I have not one, but TWO unforgettable experiences using toilets outside Singapore in 2009. Of course, the ultimate one was still in India.

The first thing that I shared with my friends and family about my trip to West Kalimantan was:

“WOW! FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I DID NOT USE TOILET PAPER FOR 1 WEEK! BROKE MY RECORD TOTALLY!”

The immediate responses were the same. “You mean you didn’t do your big business for ONE WEEK????!!!”

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Let me explain.

You see, it’s not a NORM to have a “proper” toilet in a small town like Pontianak. The “proper” here means, “a bathroom fixture consisting of a bowl (squat/sit), usually with a device for flushing with water, used for defecation and urination.”

Using toilet in Singapore is such a wonderful experience. So wonderful that we often take it for granted.

Like this:

And it comes with TOILET PAPER.

Sinks with liquid soap!

In this little village that we stayed in Pontianak, it is considered a luxury to have a “proper” toilet. But we were very blessed that the orphanage built 3 toilets for us last year.

Otherwise, we will have to do it in the wild, river or drain, like every other person does.

It comes with a squat pan, a tiny and narrow one. So you have to place your feet real close together.

About 60% of this size

There is no “flushing device” but we were given a tub filled with water. Just scoop and “flush” your waste down. Easy breezy right?

The challenge is, you CANNOT THROW TOILET PAPER INTO THE PAN. We were told that it will “flood” the toilet.

Small business is OK, but we’re talking about “poo-poo” here.

Option 1: They prepared those huge black rubbish plastic bag and hung on the clothes hook behind the door (at your eye level). Throw your toilet paper with your waste inside the bag after your business.

Option 2: Use water to clean instead of toilet paper. *OH DEAR*

And you know what option I have taken. But, it was NOT EASY.

The first day when I arrived, I cringed at the options given to me. I didn’t even want to imagine the waste INSIDE the black plastic bag of 20 people. Furthermore, I had to hang my towel and clothes BESIDE that plastic bag (because that was the only place I can hang my stuff).

Then, my experience in India gave me the confidence: IF I CAN PEE IN THE WILD with the goats munching grass behind me and wind blowing, standing in the river that we were told later that it was the public toilet… I can do ANYTHING!

The “public toilet”. We didn’t know that yet…still enjoying standing in the water

And finally, after much brainwashing done to myself, I made it!

When I reached Singapore, the first thing I did was to “embrace” the toilet paper. The touch of it gave me the exhilarating feeling. *Ohh..I miss using TOILET PAPER* That one week without toilet paper….

This must be the “grossest” entry I ever had.

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