|
 |
| >A
Brief Introduction |
|
We would like to remind visitors that the Camp is not
exactly the HILTON!
Facilities are Spartan in nature, but we do our
best under "circumstances of wilderness" to
make your visit enjoyable and comfortable. The Camp
is situated in a jungle environment. It is in an old
river bed by some beautiful ox-bow lakes. Insects and
mosquitoes will be there. During the rainy seasons,
there will be mud and pools of water along the tracks.
In the recent years, due to excessive logging,
flooding occur often between the months of November
and April.
 |
 |
The floodwater may rise high. Part of the Camp may
be under water. Toilets too may be under water. It can
be inconvenient. But it is during the floods that many
more animals are seen. The monkeys stay on trees; the
bigger mammals – pigs, deer and even elephants
can be seen on the high grounds which become small islands.
When you ride in the boat around the lakes, you
will actually be moving amongst the canopies of the
trees - birds and butterflies will be seen in great
numbers. If it is a Tropical Rain Forest you want to
experience, then Uncle Tan’s Camp is the place
you want to visit.
Facilities are not of a FIVE STAR Resort & SPA
and without 24-hour electricity from the Electricity
Board, do not expect to have iced yogurt and air-conditioning.
Nonetheless, you will get plenty of attention, hospitality
and wildlife to observe. And you will have plenty of
good food. Yes, we will feed you well!
Staying at Uncle Tan’s Wildlife Camp
is a roughing out experience!
The Camp is located in the Lower Kinabatangan Flood
Plains – a Wetland and a Rain Forest. Floods can
occur in a Flood Plain; often, it rains in a Rain Forest
and a Wetland isn’t exactly dry.
Experience the Kinabatangan on
its own terms!
FAQ
Q :
Where exactly on the Kinabatangan is Uncle Tan's Wildlife
Camp?
A :
Uncle Tan's Wildlife Camp is located about an hour's
boat ride downriver from the village of Batu Puteh/Kinabatangan
Bridge. Officially, the Camp area is called "Danau
Girang". In local language, "Danau Girang"
means "Happy Lake". The Camp is by "Happy
Lake". The area is also known as Lot No. 6
of the Wildlife Sanctuary but popularly, the area is
referred to simply as Uncle Tan's place.
If you want to check it out on a map, the GPS co-ordinate
is:
05° 24’.51 N, 118° 02’.35 E
Altitude is 60 metres ASL.
(Reading taken at the point where the 2 ox-bow
lakes meet)
Accommodation at Camp is in the form of raised
huts. What we have are rough huts with no doors or windows.
We do not have villas, lodges, chalets or the likes.
The floors of the huts are covered with linoleum. You
will have a light mattress and mosquito net. All
huts are on sharing basis. Make sure you collect
a clean sheet from our Ops Base/Bed and Breakfast premises
before leaving for the Camp.
All meals are cooked for you. These include breakfast,
lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Meals are to set menus.
You can have a morning cup of coffee/tea before the
start of the morning safari. Breakfast is at 8:00 a.m.
Lunch is at 12:30 noon and afternoon tea is at 3:30
p.m. Dinner will be prepared by 8:00 p.m.
FAQ
Q: I
am a vegetarian. Would that be a problem?
A: No
problem at all with vegetarian diet. When you arrive,
let our staff know. They'll be happy to assist. We
are used to catering for vegetarians.
Q: I am on gluten
free diet and will be bringing my own food. Can I use
the Camp's kitchen to
prepare my food?
A: Feel
free to use our Camp kitchen. Our staff have been generally
briefed about gluten free diet and will be happy to
assist you to prepare your meals. However, their understanding
are limited. It would be best that they assist
under your supervision.
|
| >Water
for Cooking, making Tea & Coffee |
 |
During the wet season, rainwater may be used for cooking
and preparation of beverage. When it is dry season,
water from the lake is pumped into a tank treated with
ALUM to get rid of suspended materials and filtered
for cooking and making tea and coffee. Hot water for
making drinks is available. Feel free to ask the kitchen
staff for some when you want to make a hot drink. Bottled
drinking water is sold by our staff co-operative.
