Day 94: Semadang Kayaking
With an extra day now in our itinerary, Igor did some fast planning and booked us on a day-trip kayaking in the Borneo Highlands, along the Semadang River. Not the most exciting activity, but we had great guides, lovely weather, and a fun day on the river – who could ask for more?
Our tour operator, Semadang Kayaking, picked us up at 9AM and drove us to the starting point in the Borneo Highlands, about an hour outside the city. Funny coincidence – both couples in our 6-person group were staying at the same hotel as us. Guess we picked a popular spot!
Geared up and ready to hit the water!
After a short safety briefing, we are off! We are kayaking with the current, so it is a very leisurely ride.
A quick side-trip to a little waterfall. Our guides suggested we sit underneath it for a photo, when suddenly the waterfall seemed to lose power? When Lindsay turned back to investigate, the water came rushing down! Igor climbed up afterwards – turns out one of the guides was sitting at the top of the waterfall, blocking the stream until the opportune moment – sneaky!
Heading down the river – it’s a sunny day so Lindsay has to break out her dorky wide-brimmed hat. At least it covers the mullet
Delicious lunch break in the small village of Kampung Danu
Taking a short walk through the village before getting back in the water – Look! A pineapple tree! A pineapple bush? OK, a pineapple PLANT.
Feeding protected kelah fish from the bridge in Kampung Danu
Our guide taking an “accidental selfie” before snapping a picture of us. The guides actually their own waterproof camera and gave us a CD with pictures from the day, included with the trip. Unfortunately, our tablets don’t have DVD players, so it may take us a while to see how the pic turned out, but nice to have a second set of pics!
Swimming break, 2KM before the end of the trip
Kayaking down the Semadang River in Borneo
Awesome day for kayaking
We got back to the hotel in the late afternoon, took a quick shower (since we forgot to bring a change of clothes, we were sitting in river-scum the whole drive back), and headed out into town. We were hoping to find a bottle shop to pick up some wine – and we totally lucked out! After stocking up on wine and snacks, we headed out for some cheap, tasty eats before heading back to the hotel to enjoy a bottle of Aussie Merlot.
Dinner at John’s Place – a local place with a very Western name. Not sure the reasoning for the name, since we were the only Westerners there, but the food was good – and cheap! – so no complaints!
Fried rice, local-style – with sunny-side-up egg and spicy shrimp – plus fruit juice AND a beer – all for USD $5! LOVING Malaysia!
Successful trip to the local grocery store! Getting’ ma drink on and writing some blog in our hotel room
Looks like you and Igor had a great time kayaking and a refreshing break at the waterfall—what a sneaky guide at least you got a back massage!!! Not so sure about the swimming break–what kind of stuff is in that water??? No crocs… Glad you found a “bottle shop” to stock up on your wine and snacks — Pringles anybody!!!