Society for Conservation Biology

Field Trips

We will be offering a series of post-conference field trips in conjunction with the 5th International Marine Conservation Congress. These field trips will take place after the conference on June 30th. Delegates can register for field trips using the online registration system. If you have already registered you can still add further field trips to your form.

Kuching and Sarawak are an amazing place to visit, filled with vibrant and exotic wildlife and beautiful architecture and culture! Therefore, the IMCC5 organizers will be offering a range of field trips to explore the amazing local flora and fauna in Kuching. Field trips may be subject to changes (hours, organization, contents, etc.). Registered participants will be kept informed of any changes. 

Some field trips may be cancelled, especially due to weather, if the number of registrants is not sufficient, or for any reasons beyond our control. If a field trip is cancelled, registered participants will be invited to join another visit, if possible, or will be reimbursed. 

Field Trips are being offered to explore both the natural wilderness of North Western Borneo and the city of Kuching. If you would like to know more about a specific trip, please check the links below:

 

Bako National Park (08:45 hrs – 15:30hrs, Daytrip) 

Kuching City Tour (09:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs, Half-day) 

Semenggoh Wildlife Center (08:00 hrs – 11:00 hrs, Half-day) 

Mangrove and Dolphin Watching Cruise (09:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs, Half-day)

Evening Santubong Wildlife Cruise (16:15 hrs – 19:30 hrs, Half-day)

 

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Bako National Park (08:45 hrs – 15:30hrs, Daytrip)

This small peninsula, 1 ½ hours from Kuching by car and boat, is home to seven distinct rainforest ecosystems, giving it a remarkable diversity of animal and plant life. Bako’s most famous residents are the bizarre proboscis monkeys, and it is also home to silvered langurs (leaf monkeys), long-tailed macaque monkeys, wild boar, flying squirrels, and monitor lizards as well as hundreds of different bird species. Fascinating plant life includes mangroves, strangling figs, carnivorous pitcher plants, and symbiotic ant plants. Unique geological features mark the coastline, including the famous Sea Stack, whilst well-marked trails lead to rugged jungle-covered hilltops and secluded beaches.

Duration: Approx. 6.5 hours

Price Includes: Park entrance fee, experienced park guide, boat transfers, lunch, return transfers to and from city hotels in A/C coaches

Fitness level: Moderate (2 hours trekking in dense rainforest and mangrove lined coast)

Requirements: Sun block, insect repellant, good pair of hiking shoes 

Pickup Time:   8:15am from Waterfront Hotel

Price: $75.00 USD

 

Kuching City Tour (09:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs, Half-day)

The perfect introduction to Sarawak’s historic capital, this tour includes Kuching’s Chinatown, the Cat Statue (Kuching means “Cat” in Malay), the colourful Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple, and the world famous Sarawak Museum. Return via the golden-domed City Mosque and through Old Kuching, passing the Gambier Street with spice dealers and textile shops. Pass by the heritage buildings of the White Rajah era, the Pavilion, the Square Tower, the Court House, the Charles Brooke Monument, and the Post Office.

Duration: Approx. 3 hours

Inclusive of: Experienced English-speaking guide, return transfers to and from city hotels in A/C coaches

Fitness level: Easy

Pickup Time:   9:00am from Waterfront Hotel

Price: $25.00 USD

 

Semenggoh Wildlife Center (08:00 hrs – 11:00 hrs, Half-day)

Semenggoh is known as one of the best place in Sarawak to view semi-wild orangutans, who have been rescued from captivity and trained to survive in the surrounding forest reserve. The rehabilitated animals roam freely in the rain forest, and often return to the centre at feeding time. Thanks to the successful breeding programme at Semenggoh there is a good possibility of experiencing one of the most heart-warming sights in Borneo – an orangutan mother with a young baby.

Duration: Approx. 3 hours

Inclusive of: Entrance fee, experienced English-speaking guide, return transfers to and from city hotels in A/C coaches

Fitness Level: Easy (Wildlife)

Note: As the orang utan in Semenggoh are semi-wild, sightings cannot be guaranteed. 

Pickup Time:   7:45am  from Waterfront Hotel

Price: $30.00 USD

 

Mangrove and Dolphin Watching Cruise (09:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs, Half-day)

This trip of about 3 hours explores the many branches of the Santubong and Salak River Delta systems as they join the South China Sea. Enjoy a close view of the heavily silted mangrove Swamp which is a safe haven to the myriad creatures like the reptiles, mud skippers, crabs, shell fish, monkeys, etc. The mangrove swamp sustains many different species of trees. The main species are of course the black and red mangrove, locally known as the 'Bako'. They are used in the construction industry for piling and also as charcoal for cooking and other usage.

Often mistaken as a wasteland, the tidal swamps in which mangrove thrive; enjoy a symbiotic relationship with prawns, fish, and other coastal organisms. The Irrawaddy, or snubfin dolphin, inhabits rivers, estuaries, and shallow coastal areas. The Santubong area is one of the best places in Sarawak to view this unusual looking marine mammal.

The dolphins are often seen swimming and diving around small fishing boats in the estuary. Occasionally, they are seen playing in the open water. Visitors will need a keen eye to spot the dolphins at first, but after a short wait they can often be seen surfacing all around the boat. Return to the Boat Club for transfer to your hotel.

Duration: Approx. 3 hours

Inclusive of: Boat services, experienced English-speaking guide, return transfers to and from city hotels in A/C coaches

Fitness level: Easy (Nature & Wildlife)

Note: Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, although we usually enjoy a high success rate

Pickup Time:   8:45am from Waterfront Hotel

Price: $50.00 USD

Evening Santubong Wildlife Cruise (16:15 hrs – 19:30 hrs, Half-day)

Proud winner of Hornbill Tourism Gold Awards (Best Tour Product)

This award winning tour takes you around the rivers of the Santubong Peninsular, offering you the chance of seeing some of Sarawak's fascinating wildlife. The cruise starts at Sarawak Boat Club. From there your boat cruises to the mouth of the Santubong River, where Irrawaddy dolphins are often spotted. Your boat then roams the mangrove-lined rivers looking for wildlife. As the light starts to fade, we go in search of the rare proboscis monkey. Small groups are often seen in the treetops at the water edge, settling down for the night.

As dusk arrives we search for fireflies and crocodiles. Crocodiles are often seen on the mud banks and brightly shining crocodile eyes can be spotted when a torch light is passed over the river. After searching for crocodiles your boat proceeds further up river where fireflies gather at night.

Watch the fireflies move around the branches of the mangroves, momentarily lighting up the night sky. After enjoying a firefly light show you return to the boat club.

Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours

Inclusive of: Boat services, experienced English-speaking guide, return transfers to and from city hotels in A/C coaches

Fitness level: Easy (Nature & Wildlife)

Note: Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, although we usually enjoy a high success rate. Wildlife commonly seen on this tour includes proboscis monkeys, estuarine crocodiles, macaque monkeys, fireflies, monitor lizards, silver-leaf monkeys, Irrawaddy dolphins, and a range of bird life like White Belly Eagle, White Eagret, Seagull, Kingfisher etc. Cruises do not operate during rainy weather. 

Pickup Time:   4:00pm from Waterfront Hotel

Price: $50.00 USD