ORANGUTAN SPOTTING IN THE WILD
Conservation Tourism Destination in Lahad Datu
Bukit Piton Forest Reserve is a story of once a ruin forest. However, the desire of good Samaritans to conserve this forest that was previously known as North Ulu Segama Malua (USM) headed towards reforestation. A transformation that invited the endangered orangutan and wildlife back to homeground.
Overnight in Bukit Piton Itinerary (D/B)
Duration: Overnight
Day 1
2:00pm Pick up from Bike and Tours Bed & Breakfast. Depart for an hour drive to Bukit Piton – first-class forest reserve.
Arrival at Bukit Piton and get a brief information from your guide on the history and conservation efforts at Bukit Piton. This is followed by tree planting activity before embarking on the wildlife observation.
At Bukit Piton Forest Reserve, the search for Orang Utan and other wildlife will take place at the back of a pick-up truck.
It is important to know that Bukit Piton Forest Reserve was a badly damaged forest that had to give in to activities such as logging and agriculture. As a result, the once healthy population of orangutan sufferred due to habitat loss.
However, when tree planting activities took place, it filled up the empty patches of land. A slow reforestration process that is still taking place up to today. As a result, wild orangutans together with other wildlife found their home once again at Bukit Piton. You may learn more about the forest eco system at Bukit Piton
During the late afternoon safari, one could expect to observe Borneo Wildlife such as the ash brown colored orangutan, the endangered storm’s stork, the pygmy elephants, otters, red leaf monkeys and different species of Borneo birds.
However, please note that you are in the wild and at times luck, timing, weather would factor in the chances for you to spot a wildlife. It is best to set relistic expectations and enjoy observing how a secondary forest is being nurtured towards achieving a primary forest standard and at achieving a richer forest ecosytem.
Stop for dinner break and continue with the night drive in seach of the nocturnal such as the endangered slow loris, moon rat, kingfishers, reptiles, owls, wild cats and many more.
Return to the simple forest camp and retire for the night.
Day 2
Wake up to the sound of the jungle followed by light breakfast.
Morning safari in search of the wildlife.
Transfer to Lahad Datu.
Note: This tour includes tree planting activity. This would be done either in the beginning or the tour or towards the end of the tour depending on the weather and timing to spot the wildlife during different season.
Please read our Terms and Conditions
Please note: Itineraries may be subject to change due to weather, sea conditions, road conditions or any other conditions of an operational nature. As such we reserve the right to alter, and/or cancel any section and/or parts of the itinerary which may result from conditions beyond our control. Every effort will be made to keep to the timetable and the itinerary, but no guarantee will be made that these will be kept.
Disclaimer
The tourist tax is not included in the price and must be paid locally. (RM10.- per room and night). Further, travel insurance, all services not mentioned in the itinerary, tips, soft and alcoholic drinks are not included in the price.
* All prices are subject to change without prior written notice due to changes of Government policies, currency fluctuations and unforeseen circumstances.
BIKE AND TOURS shall not be responsible for and shall not incur any liability for transport delays, changes, delay or cancellation resulting from Acts of God, pandemic outbreak, lockdown, border closure, weather, traffic, airport conditions, strikes or other causes, additional expenses or loss of vacation incurred. The company reserves the right to alter or cancel routes, amend any of the arrangements contained in the itineraries when deemed necessary for the best interest of clients.
End of Service
Bukit Piton Forest Reserve comprises of 11,612 (Ha) and was first gazetted in 1961. The area was then regazetted in 2012 and was once destroyed by fire and poor logging practices. Bukit Piton Forest Reserve comprises of 11,612 (Ha) and was first gazetted in 1961. The area was then regazetted in 2012 and was once destroyed by fire and poor logging practices. Through collaborative and continuous replanting and maintenance action by WWF – Malaysia, Yayasan Sime Darby, Sabah Forestry Department, Brothers Cycling and team of passionate naturalists, this once degraded forest is being restored and nurtured with love. The years of hard work has seen orangutan and other wildlife benefiting from the replanted trees – making it their new found haven.
A study by the Ulu Segama Malua (USM) team in 2018, indicated that the endangered species sighted in the Bukit Piton area were the Bornean pygmy elephant, Bornean Orangutan, Pig tailed macaque, Sambar deer and bearded pig. This goes to show that the rehabilitation of the forest is important for the protection of of the few remaining lowland mixed dipterocarp forest in Sabah and habitats to some of important terrestrial wildlife.
Support from visitors to contribute to tree planting and maintenance activities are highly encouraged and is included in the overnight tour.
In addition to that, visits to Bukit Piton is a community work by giving opportunities to the local villagers to be involved at introducing travelers to the jungle of Bukit Piton. The tour to Bukit Piton is usually held in small groups – usually in a group of 2 pax. Activities in terms of looking for the wildlife is on the back of a pick up car and jungle walks.
The accommodation here are the forestry camps - simple and basic but clean.
