Special Interest:
Photography
Through the Lens
A Photographer's Dream
From misty mountain peaks to rich lowland forests, Sabah offers a stunning canvas for every kind of nature photographer. Explore our most popular locations, each offering a unique photographic theme.
Special Interest:
Photography
Through the Lens
A Photographer's Dream
From misty mountain peaks to rich lowland forests, Sabah offers a stunning canvas for every kind of nature photographer. Explore our most popular locations, each offering a unique photographic theme.
Photography Checklist
Essential Gear and Tips
Don’t miss a shot. This checklist covers essential gear and practical tips for photographing in the rainforest, from choosing the right lenses to waterproofing your equipment. Be prepared to get the perfect shot.
SEPILOK: Wildlife Portraits
Get an an intimate look at the rainforest’s inhabitants. Sepilok provides a chance to capture stunning, close-up portraits of orangutans, sun bears, and other incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.
KINABATANGAN:
River Landscapes
The river is a photographer’s paradise. Capture dramatic landscapes, beautiful light, and stunning reflections on the water. Every turn of the river presents a new opportunity to document the thriving ecosystem.
TABIN: Birds in Flight
This reserve teems with birdlife, from majestic hornbills to swift raptors, set against rich forest and mineral mud volcanoes, making it a perfect spot for action shots.
DANUM VALLEY: Timeless
Capture the wild beauty of Danum Valley, from sunlight on towering trees to the smallest forest creatures, and frame the magic of an ancient rainforest.
Behind the Lens
When I’m in the field, I treat every day as a learning experience. Light in the rainforest changes constantly, so I rely on aperture priority to stay in control while focusing on strong composition. I always look for golden light when possible because it naturally brings out the subject.
Understanding wildlife behaviour is just as important as camera settings. You need to stay alert, think one step ahead, and be patient. I work mainly with a 150–600mm lens and a 100mm macro, and I always remind myself to take as many shots as I can when the moment comes. Preparation matters too, especially something as simple as carrying extra batteries.
Most importantly, respect the animal. If it shows no signs of stress, observe and follow calmly. Good wildlife photography comes from awareness, patience, and time spent in the forest.
Micherwen Bin Michael
Behind the Lens
I’m still learning when it comes to wildlife photography, so I keep things simple and practical. In Danum, I rely mostly on my 200–800mm lens because it works for both mammals and birds, especially when they’re far away or high in the canopy.
I usually shoot in manual since the light in the rainforest changes fast, and I need full control. Before taking any photo, I slow myself down. I watch the animal, read its behaviour, and wait. Rushing only scares wildlife away. One of the moments that shaped me was witnessing two alpha male orangutans fighting. The forest was loud, raw, and alive, and for a second everything felt suspended in time.
Experiences like that remind me that good photographs come from patience, awareness, and respecting the forest.
Behind the Lens
My first encounter with a Clouded Leopard is something I’ll never forget. I couldn’t even speak. I was shocked, excited, and honestly don’t remember blinking. The only word that came out of my mouth was “picture” as I asked my guest to take photos.
It only lasted a few minutes, but being in the same place at the same time as such an elusive cat was an incredible feeling. Moments like that remind me why patience matters. In the forest, I encourage guests to appreciate everything, from small insects and plants to birds and larger wildlife. When you learn to enjoy the small things, nature often surprises you. For photography, I prefer shooting during the day when it’s easier to adjust ISO and aperture, using lenses like a 100–500mm or 200–800mm.
Before taking a shot, I wait for a better angle, but I also remind myself not to wait too long. Sometimes patience means being ready, because the moment may only come once.
Patrik Pius
Behind the Lens
One night walk changed the way I see the rainforest. Coming across a Sunda Pangolin so close to our facility made me realise just how vulnerable wildlife can be, especially outside protected areas. That moment pushed me to learn more about their behaviour and signs, and to share why they are so critically endangered with every guest I guide.
When photographing wildlife, I prefer working in manual mode, sometimes using auto ISO depending on the light. Soft light is always my first choice because it brings out detail without disturbing the animal. In Danum, a 100–500mm or 200–600mm lens works best since sightings can happen at any distance. Rather than waiting, I focus on anticipating movement and finding the best angle while staying calm and quiet.
My advice to beginners is to create stories with your images. When you move with respect and awareness, the forest responds in ways that stay with you long after the moment has passed.
Dean Jais
Behind the Lens
Some moments in the forest pass in seconds, but they stay with you forever. My first encounter with a tufted ground squirrel was over in about five seconds, just a blur of movement and a long, fluffy tail on a trail in Danum.
At the time, it felt ordinary, until I learned later that it was one of the rarest mammals in Borneo. That experience shaped how I see wildlife photography today. I work with fast shutter speeds to freeze unpredictable movement and prefer shooting during golden hour, though overcast skies and backlighting often create the most powerful, story-driven images.
In Danum, I usually rely on a 100–500mm lens, switching to macro when I want to slow down and focus on insects or fungi. More than settings, I focus on anticipating behaviour and keeping a respectful distance.
Bedley Asun
SEPILOK: Wildlife Portraits
Get an an intimate look at the rainforest’s inhabitants. Sepilok provides a chance to capture stunning, close-up portraits of orangutans, sun bears, and other incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.
KINABATANGAN: River Landscapes
The river is a photographer’s paradise. Capture dramatic landscapes, beautiful light, and stunning reflections on the water. Every turn of the river presents a new opportunity to document the thriving ecosystem.
TABIN: Birds in Flight
This reserve teems with birdlife, from majestic hornbills to swift raptors, set against rich forest and mineral mud volcanoes, making it a perfect spot for action shots.
DANUM VALLEY: Timeless
Capture the wild beauty of Danum Valley, from sunlight on towering trees to the smallest forest creatures, and frame the magic of an ancient rainforest.
Photography Checklist
Essential
Gear and Tips
Don’t miss a shot. This checklist covers essential gear and practical tips for photographing in the rainforest, from choosing the right lenses to waterproofing your equipment. Be prepared to get the perfect shot.
Get the Checklist (PDF)
BORNEO, Captured
Charles Ryan’s coffee table book, published by Sticky Rice Travel, brings together a stunning collection of his best photographs from Borneo. Through his lens, discover the region’s rich landscapes, diverse wildlife, and stories inspired by local folklore.
The book goes beyond beautiful imagery to offer a comprehensive celebration of Borneo’s forests and the incredible diversity of species within them. Making it perfect for nature lovers, curious young minds, or anyone who prefers to experience the jungle from the comfort of home.
Contact us to speak to our travel designer!