KL's Travelogue: 20110304 Sabah

Probably the 2nd most frequented place in Sabah after Kota Kinabalu, for its ace attraction Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center (SORC). The center is harbouring those orphaned or injured orang utans. The daily twice feeding sessions gathered almost all tourists to the platform, watching the superstars swinging around and eating bananas. Personally I didn’t find it exceptionally interesting.

There are several trails inside the park leading into the forest. Birder’s Trail was the only one open to the public during my visit. It was easy in the beginning until I stood in front of a stretch of muddy path ahead of me. I wouldn’t want to smudge my shoes… and leeches was my concern too.

A short distance away is the Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC). It turned out to be more interesting. The displayed artifacts were informative. The staggering expensive Canopy Walk provided an excellent view 20m above the ground level.

SORC is for the orang utan, while there is a sanctuary for proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay. Though it is constantly overshadowed by SORC and sometimes is neglected. Don’t miss it, it is better than SORC, its set up is more natural and up closer. Plenty of proboscis, a few hornbills, and the tamed silverleaf monkeys interact with the tourists. Unlike the governmental managed SORC, this sanctuary is operated by private sector. The oil palm plantation owner allocated 1/3 of the land for this sanctuary, while preserving the precious wetland. Good effort!

Sepiloc Orangutan Rehabilitation Center (SORC).

These monkeys were not treated equally as orangutan.

Kiss my ass.

Tourists at the platform waiting for feeding session.

The monkey was stealing bananas.

That's all for today?

The guard was shooing the monkeys away.

The monkeys salvaged the leftover.

Baby clings on mother.

Another mama with her baby.

Map of Birder Trail, but too muddy to walk.

Birder's trail - boardwalk in the beginning.

Unknown centipede.

Tourists were afraid of the monkeys but taking chance to snap photos.

Sepilok B&B, budget, quiet and serene.

Pitcher plant, very common in the jungle. It's a carnivor.

Hanging bridge in Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC).

Aerial view of a tree.

Viewing tower is still a dwarf to century old trees.

Canopy walk in RDC, it is not cheap but highly appreciated by tourists.

Canopy Walk - the supports.

Rare vivid flower.

Ants.

I bogged down in the muddy trek and damaged my slippers, had to walk barefoot for short distance. I shook off a leech once.

Sepilok Giant - the tallest tree in RDC.

All the trails are well signposted, no worry of getting lost in the forest.

Found this snake under the roof of the living room in the B&B.

Walking path on the swamp to Plaform A in Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.

Feeding platform, visitors were busy photographing their cousins.

Feeding platforms, the proboscis and monkeys will have their feast on the tables.

Pouring feeds on the platform, fruits and sugarfree pancakes.

Feast started, heavy rain followed.

This male proboscis has a thick vivid layer of furry coat.

This female was waiting for her turn until the dominant group finishing their meals. The proboscis is practising polygamy system.

Torrential rain, but not stopping the proboscis enjoying their meals.

Rain stopped, more proboscis joined in.

The feeds, sugarfree pencake.

Look at the face, must be delicious.

Lovely photo.

Proboscis in Proton jersey.

The sanctuary raise this hornbill, named Kiki. His feathers were pulled by kids when young. Now he revenges and attacks kids by pecking their heads. The bird has good memory though he couldn't identify the face.