Bako National Park, Sarawak Part 3 (final)

Canteen: reasonably priced food and drinks. Beer drinkers will rejoice.

Storm brewing at Bako.

In the evening what better way to while away the time than...

to watch the sunset?

Western backpackers clambering on board for the return trip.

Boatman Anuar: "Sometimes backpackers cheat me by claiming they've paid the fare."

Bako National Park, Sarawak, Part 2 of 3

My purpose in going to Bako was to trek and  to see some wildlife particularly the proboscis monkeys which thrive here.

A 15-minute boat ride was all it took to reach Bako. As it was low tide, we had to get off some way from the beach and wade in the water (wear slippers).

Bako beach

                               Four hours later, I'd not have the energy to smile for the camera.

                               The easy part but it gets tough as the trail climbs and dips endlessly for four hours.

I was on the lookout for croc. None : (

The varied terrain.

Scorching hot. Sweat was pouring off my limbs like a leaky pipe.

One misstep will send you tumbling into the stream. Hot, hot!

A glorious view from the hilltop.

Don't be a hero. Bring food, snacks and two big bottles of water. Heat stroke is a possibility so consider a hat/cap or umbrella.

I was disappointed in not being able to spot any wildlife. But Bako is rich in birdlife, and I was delighted to spot some birds I'd never seen before.

Sarawak: Bako National Park, Part 1 of 3

Jetty: Boats to Bako. 9 ringgit  per person or 47 ringgit to charter a whole boat.

Once again the lure of the Land of the Hornbill (Sarawak) proved irresistible.  This time it was Bako National Park, and the chance to see the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia.

The good thing about Bako National Park is that it's easily reached from Kuching.

                                Boat speeding towards Bako. It takes 15 minutes across open sea to reach Bako.

Welcome to Bako

                                Canteen at Bako. Has satellite TV!

Most people stay at Bako. Cheap dorms and rooms available but no air-conditioning. Mine was a semi-d with attached toilet (52.50 ringgit) but even with a fan the room was warm at night, and I had a fitful sleep.

How to get to Bako from Kuching

Hourly bus leaves from Pasar (market) area starting from 8am. Takes about an hour to reach the jetty. Fare: 3 ringgit.

Thailand's political unrest: GAIN for INDO-CHINA

According to a Straits Times report, the political unrest in Thailand has made travellers from Singapore look at other travel destinations like Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

Those who have not travelled to Indochina will be pleasantly surprised at how affordable these countries are apart from the fact that they're just a short plane ride away.

Having been under France's colonial rule, these countries still retain traces of French influence. To me the best example are the cosy cafes, especially in Vietnam.

Unless you're on Forbes list as one of the richest in Singapore, most people think of cost when they travel. Having travelled in all the Indo-Chinese countries, I can tell you that the cost of accommodation, food and transport is extremely affordable as pointed out earlier. I hesitate to say "dirt-cheap".

For instance, for US $5 to $15 you can get a nice double room with an attached shower and toilet (even air-conditioning at the higher end).

Venturing a bit further is the gem of an island in Sri Lanka. Travel features in newspapers and magazines routinely rave about the island.

So Thailand's loss is other countries' gain.

Unmistakable example of French influence in Laos. Do you know why?

                                Vang Vieng in Laos will reward those who make the effort to get there.

Travel to Hainan Island: warning on accommodation

Hainan Island has officially declared itself an international tourist destination.

Being the only Chinese tropical island, Hainan is very popular with domestic tourists and Russian tourists, particularly during winter months.

When I was in Hainan in January, I was really surprised to see hordes of Russians in Sanya. Everything was geared towards the Russians, For the first time, I saw signboards written in Russian.

That's why accommodation in Hainan is becoming increasingly hard to find.

My advice is to book your accommodation or you might be forced to stay in tents (not free) during peak periods!

Cheers!

Hainan Island: mountain towns

In Hainan I told myself I shouldn't just stick to the touristy cities of Haikou and Sanya but should at least venture up into the interior to visit a mountain town or two.

To find the villages, I had to trek some distance outside the town but the effort was worth it. I got to meet some farmers, and talked to them.

A farming couple outside the home up in the hill. Their pet dog provides company in this isolated place.

The house they built with their own hands.

Haikou Park: Hainan Island, China

Travel guide, Lonely Planet, is enthusiastic about Haikou Park in Haikou, the capital, so I decided I had to see things for myself.

Haikou Park is a huge leafy and well-maintained park in the town centre. I was surprised to see all sorts of activities going on in the park: table tennis, jogging, singing, ball games, taiji etc.

Dance group: Many dance groups like this one practise in the  park to blaring music. They attract a lot of attention from visitors. You're welcomed to join them.

Calligraphy: Using just water, this gentleman uses a huge brush to show off his calligraphy skills. If you think you're equally skillful, he'll gladly lend you the brush.