This morning we boarded the Zodiacs for a short transfer to Pulau Lakei. Once ashore, we changed into our dry shoes in preparation for our climb up the stairs.
It wasn’t long before we tackled a series of steep stairs. Once we climbed to the top, we arrived at the tomb of “Datu Haji Ibrahim.” There are many legends and stories that surround this mysterious man, who lived on Pulau Lakei 300 years ago.
After a few photos here, we continued on a series of concrete pavers toward the scenic lookout. On the way we took in the unique flora (pitcher plants) which has evolved in low impoverished nutrient soil. There were even a few concrete bridges that we needed to negotiate toward the lookout. We eventually arrived at the scenic lookout and the views over the South China Sea and cool breezes were spectacular.
In the afternoon, for those on the Telok Pandan Track, we enjoyed our scenic Zodiac trip passed the sculptured coastline, taking in the spectacular “wave rock.”
We soon arrived at Telok Pandan Kecil beach. We disembarked the Zodiacs and changed into our sturdy footwear, before heading off on our hike.
Along the way, we took in wonderful views from the lookouts and simply enjoyed the scenery as we hiked between the open kerangas and closed-in lowland rainforest.
We all ended up at Park HQ and were rewarded with viewing proboscis monkeys and the cheeky macaques.
For those of us that were going on the guided Mangrove Boardwalk, we transferred by Zodiac. We enjoyed the scenic trip along this sandstone sculptured coastline. Once ashore, we changed into dry footwear and proceeded to the boardwalk after passing through the Sarawak Forestry infrastructure.
With the low tide in the afternoon, this was the best time for the proboscis monkeys and macaques to descend to the mangrove trees to feed on their leaves.
Not only were there monkeys, but many species of birds including magpie robins, the greater racket-tailed drongo and the Asian fairy-bluebird. We even spotted a Bornean bearded pig or two.
