The latter sounded very appealing as I like to walk and the idea of walking in the jungle fired my imagination.

I was able to organise the hike easily once I was in Kuching and although there were a couple of options the one that I liked the sound of was a visit to Baku National Park.

The Park is reached only by boat.

I am not a lover of boat travel so this was a bit off putting and when I saw the boat it didn’t fill me with confidence. I needn’t have worried I had a pleasant, short sail over a bay which is part of the South China Sea and then I had to get out and wade ashore.

It was a fun way to start the day.

A guide travelled in the boat with me. He had lived in a village near the boat jetty all his life so knew the park well. He was very informative and was obviously attuned to the jungle sounds. He knew when to stop and look for a proboscis monkey which is just about the most famous of the jungle’s inhabitants. It was very exciting to see them in their natural habitat.

As you would expect it was very hot and humid and although the hike was only a couple of hours or so some people we met on the trail had to turn back.

I was making my way to a secludes bay through the jungle and the track had not been made tourist friendly, thank goodness, so obviously it wasn’t flat or smooth.

Along the way my guide pointed out various small mammals, lizards etc and insects some, which could give nasty stings or bites.

I also saw some wild boar near the canteen where we had lunch. I also saw pitcher plants and the huge lengths of rattan hanging from the trees, which of course is used to make baskets, furniture and even used in house building.

I walked on bridges over mangrove swamps and saw some of the extraordinary wildlife unique to this environment.

It was lovely to reach the beach where we could sit and relax before our return hike.

It was just what you would expect if you were thinking of having a Malaysia tourist trip experience.

The South China Sea was gently lapping on the shore, wonderful rock shapes and all fringed by the jungle.

All in all in was a day to remember. I will just add a coupe of practical tips.

I was prepared to pay for a taxi to the ferry, a guide to meet us and be my guide for the day.

You don’t have to do this, you can just turn up at the ferry, and you can get there by bus, and ask to join a boat going over.

Either way it will be a day you won’t forget.

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