Sunday, June 29, 2008

EP25 - Adventure in Borneo




Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah Borneo

Mt. Kinabalu, the 4th highest in SE Asia, is in the island of Borneo. Borneo is one of the biggest homes of the Urgangutans, and one of the more (relatively) preserved natural treasure on earth.

Kinabalu Park (in the northern tip of Borneo) was declared as a World Heritage site because of its unique bio-diversity, especially on flora. When I was there, I’ve seen countless ferns, big trees and lots of orchids, mostly endemic to the place. Given Kinabalu’s 4 climate zones – it is no wonder why there’s so many species of plants and wildlife thriving in the whole park.

It is also interesting to learn about the mountain’s natural history. The picture above is on the upper section of the mountain, near the peak. Notice the rock’s curved-by-nature design – this is one place where (an ice) glacier used to sit and silently flow. But thru time, has disappeared, leaving a well-shaped/curved rock that seems to be a giant sculpture made by the greatest artist in the world – Nature.

It’s also interesting to realize how successful Kinabalu Park is, in terms of eco-tourism. This is one story where we can learn from. Rich, natural resource can be ‘harnessed’ not by cutting and selling trees, or mining, or extracting materials or wildlife – but earn profits thru paying tourists who wish to see nature in its pristine form.