Its easy to imagine Borneo as one gigantic primary rain forest but, obviously, this really isn't the case. Kuching is a city attempting to usurp Kota Kinabalu as the capital, its pretty small (as cites go) without a huge deal going on. That said, we both really liked it, simple, easy to get around and great street food.
We landed early, threw our bags in our hostel and went out for breakfast and a little exploration. What we found was a lot more organised (=expensive) tourist trips out to all the nearby-ish nature reserves and national parks. We quickly headed back to the hostel and spent an age on their flaky internet working out Borneo's bus systems and other ways save a few bob.
Researched to the hilt we hit out early next morning (for a pittance on a local bus!) to catch feeding time at Semmengoh orangutan sanctuary for a first (non-wild obviously) glimpse of Borneo's biggest attraction. Turns out its fruiting season and, as such, the blighters were happily feeding themselves deep in the jungle; great news for the rehabilitation project, rubbish for us tourists. Balls. We did see this great spider though [I'm happy with the most basic wildlife encounter as I'm sure you'll come to realise]
Back at the hostel a passing traveller mentioned that the very ominous looking spire of a mountain near the coast, Gunung Santubong, was actually scalable... This seemed a little far fetched due to its jagged knife edged peak and the lack of mention in any guide or tour. A LOT more research later we had our next summit planned for the next day.
The information and reviews we found included "incredibly difficult, plan 8 hours to ascend", "great for thrill seekers" and lots of differing opinions on 20' vertical rope ladders... On the approach we both wondered whether or not we my have planned something a little in excess of out ability and/or fitness, she was a beast:
If Penang Hill hurt us then this was a whole new level. It was an incredible climb though! Scrabbling for huge sections and loads of vertical climbs in oppressive jungle heat. These photos won't do it justice but it was brilliant and the sense of achievement was incredible! Around 2 hours up and 6 total (on an alternative route back all the way to the sea via rivers and waterfalls) and I felt broken. Big dinner, early night and a whole days rest before the next adventure...
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