Travel: Pulong Tau National Park (Day 2)

My first site assessment begins today. I need to find a suitable place inside the park or adjacent to the park boundary. It is a bit challenging for me because I need to make sure this site is close (~5m) to any water sources, and flat area.  

The first site that I went is a rocky stream near one of the villager’s farm. It is a nice place because of the accessibility and it has open and falt area. However, it is near the farm and the rocky stream has one side intact forest and the other side is this villager’s farm. So, it is a disturbed areas. One of the main concerns is the safety of the weather station which I will establish. While we were there, i got a chance to look around the farm. Uncle Lian grow a lot of fruit trees and vegetables. 

Capturing memories under the fruiting ‘jambu air’. 

On the way back, we saw a snake on the branch. I thought it was a vine but, as I walk closer and saw the head, only then I recognised it was a snake. 

Green Vine Snake (Ahaetulla prasina)

Around 3pm, I went to conduct a site assessment at a different location. This time, I went with three young and energetic Wildlife Guardian Ranger (WGR). Oh my! They walked so fast and I keep on reminding them that they need to wait for me. I walked very slow due to my lack of fitness.

With Luis, Lian, and Gideon.

These is a few of our observations along the trail and when we did an hour and half of frogging. 

White-lipped Stream Frog (Hylarana megalonesa) ?????
I am not 100% confident with my identification.

Nishikawa’s Large-eyed Litter Frog
(Leptobrachium kantonishikawai)

Moses

It was a good experienced today although I think my left feet doing its thing again. I do hope it will not get worse tomorrow. I also get bitten by three leeches. 

Will continue my site assessment again tomorrow. Till then!

Another Hiking Trip to the Lost World of Sabah

Photo credit to Google Images (forgot the website, sorry for using this pic without prior permission)

In September last year, my friends and I make into realization my dream to conquer Maliau Basin Conservation Area forest trail. However, we were a bit disappointed because we didn't managed to complete the loop trail because the accommodation at Camel Trophy Camp is fully occupied. Even so, i notice that if we carry on with the original itinerary, we will suffer. Why? Because the mission unlikely to become realization. We were not fit enough and, even though some of us fit but as for myself, i am not fit to complete that 42km loop trail.

Early this year, we were talking about making a second attempt to complete the forest trail loop but this time we will only have about four of the original members. Thus, we have to find another new members to join us. By March, another member pulled out so we finally have only three original members and five new members. This time, looks like we were having a very competitive members because some of them are Mt Kinabalu mountain guide. Hmm... i have to train and get fit before our trip in September this year.

I am looking forward for this hiking trip. Can't wait to swim in the waterfalls and playing with the leeches... Ha Ha Ha...

My 2016 Birthday - Jungle Style

I was on my High Conservation Value assessment's field trip to Ulu Baram from 15th until 23rd June 2016. It happens to be my birthday was exactly the time i am still walking in the forest observing birds, mammals, frogs and enjoying the cooling nice morning mists. We didn't celebrate because none of my friends aware of my birthday but it doesn't really matters for me because what i really need is a prayers. Woke up in the morning, i say a little prayer for my birthday this year.

“O St Therese of the Child Jesus, it is my birthday today. I want to give thanks and praise Jesus for this 35 years of my life blessings. Teach me your little way which will bring me closer to Mama Mary and her son, Jesus. Continue to pray for me and guide me in my life journey on earth till the day that i die and meet you in Heaven. I love you Jesus, I love you Mama Mary, I love you St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Amen.”

I am thankful to God for the gift of life and i has been given a chance to live 35 years on this earth. I ask no more than a good health and be the lights to others. Love more and give more to people around me. Your grace is enough Lord. 

---

Grateful Heart,

Little Rose