The next day we crammed into a small sixteen seat by-plane, no less than twenty years old, which weaved its way through the spectacular tree-covered mountains of the Kelabit Highlands. During the flight, we observed from above the true nature of Borneo's wilderness, as well as the increasing threat of palm oil plantations and logging (something that we would be trying to reduce in our project phase), before landing at the small barn-sized airport of Bario. This isolated town, set deep in the jungle, would be our base for Initial Jungle Training.
Activities throughout the next couple of days included brushing up on basic medical and navigational skills, and being introduced to our local jungle guide, Rian, who taught us the history and traditions of the Kelabit and Penang tribes that inhabit this area. These days quickly passed, and before long we were trekking out of Bario to our first training camp deep in the jungle. The journey started with a gruelling long open road and Rhi was the first one to suffer from blisters on her feet (something that most of the group would experience throughout the day due to new boots). However, we soon veered off into the wilderness, and after some steep slippery trails and a crossing over a rickety bridge, we made it to our partially built jungle camp.
On arrival we quickly began to set up home for the next three days; constructing our bashas (carefully making sure Oz and his deafeningly loud snoring were a safe distance away!), lighting the fire, and being introduced to the dreaded 'long drop'. By this time large numbers of bees, wasps and mosquitoes had descended on us, most of which were attracted to Ali.
Over the next few days here we continued our jungle training; consisting of more navigational skills, river crossing, animal traps, fire making, man-made stretchers, and of course how to use our parangs. Ben took an immediate liking to this last activity, launching himself at every tree in sight, and in the process breaking two parangs one after another! Evenings were spent getting used to the questionable 'veg curry', as well as intense games of Mafia, with Mike and Andy's constantly guilty faces, and Rian's convincing innocence causing havoc.
Within three days we were all becoming used to living in the jungle; from washing in the river, to coping with the dreaded leeches, which silently attach themselves to any unsuspecting victim, including Holly, who was surprised to find a particularly large one feasting on her leg during the middle of the night. A rather proud Becca has been the only one not to have experienced this pleasure – so far!
Jungle training concluded on the evening of 2 May, with some much needed drinks, karaoke and dodgy dancing (Al!).
Bring on the project phases!
