Espresso With the Headhunters : A Journey Through the Jungles of Borneo

by John Wassner

The indigenous people of Borneo use blowpipes and poisoned arrows. They wear "pan-handle" haircuts, live in communal dwellings and some tribes have mastered the art of making themselves "invisible" in the jungle. But above all, they have a reputation as fearsome headhunters. Having cast aside his Armani jeans and bought up all the jungle equipment he could find, the author sets off to experience and explore the wilds of Borneo, one of the last relatively unknown places on earth. His only whether he would be able to find a decent cup of espresso in the jungle. But life in the wilderness turns out to be quite agreeable - with wonderful (if unusual) food, all-night longhouse parties, drunken natives and breathtaking surroundings. In a journey that took 12 months of planning and preparation, the author takes on the mighty Rajang river, travelling up its many tributaries into the heart of Borneo - visiting remote longhouses, isolated frontier towns, government outposts, logging camps and nomadic tribes deep in the jungle.

Genres: Travel, Nature, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

Reviews

[Brimate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book while I was in Borneo. This book is autobiographical and follows an Australian middle aged dude who has always been curious about Borneo (part of the Borneo mystique I guess). He goes through the jungle of Borneo (pretty much staying within the state Sarawak) led by local guides.

Some of the author's personal comments are stupid. I mean it's good that he's honest about his reactions to the people and land he encounters, but he makes one creepy sexist comment about young girls that is unsettling.

Despite this, I was able to learn much about some of the tribes of Borneo, including lesser-known "mysterious" ones. I also learned about how government/civilization has fucked over some of the tribes by forcing them to live in permanent settlements. I learned about the diversity of tribes and what cultural elements are similar.

I learned about the local foods and ways of life.

It was neat to learn about Borneo simultaneously from direct experience and from another's experience (and the research he did).

By the way, if you don't live in Borneo, next time you're there, look for a dish: fern tips. I learned about it in the book, and happened upon it while there. It's amazing!

[Julian Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaving the modern world behind, the author embarks on a journey of discovery - a world away from his advertising life back in Australia.

His travels are populated with intriguing characters, tribal customs and simulated headhunting expeditions – all keenly observed and richly described.

This is a very satisfying, entertaining, yet thoughtful read and a window into a fast-disappearing world as 'civilisation' intrudes.

[Kate]

Not the most inspiring read. The author tried to portray himself as a bit of an adventurer but only managed to convince me he was a bit spoiled. I usually like all travel books but this one didn't hit the spot.

[Lora Offord · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome!!