Greetings from the depths of Borneo....
I'm sure you wouldn't have want to miss this if you're still around. As you know, we did not manage to make it all the way to the top. Weather did not permit, we anticipated that and kept our fingers crossed but the rain never stopped. We ended up as the unlucky bunch, because everyone else that came the day before and the day after did climb. 
Obviously we were all excited about the trip. We all went on a big shopping spree (Zahrin included!) with an excuse 'to be prepared' for the great Pinnacles of Borneo. Shoes, outdoor attire, gadgets (I just love my cool brand new (read: bloody expensive) headlamp), making sure we have whatever we need.
It was a good flight. The view was so breathtaking, we happily sipped on the soya bean and Milo offered to us and sat back. The first 30-minutes of our journey, we couldn't wait to be there.
We were greeted by Ah Ting and Richard at the gate. Outside, a beat-up van to transport us to the lodge. And I thought "Seriously?!!!" It was funny, barely a few meters and then we had to stop. The steering wasn't working! We all got out and waited for our other ride. We understood then why the van is in the worse of condition. You should've seen the road. It was then a short walk to the lodge where we'll be spending the night. 
Of course we couldn't resist a photo.
Remember that very old local animation with the monkey and the chilli tree? This is what you get when you don't listen to the sang kancil saying "Jangan, monyet....". That's Amer trying to climb down a hill we just discovered nearby. We were already so eager to explore that we walked all the way to Royal Mulu Resort across the river (of course, it's either we swim across to get there or find our way around). We missed the presence of HRH Prince Albert of Monaco by just a week! Yes, he was there for the launch of the Batcam. 
After lunch, our cave exploration began. And that was also when it began raining cats and dogs. Not a good sign. Our last stop for the day was the bat observation deck. It was a new experience. You can really be fascinated by 'em critters!
The 2nd morning came. Now this photo is our all-time favourite. Well, there were several shots actually. But it just makes me laugh everytime I look at our jumping pictures. For the other boys, they say the same thing. It was just pure fun and dorkiness. HanWei looked exactly like a floating Shaolin master in this particular one. After two more caves, we were on our way to Camp5; with a stop at the Penan settlement, pushing our boat in shallow waters and a two-hour 8-km jungle trek infested with leeches. Throughout the trip, a couple of the boys became quite famous with 'the ladies'. And all at appropriate places :)
First thing the next day, the dreaded news came. Our climb had to be cancelled, it was too dangerous. Black clouds were coming in fast. Immediately, we cracked our brains to come up with Plan B, but as much as we wanted to stay another day to try our luck, it was not possible. So, we decided we'll come back again one day. And we were adamant.
What to do now? Yoga by the river of course! (Eh, check out the abs ;P) For the city boys, it's experiencing washing in the crystal clear river :) So far, there's quite a few first times for everyone. 
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, we were still very much a happy bunch at the end. We didn't regret one bit, blisters and all. The place is just so beautiful and serene.
Next time, we will purposely stay just for the climb plus another extra day to do....absolutely NOTHING.
Photo credit (all above photos): Zahrin. More photos on Facebook (side bar)
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....fresh-faced and starving....
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....the boat ride....
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....the boys (minus one) and I....
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....buddy....
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....the morning view....
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....going home....
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MACK
KUALA LUMPUR, MY
WHAT KEEPS ME GOING? .......... Love, music, friendship, a great read, spontaneous moments, life's journey and good company over a steamy cup of coffee on a drizzly Sunday morning ..........
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