A photoessay of The Gibbon Experience in Laos, a once in a lifetime 3-day, 2-night zip lining adventure and environmental protection program in the Nam Kan National Protected Area.
Bokeo Province, LAOS — Fulfilled a childhood fantasy of sleeping in a treehouse; fulfilled a continuous, lifelong fantasy of being able to fly. Three days in the jungle living in a treehouse 23 metres up in the canopy and only accessible by zip line.
And zip line I did, all day, along 440 metre long cables that would begin in a tunnel of green and suddenly open up with nothing above but sky, nothing around me but mountains and 150 metres of nothing between me and the forest below. The cables spanned entire valleys and if I soared across and dared looked down, there I would spy my shadow – a speck – moving like a bird’s across the treetops.
But the part that made my neck hair stand on end was waking to the beautiful song of the gibbons before watching the rambunctious family of five putting on a spectacular morning show as I cupped hot chocolate and shed tears of joy. At that moment in time my existence meant nothing to them, and that’s the way it should always be.
The Gibbon Experience in Laos: the treehouses
Look up. Way up.
And peer through the trees.
Treehouse #7, shower with a view. If you’re nervous about heights, you wouldn’t want to look down between the slats. Also, don’t drop the soap (get you’re mind out of the gutter).
Home for the next two nights, complete with creature comforts.
A home with a view.
The Gibbon Experience in Laos: zip lining
Let’s fly.
This simple device is what makes you soar.
And it’s what keeps you from plunging to a horrible death.
Just dangling from a treehouse 45 metres up in the air, no biggie.
Incoming.
Back to the nest.
At home with Nature
Tree rats, they’ll steal your Tim Tams and chips.
Black and buff, exactly how I like my woodpeckers.
Dett began guiding with The Gibbon Experience when it first opened in 2007. He later moved onto the construction team and built what is now known as Treehouse #1, the largest of the six used in the 3-day Gibbon Experience program. As we hike through the forest he stops to explain plants used in jungle medicine.
Dett also points out plants with curious characteristics. This tree has sap so flammable, a nearby match instantly ignites it.
Sunset – but this is not the end of the adventure. The best is yet to come.
Awaken. And listen:
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Just the Facts
The Classic Gibbon Experience is 3-day 2-night adventure. This program gives you the best chance of gibbon sightings. Price is 2,450,000 kip / 310 USD.
For those short on time, there is also a 1-night trip available. Contact The Gibbon Experience for the latest information and prices. http://www.gibbonexperience.org
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