Welcome to my latest adventure in the wildest place I’ve ever experienced: the eastern part of Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia! If you think you’re close to nature, let me tell you, this place will redefine your understanding of “wild.” Imagine a thick primary forest, teeming with incredible wildlife, where the trees are so massive that you might just feel like a tiny ant on a giant’s playground. 🐜🌳
Now, I must warn you: if you venture into this wilderness, don’t go alone! You’ll want a ranger by your side to guide you through the maze of nature. Without one, you might find yourself in a “Lost in the Jungle” reality show—without the camera crew! This forest is wild, and I mean wild! It’s a fascinating place where the sounds of nature are your soundtrack and the sights are nothing short of breathtaking.
As you might know, I do all my photography with an iPhone. I recently upgraded to a new one, and let me tell you, it’s perfect for this kind of adventure. Phones are light, durable, and easy to carry, making them ideal for capturing spontaneous moments. Plus, they come with a variety of options to adapt to different styles of photography.
Now, let’s talk about the challenges of photographing in the thick forest. The heat and humidity can be intense, and the dense foliage makes it tricky to get that perfect shot. You have to tread lightly, be present, and observe your surroundings closely. You never know when a colorful bird or a cheeky primate might make an appearance! 🦜🙈
Being attentive is crucial—not just to where you step (watch out for those sneaky leeches!) but also to your surroundings. Sometimes, you have mere seconds to capture a moment, so you’ve got to be ready! It’s a delicate balance of being present and yet somewhat invisible, ensuring you don’t disturb the wildlife around you.
When it comes to the types of photos you can take, the options are endless! You can capture the majestic forest, the intricate details of plants, and the vibrant colors of flowers and insects. Macro photography is especially rewarding here, showcasing the stunning variety of life that often goes unnoticed. Just remember, some creatures, like leeches, might give you a little scare at first—but you’ll get used to them! 😉
Now, let’s not forget about the larger wildlife. This is where the limitations of a phone camera can be a bit frustrating. While the zoom feature is decent, it might not be strong enough to capture distant animals. But sometimes, luck is on your side, and amazing species will show up right in front of you. Just be ready to snap that shot; you never know when the next opportunity will come!
In the end, the secret to capturing the essence of Sabah’s wilderness is to take your time. Stay focused, listen to your ranger, and appreciate the magic of the moment. A huge thank you to my amazing EXO travel team in Malaysia who helped arrange these trips and joined me for an unforgettable sunrise walk facing the majestic Mt. Kinabalu. 🌄🙏
A heartfelt thank you to Sepilok Forest Edge, Kinabatangan Wetland Resort, Sukarno Rainforest Lodge, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and all the wonderful guides who welcomed and accompanied me on these magical trips. I would gladly accept another invitation anytime! 😊
So, if you’re looking for a photography adventure that will connect you with nature like never before, I invite you to join me on this journey of mindful exploration. Let’s slow down, embrace the wild, and capture the beauty of the world together! 🌍✨
Note: I apologize for the quality of some of the pictures. I lost some original files, and some of the filters I used have reduced the image quality.
Zen Lens Adventure 