Date: 20 August
Guests: Samuel and Marie from France
Main target: Malayan Tapir
Leader : Andrew Sebastian
Local Orang Asli Guide: Ja and Muring
A week before the trip, a herd of elephants had damaged our planned hide, so we had to find another place to watch for tapirs.
With their number one target still firmly in mind, we chose one of two alternative sites and settled in for a patient watch. A tapir sighting is never guaranteed, so the first task was simple: get comfortable, keep quiet and pay attention to the forest.
The hide was peaceful, but the morning was far from uneventful. As we enjoyed our coffee, a pair Helmeted Hornbills flew straight towards us. It was one of those moments that makes everyone stop mid-sip. Before we had even seen our main target, the forest had already given us a remarkable encounter.
Then, after around two hours of waiting, there it was: a Malayan Tapir. Samuel and Marie had come all the way from France hoping to see one, and their patience had paid off. Main target accomplished!
We could have called that a successful outing and headed back. Instead, we chose to walk the 3 km trail to the village—and the forest kept delivering. Along the way, we encountered Crested Firebacks, a Garnet Pitta, a pair of Rhinoceros Hornbills and a Chestnut-naped Forktail. We also added three squirrels to the mammal list. What began as a trip focused on one elusive animal became a day packed with wildlife.
Congratulations to Samuel and Marie for bringing patience, enthusiasm and a sense of adventure to every part of the trip. A big thank-you, too, to our trusted local guides and chef, Ja and Muring, whose stories and company made the quiet hours in the hide just as memorable as the sightings.
The elephants may have changed our plans, but they certainly did not spoil the day. What a way to see a tapir
