I am considering going to Borneo to dive at Mabul for a few days but want to stay in the area for at least 2 weeks to see the wildlife etc.
Any recomendations would be appreciated. We would like to photograph orangutans for sure and see the sites.
Thanks
Rick T
I've never been to Mabul, but did spend 7 weeks in Sabah for research about 6 years ago. If you're traveling around in the province, Mnt Kinabalu is sort of a must. It's a beautiful area with lots of interesting flora and fauna. Although the trail up is easy to find, I think you'll still be required to take a guide. There are a couple of places to stay, and I'd certainly recommend staying on the mountain for several days.
Kinabatangan river is also a great area, in particular for proboscis monkey, elephant, and gibbon. I stayed in a small village, Sukau, near the end of the road to the east. At the time there was no public transportation, but there still may be someone willing to pick you up from the main road. You can hire a local guide with a boat to get around.
Sepilok has a orangutan rehabilitation centre. That will be the easiest place to photograph them, though in a somewhat unnatural setting (forest, but with boardwalks and feeding areas).
I did research in Danum valley, an area deep into secondary and primary forest. Wild orangutans came to feast on rambutan fruit. Certainly recommended, though quite expensive to stay in one of the cabins.
Though I've never been to the Maliay basin, this area appears to be absolutely gorgious. It was just being explored when I was in Sabah, but I'm sure there are some facilities now you can use as a base.
Richard, I have been to Mabul twice now and absolutley love the diving there. I highly recommend visiting Sipadan for some world class diving/photography while you're there, as well as diving at Kapali for some fantastic macro work. Both are regularly scheduled boat trips if your staying at Sipadan Water Village. I was last there for an underwater photo contest in Oct of 2006 and had 2 honorable mentions in the macro and wide angle categories. While you are there, make a point of going to the Sieplock Orangutang rescue facility, but allow at least a full day, if not longer. All of Malayasia is wonderful, but Mabul is my favorite as I am an extreme scuba diver with a passion for photography. Visit my website at www.Deepbluephoto.com for a small sample of the underwater shots from Mabul and my last visit. Be prepared for some serious airport time, but well worth it. Enjoy and be safe-Jeff
Posted by Vandit Kalia on January 7, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Hi Rick -
My wife and I spent a few weeks diving Layang Layang and Sipadan, and also did some sightseeing in between. Trip report and photos here:
http://www.photosafariindia.com/articles/Borneo/borneo_may07_1.html
Best place to photograph OUs is as Jeffrey said - Sepilok Orang Utan rehab center. Also spend a few days at a river lodge in the Kinabatangan river (very nice birding there) and head down to the lowland forests as well (Danum Valley).
Photography is a bit grim if you are there just for a few days - lots of contrast, partially visible subjects and large subject-to-camera distances. Because I was carrying my full underwater housing rig, I only had space to pack a 100-400 and it was woefully short for most wild animals. So you may want to set your expectations to "see/experience" the wildlife, rather than photograph it. Be sure to take some binos with you, though, as sightings are great.
I liked Sipadan a lot, but it is not *too* different from the diving I do at home. Mabul, on the other hand, was mindblowing. Critters up the wazoo.. both my wife and I are macro freaks and we had a blast.
I was expecting pristine forests but a large part of Sabah is palm plantations. That was about the only disappointing thing about it. Otherwise, it is a great place to visit. I may go back again later this year (it is a short hop from me, and pretty much an "impulse" weekend getaway... hehe).
Discussion
4 repliesAny recomendations would be appreciated. We would like to photograph orangutans for sure and see the sites.
Thanks
Rick T
I've never been to Mabul, but did spend 7 weeks in Sabah for research about 6 years ago. If you're traveling around in the province, Mnt Kinabalu is sort of a must. It's a beautiful area with lots of interesting flora and fauna. Although the trail up is easy to find, I think you'll still be required to take a guide. There are a couple of places to stay, and I'd certainly recommend staying on the mountain for several days.
Kinabatangan river is also a great area, in particular for proboscis monkey, elephant, and gibbon. I stayed in a small village, Sukau, near the end of the road to the east. At the time there was no public transportation, but there still may be someone willing to pick you up from the main road. You can hire a local guide with a boat to get around.
Sepilok has a orangutan rehabilitation centre. That will be the easiest place to photograph them, though in a somewhat unnatural setting (forest, but with boardwalks and feeding areas).
I did research in Danum valley, an area deep into secondary and primary forest. Wild orangutans came to feast on rambutan fruit. Certainly recommended, though quite expensive to stay in one of the cabins.
Though I've never been to the Maliay basin, this area appears to be absolutely gorgious. It was just being explored when I was in Sabah, but I'm sure there are some facilities now you can use as a base.
Enjoy your trip!
Henri
My wife and I spent a few weeks diving Layang Layang and Sipadan, and also did some sightseeing in between. Trip report and photos here:
http://www.photosafariindia.com/articles/Borneo/borneo_may07_1.html
Best place to photograph OUs is as Jeffrey said - Sepilok Orang Utan rehab center. Also spend a few days at a river lodge in the Kinabatangan river (very nice birding there) and head down to the lowland forests as well (Danum Valley).
Photography is a bit grim if you are there just for a few days - lots of contrast, partially visible subjects and large subject-to-camera distances. Because I was carrying my full underwater housing rig, I only had space to pack a 100-400 and it was woefully short for most wild animals. So you may want to set your expectations to "see/experience" the wildlife, rather than photograph it. Be sure to take some binos with you, though, as sightings are great.
I liked Sipadan a lot, but it is not *too* different from the diving I do at home. Mabul, on the other hand, was mindblowing. Critters up the wazoo.. both my wife and I are macro freaks and we had a blast.
I was expecting pristine forests but a large part of Sabah is palm plantations. That was about the only disappointing thing about it. Otherwise, it is a great place to visit. I may go back again later this year (it is a short hop from me, and pretty much an "impulse" weekend getaway... hehe).
Vandit
Rick