o.o
-It's been a long time since I've updated this blog... and it's almost dead. I apologize for the long absence, things have been hectic for me with college life and all so here I bring you an update-
So where did I left off from my recount of the trip to Niah...
Ah.. ok...
You are here!!!
We were then briefed by our guide on the trail we will be covering as well as on facts of the caves we will be visiting.
Obviously Hazel wasn't paying attention considering she can cover her face in time
Not long after that briefing, we then proceeded to the boats waiting to bring us to our next destination. Me, being very gullible as always thought that it would be a very long boat trip and I got excited about it.
I thought we would travel down the river...
I thought we would travel down the river...
Turned out all we did was cross the river to the jetty a few metres down... =__=""
Our trek through the jungle was a long one, but one that was most enjoyable.
Everywhere you turn to, you're surrounded by nature. It was simply beautiful and relaxing to be able to appreciate nature untouched.
Everywhere you turn to, you're surrounded by nature. It was simply beautiful and relaxing to be able to appreciate nature untouched.
And of course, at every national park there are rules and regulations that must be followed so that the park can be enjoyed by everyone. Niah National Park is no exception.
They even put it in 2 languages for you, to make sure that the message is clear.
They even put it in 2 languages for you, to make sure that the message is clear.
And if that's not clear enough... there are diagrammatic representations as well...
"I LOVE YOU!!!"... Park Ranger walks up and cuffs me... o.o... tough love =S
It was still a long trail ahead of us, but one that kept you in awe at your surroundings.
Enveloping you, pricking at your senses, intriguing you...
Our guide working his magic
A small herb, similar to that of Tongkat Ali (Or so I think, from what I could make out from the explanation)
Shitake anyone?
We came across this spot, that I believe caught everyone's attention.
According to our guide, this very spot was where a scene from Jurassic Park was shot. I don't know how true this is, as I for one cannot remember seeing this in the movie.
According to our guide, this very spot was where a scene from Jurassic Park was shot. I don't know how true this is, as I for one cannot remember seeing this in the movie.
See the velociraptor? o.o
Then again, Jurassic Park was set in a forest setting, everything looks the same. I mean for crying out loud... it's a forest =__="
Well, if we didn't get to see real dinosaurs, this rock formation was cool enough. See the figure and outline of a face?
Now those are some of the biggest roots, I've ever seen!!! It stands taller than me T.T
We met not only other trekkers on the trail, but some of the local residents as well...
...rather small local residents to add...
As the bugs got weirder and weirder... the mood started to ermm.. well "spice" up as well...
Viewer Discretion is advised.
Viewer Discretion is advised.
... no further comment...
We were now close to the caves, but before we entered them there was a souvenir stall where we browsed through and admired some of the very impressive handiwork.
The majestic limestone caverns of Niah, in all it's splendor. The size and feeling of claustrophobia started to set in, increasing as we got deeper and deeper.
The first cave we visited was called the Traders Cave.
A site where trade of weapons, food and many other essentials used to take place.
We were now close to the caves, but before we entered them there was a souvenir stall where we browsed through and admired some of the very impressive handiwork.
And now, finally the highlight of the trip, we entered the first cave on our trek.
The first cave we visited was called the Traders Cave.
A site where trade of weapons, food and many other essentials used to take place.
These structures were built, amazingly without any use of nails or binding material. Based on a design where the frames were held to each other by a 'snap on' technique, where they fit snugly with each other.
I guess the concept of Lego appeared much further back in the past than what we might've thought.
This picture was taken in the next cave, preceding our next destination, much deeper into the caves. Notice those long structures hanging from the ceiling?
Those are stilts, used by the locals to collect and harvest the valuable bird's nests perched high above the cave floor. Altophobics should look away when they see these skilled climbers in action.
Soon we were deep into the caves itself. Deeper and deeper we got, where the bats lived free, now entering their territory... which was as much their toilet as well.
The floor was littered with filth from well... need I explain more? I think you get the picture considering birds and bats fly in and out of these caves. Caps on peeps~
It was really dark in the caves, and when I mean dark... I mean DARK!!!
At the end of our trail, our guide told us to turn off all our flashlights and experience the sheer depth and expanse of the darkness in those caves.
That was indeed an overwhelming experience. You feel yourself being closed in, by the darkness with birds and bats flying above you. Yet somewhat, I felt calm, just simply appreciating the magnitude of the situation we were in.
Experiencing pitch black darkness for 10 seconds was amazing. Doesn't sound much I know, but it really is something.
Now, the reason being why I don't have any pictures towards the end of this post is a simple one...
One, not only was it so dark in those caves that trying to take a picture would be pretty much a failure... but that...
...my camera died on me as we reached the deep caves. Talk about a perfect time to have my camera's battery die on me like that. I resorted to using my phone, but really, the quality wasn't good enough.
So as we made our way back from the caves and back to our living quarters, it was already late in the evening. The trek back was a different one, with the sun setting on us, plunging the forest into darkness.
Those are stilts, used by the locals to collect and harvest the valuable bird's nests perched high above the cave floor. Altophobics should look away when they see these skilled climbers in action.
Soon we were deep into the caves itself. Deeper and deeper we got, where the bats lived free, now entering their territory... which was as much their toilet as well.
The floor was littered with filth from well... need I explain more? I think you get the picture considering birds and bats fly in and out of these caves. Caps on peeps~
It was really dark in the caves, and when I mean dark... I mean DARK!!!
At the end of our trail, our guide told us to turn off all our flashlights and experience the sheer depth and expanse of the darkness in those caves.
That was indeed an overwhelming experience. You feel yourself being closed in, by the darkness with birds and bats flying above you. Yet somewhat, I felt calm, just simply appreciating the magnitude of the situation we were in.
Experiencing pitch black darkness for 10 seconds was amazing. Doesn't sound much I know, but it really is something.
Now, the reason being why I don't have any pictures towards the end of this post is a simple one...
One, not only was it so dark in those caves that trying to take a picture would be pretty much a failure... but that...
...my camera died on me as we reached the deep caves. Talk about a perfect time to have my camera's battery die on me like that. I resorted to using my phone, but really, the quality wasn't good enough.
So as we made our way back from the caves and back to our living quarters, it was already late in the evening. The trek back was a different one, with the sun setting on us, plunging the forest into darkness.
Tired as we were, we were not dismayed... after all the night was still young...
Part 3... coming soon...
