Manjula Kalliat goes in search of our closest simian relatives. an orangutan adventure
The rustle amidst the leaves was more noticeable this time. It couldn’t have been just the breeze, of which there was very little anyway in this balmy environment. “This movement is typical of orangutans,” our guide Nina whispered. She had barely finished speaking when the branches moved again—this time far more definitively than just a rustle. As a coat of flaming orange emerged from the foliage, the collective gasps of a dozen or so people were drowned in the frenetic clicks of their cameras. These were people who had travelled from all parts of the world to Indonesian Borneo to catch a glimpse of man’s closest relatives in one of their last remaining natural habitats.
Our journey had commenced earlier that day when Nina had picked us up at Pangkalan Bun airport. The short taxi ride to Kumai was spent taking in instructions: do not litter, always keep out of the path of orangutans, do not touch them even if they touch you... Once in Kumai, our luggage was swiftly loaded on to what would be our home for the next three days—the top deck of a klotok, a traditional Bornean dinghy. Soon, along with our crew of three, we were on our way to the Tanjung Puting National Park for our orangutan adventure.
Nearly the size of Bali, the park spreads out in a seemingly endless canopy along the 40km-long stretch of the Sekonyer river. Boats are the only way to get in. As we settled into our klotok, we were briefed a little more about the itinerary for the coming days. Three major orangutan rescue camps operate in the region and we would be visiting the first of these today during their feeding hour.
This story is from the August 2016 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2016 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Temple Trail In Bali
The allure of this Island lies in its people and the culture it embodies
THE Snake WHISPERER
SNAKEMAN ROMULUS WHITAKER'S MEMOIR TAKES READERS ON A JOURNEY THROUGH HIS LIFE, DELVING INTO HURDLES SUCH AS HABITAT DEGRADATION AND CULTURAL DISPARITIES CONCERNING WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
TIMELESS BENGALI CUISINE AT AAHELI
A culinary oasis nestled within the iconic Peerless Hotel on Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Aaheli is known for an exceptional dining experience
HOW GREEN IS GREEN?
THE PHENOMENON OF GREENWASHING INVOLVES DELIBERATELY FALSIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT THE GREEN CREDENTIALS OF A PRODUCT, SERVICE OR COMPANY. WHAT CAN TRAVELLERS, THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AND TOUR OPERATORS DO TO FLUSH IT OUT?
IMMERSIVE UNSEEN INDIA
HAVE YOU EVER GONE FORAGING IN THE DESERT? OR LEARNT POTTERY WITHOUT A POTTER'S WHEEL? ON YOUR NEXT TRIP, TRY SOMETHING YOU'VE NEVER TRIED BEFORE
DISCOVER STUNNING ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS IN TAMIL NADU
Experience the wonders of nature and wildlife while being mindful of the surroundings by visiting these amazing ecotourism destinations
AT HOME IN SPITI
AMIDST SPITI'S TOWERING PEAKS AND BARREN LANDSCAPES, THESE HUMBLE ABODES SERVE AS BRIDGES BETWEEN CULTURES, FOSTERING MEANINGFUL INTERACTIONS AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
HIMALAYAN HEIGHTS
In the shadows of the high Himalayas, take a slow, green holiday this summer... Along the way, discover why eco journeys are much more rewarding than you thought!
TEA, TATTOOS, AND TRADITION
PHEJIN KONYAKWHOSE ANCESTRY TRACES BACK TO HEADHUNTERS-RUNS THE ONE-OF-A-KIND KONYAK TEA RETREAT IN NAGALAND
THREADS OF CHANGE
In an exclusive interview, Nand Kishore Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director of Jaipur Rugs, shares the story behind the brand, his journey and more
