DISCOVER KAYU, A WARM, ENIGMATIC AROMA WITH WISPS OF WOOD SMOKE, CARDAMOM SPICE AND FOREST FLORA INSPIRED BY A TRIP TO THE BORNEO RAINFOREST.

“I head to Borneo’s Danum Valley on a quest to see orangutan in one of their last remaining wild habitats. Kitted out in full explorer gear I enter the dampness of the forest. It’s hot, humid and veiled in swirling mists; the ground spongy from the moisture. Trees tower above, giving an incredible sense of scale. These ancient beings have a magnetic energy and draw you to them – I reach out to touch them as I pass.

Moss surrounds me, hanging in huge drif ts from the branches above. I feel like I am in Middle Earth. The breeze brings aromas of vanilla from the forest jasmine. I get an occasional hint of smoke and hope the source is friendly and not destructive.

As dusk approaches, the forest erupts into a symphony of chirps, song, calls and croaks. We decide to head back to camp when a loud crack from above stops me in my tracks. I freeze, look up and catch a flash of orange: an orangutan getting ready for bed. With neck craned up towards the forest canopy, I watch it expertly snap and bend branches into place, making a safe place to sleep for tonight. It’s an incredible privilege to observe. I can’t believe my luck.

Back at camp, I climb into bed. I watch the gecko on the wall. I feel honoured to have been here today to see this beautiful creature – so a-tuned to its surroundings, living its life in the wild. How long will this be possible I think to myself? Take care oh orange one.”