Wild Thing...
Trip Start
Feb 27, 2007
1
6
30
Trip End
Aug 01, 2007
Sandakan, Malaysia
Monday, April 9, 2007
Borneo is just getting better and better!! Ive spent the last 12 days in a district called Batu Phuteh if thats how its spelt, where I have been living along a crocodile infested river!
My purpose here is to be part of a team (MESCOT) who is building an eco-lodge in the jungle between the river bank and an ox-bow lake. It is an absolutely beautiful location and the whole purpose is to promote environmental tourism in the area, hopefully to bring in much needed money into the region. Apparently in terms of coming to Borneo and finding a place to stay, this area is rated as the best place to be, but the tourist industry is still in its infancy.
The work Ive been doing ranges from digging a VERY large hole to sink two septic tanks, carrying lots of wood, building a boardwalk as to preserve the jungle floor, assisiting the local carpenters and suchlike. The whole complex should be finished by August, and Im already wanting to come back to see it when its complete. Ive no doubt the local people who Ive been working with would welcome alkl of us back with open arms, as we've become very much integrated within the community. I was even at a traditional Malay wedding last week, which was definately an experience!
The work has been very hard, 8am-4pm everyday except mondays which we get off. Everyday I come back to camp covered in mud and sweat, but it has been very enjoyable. The journey to and from ork is by boat, a 10 minute ride down the winding river, the banks always populated by all sorts of birds and monkeys. It is remarkable seeing them all in their natural habitat.
Also, one day on the ride back from work we had the incredible fortune of actually seeing a wild Orangutan swinging in the trees, one of the rarest signts in the natural world. We stoppped our boat and followed it through the jungle for a while, and I managed to get some great pictures (to be posted later!).
Right now Im sitting in an internet cafe (it is monday afterall!) in a city called Sandakan, which I belive is Borneo's 2nd city. Ive just been to a 2nd world war memorial, comemorating those that were killed by the Japanese "Death Marches", a truly tragic event which until now I had no idea about. Its worth googling if you want to learn something.
There's probably so much more I could say but I dont want to be a bore... So I just hope everyone is ok back in England and I'll be in touch whenever I get the chance again.
I see Leeds have got out of the relegation zone so thats good news and Ive also heard a rumour you now have new 20pound notes?
Oh yes, just to say thankyou to all of those who've been posting me notes on here, they are appreciated and Im sorry I dont have time to reply to them , but please keep them coming!
Take Care,
Jxxx
oh yes, I forgot to mention the 4 metre crocodile swimming in the river Ive been washing in...that was a scary sight! Thankfully it wasnt hungry!
Comments
John of the Jungle
I think that comment about the £20 note illustrates the difference in excitment between us in the UK and you surfing around Borneo - whilst you're living it up like Indian Jones; building villages, chasing chimps and marrying incestuous couples we're all crowding around a a £20 note to see if they've captured Queeny in the best light...
John, when you come back, can you build me an eco-lodge?
I assume they come with a mini-bar, widescreen TV and games console... I mean, this is the noughties.
Take it easy babe.
how r u
john everyone is worried about you over here since we heard about the accident that happened over there. you must all be feeling deverstated. Hope u r ok and if u can, get in touch with us just so we know your alright.
Mum xx
Worried!!
Hello my lovely, I just read the comment that your mum put on here and googled it to find out what happened - I can't believe it, are you okay? Hope to see you before too much longer! xxx