After a very early start, we left the rainforest lodge and made our way to the Orangutan rehabilitation centre in Sepilok. We listened to a talk and watched a short and pointless DVD about the centre, learning that the goal of the centre is to slowly introduce the orangutans back into the wild. They take in any abandoned orangutans, including babies, and they are carefully taught the natural skills they need, such as, climbing and finding food. With feeding areas, the orangutans come back for food until they are confident enough to find food for themselves. We walked to the last feeding area, and a member of staff appeared opposite us on another raised platform with bananas and milk. Slowly, one by one, the much anticipated orangutans (the name translating as 'Man of the Forest') climbed down the trees onto the platform for food. Everyone snapped away on their cameras. Some of the orangutans were right little show offs, performing somersaults and swinging from tree to tree for the tourists.
We were warned to watch our belongings as the primates are notorious for stealing them. They have even been known to strip a person of their clothes. Saucy! Also we were told to keep a safe distance if the orangutans came to our platform, as they are unpredictable and strong. They also share 96% of our DNA, therefore they are susceptible to our illnesses.
The pig tailed macaques ('my-cock'!!) also came by, attempting to steal some food. I was disappointed not to be able to interact with the orangutans but it was explained that as they are being trained to enter the wild, human interaction would counteract this; the centre wants to wean the primates off from human contact. Fair nuffs.
We then headed to Sandakan airport which was tiny, disorganised, lacking in facilities and security! They could probably watch a man walk onto the plane waving a bomb, and not notice, nor care. After a short 45 minute flight filled with screaming children, we arrived back in the s***ty city of Kota Kinabalu and transported back to the deceitful Shangri-La.
After a rest, we headed to the coast for some refuelling. Choosing the safer option of the Aussie bar, I then stuck to the even safer option of chips for dinner. The barbecued crab didn't tempt me. After a few cocktails and wines, we decided to move onto another bar. One with aircon!!
Recognising the familiar name of the hotel Le Meridian, we had a cocktail in their bar. Though our hotels have been lovely so far, this hotel made ours look like rat infested shacks. It was stunning. Laced with marbled floors and a grand piano, we couldn't help but feel pretty damn envious!
And sly....
Feeling tiddly, we decided to have a sneaky, cheeky explore. Taking on the posh personas of two upper class travellers, Jane and John, we began to walk with purpose throughout the hotel. Heading up to the top floor, we found extravagant marble staircases and executive lounge. I raided an unattended maids cart, finding it hilarious to blow into rubber gloves to make a sort of inflatable hand to slap Will with.
Our posh accents of John and Jane echoed through the silent corridors of the Meridian.
It was on another floor that we located the pool and spa. Will was more drawn to the naked Asian lady swimming in the pool, while I tried to get my hands on one of the complimentary guest ice creams. Kit Kat ice creams, who'd have thunk it?!
After a while of roaming the corridors and trying to stay away from securities scrutiny, we headed back to our hotel for an early night. Yawn.