Some intrepid nurses go to Borneo
Without a doubt the most challenging trip Penny or I have ever done, but it was also very rewarding. The Great Ape Trail is described as the most difficult trek in Borneo and we were able to complete it - leeches, hornets, malaria-carrying mosquitos, acid spitting bugs, 90% humidity and ALL! With no access to any amenities we boiled whatever water was available to us and ate by candlelight. I escaped the jungle with only a few minor injuries... The most unusual a cluster of burns on my arm where a startled insect urinated acid on me as we trekked through the jungle.
We travelled about 5 hours from Kuching and then another 1½ hours by long boat deep into the jungle. Trekking at least 6 hours each day, we made our way up mountains, down mountains, through rivers and scaled slippery waterfall rock faces. Our porters were amazing; always laughing and smiling even though they carried at least 50 kg of supplies in cane baskets on their backs each day - and yet they still managed to tackle the jungle terrain with ease, often arriving at our destination before we did! Four days later our journey ended at a traditional long house where we met the chief, chatted with locals and drank rice wine.
We made at least 6 sightings of wild orangutans (one with a baby) during the trek. Not overly pleased to see us, they broke off large branches to throw down on us. So special to see them in the wild though. We also spent some time at a couple of rehabilitation centres in Kuching. One of the larger orangutans had been blinded by years of exposure to flashes from tourist cameras. He has recently had an operation to restore his site, though. I am sure we all had tears in our eyes when we saw him.
The biggest threat facing the jungles of Borneo and all its precious inhabitatns is the growth of the palm oil industry. Palm oil (the world’s cheapest vegetable oil) is apparently in most items we consume. For more information, visit the Australian Orangutan website at www.orangutan.org.au
All in all, visiting the jungle and seeing the orangutans is an experience that Penny and I will never forget.
Leanne & Penny
Copyright ©2005-2009 Hall Veterinary Surgery Pty Ltd. ACN 124 609 963.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is of a general nature only and in no way should replace a visit to the vet with your animal.
If your animal is unwell, please phone us for an appointment.
Any feedback about the website can be sent to or use our online form. Site Map