The excursion buses are waiting for us as the MS Artania sets its lines at the harbor pier. We are heading to the national park at Mount Kinabalu, at 4095 meters the highest peak on Borneo. The earth’s third largest island has no volcanos, unlike surrounding land masses. It was shaped purely by glaciers.
Nearing port this morning, Kinabalu peak is hidden in the clouds. The mesa at 3500 meters is not visible.
As our bus approaches the park, more and more of the mountain is covered by clouds.
Following our 2 hour drive to the park headquarters, we set out on a hike through an undisturbed rain forest. We are at 1000 m elevation. Our old friend the tree fern greets us.
The jungle growth is thick. We walk slowly. Twisted roots, rocky outcrops, and long, muddy, water filled depressions make the going tough.
We approach the botanical garden, where different plant families are highlighted. A light rain begins to fall (this is a rain forest, after all). We arrive back at our starting point and climb gratefully into our dry seats on the bus. A late lunch awaits us down the road.
With lunch hungrily consumed, we get back on the bus for our return to the ship, which we reach just before dinner. Eve and I have no hunger, and choose to shower and catch up on our social media. The ship will debark late tonight. A lovely sunset bids the day adieu.
Tomorrow: Brunei
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