Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and State of Sabah) 

 

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I joined a group organized by the Memphis Zoological Society to go on a tour of Borneo - more specifically the State of Sabah in Malaysia.  The tour started in the city of Kota Kinabalu with visits to the Rafflesia Forest Reserve, Tenom Orchid Centre and Orchid de Villa. Then we visited Mt. Kinabalu, Gomantong Caves, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Seligan Turtle Island, City of Sandakan, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Sanctuary near Sandakan, and Danum Valley.  We then flew from Lahad Datu to Kuala Lumpur via Kota Kinabalu in preparation for a flight back home on the following day.  We spent 11 nights in Sabah, and one night at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Since I wanted to see Kuala Lumpur, I arranged my own trans-Pacific flights and spent two nights there before joining the group in Kota Kinabalu.  Also, I spent an additional full day in Kuala Lumpur before flying back to San Francisco via Narita.

Click here to view these photos as slide show

 


Mt. Kinabalu

Although I enjoyed seeing unusual flora and fauna of Borneo as well as many breathtaking sights, the highlight of the trip for me was the climb on Mt. Kinabalu (4,095 m or13,435 ft).  Actually I could have dispensed with the climb itself, but the sunrise from the summit and the views of rugged granite peaks were fabulous.  Then again, I appreciated the beautiful scenes even more because of the effort I had to put in, I think.  Luckily the weather was perfect for the two days it took to complete the climb and descent.

If you have a broadband connection, here is a video clip which you may wish to view.

 

 

Roadside Markets

 

 

Arundina

graminifolia

 

Nepenthes Lodge

 

 

Mt. Kinabalu

 

 

Panoramic View of

Mt. Kinabalu

 

 

Trail Map

 

 

Trail

 

 

Bulb. catenarium

 

 

Bulb. anguliferum

 

 

Bulbophyllum

species?

 

More Orchids

 

 

Nepenthese

gracilis

 

Nepenthese

villosa

 

Begonia

 

 

Rhododendron

acuminatum

 

what's this?

 

Middle-aged Women

near Laban Rata

 

Laban Rata Hut

 

 

Early Breakfast

 

 

Getting Ready

 

 

Climbing in Dark

 

 

Dawn at Summit

 

 

Sunrise at Summit

 

 

Yoshi at Summit

 

 

in Better Light

 

 

South Peak

(looking down)

 

Descent

 

 

Late Arrivers

 

 

Looking Back

 

 

South Peak

 

 

Rugged Peaks

 

 

Sun behind

Donkey Ears

 

Donkey Ears

 

 

View Below

 

 

Official Certificate

 


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 Flags courtesy of ITA's Flags of All Countries used with permission.