Baby Gift Baskets South Australia

Briefly in Borneo A Sight Inspection

I’ve embark on a journey of jet-lag so hard core, it could challenge an astronaut. Borneo beckons because I’ve never been there. A mere 5 hours to LAX, 12 to Tokyo, 7 to Singapore and 3 to Kota. Mind you this is just one way not including layover times.

Seated in economy class, I expect my body will dehydrate to a prune, my muscles atrophy, pores clog and I’ll bloat with “jet belly” but it’s ok. Bottom line is, I love airplanes. The near insanity of this that it’s only a 5 day visit and I’m spending nearly as much time on land as I will in the air.

The best perk of my job are the site inspections, that is to witness first hand what my groups will experience if a destination is new to me. This is far on my globe. Prior to departure, I surveyed friends asking them, “Where is Borneo?” Only 10% answered correctly. This time I bring Terry and wonder of his fortitude in tow. But he proves to be a good aviation warrior.

On our arrival flight in, I see gleaming white beaches, turquoise reefs and coconut trees that spread out as far as the eye can see. At the airport, we are greeted by Martin who will oversee us and answer the 7,000 questions I’ve prepared on this land. It’s sauna hot.

We head out past cocoa and tea plantations for our first resort stay at Shangri La Tanjung Aru, an oasis of luxury right on the South China Sea. In the distance are 5 coral islands. A short jetty ride will deposit you to any one for snorkeling the sea caves and world-class diving. Further out is Pulau Tiga with its mud volcanoes where the first Survivor series was shot.

Here we’re spoiled like a couple of pot bellied pigs with an upgraded suite with fruit and orchids as well as a beachside massage. I feel like I’ve reached Nirvana with a mantra of “I’m not worthy” but I revel in all the amenities. Its pure playtime with activities provided here. And the spectacular Malaysian buffet breakfasts should be filmed by the Food Channel.

Kota Kinabalu (aka KK) is the capital of Sabah with 340,000 inhabitants. My expectations of Borneo were of 5ft. monitor lizards and head hunting tribal chiefs, but here I’m greeted with Starbucks and mega-malls.

The city is worn and struggling hard to develop itself. Established by the British in 1881, it also has a lot WWII history. The city’s backdrop is the breathtaking 13,600 ft. Mt. Kinabalu, UNESCO W.H. Site for being the most bio-diverse mountain on earth.

It holds a complete ecosystem and is a botanical paradise. There’s an astonishing array of rare flora and fauna such as insect eating plants, funky fungi and raffelsia, the worlds largest flower of 3ft. petals. It takes 2 years to bud and lasts just 7 days.

The lush National Park is the size of Singapore. Hillside tribes reside on the slopes. The mountain is scared to them as they believe it is the resting place of their ancestors departed spirits.

For free time we tour museums, handicraft markets and water village. I buy gifts of pearls, organic teas, coffee, batik and baskets. As Americans, we feel like VIP tourists as most visitors are from Australia, UK, Japan and Europe.

The locals are so respectful and polite. There are 30 ethnic groups speaking 80 different languages who live harmoniously together. Many are animists who worship all living things. The main tribes are the Dusuns with their female priestesses, the Bajau’s known as the “cowboys of the sea” and the Murats who live in typical longhouses. They are descendants of the famed head hunters who once fiercely protected their territories and decorated their homes with “trophies” that were severed heads of their invaders.

Many here look Polynesian. Bahasa Malay is the main language, a dialect that sounds to me like they’re speaking in tongues. Second language is English.

In August I bring 2 groups here. We’ll enter the interior to discover the essence of Borneo with its virgin rainforests, lush wetlands and enough wildlife to feel you’ve entered a living zoo.

We’ll learn of the culture and history but the thrilling part for me will be seeing the rare species of pigmy elephants, Sumatra rhino, giant crocs, bearded pigs, gibbons, macaques and omni-present proboscis monkeys (the one’s with Jimmy Duranti noses.)

The highlight will be Sepilok, the largest orangutan sanctuary where we can get close and personal with these “wild men of Borneo.”

