Sepilok Nature Reserve Part 2, Sabah, East Malaysia.

As you stroll in the beautifully landscaped Sepilok Nature Reserve, you''ll not fail to notice an orchid garden. Words fail me to describe the beauty of the orchids!

 

Here in the nature reserve you have the time to stand and stare. If surrounded by the beauty of nature at every turn, and you still worry about unfinished work at the office then you're at the wrong place!

With a good book and a drink in this restaurant, my stress level plunged to zero (sorry, not trying to make you envious).

Remember, I mentioned the other day about my humiliation in not being able to spot a single bird though Sepilok boasts of about 300 species?

Well, here I spotted 5 species. Haha, dignity restored! The best was a reddish woodpecker I saw at close range with my trusty binoculars.

Sepilok Nature Reserve, Sabah, East Malaysia Part 1

After saying Hi to Uncle Harry (see his pix at bottom of page), I walked over to  Sepilok Nature Reserve next door. I was surprised to see a packed carpark. Then I saw the banner "Welcome to the Minister for Tourism". Although I was dressed like a beggar, Security didn't make a big fuss.

I walked around the lovely lake edged with lush greenery.

This charming chalet overlooks the lake.

 

Flowering plants abound in the nature reserve.

Bloody Mess in Sepilok, Sabah, East Malaysia

Emerging from the rainforest in Sepilok in the east  Malaysian state of Sabah, I congratulated myself on escaping from the clutches of the leeches.

But the moment I stepped into the orang-utan rehabilitation centre, four leeches launched themselves onto my feet, leg and even backside.

 Panicking at the thought of my life ebbing away, I pulled them out forcibly. For the next half hour, my feet and legs continued to bleed. Only my backside escaped unscathed as I was able to flick it away in the nick of time.

It was a bloody mess in Sepilok.

Bird Festival in Sepilok, Sabah, East Malaysia

 

Bird trails in Sepilok.

The first-ever International Bird Race in Sepilok is now on till the 15th of this month. I saw these trails for birding enthusiasts. Nothing could be easier I thought so gingerly walking on the muddy and slippery trails I tried to test my birding ability.

Number of birds spotted: 0

There are about 300 species of birds in Sepilok alone, and I couldn't even spot one! Must see an eye specialist soon.

In a birding contest, participants  try to spot as many birds as possible within a time frame. Here in Sepilok it's 24 hours.

If I've aroused you interest, go to http://www.borneobirdfestival.com

Happy birding!

Attacks in Sepilok rainforest.

Two trekkers in Sepilok rainforest.

The rainforest can be both scary and exciting. Its stillness and quietness can unnerve you. But a sudden discovery of wildlife can be exciting.

In Sepilok you are advised not to carry any food. The monkeys can scent your food and may take it forcibly from you. Their body language seems to say "Resistance is futile". Any attempt on your part to scare them with "No!" will be met with a chorus of "Yes, we can."

I'm not joking.

A lovely stream.

Following recent rains, the trails were muddy and slippery. The trails here are short, about 1km or so. Mindful of the fact that the leeches were gleefully awaiting my arrival, I sprayed myself liberally with insect repellent (against the rules in Sepilok). I was so intent on looking out for birds that I forgot all about the wily leeches (Sepilok alone has about 300 of the 600 odd species of birds in Borneo).

When I finally emerged from the rainforest, I congratulated myself on thwarting the leeches. Not a single attack.

Showtime at Sepilok, Sabah, East Malaysia

Showtime over: Visitors heading into the rainforest.

Showtime over, the majority of the visitors made for the exit, jumped into their vehicles and rushed to their next destination much to the amusement of the great apes, the orang-utan, snuggling in the trees above. Humans are funny creatures, they must have thought.

A few visitors headed into the rainforest to discover its delights. And the leeches were lying in wait for a hearty meal.

The orang -utan of Sepilok, Sabah, East Malaysia

 Many visitors were rushing to the feeding platform, and failed to notice this orang-utan relaxing above them.

 He (or maybe she, I don't know) came down to greet his human cousins.

What's wrong with you, huh? Stop staring, OK?

Sandakan Day 2, East Malaysia

With wifi down, I'm unable to post any pictures today but can post on this ancient desktop computer (free for guests)

Just as in Kota Kinabalu, there's a viewing platform on a hill from where you can see Laut Sulu (Sulu Sea), and have a bird's eye of the city of Sandakan (once the capital).

The weather has been fine.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, a world famous conservation area for orang utan, will hold its first ever International Bird Race.

I'll be going there tomorrow to say Hi to my hairy cousins. Hope it doesn't rain.

Surprisingly, this is the durian season in Sabah. I saw a lorry loaded with durian outside my guesthouse. Definitely must try Sabah durian.