Wildlife photography in Sabah

I'm spending a couple of weeks in Sabah (Eastern Malaysia - Borneo)

at the end of September. My primary interest is photographing

wildlife of all types (from elephants to beetles and everything in

between), but with a special interest in Reptiles. I'm going to be

based near Kota Kinabalu (the Shangri-la Rasa Ria) but have a couple

of days in the Danum Valley and a couple of days in Sandakan already

arranged.

Has anybody any hints/tips for for wildlife photography in this area

or suggestions for any other locations that could be visited as

a 'day trip' to pander to my special interest?

The Kinabatangan River, which is near Sepilok and Sandakan is amazing. Very good chance of seeing Bornean Elephants, Orangutans and Probosis Monkeys there as well as a whole host of Birdlife. I can recommend a guide and guesthouse. Robert Chong who also runs the Labuk BnB along with his wife Annie. It's near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation center. Roberts an excellent guide and has worked with photographers as well as a documentary film crew in the past so he could really help you out and is a mine of information and enthusiasm...

Also, my own personal opinion, but Sandakan itself has little to offer sure you'd be better off exploring the above and the Orangutang center (there are good hiking trails around there too).<div></div>

Thanks Jim,

 

When in the Sandakan area I've got arranged a trip down the Kinabatangan River. I've also got a night on Seligan Island (Turtle Island), a visit to the Gormantong caves, and a visit to the Sepilok Orang Utan sanctuary before the flight back to Kota Kinabalu.

 

Have you any idea whether a trip to Poring would be worthwhile, as I've heard it's a bit of a hotspot for reptiles (I'm not too bothered about a dip in the hot springs)?

 

Dave

I am new to this forum but if you are going to Sabah you need to get the coffee table book of Murray Kaufman called Reef and Rainforest. Murray is a very good friend of mine and I am sure he will point you in the right direction. He does have a website, so check it out. Amazing photographs. Many, many awards about the book. He made over 10 trips to Borneo for the book. Mostly in the Danum Valley.

I spent a couple of days recovering from climbing Kinabalu at Poring hotsprings...its in a lovely setting but as far as getting pictures of reptiles is corncerned, i really couldn't tell you, sorry. Sure you'll be able to get some info somewhere else on the net though. Ahve a great trip, its a beutiful place.

Hi dave,

 

Just back of the plane after spending 4 weeks in Malaysia with 10 days in Sabah. I am not a very experience photogrpher so I found the wildlife very challanging. But will be posting a few.

 

I saw some real big wild lizzards on sapi island - a day trip from you hotel buts not primilary a place to go see them...its a beach resort. they 2m +.

 

Suka rainforest lodge on the river is the best place to go to...via www.borneoecotours.com lots of Probicus monkeys/ Macques/ birds and some elephant dung :)

 

Sepilok is must but do not just go on the tourist trail during feeding time try and arrange some time for a walk through the trails you will see a lot of primates.

 

Have a good time,

 

Denis<div></div>

Denis

No my best photo but here a Lizzard<div></div>

Hi,<P>

 

I am Louis, a photographer from Sabah. Danum Valley is fantastic for canopy shots. There are a few high points (accessible only with 4WD) from which you can photograph the valley with clouds hovering over. You would feel like the sky is under your feet. This of course depends very much on the weather.<P>

 

I would highly recommend Sukau too. The primary mode of transportation here is boat. Located in the the Kinabatangan River, Sukau has the highest wildlife concentration in Malaysia (but it's dwendling fast). Most tour operators there can organize 2-3 boat cruises per day: morning, evening and night cruises. Animals are most active along the river during the morning and late afternoon. You can see egrets, owls, crocodiles (if you r lucky enough), the endangered Oriental Darter, Proboscis monkeys...You can see some of <a href="http://www.pbase.com/louispang/sukau">my shots</a> from Sukau this year.<P>

 

<img src="http://www.pbase.com/louispang/image/44735142.jpg"><P>

 

WOuld recommend 300mm mininum & 1.4 ext. Tripod is crucial to get tack sharp photos. Yes, I've shot from a boat using tripods. There is no way on earth I can steady a 300mm, pointing upwards to a monkey on a tree for 5 minutes!<P>

 

<img src="http://www.pbase.com/louispang/image/44735144.jpg"><P>

 

<a href="http://www.sabahtravelguide.com/photosafari/">Cede Prudente</a>, a renown wildlife photographer in Sabah, also operates a lodge in Sukau. You can contact him to find out about accommodation and whether he can be your guide for the trip.

Boneo Eco tours are great and the have a consideration of the environment with everything they do.

 

Louis,

 

Nice shots.

 

I never had a long lens or a tripod but they are essential.

 

The animals come into very at dusk...low light!

 

a Tripod and a 500mm would be great.

 

Here is a shot but its not so stable.<div></div>

Thanks everybody for all your help!

 

I did get plenty of satisfactory shots, but all hand held! Problems were encountered, e.g. trekking through the Danum Valley in 100% humidity with a 400mm image stabilised lens attached to the camera!

 

Best for lizards and frogs proved to be the Danum Valley. Best for snakes was definitely the Menanggol river at dusk, but wildlife of one kind or another was virtually everywhere!

 

Some samples....