Borneo – Kayaking

Saturday, April 12, 2014

We booked a kayaking trip through the LimeTree Hotel, and fortunately didn’t regret it for a second.

The day started out heading back to Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary.

Of course we were up for seeing these fury relatives in Borneo once again. Quickly after entering the park we were reminded it was Saturday. Crowds of people ooed and awed at the orangutans.

An hour later we were on our way back to the sanctuary gate. We swapped cars and met two young guys, Macqueen and Mackenzie that drove us toward the center of the island for about an hour to the starting point, Kampung Bengoh, for our kayak trip in the Upper Sarawak River.

We doubled up in our kayaks and set off down the Semadang River. Little did we know how much fun the entire day would be. Our guide was a joy.

The river, limestone rocks and green jungle were pristine, peaceful and breathtaking the entire journey.

Just a few hours in we stopped to see a waterfall and take a swim.

After a few hours of kayaking we pulled our kayaks up on shore in Bidayuh Village and took a break for lunch. Lunch was prepared for us by the guide’s mother and was absolutely amazing, featuring local and traditional dishes from the area. Keuh was served for desert and I think I decided I might make a career change and be a Malaysian Baker.

Afterward we took a village walk and Macqueen showed us tons of fruits, plants and herbs.

A few more hours were spent gliding down the river past lush thick jungle, underneath and in between massive boulders. We stopped for a swim, drank a Tiger riverside, and just enjoyed spending time with one another, catching up and loving every minute of vacation.

Later that evening we went out for a nice dinner at a restaurant called Bla Bla Bla. It doesn’t sound like much, but inside was a dimly lit restaurant that reminded me of an expensive spa, not that I would know what that is like these days.

A stone bridge led over a shallow pond filled with happy fish.

The menu was impressive and forced you to be hungry. We ordered a variety of traditional dishes and shared everything.

The food was absolutely delicious, the wine and beer a luxury, and the company and conversation exactly what we needed.

It was a perfect day in Borneo.