Tea and coffee are available all day. If you find the
containers on the serving table empty, do ask our Camp
staff to make more.
Water for bathing and washing is pumped from the lake
to the bathhouse. Make use of the bathhouse for cleaning
up. Try to conserve water. You are advised not to bathe
or wash in the Kinabatangan River. In the recent months,
big crocodiles have been spotted on River Safaris. Crocodiles
have been seen taking wild pigs during River
Safaris. Baby crocodiles were also seen in the lakes
– some Mama crocodiles must be around. Do not
swim alone in the lake.
A Mama
croc takes down a pig
FAQ
Q: Do
crocodiles come to the Camp area?
A:
We have never encountered any incident where the croc
came and toured the Camp area. Mistakenly, visitors
sometimes exclaim that they have seen crocodiles in
the Camp area [and that can cause quite a buzz]. But
what they saw were monitor lizards. Many young visitors
say they saw Dinosaurs.
The age
old monitor lizard
At Camp, our staff co-operative sells beer, canned
drinks and bottled drinking water. Rubber boots are
also available for rent.
Income earned by the staff co-operative goes to
the staff. The company takes no commission or percentage
from the co-operative. The co-operative is the staff's little
business that the company allows them to conduct.
Please remember to settle your bill before leaving Camp.
FAQ
Q: How much do I need
to allocate for buying bottled water and drinks
at Camp?
A: An average
visitor spends about RM 20.00 - 30.00 for a 3D/2N stay.
But some visitors can consume a lot of beer.
In such cases, it would be better for the "ferociously
thirsty" visitors to make their own estimates.
Note: It
is a tough task for the staff to carry bottled water
and drinks to the Camp. To ensure that there is enough
bottled water for all, visitors are requested not to
waste drinking water. It would be a good idea to
mark your bottle of water so that it won't get mixed
up with others and eventually gets discarded due to
confused ownership. Using drinking water for shower
is not a considerate thing to do.
It will be most environmental unfriendly for you to
do your "business" all over the jungle. Kindly
use the toilets. The toilets are "Biological Toilets".
Do not put used toilet papers into the toilet. Put the
used paper in the tin provided. Please flush after use.
Avoid putting food in the huts especially in your pack
- rats and squirrels will bite through your pack to
get at the food. Ask our staff for an empty biscuit
tin to keep your food stuff.
Macaques can be mischievous at the Camp area
and are particularly attracted to things in plastic
bags. They can also unzip bags. Fortunately, they
have yet to figure out combination locks.
Visitors are reminded to
keep their belongings safely!
Check your sleeping place, shake out the mattress and
tuck in your mosquito nets. Before you put on your clothing
and shoes, shake them out first.
Many visitors come with cameras and camcorders
that need recharging. We use a small generator for lighting
and charging of batteries from 7.00 p.m. till midnight.
|
| >Trekking
& Wildlife Spotting |
|
As part of our activities, we conduct a guided trek
in the surrounding jungle area. Visitors may also trek
on their own.
The best way to observe wildlife is to trek out of
the immediate Camp area. In the jungle, look up and
down often. The trails are quite well used and clear
to follow. As you trek along, stop often to listen.
Be alert and observant. Never walk too close to the
buttress of the big trees. They are often the haunts
for big snakes. Do not step over logs or boulders without
seeing what is on the other side. Avoid sitting on old
and rotting logs - you may have wood lice climbing all
over you. Their bites can be very itchy.
Your main purpose in visiting the Camp is to observe
wildlife. As you walk along in the jungle, do not get
panicky when you meet some large mammal in your path.
You should consider yourself lucky if you meet some
big mammals. Do not shout or run off in any wild direction
without looking where you are going. Most of the time,
you will hear the bigger mammals before seeing them.
Keep your ears sharp. If you see some big animals, move
slowly towards a big tree and stay behind the tree to
observe. Most big mammals do not have good eye sight.
If you remain quiet, you should be able to observe the
animal for a long time. If you have to make a retreat,
do so slowly, moving from tree to tree. At all cost
NEVER SHOUT. Not even if you have to warn your friends.
