The highlight of pouring hot springs, despite the title, was not the hot springs. Aching muscles or not, the last thing you want to do in a hot and humid country is to get into an even hotter pool of water. Instead we rested our legs in the comfort of our air-conned room. And boy did they ache...for days, particularly down stairs.

We did however make the short walk to the tropical garden. Here they rehabilitated an Orangutan called Jackie, who cannot resist a few easy treats and still comes back most days for bananas. It was to be our first encounter with an Orangutang and we were in awe. First the trees rustled. Then she came bounding down the hill, jumped over the fence and sat on her chair. We backed off for a while, knowing full well that she could rip off our arms, should she want too. We were assured we were safe unless we tried to steal her food.

She was incredibly human like and absolutely huge. She wasnt bothered by us at all and seemed to even pose for the cameras. One thing is for sure - she was in charge and lorded about wherever she wanted, whenever she wanted. We couldn't tear ourselves away she was so fascinating to watch. What an experience.