Ninja Rants and Raves

A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine mentioned that they wanted to go to Borneo, and I was quite interested in going to Mongolia (which I have been for what seems like ages now!). Anyway, another friend of mine just came back from the Galapagos and we had a chat last week about places to go and after making the necessary arrangements I’m now going to Borneo in March 2008.

The Borneo trip is on the Malaysian side and is actually in support of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. There are a number of activities planned and I plan to do every single one of those including cycling, jungle treks, rafting, canopy walking, etc

There’s a lot that has gone wrong and is going wrong in Borneo. From the forest fires, palm oil plantations, logging, etc. Some of these are illegal activities but some are not such as the disastrous initiative when farmers were encouraged into the area by the Indonesian government. The forests and their biodiversity are being devastated. I fully understand the economic pressures faced by the locals. It’s not going to be something that will be easy to fix.

I decided that I wanted to help as well as satisfy my need to travel. So the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre got my vote with the Borneo Orangutan Adventure Appeal. I hope to raise some awareness with my friends and colleagues and perhaps reach out to a larger audience through the Internet. As you may know I am a keen hobbyist photographer (see my Antarctica photos from last month) and I intend to produce photos that highlight the richness of Borneo but also, at the same time, bring to people’s attention the situation regarding the plight of the orangutans and the forests.

I just hope my other friend doesn’t get upset that I’m off to Borneo! It’s something that just happened and I couldn’t pass it up. I’m still planning to do Mongolia later on this year…the year is still young so still lots to do!

People. Let’s be careful out there. The planet needs us.

Copyright © 2008 Kulvinder Singh Matharu - All Rights Reserved

After my trip to Antarctica, I’ve now managed a quick trawl of my Antarctica photos and have put them online here.

Copyright © 2008 Kulvinder Singh Matharu - All Rights Reserved

I recently went on one of those Antarctic cruises in December 2007 spending Christmas out there. The cruise included zodiac landings on the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsular. Of course I took lots of photos and I’ll need time to sort through them and start putting them online…it will take me months! I’ll provide an update when the first series of photos goes online.

Apart from witnessing the amazing scenery and wildlife I made loads of fantastic friends most of whom were single and well travelled people like me…it wasn’t what I was expecting at all! We all had real fun and I miss them all!

One or two persons, with their enthusiasm, energy and kindness, reminded me that there is still so much goodness and joy in this world and that perhaps the world isn’t as doomed as I sometimes imagine. I suppose I’ve spent too much time recently looking at just the negatives and using my blog for criticism that I had almost lost perspective. Too many rants and not enough raves.

I now remember why I started travelling in the first place; to meet people and immerse oneself in various cultures, to be alive and enjoy the wonders of this world! It’s now a New Year…a time for reflection and a refreshed outlook. I’m looking forward to it! So thank you all!

Best. Trip. EVAH!

Copyright © 2008 Kulvinder Singh Matharu - All Rights Reserved