Borneo, the third
largest island in the world, is located between the Java and South China Seas. Our exploration of Sabah focused in the
Kingabatangan River and Danum Valley regions.
At over 130 million years old, Danum is the world’s most ancient primary
rainforest and home to the highest concentration of orangutans. Its remote location permits one to experience
this critical habitat in a relatively pristine state (unlike much of Borneo
which has been deforested for palm oil plantations).
Jungle environment can
be difficult for both human and camera.
Special leech socks are necessary to reduce blood donation on the hikes
through the dense jungle underbrush. Despite
some uncomfortable conditions, our wildlife sightings were truly
spectacular ! Seven species of Bornean
primates were observed including the other-worldly, nocturnal Western Tarsier
and Slow Loris. Magnificent
Hornbills, elusive Pittas, vibrant Leafbirds and Bristlehead were the highlights of our multiple tropical bird
encounters. One glorious evening in
Kingabatangan was spent watching a boisterous herd of endemic pygmy elephants
playing in the river for several hours. We
also visited the cathedral-like Gomatong Caves, home to hundreds of thousands bats and
swifts. Its ceiling towers more than 300
foot over the guano-blanketed ground, while its walls are covered with delicate
swift nests harvested seasonally for the infamous bird nest soup.
