Stranger in the Forest: On Foot Across Borneo
Ratings2
Average rating4
15
Ratings2
Average rating4
This is a fascinating book about an American who learns standard Indonesian and barters his way from Sarawak to Sabah through the rainforest. He trades shotgun shells and tobacco for tribal guides. He falls frequently, gets bitten by leeches and ends up having to rest his battered feet after 3-4 months in the Jungle. This has been a primer for me. I will visit Sabah for a month in few days. This is a great adventure by a crazy guy who really immerses himself in the culture.
Reviews with the most likes.
Great story telling skill by the author, telling of fascinating cultures so unlike my own which, sadly, probably doesn't exist anymore.
You don't find many current travel writers heading off to the tropical rain forest of Borneo. I'm still not really sure why Hansen headed there. He seemed to like this place, despite deadly snakes, really inadequate toilet facilities, awful food (he mentions eating rotten fish many times), and scary tribal people. Maybe you gotta be there.
