last day at Singghasana, Damai bach, BORNEO

 2^nd August

Today was a good day despite not having organised anything particular. We had to move from `the honeymoon suite` ( because of the 4 poster bed which is the only romantic thing in the room) We have to downgrade to a room without a loo because this is all that`s left .This entails packing for the umpteenth time and lugging our packs up to the top floor for storage and then struggling back down again to unpack ...a bit of a pain!

After that we decided to go to the at gallery which someone had told us about and also to the natural history museum to see if our lime green Bako snake was there ( it wasn't)

It was REALLY hot so we went to our Libian cafe for some delicious fruit juice. We have been warned about his cooking but his juices are great. We looked at the shops and bought a few things – there`s lots to buy but alas our bags are severely lacking in space despite chucking things out.

In the evening I left Pat having a siesta to go for a massage .It was GREAT and although the lady was tinier than me she had a firm hand. She informed me it was a Chinese massage ( not that I know the difference between massages ) which certainly ironed out the crinkles ..at least that`s how it felt.

We then went off for a meal at TopSpot ( the car park by day and food hall by night) The meal was fantastic ..huge prawns and fish we chose before cooking. There were less people and less people on the walk back by the river ,it`s Ramadan so people ( the Muslims anyway)seem to stay indoors .

Back to our `new room` but we packed again because we have plans for tomorrow !

3^rd August

Last night was our last night at Singghasana Lodge but , no sleeping in for us ! We had decided to go and see the orangutangs one last time. I really didn`t want to go by local bus as it would have meant leaving at 7am ( and missing breakfast) so we decided to ask a taxi to take us...taxis are really inexpensive here. So , we set off and on the way decided to also go and visit a longhouse that the people let you look around for a small fee ( 2 euros or 8 ringits per person) The taxidriver acted as a guide and was a really nice chap.

We saw fewer orangutans this time but those we saw were in fine showing off form . Alas ,my `New Best Friend`Richie was not visible ( sulking because we were leaving I bet)

After that we were driven to the Borneo Highlands ,beautiful mountainous scenery and lots of pepper plantations. We finally arrived at the Longhouse which was really amazing and much bigger than we`d anticipated . The Dayaks ( the ethnic group that live there ) were so friendly and very funny . They offered us rice wine on arrival but I gave mine to the taxi driver ( but touched it with my fingers which is a sign of respect apparently) Patrick had three drinks and seemed to be getting on famously with the lady who was holding the bottle!!!

A longhouse is a bit like a big bamboo floored village on stilts (See photos ) They had been collecting rubber to sell and cultivating pepper. Two or three people offered bed and breakfast but we had already booked at Damai Beach

We then got back to Kuching in time for a nice soup at our favorite Chinese restaurant – the loos are a challenge but the food takes precedence for Patrick !

We then got on a shuttle bus for Damai Beach where we`d booked in a hotel which we don`t regret at all – it`s AMAZING ! Two swimming pools + a gorgeous beach.The room is pure luxury – I don`t think we`ll be going far for the next few days !!! This is the best hotel we`ve ever stayed in and the staff are so charming. We didn`t eat there because it`s a bit pricey so we`ve just returned from a cheap restaurant along the beach with great food . They were really welcoming people and waiting for the evening prayer to be announced so that they could eat ( Ramadan) The food and juices were wonderful and all for 7 euros for two !!

We are now back in this gorgeous room and can`t believe the difference between this one and the psychedelic nightmare in Poring Hotsprings !!