Singapore / Borneo Vacation

Well as you can tell from the pics we went to the zoo while in Singapore last week. I'm not a huge fan of zoos but I have to say it was probably the coolest zoo I've ever been to. The way the zoo is set up makes you feel like you are in the animals natural habitat... somewhat. At least as close as I or most people will ever be to some of these animals. There are very few cages, most animals are in enclosures that are separated from zoo visitors by motes.

The orangutans and other primates were kept up in trees using a series of wires wrapped around the tree trunks. I wondered if the wires were electrified or it just posed an impassible dilemma for them. Whichever, it worked like a charm.

In other areas there was nothing separating you from the animals. For example, inside the kangaroo enclosure there was nothing separating you from the kangaroos. There was a small wooden pole fence keeping zoo goers on the walking path but the kangaroos were free to roam wherever they chose. The kangaroos hopped over or ducked under the fence railing at will.

WIth some of the more dangerous animals the animals were kept at bay using water ponds or quite big, open, impassable spaces. It was cool nonetheless not having a cage to have to peer through. In reality the space was welcome. When you are looking at a tiger that could easily eat you for lunch it comforting to have a bit of distance between you and it's huge flesh ripping fangs.















The weekend we were in Singapore was actually the same weekend as the Singapore F1 race was being held. Our hotel was so close to the race you could here the cars as they practiced and raced. The whining of the engine was very unique. Even Q clued into the noise and asked what it was. The race is run on a track that is set up using existing roads right downtown. I was surprised to learn that the Singapore F1 was one of only two F1 night races. The actual race was held the night before we left. We watched it live from our hotel room. We could hit mute on the TV and actually hear the race cars; even through our closed hotel window.

We left Singapore and headed to the Indonesian side of Borneo to visit with our friends the Fullertons who live in Balikpapan. They are a teaching couple that we taught with in Cambodia. Brent was someone who I rode motorcycles with while we lived in Phnom Penh.

They have two children who of course Q thought were the coolest kids in the world. They were super cool with him and made him feel right at home. Actually the whole family made us feel right at home. We know it's an inconvenience to have someone stay with you but they made us feel extremely comfortable and welcome.

One day while Brent, Cheryl and kids went to school we decided to visit a orangutan/sunbear sanctuary about an hours drive north of the city. You can check it out here. Or just look at the pictures below.











Someone at the school the Fullertons work at arranged for us to have a tour the orangutan and sunbear rehab facilities. It is a very cool place. You can see that there is a lodge you can stay at which is very cool as well. While visiting you have the option of volunteering and helping out or just relaxing in a unique environment. I can say that I would recommend Samboja to anyone who is passing through southeastern Borneo.

I'm off for a MTB ride after work. Fall is definitely here and the weather is cool but pleasant. The leaves are just staring to change and the trails are prime for riding.