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MT 12 June 2016

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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 12 JUNE 2016 42 MARC CASOLANI ORANGUTANS, pygmy el- ephants, Proboscis monkeys, wild boar, crocodiles, Suma- tran rhino, Hornbills – the list of tropical wildlife wonder goes on. Very few places in all of South East Asia can offer such a diverse array of species in such close quarters in the wild. Even though threatened by the every- day cycle of the modern world and its dominant species, the vi- brant wildlife that goes on here fights on. Located in the northern part of Borneo, the Kinabatangan river system flows through most of Sabah and comes out into the Sulu sea. It takes up a staggering 560km stretch and it is no won- der that it is Malaysia's second largest river. If you had to look at the whole picture that this area has to offer, then you will see that it is rich in not only re- markable wildlife but also fasci- nating habitats such as limestone caves, riverine forest, freshwater swamp forest, oxbow lakes and salty mangrove swamps. Ideally you head towards Batu Tulug, where most tour agencies will pick you up from and take you to their respective accommoda- tions, spread out along the river. As I always recommend, if you could rent a car and make your own way to the meeting point, that is always the best as you get to experience the most, but there's also another way to do it here that is legal and relatively safe, and that is hitchhiking. Peo- ple stop for you almost immedi- ately, especially when they see a traveller, they get excited to ask you a million and one questions, which makes the experience all the more interesting. This is how you get to see the area inside and out. Almost every time we got into someone's vehicle, we would end up stopping for lunch at a local hub or get to meet fam- ily and friends – great fun! Other routes to this area would be by taxi if you are coming from a town close by, by light aircraft or by coach. Getting to your designated en- campment you will realise, like you would in all of Malaysia and Indonesia, that this area has also been heavily affected by the palm oil industry. An industry that has forced several species to extinc- tion and that has had a huge and detrimental effect on the eco- system and wildlife in South East Asia. Orangutans have been the most recent highly affected spe- cies to feel the brunt of all this and have been put on the priority list for WWF. If things keep on this way it is predicted that we may not have any wild Orangu- tans left within our lifetime. All we can hope is that NGOs and the WWF keep working to save what is left and grow from there. Once you drive through this mass destruction, you will see a glimmer of light that brings hope, a decent proportion of land that is a secondary forest which will lead right up to the river's banks. The river itself keeps this chunk of protected land nice and healthy and teeming with wild- life. The only thing you will have to keep in mind though is that due to the encroachment of the deforestation the rainforest has been pushed to within a close radius of the river. This will be the case for a very good stretch of the river unfortunately. Because of all this most of the wildlife found here has had to make a living close to the river and thus, apart from giving the alligators greater odds of success in making a kill, it has made it easier for visitors going up and down the river to get a glimpse of the wildlife that this region has to offer. Many times people get more than they would have bargained for and it is not un- common to come within feet of certain species. Apart from the major game such as the primates and reptiles, you can call yourself lucky if you get to come across a herd of pygmy elephants, Asia's smallest elephant species. These guys can roam around freely de- spite the ever encroaching palm oil plantations, so coming across them is much harder than seeing other wildlife, let alone getting within a few feet of them. It's a rather amazing feeling that the tour agencies here can provide you. You are basically offered a number of options to stay from up to two days to two weeks. Live in one of the river huts, go trekking at night and during the day, go on the riv- erboat excursions and chill out whenever you wish. Grab a beer or a fresh smoothie, take your book with you and swing away on a hammock or simply chill on the wooden jetty that each op- erator has built and take all that is around you whilst you do your thing. These tour operators cater for all, from backpackers to luxu- ry travellers, so just get your- self down here when you get a chance and take in all that the prehistoric island of Borneo has to offer. Until next time, let the world be your playground. Travel The wildlife of Kinabatangan River MSC's newest cruise ship to bring 150,000 passengers to Malta in 2017 MSC Cruises have announced that the newest, largest and most luxurious five star cruise liner, the MSC Meraviglia will next year grace Grand Harbour on a weekly basis between June- November bringing over 150,000 pas- sengers to Malta, the liner sailing to Malta immediately after be- ing officially launched on 4 June 2017. At 167,000 gross tonnes the MSC Meraviglia, with a passenger capacity of 5,700, will be cruis- ing around the Mediterranean, choosing Malta as one of its main ports of call. MSC Meraviglia will give the unique weekly opportu- nity to 170 Maltese holiday mak- ers to cruise round the Mediterra- nean from Malta to Malta on this largest ever cruise liner to enter harbour every Tuesday between 6 June and 15 November 2017. MSC Meraviglia will be the first MSC cruise liner to fly the Mal- tese flag. MSC Cruises have decid- ed to register all new cruise liners in Malta launching five new super liners till 2020. The MSC Merav- iglia, the lead cruise liner of MSC's new Vista generation vessels, is at the moment under construction for MSC Cruises at its Chantiers de l'Atlanique shipyard in St Naz- aire, France. MSC Meraviglia presents a fu- turistic vision with a new con- temporary cruise ship designs to extend the existing fleet. MSC Meraviglia will be a ship for all seasons, adapting and transform- ing communal spaces through- out the year, evolving to best suit each itinerary. It has an ex- traordinary new-era design with innovative technology and spec- tacular entertainment options. MSC Meraviglia is a sophisticated combination of state-of-the-art- technology, a love of the sea, de- sign, comfort and practicality. It is a cruise ship that will dazzle her travelers. Entertainment areas have been multiplied: there's a fun park and a water park, breathtak- ing panoramic areas and two cov- ered promenades. MSC Cruises has been voted as the dominant cruise liner compa- ny in Europe for the fourth con- secutive year. MSC Cruises has 9.9% market share of the world cruise liner industry and has just won the title of the best cruise lin- er company at the 'Travel Media Award' in Dublin. Hamilton Travel, MSC Cruise exclusive representatives in Mal- ta, said they will soon announce MSC Meraviglia prices for cabins. "Why book with the rest, when you may cruise with the best" said a Hamilton Travel spokesperson. Call 21241292 or contact Hamil- ton Travel by mail on info@ham- iltontravel.com.mt for further information. MSC Meraviglia will dwarf other cruise liners in Malta's Grand Harbour between June- November 2017

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