Evenings by the ocean here provide a surreal beauty that envelopes one in serenity and it’s totally romantic. I hate to leave but it’s time to visit another resort I have booked for my groups.

The Shangri La Rasa Ria is a slice of heaven where one can do nothing or everything. There’s morning yoga, Tai Chi, golf, ATV’s, horses, parasailing, a huge spa and more. Classes are given in Malay language, cooking, sarong wrapping, beading, blow pipes and weaving. But what makes this resort ultra-special is its Nature Reserve.

The hotel helps fund orphaned orangutans here. If the jungle continues to shrink, these gentile creatures will face extinction in the wild. Dr. Galdikas of OFI (Orangutan Foundation Int.) grimly predicts, “Unless extreme action is taken soon, these forests could be one in 5 to 7 years and the wild orangutan with them.”

We attend a lecture by a ranger to learn about the “man of the jungle”, world’s second largest ape. Genetically they are 96.4% human and are considered the most sentimental creatures on earth. We are led by trail up mountain slopes to view 7 protected baby orangutans, most orphaned from illegal logging that destroyed their homes.

Unlike other primates, they prefer playing over fighting. “Limon” had a tough early life. His mother was killed and eaten by plantation workers. They kept him as a pet chained to the wall of a wooden crate for 4 years until Forest Police rescued him. When he arrived here, he was a sack of bones and dying.

For 10 days he refused to eat until one day, a sweet pineapple changed his life. He devoured it in entirety and since then, Limon hasn’t stopped eating. Now he’s 5 times heavier and stuffs himself silly. Upon graduation, he will be released back into the forest.

I look forward to my return and experiencing the real mystical Borneo. The best journey is always the one going home. As I board Singapore Airlines, I feel I’ve gained 6 kilos from all the seafood I consumed. I sleep like a baby on the long haul home via Taipei. The miracle of it all is that my checked luggage managed to follow me 19,000 miles roundtrip and the fact that I still love airplanes.

About the Author

Former Miss Wisconsin Suzy Davis has traveled the world for nearly 30 years,
initially as a flight attendant and now with her company

http://www.AdventuresForSingles.com

Jazzy Gift Baskets $16.91 Decorate, create, and give with love–or start a successful home business: that’s what crafters can do with this jazzy, snazzy guide to putting together the perfect gift basket. Written by Marie Browning, author of the best-selling Jazzy Jars, it’s not only filled with a variety of techniques for decorating the baskets–painting, decoupage, adding a no-sew fabric lining–but presents a wealth of ideas for selecting, assembling, and creatively packaging lovely gifts to place inside. Choose from more than two dozen themes for every occasion and every taste, including Celebration Baskets for life’s special moments (weddings, a new baby); Thank You Baskets; Food Baskets, with ideas for preparing an entire meal; and many more. A Main Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club. Marie Browning is a consummate craft designer who has made a career of designing products, writing books and articles, and teaching and demonstrating. In addition to her award-winning product lines for art and craft supply companies, she is the author of more than a dozen books, and her articles have appeared in myriad home decor and crafts magazines.

Gift Baskets: Making It Personal $12.3 Gift Baskets: Making It Personal

Decorating Gift Baskets $13.52 Decorating Gift Baskets

South Australia $22.01 South Australia

Jazzy Gift Baskets: Making & Decorating Glorious Presents $9.99 Decorate, create, and give with love – or start a successful home business: that’s what crafters can do with this jazzy, snazzy guide to putting together the perfect gift basket. Written by Marie Browning, author of the best-selling Jazzy Jars, itÂ’s not only filled with a variety of techniques for decorating the baskets – painting, découpage, adding a no-sew fabric lining – but presents a wealth of ideas for selecting, assembling, and creatively packaging lovely gifts to place inside. Choose from more than two dozen themes for every occasion and every taste, including Celebration Baskets for life’s special moments (weddings, a new baby); Thank You Baskets; Food Baskets, with ideas for preparing an entire meal; and many more.

The How To’s of Gift Baskets $3.98 The How To’s of Gift Baskets by Carol A. Starr 5th Published in 1992 by Starr Gift Baskets

Gift Baskets $10.48 Create the ultimate gift basket for everyone on your list. Design your own customized gift baskets for holidays and other special occasions. Make one-of-a-kind creations that your friends and family will love by following the instructions in this easy-to-follow guide.

