Monkeying around in Borneo

We made the trip to Borneo for one reason and one reason alone; to see orang-utans in their natural habitat in the wild (the islands of Borneo and Sumatra are the only two places in the world where orang-utans still live in the wild).

We haven’t had much luck on this trip of seeing the animals that we are searching out (jaguar spotting in the Pantal, penguins in New Zealand etc) but we had high hopes of seeing these hairy friends.

Malaysia is a huge producer of palm oil and Borneo is a large part of that which unfortunately means a lot of deforestation, at a real juxtaposition with the fact that the tourism industry that Borneo attracts is mainly eco tourists, here for jungle treks and to see the amazing flora, fauna and animals that live in Borneo’s dense jungles.

Due to the deforestation and sometimes unethical treatment of animals taken from the wild to be pets or circus animals, there are a lot of orphaned orang-utans in Borneo.

We were lucky enough to visit Sepilok’s orphaned orang-utan rehabilitation centre which sits in a dense jungle and looks after these baby primates and gets them ready to re-enter the wild. 

You can walk around the boardwalk through the jungle and spot orang-utans swinging through the trees and there is also a feeding twice a day where a ranger puts food out for the semi wild orang-utans who maybe stil need that extra bit of support after having been released into the wild.

You can also visit the outdoor nursery where babies who are yet to be released are learning to climb and swing.

When we entered the jungle as we walked towards the area where you can watch the feeding take place, we caught our first glimpse of these amazing animals up high in the trees.

We were so excited as now even if we didn’t see anymore at least we had seen an orang-utan!

But we were lucky because at the first feeding in the morning two orang-utans turned up.

Some days there could be eight, some days none as these wild orang-utans might have foraged for food already and not need this daily fix (the food placed out is purposely bland to encourage the animals to to forage for themselves).

We waited with anticipation while the ranger laid some food out on the ledge and before we knew it the trees were shaking and fluffy red creatures were swinging in.

It was amazing to watch them, you can really see how similar they are to us as they peel their food, inspect it and then munch away and play with each other (orang-utans are our closest relatives in the primate world, 98% of our DNA is the same!)

After the first feeding we went to the outdoor nursery to see the babies who were predictably adorable. My favourite was called Peanut!

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Tickets for 11th Borneo Jazz Festival now on sale

MIRI: The 11th Borneo Jazz Festival to be held at ParkCity Everly Hotel here from May 13-14 next year is expected to attract a crowd of some 5,000.

Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, chief executive officer of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), organiser of the festival, announced that tickets for the event were on sale since yesterday.

“Tickets are on sale at early bird rate until Feb 29, 2016 at RM64 per adult for 1-day pass, RM104 for 2-day pass, RM34 for a child (7-12 years old) for 1-day pass or RM44 for 2-day pass and family package inclusive of two adults and two children – 1-day pass at only RM124.

“The price is inclusive of six per cent GST and RM4 processing fee and free entrance for children below seven years old,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.

He added that tickets are now available at selected Speedy Video stores in Miri, TicketCharge Call Centres, TicketCharge’s Kuala Lumpur and Penang offices, TicketCharge authorised outlets as well as at www.ticketcharge.com.my.

Those buying online will be charged an extra fee of RM1.50 on top of the mentioned rate.

Ik Pahon also said they planned to give students discounted prices and the official announcement would be made soon.

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Troupe showcases Sarawak music in Philippines

KUCHING: The Living Heritage cultural troupe led by Matthew Ngau, a local maestro sape player, performed at the Munato International Arts and Music Festival in Sarangani, Philippines on Nov 27 to 28.

According to The Living Heritage general manager Mariana Sogim Ahin, they were the only group from Sarawak who performed at the festival.

“The festival (Munato) is the biggest festival for the tribes and natives in the Philippines to showcase their music,” said Mariana when met by The Borneo Post upon their arrival at Kuching International Airport (KIA) yesterday.

Mariana also said besides immersing themselves in the different types of ethnic musical performances, the performers were given the chance to learn and experience the different types of cultures and traditions of the tribes in the Philippines.

On Nov 28, she said the troupe travelled to Cebu Lake where another stage was set for them to showcase Sarawak’s music and dances alongside other ethnic troupes.

“We are also honoured that we are the only Sarawakian troupe who have managed to perform there,” added Mariana.

During their stay, she further said, the troupe had the opportunity to meet several top figures from the Philippines tourism industry and bumped into top boxer Manny Pacquiao in his own hotel.

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55 foreign tourists in first group to scale Mount Kinabalu after June 5 earthquake

KUNDASANG: Fifty-five foreign tourists were among 135 climbers today to be the first group to scale Mountain Kinabalu using the new route after the activity was ceased following the June 5 earthquake here.

Sabah Culture, Tourism and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun flagged off the group at the Timpohon gate around 8.30 am.

He also disclosed that the rate for services provided by mountain guides had been increased from RM150 to RM230 per trip and Sabah Parks would cover the latter’s insurance.

“This is in appreciation of their contributions; they have given a lot of assistance to climbers,” he told reporters after the flag off.

Masidi said the pit stop for the climbers would now be known as ‘Panalaban’ and no longer Panar Laban or Laban Rata.

Continue reading at: 55 foreign tourists in first group to scale Mount Kinabalu after June 5 earthquake

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Week-long Kanowit Festival comes to a close

KANOWIT: Kanowit Festival drew down its curtain on Sunday, leaving sweet memories for about 30,000 visitors to the week-long event here.

The festival was organised by Kanowit District Council to promote domestic tourism and to foster goodwill among the locals.

Some 150 stalls selling various items, including food and drinks, clothes, handicrafts and furniture were set up during the festival which began on Nov 21.

There were also entertainment programmes and property promotion.

Patron Datuk Gramong Juna said thousands of people thronged the town every night throughout the festival.

“This is the time we interact with each other regardless of race, religion and background to strengthen our existing good ties. Here in this small town, we can chance upon each other few times a day.

“This event is a platform for us to show to others our good ties so we can be their example,” he said during the opening of a powerboat race held in conjunction with the festival on Sunday.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem was the guest of honour at the function.

At the same function, Gramong, who is also Assistant Land Development Minister and Machan assemblyman, assured Adenan of all-out support from people of Machan and Ngemah state constituencies.

“From my personal view, the Chief Minister is the protector and defender of our state’s rights and the champion of the people, particularly the poor and rural community.

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