borneo last leg: the mighty jungle

As the last part of the Borneo trip we ventured out in the wilderness and spent 5 days in the jungle. From Kuching we drove hours and hours with the van and then went in a longboat for 2 hours to the place, so it was a wee off from civilisation. Not to worry, we did stay in an actual house and not tents made from palm leaves or something like that. But there was only electricity between 6-11pm and we were surrounded by rainforest, rendering any excursions on your own impossible. However, we did trekking. Fricking hard trekking. Stung by bees, constant fear of leeches and snakes, and had to focus on every step so as not to slip and fall on your behind - but it was all forgiven and forgotten once you reach the top (photo).

We were going to go on a night safari but as snakes may attack the torch, we didn't. "When the light stops, the snake attacks," someone said. That made the rest of my post-10pm trips to the bathroom a whole lot more 'exciting' or whatever than they would have been otherwise. Yikes!

Did some weaving with the tribe. This masterpiece (note: not finished in the photo) and a basket. Christmas presents x2 sorted.

Dogs and cats everywhere - behind every tree! - because no one takes care of them. The owner was out of town. I don't think my fellow travellers appreciated them as much as I did. There was a lot of shoo-ing and cursing going around. Look at that face. How can you be mad at that? Me, I embraced the fleas etc that they brought and cuddled with the beautiful cat (dogs were a bit too much and risk of leeches - yuck!).

Planted a tree each and got to place our own little sign next to it. Permanent mark of the JoJo in the jungle!

8 families live in this longhouse and we visited them to play games, drink tea, and do the weaving. Such a quiet life. Although they do have some modernities - at one point Rihanna was playing in the background. Sort of broke the mood. All in all, however, really peaceful. I would probably go mad within a month here though. There's only so many rounds of 'Pass the Ring' you can play...

When we finally reached the city again it was time to say our farewells. One last shopping spree & lunch with teams Denmark, UK, and Switzerland in Kuching marked our parting. Here in a final tribute to Japan.

I hope to see you again sometime :) Thanks for an incredible trip!

Jo x