Towns in South Australia: Padthaway, South Australia, Burra, South Australia, Woomera, South Australia, Mount Barker, South Australia $14.14 Towns in South Australia: Padthaway, South Australia, Burra, South Australia, Woomera, South Australia, Mount Barker, South Australia

Baby Sunshine Gift Basket $105 A beautiful gift for that new, little bundle of joy! This white wicker bassinet comes filled with wonderful gifts for the newborn, including baby booties, a growth chart, a cute giraffe rattle, a cap, mitt and bib set, a fun giraffe activity wrap that squeaks, rattles and crinkles in addition to having a mirror to occupy baby in the stroller or car seat, and a deluxe fleece blanket with crocheted edges.

South Australia: Australia’s Festival State $17.56 South Australia: Australia’s Festival State

Baby Hoagie Gift Set $44.99 Bon appetite to bon bebe! Absolutely delicious is the only way to describe this gift. May look good enough to eat but this sandwich is actually filled with things for taking care of baby. Our secret Hoagie recipe: 100% cotton receiving blanket 2 terry burp pads 3 terry washcloths Undergarment Booties Lots of loveAll rush orders must be entered by 11:00 AM EST.

Welcome to the World Pink Baby Wagon – Ten-Piece Gift Set (Available Personalized) $89.99 A Baby Aspen original baby gift set!

Beautiful Baby Boy Gift Basket $60 This beautiful baby gift comes with a growth chart, photo album, nursery rhyme book, bib and mitt set, and a big blue teddy bear in a white wicker basket.

20 Decorated Baskets $3.98 Take a basic basket from simple to stunning! Even new crafters can get creative with this fun collection–no special skills required. · Make many of these 20 stylish baskets in just an hour or two · Embellish with readily available materials like ribbon, fabric, wire, buttons, silk flowers, seashells, and tassels · Find last-minute gift ideas, from baby showers and birthdays to holidays and housewarmings

???Beautiful Baby??? Boy Gift Set $74.99 This “”beautiful”" gift features a double compartment wood cube to decorate baby’s room. Available in two sizes. Features and facts:Standard gift set includes: 100% cotton velour terry hooded towel, 100% cotton flannel receiving blanket, 12″” Plush Bear with embroidered tee, booties, bib and pacifierMake it a DELUXE gift set by adding to the above items a 100% cotton interlock Kimono, 100% cotton interlock blanket and 100% cotton matching hat, all in solid blueGift wrapped

Baby Girl Bunch Gift Bouquet $62.5 Girls of all ages will love this pink baby bouquet! Perfect for Mom and baby, this delightful bouquet of baby clothes comes inside a gift box decorated with a floral motif and sealed with a clear presentation lid. Bouquet includes: one pink bib, one pink t-shirt, one pink hat, two pink onesies, one pink pair of socks and one white pair of socks. The super-soft 100% cotton clothes are sized for baby girls 0-6 months, or up to 16 lbs. The clothing “”buds”" are encircled by pretty pink fabric roses and green leaves. Facts and features: Includes: one blue bib, one blue t-shirt, one blue hat, two pairs of socks (one pink pair and one white pair) and two blue onesies 100% cotton Gift-boxed Size 0-6 months

Baby Boy Bunch Gift Bouquet $62.5 Best bet for a bouncing baby boy! This blue baby bunch is a bouquet of baby clothes that includes: one blue bib, one blue t-shirt, one blue hat, two pairs of socks (one blue pair and one white pair) and two blue bodysuits. Baby clothing is made of 100% soft cotton and sized for infants 0-6 months. The clothing ???buds??? are surrounded by colorful fabric rosebuds with green fabric leaves and arrives wrapped in tissue, nestled in an attractive floral gift box. Facts and features: Includes: one blue bib, one blue t-shirt, one blue hat, two pairs of socks (one blue pair and one white pair) and two blue bodysuits 100% cotton Gift-boxed Size 0-6 months