From the Perhentians, I made my way by bus to Johar Bharu (the southernmost point of Peninsular Malaysia). This took about 16 hours, and I would advise anyone else making the trip to fly. I had a flight to catch to Kuching, which would be the start of my Borneo adventures. Unfortunately, Kuching was a bit of a wash for me, simply because I contracted some sort of stomach bug, which really took it out of me.
I had made friends with Doris and Kat, who were staying at the same hostel, and Doris and I made plans to visit Bako National Park, which everybody raves about. However, the following morning, I woke up with an upset stomach and was not feeling 100%. At this point, I thought it would pass, so I rallied through and got the bus to Bako Park’s HQ, took the boat to the island and began a 5K nature trek. I proceeded to feel worse by the minute.
About 1 kilometer in, I could barely put one foot in front of the other, was doubled over in pain, and Doris was looking at me as if to say, “We should turn around.” I on the other hand was just glad she had toilet paper on her! As much as I didn’t want to, we turned around and began the journey back to Kuching city. This entailed the return hike, a boat ride and then the most bone-rattling bus ride I’ve ever experienced. I had just enough energy when we got back to make it back to the hostel and in to bed. Needless to say, I didn’t see much of Bako, but I did leave a mark.
