Orangutan Encounter

On day 3 in Sabah, we took a 2 hour bus trip to another Shangri-la  resort further up the coast. Shangri-la Rasa Ria's unique feature, besides the beautiful beachfront and resort facilities, is the opportunity to come face-to-face with orangutans in it's orangutan education centre, next to the resort.

Rasa Ria resort view from the outdoor dining in the entrance.

A very steep walk up through the rainforest, along a windy path of wooden steps covered in moss, takes you on a tour led by a guide to a viewing platform. Here the Orangutans swing past you and gaze right at you from the branches above your head.

Up here, I discovered a new found love for these wild orange creatures. The educational DVD and information given to us by the Rasa Ria tour guides really opened my eyes to the harsh reality of what happens to these animals in the wild.

The orangutans came very close to the people standing on the viewing platform, but never reached out to grab or take anything. They came and went as they pleased as the people took photographs and videoed them.

When we headed back down the hill, we all thought the tour was over.
The tour guide came out from behind a tree with a very small orangutan hanging from his arm. The baby orangutan held him close, and clutched at his arms like a child would to its mother.

Baby Ten-Ten

Before Ten-Ten fell

I purchased a souvenir from the shop that told me a little more about Baby Ten-Ten, who is now approximately 3 years old.

Baby Ten-Ten

On the bus ride home I became so excited for the next few days in Borneo. Soon my dad, mum, aunty and I would be flying to Sandakan for a day trip to see the Sepilok Rehabilitation centre and various other tourist attractions Sandakan has to offer.
I couldn't wait to meet more of these endangered animals and explore the other side of Sabah.