Trip Reports
Borneo Field Trip 2023
24 May 2030 - 12 June 2023
KL, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Tawau, Kinabalu National Park, Kubah, Kuching.
Fifteen students from Askham-Bryan College and their lecturer Dr. James Hicks landed in Kuala Lumpur International Airport on 29th May 2023. Tired and jet-lagged, they were quickly transferred to Tune Hotel, KLIA Terminal 2. Although tired, an aura of excitement could be felt amongst the group as they stopped to examine insects and other urban animals that us Malaysians have grown accustomed to seeing such as the Common House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) and the Flat-tailed House Gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus).
Early the next day, the group transferred over to KLIA Terminal 1 via KLIA Express and boarded a plane to Sandakan. We then transferred to Sepilok B&B. Despite arriving in the late afternoon, the birds within the grounds Sepilok B&B were still active, and the students were thrilled to observe Pink-necked Green Pigeons, Emerald Doves, Asian Glossy Starlings and other birds feeding on a fig tree close to the reception area. After dinner time, the group were split into two smaller groups for an impromptu herping session on the grounds of Sepilok B&B.
Frogs were abound on the grounds of Sepilok B&B, Steven quickly found at least eight species of frogs within the shrubby vegetation around the accommodations and the reception area. Highlights include the File-eared Tree Frog (Polypedates otilophus), Frilled Tree Frog (Kurixalus chaseni) and Glandular Frog (Pulchrana glandulosa). The group also managed to see a Striped Bronzeback (Dendrelaphis caudolineatus), Oriental Vine Snake (Ahaetulla prasina) and see a Green Crested Lizard (Bronchocela cristatella) before the skies opened up brining the nightwalk to an early end.
On 31st May 2023, the group visited the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BCBCC). At BCBCC, the group saw a Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) feeding on a freshwater crab, a Striped Tree Skink (Dasia vittatum) and a Flying Lizard (Draco cornutus). A Bornean Keeled Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus subannulatus) was reported at BCBCC, but was quickly relocated by the center's staff for safety before the group arrived.
After lunch, the group visited Rainforest Discovery Center where they saw many birds on the metal canopy walkway, including the Bornean Black Magpie (), White-crowned Hornbill (), Rhinoceros Hornbill () and many others. The students also managed to see the Black Pervost's Squrriel (Callosciurus prevostii pluto) and Cream-coloured Giant Squirrel (Ratufa affinis baramensis) whilst on the canopy walkway.
After dinner, the group went on another nightwalk within the grounds of Sepilok B&B where they saw a sleeping Hooded Pitta, more Striped Bronzebacks and a huge Smith's Forest Gecko (Gekko smithii) on the walls of a swiftlet house. As we were observing the gecko, our bright lights attracted a large katydid which landed on the wall and was quickly snatched up by the gecko. Many of us exclaimed excitedly, as we watched this unfold. Later, the group also managed to see Steven's lifer Malayan Civet (Viverra tangalunga) and a Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus).
Early on 1st June 2023, the group transferred to Kg Bilit, Kinabatangan River. We took a short boat ride across the river, and checked into Nature Lodge Kinabatangan. After settling in, and taking a short tea break, the group went on an evening river cruise where we saw Rhinocerous Hornbills (), Blue-eared Kingfishers (), a Black-naped Monarch () and many other bird. They were many primates along the river as well such as Long-tailed Macaques (), Pig-tailed Macaques () and Proboscis Monkeys (). Saltwater Crocodiles () were a common sight, and the group managed to observe foot long hatchlings as well as 3 meter long giants.
After dinner, the group embarked on a short nightwalk at the back of the accommodations where we saw a number of frogs, an Ornate Earless Lizard (Aphaniotis ornata) and Steven's lifer Calamaria hilleniusi. This juvenile was brightly coloured, featuring striking orange and brown bands.
On 2nd June 2023, the group woke up early to go on a morning cruise. The students managed to see many new birds such as a Oriental Pied Hornbill (), Bushy Crested Hornbill (), and a Black and Red Broadbill (). In the afternoon, we took a short jungle trek but quickly retreated back to our rooms, to escape the veracious mosquitoes and afternoon heat. In the evening we went on another river cruise.