Well, most of the metropolitans dreaming to catch some greens in eyes, or take a sip of fresh air to clean up the body and soul. A call from nature wakes us up. We were lucky to escape from where we have to be 24 x 7, to a new world of Taman Negara. Entering to the TN by riding a 'sampan' (wooden skiff). A three hours journey from Jeruntut Jeti to the destination. I would say that was a pretty boring way to start this trip. Personally, I do not like it. We were told after that, there was an option to get to TN by vehicles on mainland. Green, green, green! All caught in our view was variety species of tree along the river bank. A feeling going to the rainforest is getting eager, a full imagination to this mysteries land in the West Malaysia. 
A row of ‘floating restaurant’ welcome us when we first there. The restaurants made from woods, bottom with the tree tung to support like a big raft. We had all meals here with just one comment: missing mama’s cooking. Thousands of insects set their home in this rainforest. A night walk to the jungle brought us a ticket to the natural orchestra, surrounding sound effects, low and high pitch, featuring the characteristic of each small creatures. See, ‘Topless’ tree, or endless sight to the top of tree when we see from the ground. These are the specialty for the plants to grow in the rainforest. They have to battle against each other to survive. The growing to the upper is to ensure to get lights and waters. Only few plants can survive under those tall’s tree, with dark and less rain drop from the sky. 
The Orang Asli village. These were the original people (Native) who settle down in the land of Malaysia before other races migrated to here. The Orang Asli remains their simple living style by charging the natural source from the forest. They hunt food in the forest, making home with ‘Atap’ leafs and live almost in the primitive way. The Orang Asli village we visited were transforming to the urban style. With the help of local government, they get subsidy for food, clothes and other basic needs. Even the children can get the chance to go to school. The orang asli have many unique skills of making life in the jungle. I have recorded a scene how an orang asli making fire within 30 seconds, amazing! 
(All photos from SM Lai, Ee Tan, WJ) Trip taken 29th Aug~ 1st Sept, 2008
05 Jun 2024
5 months ago
