cheeky monkey

we've become very skeptical of package toury-type expenditures but after anne tortured us with climbing Kota Kinabalu [like a five hour Grouse Grind in a tropical forest only to reach the top to find a storm and a room at the comfortable temperature of five degrees].. a day of mindlessly following a guide sounded just about right.

We set out for the village of Garama on a board walk through mud flats dotted with huge palm oil trees and boarded a boat into the thick coffee like salt-water river, eyes open wide, in search of monkeys and alligators [not to worry, our guide ensured us they are vegetarian]

the two hour ride was amazingly peaceful. The warm air seemed to grab on slightly to our faces from the salty muggy breeze, it smelt sweet and fresh {like the air that hits you walking into that tropical room at the acquarium}. we went right in the calm before sunset, the sky was grey but the foliage was intensely green. The banks were lined with 30 foot palms and large trees that sent branches vertically down, reaching into the river bank creating the mangroves. Some remains of old water villages could be seen, but the local fishermen had deserted the river for the luxuries of power and running water elsewhere.

besides the motor, only bird and water-hen calls could be heard, until we luckily came across the sound of monkey's crashing and jumping between trees! The large proboscis monkey was the most common we saw, in colonial days the locals found a resemblance between us foreigners and these large-nosed, round-bellied animals. check out the picks, odd looking animal!We also saw the silver leaf monkey, a shy species that hadnt showed themselves for weeks apparently and who now bears the name 'Beckham' for its hair style! The cheeky monkey showed up briefly, these are the ones that steal the fruits and just about anything else from the locals homes.

after another board walk, watching the sun set and seeing some water buffalo and even an eagle, dinner was served: all local favourites like curries, meat and fish with veggies and the essential chilli sauce, and tasty local fruits served under a lamp lit sago palm roofed patio looking out into marsh and jungle. It was also lined by trees glowing with firefly's. Flickering on, off, and having a distinct christmas tree resemblance. the tourists were delighted, so much so that they FLASHED photo after photo trying to catch the glow ?!

then we headed back to KK in our 'mini bas', during which me and anne giggled like small children the entire way, in our usual fashion of alienating [and annoying] the other quiet travellers. we are the same here as at home.