Kelotok Boat

Why the name kelotok? Like I mentioned before in one of my posts, the engine emits the sound tok-tok-tok, hence the name. Some use engines designed for cars, the boats will then run more smoothly and faster. Kelotok boats vary in size and speed, and comfort, too. But generally they have their own toilets and bathrooms, kitchens and places to sleep. Yes, you can say that you are living in kelotok! At night they will provide beds with anti-mosquito nets.

If you are thinking of spending a few days in Tanjung Puting, staying in a kelotok is a good idea. The journey will be comfortable and if you are a bit squeamish about taking a bath inside a kelotok using river water (the guide will find fresher, cleaner water from the river to use, just ask around), the guide might ask permissions from local rangers to use their bathrooms.

You can ask local guides and tour for day-cruise (or several days' time) with meals and everything included. It's best to share a kelotok with friends, so traveling in a small group to this area is advisable.

Tanjung Puting can only be reached by the river. For day cruise, you might use speedboat if you're opting for speed. For several days' time, kelotok, to me, is the best choice. 

Sitting in a kelotok, with winds brushing your cheeks and hair, admiring the blue oh-gosh-have-I-ever-seen-bluer-colors-than-this-one sky, squinting at the trees waiting for some wild animals to appear. Feeling drowsy yet afraid of closing your eyes lest you miss seeing something worthwhile. Ahhh. I miss kelotok already!

PS: Beware of kelotoklag. You have been warned! :))

Dinner in Kelotok Boat

Dinner was an awesome affair. The guides told us that we would be dining near nipah plants, because fireflies love to reside there. Certain insects are abundant in nipah plants and fireflies are so fond of those.

I was mesmerized by the sunset views on the river. If you think this picture is beautiful, the original sight is 1000x better. Trust me on this one. You just gotta be there, sitting or standing on a kelotok boat, gaping at the vista. You'd also be able to listen to the sounds of the forest. Cicadas chirping, birds singing, monkeys and proboscis monkeys and orangutans and God knows what else. Even now, I can still imagine listening to those sounds.

We ate homemade foodies prepared by Javanese cooks. They were scrumptious. The conversation flew smoothly as if we had known each other for years. (I've met some of my fellow travelers, true. However for most of them, it was our first meeting.) I remember we mainly discussed about--what else?--traveling and the beauty of Kalimantan, and how wonderful it was to be there.

We saw plenty of fireflies dancing in the forest. And the stars were breathtaking, so plentiful. That night, I saw three shooting stars. My partner was there next to me. It was indescribable, being able to witness the sky studded with twinkling stars, our fingers laced upon another. (to be continued)