After an extended delay, we're finally getting around to posting some pics from our Malaysian vacation. It was our destination of choice this Chinese New Year holiday (February 12-21). Needless to say, the weather was phenomenal, scenery stunning, and adventures memorable. We were in the portion of Malaysia located on the large island of Borneo. This island is shared by three countries--Malaysia, Indonesia, and the small country of Brunei. During our 8 day stay we visited both Malaysian states located on this island--first, Sabah and next Sarawak. After spending a few days in some of the most world-renowned diving waters, we headed into the thick of the world's second largest rainforest (next to the Amazon). So we ended up taking 9 flights in 8 days, but it was worth it! Borneo is truly beautiful (with exception to the immense amount of deforestation taking place there). Enjoy our pics.
Including the Ewalds, 7 people from our company went to Borneo for the new year. Although we only crossed paths a couple of times, it was certainly fun to enjoy the company of our friends while vacationing. On our flight over we traveled with good friends Naomi and Ashley.
Off the crystal clear waters of Mabul and Sipidan.
Chip, Naomi and Ashley were all able to dive while in these pristine waters. Chels had to settle for snorkeling since it is heavily advised that pregnant women don't dive. Fortunately the snorkeling was more than satisfying. Between the two of us, we spotted about 15 sea turtles, one huge barracuda, a sea snake, and lots of beautiful fish and coral.
Chip entering the water for a dive.
Just beyond our backs is one of the most beautiful locations we've ever seen. This tiny island was picture perfect. Definitely postcard material.
Snorkeling fun with Naomi and Ashley
One of our hotels--not uncommon for hotels, buildings and entire villages to be on top of the water in these parts.
While in Borneo we also met up with good friend Winnie (to Chelsea's right). Getting ready to enjoy some fabulous Indian food in this pic.
After 4 days in the sun and water we grabbed a flight (or two or three) over to the other side of the island. It was here that we began our rainforest adventure.
Traveling in these parts is done primarily by water. Forget cars. All of the locals own a small boat. Riding on these waters was one of the highlights of the trip. Beautiful scenery all around.
We spent a couple of days touring some world-renowned caves. The pictures below are from a water hole located just outside of one of the caves. It was super cold, and yet completely refreshing.
If you're anything like us, you love the BBC series Planet Earth and Blue Planet. We were first introduced to Borneo when we watched Planet Earth's caves episode. It was then that we learned about Deer Cave. It is the world's largest cave (in terms of cave passages) and is home to some 3 million bats. Sounds creepy, but is actually amazing. As we walked through this dark, damp cave we could look up and see bats hanging in the hundreds of thousands. All around us we were surrounded by their guano (poop). Yes. It smelled. And no. Bats aren't anything like they are in the movies. They don't fly into your hair or bite people. In fact, they're pretty cute little creatures. The highlight of touring Deer Cave comes in the early evening. Tourists park themselves a few hundred yards outside of the cave and watch in awe as all 3 million bats exit to do their evening hunting. Again, we know it sounds creepy...but get this: We were in the thick, dense rainforest for 4 days. Never once did we have to apply bug spray. Thanks to the bats,
10 tons of insects and mosquitoes are eaten each night. So...no need for deet.
Here we are at the opening of bat cave. This picture doesn't do it justice. It's absolutely enormous. We've heard that the passage is so wide that a 747 could fly through it.
And the evening bat exodus. Squint your eyes. Those are all bats.
Couldn't post a blog on Deer Cave without including at least one picture of the guano. This was a boulder sitting under the path of the nightly exodus--about two hundred yards away from the exit of the cave.
We also enjoyed an early morning canopy walk through the rainforest treetops. We were about 20 meters up and had a great view.
After an afternoon hike we crossed paths with this local. He was out hunting. Not with a gun, knife, or even a bow and arrow, mind you. He was prepared to kill with his poison blow dart weapon. The spear he's holding is hollow, allowing for the insertion of darts tipped in poision. Just aim and blow. Simple enough, eh?
On our last day in the jungle we opted to go down river to a local village. We were the only foreigners there that day and felt like we kind of had the place to ourselves. The people we observed had been nomadic for years and years and only recently (perhaps within the last 30 years) settled into village living. We toured their market, bought some goods, and took lots of pictures. We were amazed to find out that this was a Christian village settled by missionaries years ago. In fact, they had their own church. During a hike back to a beautiful waterfall, we noticed that our guide was listening to some English music on his cell phone (which seemed to be his greatest possession). As we listened more closely we realized that we recognized the tunes--David Crowder, Chris Tomlin and Hillsongs! Who would have thought that we would share such common ground with a tribesman living in the middle of the Malaysian rainforest. It was a moment we'll not forget.
While in Malaysia our passions were once again reignited for economic fairness. The majority of the people here live well below the poverty line--but they are a beautiful and warm people.
And since this is a site that is partially overseen by a certain Chip Ewald, we'd better include some nature shots.
A little heron hunting from atop the coral in the shallows. Below that, a dog attempting to do the same. Poor dog was in pain.
The first creature we spotted in the rainforest--a poisonous snake. This tree viper stayed in this exact spot for the first 3 days we were there. It's coloring was beautiful, but also allowed him to blend in. You really had to look closely to see him.
Above: We film everything in front of a blue screen, since we work with a virtual set. Here we are with our producer, sound technicians, studio engineers and cameramen (and Snoopy??). It takes a big crew to produce our program! 
Above: This fuzzy picture gives you an idea of what our program looks like when it airs on television (of course, it's a clear picture on TV). Most people think that desk is real:)
