In a torrential afternoon rainforest downpour, the road was washing away before our eyes. The driver was taking us to see areas of the sanctuary that had been encroached upon by coal miners and illegal loggers. He kept going through the red mud until a few of us looked down, saw that the road was disintegrating with three-foot holes all around us.
“Please, please turn around!” cried Sally. “Don’t look down!”
“There’s a massive drop off on both sides!” I announced.
“I’m getting out!” said Jill.
We were heading straight toward a body of water developing on the road ahead.
“Okay, everyone out,” he encouraged us.
I fumbled to dig my rain poncho out of the depths of my backpack and then climbed down onto what remained of the road. We trudged through the mud, sliding into big puddles as we tried to stay out of his way as he backed up. After ten minutes of this, somehow he found enough of the road to do a three-point turn. We all cheered and hopped back inside the truck soaking wet.
Most days weren’t that dramatic. There were leisurely strolls through the jungle to see my boy Romeo, a walk on a suspension bridges high in the rainforest canopy, a chance to observe the rescued sun bears, soothing sounds of the rainforest with orangutan calls in the background, hours on the yoga mat with a wonderful teacher named Anna from London, a boat ride along the Black River, an extra trip to a second sanctuary in Central Kalimantan, and consumed an abundance of rice, veggies, tofu, fruit, and fried bananas.
Oh, and the rainforest served 90 degree temperatures with 80-90 % humidity and I took a total of eight flights for a total of 50 hours throughout the whole journey.
As a lifelong orangutan lover, in 2022 I signed up for a Rainforest Retreat through Borneo Orangutan Survival the moment I saw it. After a few postponed dates, I rolled my suitcase through Dulles airport and left for the adventure on Friday, March 15 en route to Balikpapan, Indonesia.
Here’s the recap on Instagram where I shared lots of orangutan and jungle life eye candy—many you’ll also find in this post.
I’ll walk you through the photos below and try to put into words what feels so hard to fully express. Honestly, I’m still processing the experience.
Packing for a variety of activities in the jungle took some planning. Here’s a my capsule of quick dry, lightweight fabric, plus a few of fun staples like the sheer vintage top in the center, leopard-print swimsuit (didn’t use), and my TDJ uniform of capri leggings and a 2in1 fitted top that I only wore in the “chilly” 80 degree mornings.
Here’s Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation’s eco-lodge called Samboja Lodge. I had a treetop view and (almost) got used to climbing all those stairs a few times each day. My hip was not a fan, but the vista was dreamy.
Here’s a peek inside my room and my first hiking outfit. Pink faux fur hiking boots with pink laces (I know, ridiculous, but I loved them), leopard-print socks worn over the outside of my quick dry pants to ward off mosquitoes, a quick dry dress with waist cinches, and a head scarf.
Not shown, white quick dry shirt that helped shield my sensitive skin from the sun (and mosquitoes).
This gorgeous guy seemed to pose for us as we strolled along his special island. Love his sunkissed locks!
Planted a durian (known as the “king of fruit”) was a highlight. I’m told that this is the orangutans’ favorite! Note the white quick dry shirt—an absolute must for this adventure.
Next I flew to Palangkaraya to visit Nyaru Menteng—the largest orangutan conservation facility in the world. Here I am with a few cuties on the pre-release island (graduates of Forest School who aren’t quite ready for a full release) enjoying their daily snacks of pineapples, mango, durian, and more!
This little one’s catch was impressive!
This sweet one watched us pass by in the boat and didn’t take their eyes off us. I love how they wrapped around the tree.
We got to go see the little ones in Forest School where they learn skills to survive in the wild. Most are orphans or rescues from the illegal pet trade.
Want to watch them at play? Learn more about Jungle School here.
This little one was very curious and kept inching closer and closer while peeking around their caretaker.
These little forest school babies observed us from afar and were most intrigued by us newcomers. We could have stayed here all day!
Just look at that belly! They were so playful—rolling around, swinging from trees, wrapping their arms around each other.
During this trip I learned about the challenges facing these beings who share 97% (yes 97%!) of human DNA. Heartbreakingly, their lives are critically endangered due to deforestation and palm oil plantations and the illegal wildlife trade and poaching.
Here’s how you can help:
Make a donation through Orangutan Outreach or Borneo Orangutan Survival
Learn more about orangutans and Borneo Orangutan Survival in this brief video
How does this tie into midlife?
Great question! As mentioned in my March Midlife Musings post, I believe that this is the time for us to do more of what brings us joy. Life is filled with to-dos, appointments, obligations—you know, all the “adulting.” It saddens me to think how quickly life becomes a pattern of rinse and repeat.
I get it, it’s one more thing to add to the to-do list, “experience joy.” And, yet, it’s a beautiful way to stay connected to our inner child, to a state of wonder, and to a sense of hope.
What would it take to pause and embrace those activities that have been on your “some day” list? Consider what lit you up in the past—activities, hobbies, adventures, and experiences (animals) can awaken our senses and ignite our passion for life.
Whether it's exploring new landscapes, delving into creative pursuits, or simply spending quality time in your garden, let adventure be your guiding compass in midlife. Nurturing our spirits with moments of delight is not a luxury, but a necessity. And, oh my, those orangutans sparked SO much joy!
Read more about making midlife adventures a priority, along with takeaways from this experience here.
Closing
As you may know, for years I’ve supported Orangutan Outreach, interviewed the founder on my podcast years ago, and adopt numerous orangutans annually (adopt yours here). A portion of all Tranquility du Jour and therapy practice proceeds benefit Borneo Orangutan Survival, so thank YOU for your support AND making a difference.
Although this trip is over, my heart is still in Borneo. I’m dreaming up ways to support their conservation efforts and filled with so much gratitude to have been able to be so close to these stunning red haired beings. Their eyes see right through you.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for all of your well wishes throughout. I loved having you with me and I hope you, too, enjoyed this sacred experience!
Thank you for sharing these precious cuties. I was wondering if burning a candle that has the RSPO logo on it but states “mixed” next to it and am not sure if that is still eco friendly.
This is just incredible, Kimberly! Being able to see these incredible creatures close up the way you did must have been so moving. Yes to more joy and less obligations!