Sabah Excursion
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Rehabilitation Centre where orphaned Orangutans are reintroduced into the surrounding forest. The work done here is wonderful but, sadly, the land clearing around the sanctuary seems to undermine all the effort. Next stop was Sukau, on the bank of the Kinabatangan River – the highlight of the trip. The only access to the resort is by boat and the lodges are surrounded by lush riverine and Diptocarp rainforest. During the dawn and dusk boat rides, five species of primate were seen, including the aptly named Proboscis Monkey. Snakes, crocodiles, huge insects, hornbills and the immense variety of plants were a glorious and a continuous visual feast. We were extremely fortunate to get within a few meters of the rare and endangered Asiatic elephant – an experience not to be forgotten. Leaving Sukau we journeyed to Sandikan, visiting the war memorial, and had a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that so many allied soldiers made in the last war. Our trip concluded by exploring mangrove swamps around Kota Kinabalu and seeing the Bajau people who live in stilt houses and make their living entirely from the sea. Only shopping was left to fill in the remaining time !
rinity rises to greater heights – 4095.2m to be precise! An intrepid band of Year 11 Biology and Geography students and two staff hiked through the early morning darkness to fly the Trinity flag at the top of Mount Kinabalu. As part of a co-curricular venture between the Science and SOSE departments the students undertook a study of tropical rainforests first-hand by traveling to Sabah in N.E Borneo. The trip started in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, acclimatising to the humid tropics. The next day the group visited Poring Hot Springs where, after a scalding bath, the Canopy Walk tested the nerves on a swaying, narrow walkway 40m up amongst the tree tops. Flying geckos, exotic birds and Diptocarp forest initiated the students into the lushness and diversity of tropical rainforests. Over the next two days the assault on Mount Kinabalu ensued. It was very tough struggling up the 11 kms of steep trails to the summit, battling fatigue and altitude sickness but the magnificent sunrise, spectacular views and sense of achievement more than made up for the aching muscles. An amazing variety of orchids, epiphytic ferns and the peculiar pitcher plant were to be seen all along the trail. The trip continued to Sepilok to view the Orangutan
Mr Tim Blake Science Teacher
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