May 23, 2026
MALAYSIA, on
BORNEO ISLAND made
palm seed oil
their biggest export back in 1966 and was the top global exporter until 2008, when
Indonesia
surpassed them. Sadly, the resulting tropical deforestation has created major habitat losses and population declines for the
Borneon Orangutans, Pygmy Elephants and
Proboscis Monkeys. Many of us on the ship took tours to see these amazing creatures and I wanted to share some of their amazing photos too.
Above photos were captured by fellow residents Sarah Blazek and Lisa Dale of one week old baby and mom Orangutans, along with an alpha male at Semenggoh Wildlife Center. Generally the Orangutans roam free there and are self sufficient within the 653 hectare reserve, but some do come to the center to be fed twice daily when food sources scarce.
I did a boat ride with several other residents, hoping for a cooler ( it was low 90's) and shorter adventure, to see the Proboscis Monkeys who feed on mangrove leaves along the Santubong River. These monkeys are only native to Borneo and are known for their pot bellies and bulbous noses. Interestingly, the Proboscis monkeys stay in packs with one alpha male who mates with all the females. The alpha male will then switch packs with another alpha in a differnt pack! They don't know how often this occurs but our guide said he has seen the alpha males swimming between the packs, to make the trade! I want to know if they high five each other?
We only saw some movement from the allusive Irrawaddy dolphins and the eyes of some baby crocodiles, but lots of fire flies once the sun set. The excursion provider's wife, also made us each a delicious boxed dinner, to enjoy while on the water. These photos are courtesy of Kimberly Cleary, Mary Ann Demsar, the internet ( close up ones for clarity) and me. Last row of photos are of the fishing village, deep in the wetlands, complete with their cell tower and mosque!
