A Borneo Photography Tour – By Emma Healey

Borneo is the world’s third largest island and conjures up images of a wild forest paradise where Orangutans, gibbons and colourful birds roam the Bornean jungle.

2018’s photo tour didn’t disappoint and our guests came off with an array of images that captured the epitome that is Borneo. One of our guests, Emma Healey, was kind enough to share her beautiful portfolio with us and we’re sure one look at her images will make one want to add this mythical place to their photographic bucket list!

A Borneo photo safari has been high on my list for a long time. Finally, the draw of the orangutans got too much and I booked my trip. I’ve seen them once before in Indonesia before I got into photography properly and they have a way of getting under your skin. The stories of the rainforest destruction for palm oil sped up my need to go and see them in the wild. Just in case! Even saying that breaks my heart – that one day, maybe in the not too distant future, people may only be able to see them in captivity, and all because of human greed and over population. Spending time in the peaceful rainforests just confirmed how much we need to respect these “people of the forest”.

I was also desperate to see these funny monkeys with the big noses. Are they really real? They are! Proboscis monkeys have the best expressions and are amazing to watch – playful, cheeky and territorial.

The Borneo photography tour had a great mix of driving, hiking and boat trips but the high points were definitely seeing the orangutans in the forests. Also, the surprising sightings that I hadn’t expected, like the incredible colugo! The low points … definitely all the leeches that come with the privilege of being in their habitat! Now I know why they spend so much time up high!

Dale was a really thoughtful and accommodating tour guide, who added humour and cheekiness to an interesting mix of people. Our local guide was an absolute gem and they both gave all they had to make sure we had the best time. I even faced my fears and got up close and personal with a VERY big spider.

I learnt some new things and met some great people. It was a great photo safari and if I could afford it I’d be in the process of booking many more!

– Emma Healey Photography
Instagram: @emmahealeyphotography