And that’s Ok!
In February I embarked on an exciting trip to Indonesia with the main purpose being to photograph Orangutans in Borneo. Coming from Ohio, this was quite the long adventure and I broke it up a bit with a few days in Singapore as well on the way. I did make it to Indonesia and specifically Kalimantan. On this trip I learned that only part of the island of Borneo is Indonesian, and that is referred to as Kalimantan. I actually learned a lot on this trip as I have not traveled in Asia much. Did you know that Indonesia has over 17,000 islands? Remarkable.
We boarded a Klotok, which is a traditional Indonesian river boat, for the Orangutan adventure. We then headed into the area which is the National Park.
Doesn’t this orangutan kind of look like they are clutching their pearls??? Like, “Oh, my… visitors!”
We enjoyed a leisurely ride on the klotok with an amazing crew through the jungle of Kalimantan to our first orangutan encounter.
And then, we went to the orangutan viewing area. These creatures are amazing and I doubt the photos do them justice, but it was otherworldly (hot, extremely hot) and marvelous to be able to observe them in their home.
This last photograph is what did it for me. There is such expression in their eyes, it is remarkable!
Back on the boat, after a torrential downpour where we all managed to get completely drenched, I apparently decided to be a klutz. I slipped and dislocated my knee. I didn’t know that was what had happened at the time, but I suspected as I have been plagued with knee issues since an injury in my early teens.
This resulted in a boat ride to the ER back outside of the National Park, where I got to exercise my vast understanding of the Indonesian language from Duolingo – “Saya suka kucing.” It means I like cats, and while it was not necessarily helpful in the ER, it did get a laugh out of the doc when he asked if I spoke Indonesian and I responded thusly. I don’t know that I will ever forget these Indonesian words, thanks Duolingo! I am thankful and feel very lucky to have the manager of our lodge, Rimba Ecolodge, and our friendly local guide Phil to translate where I was severely lacking.
Small note, because everyone asks, the ER was quick, efficient and cost about $35 USD for X-ray, diagnosis and meds.
I did continue on the trip, but was unable to go out for more orangutan photography due to my knee. I stayed at the lodge where they were extremely hospitable and helpful, getting me ice and making sure I was OK. They were very generous with their time and I did manage to make a couple friends at the lodge.
saya suka kucing y’all!
And now, I am still healing while deciding if I am going to risk the next adventure on a still somewhat injured knee.
While I may not have been able to photograph as much as I’d like, I did have an amazing adventure and seeing the orangutans was a phenomenal experience. I would absolutely try a re-do of this trip some day! And I hear there are some cute fuzzy elephants somewhere around there too…. hmmm.
I would like to thank the trip organizers, friends, mentors at Tom Bol Photo Workshops as well as Indonesia Photo Workshops for making this trip! I would also like to thank the staff at Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge for being so hospitable when I was hobbled! I am grateful to know you all!
To see more photographs, please visit Melissa Stanton Photography
Melissa Stanton Photography Blog 