Use signs and wave of hands rather than yelling.
If you want to observe wildlife, remember
the following Sentence:
Will Mary Cook Some Sweet
Sour Sauce Today Please!
W-Wind; M-Movement; C-Contrasting
Colour; S-Sound; S-Smell;
S-Shape; S- Shadow; T-Time;
P-Place.
We always put the important point last. So, here goes:
TIME - best time to observe wildlife is at Sunrise
and Sunset. Immediately after a shower, the animals
come out to dry themselves.
PLACE - you are at the right place to observe
wildlife – Uncle Tan’s Wildlife Camp.
WIND - always stay down wind of the animal i.e.
the wind blowing from the animal to you.
MOVEMENT - when you observe movements, you will
know there is something in the bush. When you move too
much, the animal also knows you are around.
CONTRATING COLOUR- White is TABOO in the jungle.
SOUND - Any sound in the jungle will tell you
that there is animal around. When you make too much
noise, you will drive the animal away.
SMELL - Animals know the smell of human. Stay
down wind of the animal and do not use too much insect
repellent, perfume or smelly hair oil. They will advertise
your presence in the area.
SHAPE - Animals know the human shape. Man = danger.
Stay behind trees or lie low so as not to expose your
whole shape.
SHADOW - Especially at night when you wave your
flash lights, you will cause moving shadows of trees.
If you use a flash light, do not swing your light from
left to right. Instead, shine your light from up to
down. Always stay behind the light. The glare from the
light will hide you from the animal.
REMEMBER that the animals you
see/come across are WILD ANIMALS. They
are NOT domestic pets or animals that have been trained
like in the zoo. They can be unpredictable. Even though
they may appear calm, they may attack if they
feel unsafe.
There is always a lot of excitement when rare/seasonal
animals like elephants are spotted. Sometimes,
the excitement can be very overwhelming and visitors
forget about safety and get too close to the animals
despite the guide's repeated warnings. This is
risky and dangerous. Remember - safety first when viewing
wildlife.
The Bornean Elephants are known as "Pygmy Elephants".
But don't let the name fool you. The Pygmy Elephants
are the largest land animal in Sabah. They are very
powerful creatures and are in no way puny!
"NEVER try to feed the elephants; simply observe
but don't interact! An "interaction" with
an elephant is like getting run over by a truck! There
is a good chance you won't survive it."
- Extract from WWF's guidelines on Elephant
viewing.
IMPORTANT NOTE: INFORM the Camp
Captain/Staff if you are trekking unguided. The Camp
Captain/Staff would be happy to discuss the trails
with you. Letting the Camp Captain/Staff know will
also make it easier for them to look for you in case
you get lost.
Remember, no one needs getting lost on this earth.
The world is round. If you keep going you will return
to your starting point! However, if you think that you
are lost, just remain calm. Sit down, wait and THINK.
If you cannot figure out where you are, JUST STAY WHERE
YOU ARE. The camp staff will look for you.
Remember the following:
1. Tell the Camp staff where you intend to trek out.
Tell them the time you plan to return to camp.
2. If you think you are going to get back after dark,
bring a flash light with you.
3. If you have to signal for help, shout: "CO-EEEE!"
three times in a row and wait. Keep repeating this till
you get a reply. The reply will be two "COEEEEs"
in a row. If you get a reply, keep signaling to draw
the searchers to you. If you see any flash light beams,
shine your flash light in that direction. Wave your
light to draw the attention of the searchers. If you
have a whistle, blow three blasts in a row and wait.
When you get a reply, keep blowing your whistle –
two blasts at each interval. You will draw the searchers
to you.
4. If there is still light and you want to find your
way, walk northwards. The Kinabatangan River lies north
and flows towards the East. Walk towards the river.
When you get to the bank, try to get to a clearing so
that you can see the river and look out for boats that
may pass by. Yell for all you are worth: Help! Some
kind village folks will drop you off at our jetty –
don’t forget to say "Thank You".
Remember to take some drinking water with you before
you set out for your trek.
