Borneo: A Gorgeous Journey Of Wildlife And Rainforest
We had journeyed to Sabah the Northern most Malaysian province on the Island of Borneo in search of pristine rainforest and wildlife. Our trip concentrated on Danum Valley, said to be one of the greatest primary rain forests left in the world, and the Kinabatangan Willdife Reserve stretched out along the lower reaches of the might Kinabatangan River . The wildlife was was simply stunning – these are a few highlights.
Sunset on our first night on Borneo.
The Danum Valley Rainforest – hot, sticky and awesome…. (also full of leeches hence the rather stylish green leech socks!)
Away from the only roadway into Danum Valley the jungle went on for square mile after square mile of seemingly endless primary rain forest with huge emergent tree species breaking through the canopy.
Forest floor dwelling lizard.
Once down on to the Kinabatangan River the wildlife was a bit easier to spot (and fewer leeches)
Long Tailed Macaque – a very calm placid species
This female Long Tailed Macaque posed beautifully.
Buffy Fish Owl.
A very rare (and very brief) sighting of a pair of Asian Short Clawed Otters.
Finally, after a week of searching two of the best wildlife reserves in South East Asia at dusk on our last day on the river a glimpse of a truly wild orang-utan. She was just building her nest for the night and held within it a small baby. A very, very special moment in our trip.
Once away from the wildlife reserves we entered more ‘civilised’ areas. Whilst there we’re more people around it did give us the opportunity to see orang-utan close up in two rehabilitation areas. These orang-utan had been rescued from palm oil plantations and were slowly being taught to live independent lives. Here’s a couple of the best shots.
So many wildlife treats along the way it was unimaginable, for instance the Asian Elephants.
About Tom Warburton
Long, long ago (back in analogue days) he travelled the world extensively including a two year around the world trip. He is now rediscovering the world with a digital camera. He originally trained as an ecologist and is particularly interested in environmental and wildlife issues.
Amazing photos and the journey… Regards from bandung, indonesia.
What stunning sunsets! Beautiful photographs.
I went there in 2003 and climbed Mount Kinabalu. A life changing visit, beautiful country and fantastic people. I visited Sepilok Nature Reserve and saw the orang utans being introduced back into the wild. Fantastic experience. I’d love to go back.
Beautiful photography, brings back to life my own memories.
Anyone that suggests the Proboscis monkey looks like me will be in for it……
Wow absolutely amazing photographs, certainly sold the Borneo to me.