SINGAPORE

We were exhausted when we arrived in Singapore and have needed the week here to recuperate and carry out engine repairs. Unfortunately it is now the rainy season and we have had torrential downpours but at least it is warm. Singapore is a mix of old and new, clean and green, and has a spacious feel. Public transport works!
We visited Raffles Hotel and had Singapore Slings in the Long Bar, and lunch in the Tiffen Room.
We visited China Town and Little India and witnessed Dragon dancing and Hindu dancing.
There is a lot of World War 2 history including an exhibition of the British surrender of Singapore in 1942, and the Japanese surrender in 1945.
We are now heading towards Langkawi in Malaysia and then on to Phuket in Thailand for Christmas.

KALIMANTAN (BORNEO)

The orangutan rehabilitation centre at Camp Leakey in the jungle of Borneo has been one of the highlights of the trip. We went up the River Seiconyer in a klotok (river boat). We spent 2 nights on the boat sleeping on deck under mosquito nets. The orangutans are living wild but their food is supplemented by the rangers. We also saw proboscus monkeys with their long noses, macaque monkeys, wild pigs, fire ants, hornbills and kingfishers. The sound of the jungle at night reflects the night wildlife. Chainsaw beetles live up to their reputation. Beware of tarantulas and bird eating spiders.
The Java Sea and South China Sea have presented some of the most challenging navigation so far with fishing boats, nets and tugs with tows which are not lit at night. We managed to ram a tow one night but fortunately no damage was sustained.
We are now in Nongsa Point and leave for Singapore tomorrow. This involves crossing the Singapore Strait, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.