Semenggoh Wildlife centre & Macheree Homestay

Wednesday - an early pickup by Presto Ringin of Macheree Homestay and an hours drive to the Semenggph Wildlife centre. Although we were advised that it is not everyday that the Orang-utan comes to visit, we went to the feeding platform and hoped for the best. We were blessed as we got to see a mum Seddamiah and her two year old daughter Ruby eating and playing.

We were about 25m away from them and it was lovely to watch them eat breakfast. From there we went to Annah Rais - a small town of  700 people and they are all related. It is a traditional longhouse homestay, although the accommodation we were sleeping in was similar to a 1950's Australian house, although 2 storey. We had a delicious lunch of fried rice and after a quick change into our swimmers, we went for a jungle walk to see the three tier waterfall. After a hot walk (only 37oC but humid) we got to enjoy the delights of the cooling waterfall.

Ringin Snr (our host) had collected the root of a wild ginger plant and some other native herbs and made a local bamboo chicken dish (cooked over an open fire in bamboo). It was served with sticky rice cooked in pandan leaf and fresh vegetables. It was so enjoyable.

On the way home we stopped to collect some picher plants to cook breakfast in. We stopped along some country roads and foraged in the forest undergrowth 

In the afternoon we went to the Hot springs - and boy they were hot. Only Peter could go in - not even the locals could stand the heat. Nick managed to his chest but then it became too hot. In the evening we had another lovely meal at our homestay - and then a cultural dancer and musician entertained us. The children were lucky to dress in traditional costume and join the dancing.