June 27-28

Welcome to the jungle!! We returned last night from our jungle trekking experience. On the morning of June 27, we loaded into 8 4x4 trucks and took off 2 hours away from KL. Our first stop was to a hot spring where we boiled eggs in the 130 degree natural hot springs. 

From there, we had a short drive to the village of the Orang Asli people where we were greeted by what seemed like the whole tribe (kids even stayed home from school to greet us!). The Orang Asli are an aboriginal people who are working hard to preserve their lands and culture. We learned how to weave traditional headdress and we all had a blow dart competition. The Orang Asli gifted us with headdresses and one-of-a-kind bamboo cups made by a tribal elder. Winners of the blow dart competition even got their own darts and blow pipes. We enjoyed touring the village by following a gang of small boys, meeting the king and his family, taking selfies and teaching dance moves. They were hospitable and fun and we feel grateful to have had this opportunity, as few westerners are privileged enough to have this experience. 

After meeting the Orang Asli people, we drove further into the jungle and had a real 4x4 experience... at times having to even tow other trucks up steep hills. We stopped at a spot for lunch that overlooked the river and enjoyed lunch as we dipped our feet in the river. After lunch the tribal leaders taught us how to build a fire and cook noodles in bamboo stalks. From lunch we hiked to the campsite and found our “beds” prepared for us-cots and mosquito nets under a tin roof! We quickly changed and cooled off in the river. Charades, campfire conversations and lots of giggling at night made for a true jungle camping experience. 

In the morning we headed off in search of the Rafflesia flower and a waterfall and what we thought would be an “easy” hike turned out to be very challenging. As we cut our way through the jungle, we were greeted by stunning views and more flora and fauna than we’ve ever seen. The waterfall was a great reward after such a challenging trek. 

Today we’re back in KL where we’ll be visiting an orphanage and doing a city tour. Stay tuned for more and be sure to check out our PHOTOS page for updated pictures!