Day 245 (Fri 9 Mar) - Bako National Park

Up early to tackle the long circular Lintang walk. The Swedes had done this walk the day before and suggested that we go in an anti clockwise direction as this was the hardest section of the walk.

Set off on the raised platforms, passing a hungry wild pig en route (these guys wander casually through the site), at the back of the camp and into the forest. We soon left the wooden pathway and were walking on a twisted carpet of tree roots. Quite tricky underfoot.

As we walked Jo spotted what looked like a large shell moving just off the path. Got close to it and saw that it was a grey land crab. Sarb desperately tried to get a photo but unfortunately the camera's auto focus was throwing a tantrum and not playing.

Very, very humid and hot as we climbed up. Stopped at a lookout point for a breather.

Carried on walking through the forest spotting a few beautiful butterflies as we went. The higher we went the landscape began to change.

The tangled roots of the trees had given way to chalky paths and the dense and large trees had become more shrub like. We even saw pitcher plants hanging off trees and clumped together just off the paths.

At places we crossed what must have been lava flows. The grey hard rock was twisted into fluid shapes and pools of reddish brown water were fed by like coloured streams. Very hot now as no trees and the sun was beating down on us.

Luckily the path began to descend and we were once again under the shelter of the forest. We scrambled up to a dodgy looking viewpoint for a good view of the shore.

We both remarked that the walk was not exactly easy. Very steep and slippery in parts.

Soon we were back on the wooden pathways that led us to the raised platforms in the mangroves. As we walked along we noticed people taking photos of the trees.

A troop of probosic monkeys were in the trees feeding. Great to see them so close! Even more interesting to see them jump down from the trees and run across the soft mud; very graceful ( [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6] ).

Walked back to the canteen where an American guy asked Sarb if he'd seen the adult Wagler pit viper. Sard said no he hadn't so was led to a tree just next to the canteen. After a bit of looking around they spotted it. Pretty impressive creature.

Had dinner in the canteen then walked back to the mangroves. Really amazing to see the tide come in flooding the mangroves. Excellent sunset through the mangroves as well. Headed back and relaxed back in our rooms. An excellent day.