This is the fourteenth in a series of more in-depth posts on our trip to Borneo.
February 24

We did not have breakfast before leaving Kuching so we started back to the canteen before going on our hike. We looked at the trail map while eating. G wanted to go up on the kerangas, a limestone plateau where several species of pitcher plants (Nepenthes) were found. The Lintang trail made a loop up to the kerangas and then back to the headquarters in 5.25 km. Okay.. that is only about 3 miles, I should be able to do that. Wrong! Bako is almost on the equator. It was noon. It was about 90 degrees with 80% humidity. The limestone was white and reflected the heat and sun just like snow. I made it 2KM before I got cranky and said I had to return.

But it was a very interesting trail. It crossed the kerangas where we found several pitcher plants along with the ant plant and other interesting flora. The trail then went back into the jungle where it went up to a high point, descended back to the limestone kerangas. We were able to find lots of sundews along a rusty looking stream. We went back into the jungle where we saw many interesting trees and an amazing palm, Johannesteijsmannia.

After crossing the mangroves, you will come to this trailhead and start up to the plateau

The trail climbs over boulders and roots

Limestone soil on the kerangas

Just follow the arrows

Along the edge of the limestone lots of Nepenthes rafflesiana

Nepenthes albomarginata

The trail heads across through the heath brush

Sometimes on boardwalks

More interesting plants – Dischidia rafflesiana

Ant plant – Myrmecodia beccarii

Huge palms – Johannesteijsmannia altifrons

Related Posts:

• Getting to Bako
• Bako
• Back from Bako