Nature experiences with a community naturalist of Kinabalu

Interested to see some wildlife around Kinabalu but not sure where to go? You must join one of these nature experiences with a community naturalist of Kinabalu. Let me and some of my friends show you the best of flora and fauna around Kinabalu. Not forgetting the best spots for Instagram-worthy views, too.

Morning view at my farm and the beginning of my trail. Photo: Khoo M.S.

Day-trip

If you only have a day to explore, we can visit either my Gumbayong Trail, Kiau Taburi Trail, or trails in Kinabalu Park, depends on your interest. Or you may just let me surprise you with the best option depends on weather and animal behavior.

A typical day-trip (8am-4pm) starts from RM120/pax, inclusive of traditional lunch and professional interpretation from a local naturalist. We prefer to keep the group below 10 pax to minimize impact on the trails.

Forest-bath in lush greenery at the trails of Kiau and Kinabalu. Photos: Khoo M.S.

The rough plan will be: meet up at Kiau junction or Kinabalu Park, hiking along the selected trail while looking for wildlife, lunch by a stream or waterfall, continue hiking back to the starting point.

You should bring the followings: drinking water (or refill bottle with filter/sterilizer), insect repellent, rain gear, walking stick, trekking shoes (or the local favorite, adidas kampung).

You may also choose to extend your day with our night exploration:

Night-exploration

Not enough of the wildlife you have seen during the day, or you are just a macro-addict dying to see more bizarre creatures of the night? Join me on a 3-hour walk along one of my trails, and discover many insects, frogs, and snakes unique to the lower montane forest of Kinabalu. If we are lucky we might encounter sleeping birds and small mammals, too.

A typical night-trip (7pm-10pm) starts from RM80/pax, inclusive of the use of light and professional interpretation from a local naturalist. We may also arrange for local dinner with host family, before the hike. We prefer to keep the group below 5 pax for safety reasons.

night photography — Nature photographer from Japan enjoying macrolife at my Gumbayong Trail.

night life at Gumbayong Trail — Some nocturnal life found along the trails of Kiau and Kinabalu.

Multiple-day nature adventure

If you have more than a day and want to spend more time on discovering new flora and fauna, let me design a multi-day adventure for you. We have options to visit not only my trails in Kiau Taburi or Kinabalu Park, but also community reserves around the area, e.g. Kiau Nuluh, Bundu Tuhan, Maragang Hill. Also, with more days and budget we may even add in a 4WD safari into the Deramakot Forest Reserve.

birds at Gumbayong Trail — Some special birds found along trails around the montane forests here: all endemic to Mount Kinabalu: (from left to right) Whitehead’s broadbill, Whitehead’s trogon, golden-naped barbet.

Specialty birding expedition

For the seasoned birders, I can customize a special itinerary to cater to your needs. And I will do my best to show you your target species, using all my experience from years of working with birds. Just write in to discuss. Meanwhile, for the uninitiated, let me be your guide into the wonderful world of birding, just like my boy here:

nature experiences with a community naturalist — My baby boy grows up in the greenery of Kiau Taburi, with different toy (binoculars).. if he can bird, so can you! Photo: Khoo M.S.