it was the one next door to the derelict one he’d pointed out!!
We were early so left our bags and walked around town, not much to it and it was interesting that we got so many more looks and hellos from people intrigued to see foreigners. It was nice, not intimidating. Had a McDonald’s as we don’t expect ‘normal’ food for a few days. They had a market on and we then had a rush of blood and got Tash a gold necklace from one of the stores. She’d wanted one for a while since losing her diamond necklace some years ago. So she was pleased to get this, although she mentioned that she will expect a diamond to go with it soon!
Back to hotel to get our room and repack things in preparation for the mountain climb and see what else we might need. I’m getting quite stressed by it. Had a snooze and then went back out and did anHeritage walk around and then found a restaurant to eat. It was recommended by Mason and we had fish and chips, very nice and a set of 3 Tiger beers. Those went so got another set, played cards and relaxed and then had one more set.
It’s strange how alcohol is over here, it’s no big thing and having what we did was only about 1.5 pints each. Yet we both felt a bit heady.
Anyway, paid and went back home to bed.
The orangutan sanctuary was enjoyable but it didn’t feel like a real wow. It could have been a zoo or something really. Not too sure what we were expecting to be honest, in saying that, Mason said he took visitors last week and the orangutans were a no-show, imagine how pissed off you’d be!! So mustn’t grumble.
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