[funkyfish]

My lovely sister has is being sent on a press trip (she works for a magazine), and she has a plus one. So she has asked if I want to go to Borneo with her!


Its only for one week, so I will spend the whole time jet lagged, but I don't care!


I'm not good in the sun (very fair skin), heat or with bugs. But I'm sure I will cope somehow... I haven't really done the travelling thing- nearly all my friends did the Oz/NZ thing after uni, but I was in full time work since leaving school at 16.


I'm sad that I will be going with out my husband, but nevermind eh? I've promised him he can have a boys holiday with his best mates (I think they are planning Ireland, Cork etc).


Its a once in a lifetime trip for me due to costs and animals etc, but a week I can manage!


Has anyone else been?- No idea yet what part it is- think its the bit with the big cave thing, and the Orangutan orphanage. Not sure if I'll need vaccines etc??

[Lesley Silvester]

What an opportunity!  You'll be too busy enjoying yourself to miss your OH.   

[plumseverywhere]

Wow!! fantastic opportunity!!
A friend of mine was due to go out and work in the orphanages with the Orangutan rescue people last year, I know she needed lots of vaccines. Something I'd love to do one day having spent the last 6 months planning a collaboration between Its Baaath Time and the Sumatran Orangutan Society regarding the use of Palm oil in soap and the effects on the environment/wildlife and so on.   Would love to hear all about your experiences!!

[funkyfish]

Am stupidly excited!   No date set yet tho..


I think to actually handle the animals u need to be jabbed up the the max, for their safety, not yours. Would love to help the babies- as a vet nurse it would be odd, as they are so much like us, and I have no idea about human medicine!


My passport expired a month ago typically! Also need to name change it (got married 4 years ago, but never had the £ to update passport). Now need to fast track it!


Will post photos, I have always wanted to see real forest/rain forest- before there is none left  . Will take my walking boots etc for forest trekking. My sis will have full makeup and heels I bet- we are like chalk and cheese! I'm happier in flip flips/wellies and dog walking/mucking out gear- she walks the dogs in full hair/make up/heels etc..

[muddyhill]

How amazing!!!

I lived out there for a while many many years ago, but its such a beautiful and amazing place, you'll have a fabulous time!

The food is great, and it's a very friendly place.

Have a wonderful time, I'm very jealous! 

[bloomer]

JEALOUS
That is all i have to say on that subject!!!

[Mammyshaz]

A great trip, enjoy yourself and catch up on the jet lag when you get back 
My dad worked there over a period of 2 years but that was 30 years ago. He loved it but lived wayout in one of the villages in a grass hut near where he worked.  I remember the heat being a problem when he first arrived, and sanitation. But I'm sure your accommodation will be much more civilised 
He still talks about the experience and of the island being so full of wonderful wildlife and wild animals, headhunters  ( I'm sure there arent many of those around now ) and daring forest walks.

Have a fab time and tell us all about it when you get back   

Oh and there was a long list of vaccines he needed before going, one of which we all travelled to  London to get. ( I think it was Yellow Fever ) .Obviously the vaccine status will have changed now but I would imagine Malaria will still be one, amongst others.  Your doctor should be able to advise you.

[deepinthewoods]

 



 



and what bloomer said.

[sabrina]

Wonderful for you, enjoy 

[Bionic]

What a great opportunity. I was looking at boreno last night as one of our holiday options.
As the others have said lots of jabs and don't forget to get organised well in advance as you will need malaria tablets too.
Sally

[Mrs Snoodles]

I had to go to Borneo twice for work - it is the most incredible place.  Do you know if you are going to Sabah, Sarawak or Brunei yet?  All very different places.  The scenery and wildlife is spectacular, both on land and at sea. The thing that amazed me most was the SIZE of everything.  Huge leaves, trees and insects.   I did loads of stuff with a botanist from Kew, incredible trip up a volcano to find pitcher plants,  finding probiscus monkeys in mangrove swaps, charting orangutan families in the forest, snorkelling, going into the caves (biggest in the world) and then watching evening bat flights (thousands at a time).   The cities are very interesting - lots to see and do - except for the one in Sabah.   I went over ermmm 15-20 yrs ago so I am sure much has changed but it was one of the best places I have ever been too.  If you and your sister have a chance to extend your tickets (for extra) just go for it - it will be so worth it.  My friend took her family recently - they had a fantastic time, none of them ill or burnt. 

[mab]

Never been there (nearest I've been is India), but I'm

green

with envy. 

Have fun, and don't forget the DEET. 

[Backinwellies]

wonderful opportunity.     Lpads of jabx needed ... expect to pay well over £200 for them plus cost of anti malarials (malarone is about £4 per tablet )

[funkyfish]

Thanks guys!


Humm, didn't think the jabs were quite that expensive.. maybe not quite a cheap holiday.. will look in to it! will have to beg/borrow/steal the £.. for it...

[Bionic]

Funkyfish,
As at your Dr's about the jabs.  Last time most of mine were free. I think I had to pay for yellow fever though.