Leaving Sumba with all its ancient exoticism felt like closing one chapter of an adventure book and opening a completely different page. If Sumba was about vast savannas, wild horses, and soul-stirring traditional rituals, then Kalimantan (Borneo) promised an adventure in the heart of a dense tropical rainforest, navigating brown rivers, and meeting face-to-face (hopefully from a reasonable distance) with charismatic red-haired primates.
The flight to Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan – the gateway to Tanjung Puting National Park – was conducted on a smaller, yet comfortable, presidential plane. As the plane took off from Sumba, the scenery shifted from dry hills to an endless green expanse interspersed with large, winding rivers that looked like giant snakes.
"So... we're really going into the jungle... like in a Tarzan movie?" Caroline asked from her seat, her eyes gazing at the green expanse below with a mix of awe and slight horror.
"Not exactly like Tarzan, Caroline," Nisa replied with a smile, closing the brief report map she was reading. "We will be navigating the river on a comfortable klotok boat, visiting orangutan rehabilitation centers, and observing wildlife in its natural habitat. It will be an amazing experience, but of course, there are a few things we need to be mindful of."
Nisa suddenly stood up from her seat, walked into the airplane aisle, and put on a slightly more serious expression, mimicking the style of a flight attendant giving a safety demonstration, but with the authority of a President (and a touch of mischief).
"Alright, VVIP passengers," Nisa began her 'spontaneous speech,' her voice slightly more formal, making The Corrs, Reza, and Alex immediately turn their heads with full attention (and slight amusement). "Welcome to the 'President Nisa Airlines' special flight to the heart of Kalimantan. For our mutual comfort and safety over the next few days in the habitat of orangutans and proboscis monkeys, allow me to provide a brief briefing on 'Jungle Survival (The Corrs' Beginner Version).'"
Andrea immediately sat upright, her face tense. Sharon took out her notebook. Caroline prepared her phone camera, thinking this was part of the attraction. Jim listened with analytical interest.
"First," Nisa raised her index finger. "Regarding Fauna. In the jungle, we might encounter various types of insects. Remember the grasshopper incident in Ubud, Andrea?" Andrea nodded quickly, her face instantly alert. "Well, in Kalimantan, the insects might be slightly more... exotic. There are giant ants, stag beetles, and also... leeches."
"LEECHES?!" Andrea and Caroline shrieked simultaneously.