Belum Rainforest Resort #5 - Salt lick

I was so thankful we arrived safely at the bottom of the hill lol. To our next destination!





We're reaching!



That is the floating jetty. See that tiny chalet/hut/house over there? You can apply for a few days' stay and enjoy peace and serenity out here.. though it's a bit secluded it can get a little scary. Perfect for those who love fishing, as they can travel anywhere they want with a boat that will be provided.



However, as this is the property of the Sultan of Perak (hence the name 'Royal Belum'), it is compulsory to apply for a permit to fish in this area first.



We ate our lunch - grilled chicken and sandwiches packed by them. Was absolutely starving by then, so a simple meal like that tasted really good, especially the chicken :p

Have you ever seen something like this??! :D To capture this magical moment, I slowly inched my way closer and closer... while half-squatting. Until my legs were aching but I didn't care! I got a close-up shot of not one butterfly, but so many butterflies! ^^



We shall walk across the canopy bridge now :)





Spotted a freaking huge spider web thanks to my sister (but still not as huge as the one I saw in the jungle..). The thought of accidentally touching it instantly made me feel weak in the knees. I really can't bear spider webs T__T



Jungle-trekking again! Seems just as scary as hill-climbing. There was one part where the path was so narrow; it's width is only like a few inches. That.. was my greatest nightmare. *shudders*



Reached the salt lick area finally :) It's located near a small stream.



A salt lick is a natural mineral deposit where animals can obtain essential mineral nutrients. In an ecosystem, salt licks often occur naturally, providing sodium, calcium, iron and zinc required for bone, muscle and other necessary growth in the animals. 




This is a naturally occurring one. There are artificial salt licks too, used to attract or maintain wildlife, whether it be for viewing, photography, farming or hunting purposes.



We didn't get to see any animals nearby though. Perhaps we were too noisy :p On the way back, our guide showed us a sandalwood tree.



Sandalwood is one of the most popular scents used for incense offering. The guide lit up the end of one small piece of wood, and it is the exact same smell that you always smell in temples.



Intelligence: +5! :p

Belum Rainforest Resort #4 - Rafflesia sighting

It was another half an hour or so to reach the rafflesia place... Took a few pictures to cure my boredom during the looooong boat ride :p The scenery is not bad anyway!










We are going under the bridge :) *London bridge is falling down..*





Reached :D



Here we are on the floating jetty. The Rafflesias are all up on the hill, so we (or rather, I) had no choice but to climb :/ I dislike climbing very much.. my phobia of climbing is very much reinforced by the constant thought of me slipping and rolling down the hill. Sigh :(



We were very very unlucky because the Rafflesias have not bloom during the period that we were there. The next blooming season only starts right after our scheduled time to leave Belum. ASDFGHJKL! So we only got to see the bud.


Yup, used up so much energy to climb so high just to see the BUDS! How sad. Hmm but look on the bright side.. at least I know how a Rafflesia bud looks like now lol. They grow on trees!



Like parasites :x ...Wait, I think they're parasites right? I remember somewhere... okay never mind. Correct me if I'm wrong :p





On the way down, I spotted a deadly mushroom. Poisonoussssss.

Belum Rainforest Resort #3 - The Orang Asli Settlement

The REAL activity started on the second day ;)

We signed up for the Discover Belum - Temengor Rainforest package (they have a few different adventure packages to choose from) and the day trip includes going to the Orang Asli village at Sungai Kejar Hillir, Jenut Papan Salt Lick, rafflesia-sighting and having a cool dip at Sungai Ruok waterfall.

We travelled to all these places by boat, as everywhere is surrounded by water. With life jackets on! :p





Our guide for the day.. though it's a bit dark :O



Drivers for a few seconds XD



After an hour or so, we finally reached our first destination. There are more than 10 families living there I think.. 1 house for 1 family.





So many chickens! #citygirl



Gave out gummy bear candies to the children :p They love the candy so much and kept asking for more!





One of the huts.



Someone was cooking something using charcoals at the side.



What the inside of their houses look like.



They even have proper cooking equipments! According to our guide, all these are sponsored by the government.





Some men are building more huts to accommodate more families.



Halfway through.







Giving biscuits out. My family are so generous LOL.




Happily eating ^^ He is so cute!



Hahaha guessed what I found! Gosh I feel like I'm a secret agent peeping into each hut. But this one made me laugh! Spot the guitar!







I spot chicks! Like, REAL CHICKS. #citygirl



This is just too cute. Cue for everybody to go 'awwww' :p



They make jewellery to while away their time and also to sell and get some income. It's like a souvenir stall here haha. I bought a really long necklace (planned to dye it colourful :p) and a cool bracelet.



Group photo before we leave!