2017 Borneo River Wildlife Photo Trip, Day 2

Compare to my previous trip back in 2009 and 2011, this is rather a wet season. We can't help but notice that the high water level on both side of the river bank. In 2011, the water level was so low that our boat can't go to some part of the river and finding of a crocodile is so much easier that time as they can be found on the river bank under the sunlight in the morning.

After a good night sleep, we are on the boat again at 6 am.

The boatman bring us to a corner to look for pit viper. Looking at the swell of the stomach, this viper will still be around at this spot for at least few more days until the food fully digested.

As compare to previous trip, we don't get to see much egrets probably due to the high water level. So we are equally excited to see a Great egret (Ardea alba).

We saw a Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)  last evening after sun set. Now we get to see it again at a closer range with good lighting.

I almost miss this Purple-naped sunbird (Hypogramma hypogrammicum)  as it jump from one branch to another.

Among the same flock during the bird wave, saw 2 Plain sunbird  (Anthreptes simplex)

Among all the sunbirds, this Crimson sun bird (Aethopyga siparaja) is the easiest to identify for it's bright red colour.

The 1st broadbill of this trip is this very cute Black and red broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos)

Good thing about birding in Kinabatangan is that you don't have to wait too long for the next bird to appear. Saw a globally endangered Storm stork (Ciconia stormi) fly across our head. Is believed that there are only less than 500 left in the wild. The highest chance to see this bird is to come to Kinabatangan.

With the bluish-green sheen of the body, this Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis) perched at the highest point to look out for flying insects.

Just when I was busy shooting the dollarbird, this insect landed on my lens hood.

Just when the weather getting too hot, it was time we go back to the homestay for lunch. This darter (Anhinga melanogaster) appear infront of us with the body still submerge in the water.

As we slowly make our way back to the homestay, we saw one lone pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina).

Not far from the macaque, we saw a Crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela). Is been a very fruitful morning session. What is in store for us in the afternoon? With the hungry stomach, we head back to homestay for our lunch and will continue again late afternoon after lunch.

2017 Borneo River Wildlife Photo Trip, Day 1

31st May 2017 - This is my 3rd visit to Kinabatangan River at Sabah, Borneo. I first visited to this place back in 2009 & subsequently in 2011 and 2017.

There is no direct flight from Singapore to Kinabatangan. In order to get to Kinabatangan, we can either transit at Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabaru. We choose to transit at Kuala Lumpur and by the time we reach our accommodation for the next few days in Sukau, it was already close to 4.30pm. After checked-in, we immediately take out our camera and all ready to explore the beauty of Kinabatangan river. We have less than 2 hours before sun set and will be too dark to see or shoot anything.

The very first animal that welcome us is the Long-tailed Macaque.

Having early dinner before sun set?

The very first hornbill that we saw is Black hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus).

Must be our lucky day, another hornbill spotted just across the river - Wrinkled hornbill (Aceros corrugatus)

Wow! Another big hornbill - Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros)

It may be common in Singapore, having to see them here equally exciting - Oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)

Changeable Hawk Eagle preparing to call it a day.

Just when we about to return to the home stay, this Green Imperial Pigeon make an appearance.

Is almost too dark to see this Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) clearly. Hopefully we are able to see it again tomorrow with better lighting.

What a way to end our birding with this Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) perching openly with the sun set as the background.

We were still talking about Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) while on the way back and we suddenly saw some movement. Is really a Proboscis monkey! Can't wait to see what is in store for us tomorrow!

Be a Singapore Tourist Again...

I have been following and reading 蔚藍手札 by Euphtw for some times. I came to know about their blog in 2009 while I was doing research on birding area of Taiwan. Since then, we have been in contact and exchange of knowledge. When Euphtw told me that they are coming to Singapore, I volunteer myself to be their guide (birding) and be a Singapore tourist again. They are here in Singapore attending a seminar and will have few days free for birding after the seminar. 

After several recce trips , I decided to show them an off-shore island, a nature reserve and some tourist attraction area to have a mix experience of what Singapore can offer.

For most foreigner, Singapore is a modern city. To know what Singapore is like before developed into a modern city today, Pulau Ubin is the best place to experience life in Singapore where there is no high-rise building, no air-con restaurant, no shopping mall, etc.

Singapore do have forested area & nature reserves. Visit to this area will complete one's experience of Singapore. Most tourist will know Merlion, but most didn't know Singapore do have a wild side waiting to be explored!

Singapore has a tropical rain forest climate, so is normal that at this moment sunny and

heavy rain or thunder storm next.

Despite the heavy downpour, we managed to see lots of things. From small critters to

big big bird such as Oriental Pied Hornbill! Where in the world will you be able to see a wild hornbill in just a meter away! Truly unique Singapore.  :)

 As bird guide, food is also on the to do or to go list. How can one visit Singapore without trying the famous Chili crab!

 Beehoon crab or Crab noodle is for those who can't take spicy food.

 Of course Chicken rice is another must try when visit Singapore.

After the wild side of Singapore, is time to visit the iconic Marina Bay of Singapore! Do drop by  : 蔚藍手札 if you are also interested to know what we seen at those non-touristy area.