IMPORTANT NOTE - NEVER LIGHT A FIRE IN THE JUNGLE
– You may not be able to control the fire and set
the whole jungle in flames!
At dinner time, a "head count" is carried
out. If you are lost, the Camp staff will search for
you. Try to keep to the tracks in the meantime.
Carry some drinking water with you. Westerners get thirsty
in our hot climate. Drink plenty of water. Some people
may lose too much salt and will feel weak.
Our boats are open skiffs and are used to transfer
people to and from Camp and to conduct river safaris.
On no account should visitors request the boats to go
out to the village to buy things or drive them without
permission. The transfer boat leaves the Camp only once
a day, departing at about 10:00 a.m. The boat into Camp
will start at the ferry site near the bridge at about
4:00 p.m.
Life vests MUST be worn on board. Do not sit on the
side of the boat. Do not stand up while the boat is
moving. If you need to stand up to take a picture, switch
places or get your things, put your hand up to get the
Boatman’s attention and ask him to stop the Boat.
Do not block the view of the boatman.
The cruise into Camp is in itself a river Safari. When
the weather is fine and river conditions good, we organize
night Safaris for spotting wildlife. This is done after
dinner. Often, crocodiles and many owls are seen on
Night Safaris. Before the Morning Safari, have a coffee
and a light snack first. Then go down to the jetty at
6:30 a.m. for the morning Safari. Do not wait to be
called. Every visitor gets a chance for ONE Night Safari
and ONE Morning Safari. However, if there is extra room
in the boat, visitors who stay longer than a day can
go out for another River Safari. Please give those who
have not gone on any Safari a chance.
Remember you are not to shout and tease any animal
sighted on River Safari. We do not want to frighten
them and make them shy of future safari boats. WHEN
ON NIGHT SAFARI, DO NOT FLASH YOUR FLASH LIGHTS. The
boatman will have a large spot light – his assistant
will spot light the animal for you to see.
You are advised to bring along the medication you use.
If you are sick, inform the Camp staff. If need be,
arrangements will be made to take you out of the Camp
immediately for you to get medical attention.
The most common sickness at Camp is dehydration. We
see many such cases, especially affecting children.
This is because our weather is hot and humid.
A lot of water is lost especially when there is physical
assertion. It will be good to ensure that plenty of
water is consumed.
Avoid bringing strong intoxicating drinks into Camp.
It would not be nice when someone gets drunk and spoils
the holiday of others. Beer is permissible.
NEVER do illicit drugs at our premises/Camp or bring
any illegal substances to the our premises/Camp/vehicles/boats.
We have zero tolerance for drug abuse.
Before leaving for/from Camp/Ferry site/Ops Base, please
ensure that you have your luggage and belongings with
you and that they are in the Van/Boat. It is quite a
distance from one point to the other and it will take
time (and lots of arrangements) for us to assist you
to get your left items.
Do not ask others to remember to “put this in”
or “take that out”. We are proud owners
of our worldly possessions and have the wonderful honour
of taking care of our own things.
We do not have a dishonesty problem at Camp. However,
unfortunately, there have been a few cases where our
staff and other visitors have been wrongly accused (the
presumed “stolen” items were found not to
be missing or simply misplaced or accidentally thrown
into the garbage). It is not nice when someone jumps
to conclusion and wrongly accuses others. The person
may eventually apologise but the damage to the one being
accused would have been done.
We now ask that visitor deposit their valuable, important
documents and spare money with our Captains (or staff
in-charge) at Ops Base/Camp for safekeeping. This measure
has been taken to prevent possible false accusations
and suspicions that can cause a lot of unpleasantness.
Do not forget to retrieve your locked things
when you leave Camp.
FAQ
Q: Do
I need to take my wallet and money with me when I go
out on Safaris and treks?
A: There
are no shops nearby the Camp or in the surrounding
jungle area. Credit cards are completely useless
in the jungle. There is no need to take your wallet
and money with you when you go out on Safaris and
treks.
|
| >Registration
for going to the Camp |
|
Arrangement to go to the Wildlife Camp is made only
at our Operation Base in Gum Gum. Unregistered visitors
arriving themselves to the Camp will not be entertained
and will be treated as trespassers.
