Day 2: Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
We woke up to a beautiful day in Sandakan with a view of the ocean. We had a yummy breakfast at the hotel and then we got in a van and headed to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. As we were leaving the hotel we noticed many policemen and our guide explained that a high ranking government official was staying at the hotel so these policemen were there for his protection.
We arrived to the centre and we got to walk along a boardwalk into the jungle to the feeding platform for the orangutans. We learned that orangutan is translated into man of the forest, which made sense as we watched the apes swing out of the jungle to the feeding platform. The truly did look like little red men. A full grown orangutan can have an arm span of 8 feet!
We watched the apes eat and move around the feeding platforms
. There were ropes attached the the surrounding trees and above us so it was exciting as the apes crawled along the ropes above our heads. Although, it was a little dangerous for some students when the orangutan decided to go to the bathroom. I guess that is the danger of having an ape above you.
Next, we got back into the van and headed to the Myne Resort. We had lunch and finally had a little free time to relax in our rooms before heading out for a river cruise. We are hoping to spot some birds, crocodiles and proboscis monkeys.
Here are some highlights from students:
- “I don’t want to get wet.”
- “Too many trees.”
- “Man, those crocodiles are big.”
- “Too much river.”
- “Let’s swim with the crocodiles!”
- “It was fun seeing the orangutans.”
- “Some times it rains when you are watching the orangutans.”
- “Try not to get mugged by the orangutan.”
Till the next time,
Miss. Wilson