"Independent travel to the Kinabatangan is
virtually impossible" – Lonely Planet
We do not have any “transportation” or
other agents to bring visitors directly to Camp. We
control and carry out all arrangements to take visitors
to Camp.
Departure Dates
As the Camp is very popular with visitors, kindly adhere
to your departure dates. You may extend your days in
the camp only if space is available.
|
| >What
to bring with you to the Camp |
|
You will be far from any shops. If you smoke, get enough
of the brand of cigarette you smoke. Bring insect repellent
– try the type made from Uncle
Tan’s tested Formula (46 years). It works!
Have good pair of walking shoes. Long sleeved shirt
and long pants for the night. For bathing, don’t
forget your swimming suit, trunks or sarong. Have a
sweater with you in case it gets cold in the night.
Bring a Poncho/Umbrella – your insurance against
rain. Often, if you do not bring your rain gears, it
will be sure to rain!
Below is a basic checklist that you may find helpful:
Some things you may want to bring (Basic Checklist)
Long Sleeves Shirts, Long Pant, Walking Shoes/Boots,
Underwear, Socks, Towel, Shorts, T-Shirts, Sweater,
Swim Wear, Sandals, Swiss knife, Flashlight, Personal
Medication, Tooth Paste/Brush, Soap/Shampoo, Sun Block
Cream, Comb/Shaver, Poncho/Raincoat, Cap/Hat, Sunglasses,
Insect Repellent, Camera, Film, Battery, Lenses(SLR),
FLASH(SLR), Binoculars, Watch.
Do not forget the flashlight. As much as we would love
to, we do not have enough flashlights to lend out.
FAQ
Q: Do I need
walking shoes or boots to trek in the jungle?
A: We
have some rubber boots at Camp that our staff cooperative
rent out. However big sizes are limited. For
trekking in the jungle, a pair of walking shoes will
be good. We recommend that visitors buy rubber moulded
shoes (RM 5) for walking in the jungle. The reason
is because we feel it is a shame to dirty good (and
expensive) boots. Rubber shoes are good because they
are cheap, easy to wash and dry fast (just wipe). They
are commonly known here as "Adidas Kampung"
(Village Adidas or 4 stripes Adidas).
They are very common and can
be purchased in provision shops, mini-mart, etc. Just
say you want Adidas Kampung and the shopkeeper will
know. The only problem is large sizes. The biggest
is size 42 (equivalent to size 9). The shops near our B&B/Ops
Base sell them too.
If you do not want to keep the "Adidas Kampung"
after using them, do not trash them. These rubber shoes
are used a lot by the local villagers and they would
be happy if you were to give it to them.
" Everybody appeared to have more
packing responsibilities than I did, but the paradox
was that if anything was missing from what anyone packed,
I was the one to blame" - Agnes
Newton Keith: "Land Below The Wind"
Get to know our staff and guides. Be their friend and
they will be your buddies and companions - they know
the jungle and river very well and will have a lot to
share with you. Our guides are committed to their jobs.
Tell them your special interest and they’ll be
happy to point things out to you.
Our friendly way
The Camp will be your home during your stay. Make yourself
at home.
Loosen up and have fun!
We conduct our business in a friendly way and lots
of things are done as a matter of courtesy in friendship.
Many business “advisers” tell us that this
is not a good business approach. But we don’t
care! This is our way. We are not calculative about
tiny bits of this and that. Similarly, it would be really
nice if we receive the same understanding and consideration
in return.
|
| >Join
us in the spirit of friendship and adventure |
|
Enjoy your stay at the Camp.
If you have some nice photographs of your stay at Camp
and want to share it with others, email it to us and
we will try to post it on our website (tell us your
preferred name for photo credits). If you have a homepage
and want us to place your link, include that too!
Uncle Tan’s Wildlife Camp – A Melting
Pot of Nationalities somewhere in the Jungle of Borneo.
If you enjoy your stay at the Camp, tell others about
it.
(Original text by Uncle Tan)
 next
|
