Borneo: Red Ape Encounter
With Cleveland Zoological Society
14 days and 13 nights
July 12 - 25, 2008

Or travel with Houston Zoological Society
12 days and 11 nights
August 16 - 27, 2008

Well known as the Land Below the Wind and also Land of the Sacred Mountain, Sabah on the island of Borneo, is a land of varied landscapes and natural wonders. Borneo is also the home of many National Parks and an abundance of tropical widllife and nature. Our itineraries take us on a journey covering local cultures, a World Heritage Site, the base of the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, and a trip upon the Kinabatangan River ; one of Borneo's longest and most majestic rivers. The river and its surrounding rainforest wetlands make up one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. From our beginnings on Mount Kinabalu, to the heart of Borneo's Danum Valley, we will travel across the north-eastern region of Malysian Borneo. Our trip will offer us an opportunity to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Centre where these primates are rehabilitated for future release programs, and from there on to the village of Sukau, home of the Kinabantangan Orangutan and Elephant Conservation Programs. While in Sukau, we will travel with local staff to look for Elephants and view Oragutans, Proboscis Monkeys, Hornbills and many other widllife species using the river as our highway.

This is an Ecotour that will make a difference to you, and to the areas we visit.
We will make a contribution to the Red Ape Encounters Community-based Ecotourism Project.
We will employ local people.
We will use locally owned and operated lodges and outfitters.
We will use local goods and services.

Detailed Itinerary for Cleveland Zoological Society sponsored trip

Day 1: Saturday 12th July. Departure from Cleveland
Today we fly Cleveland to Kota Kinabalu, crossing the International Dateline en route.
(D)

Day 2: Sunday 13th July. In flight
We crossed the International Dateline and continue our flight into Kota Kinabalu. All meals in flight.
(B,L,D)

Day 3: Monday 14th July. Kota Kinabalu
Today we arrive into Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival into Kota Kinabalu we are met by our guide from Red Ape Encounters, a community-based Orang-utan ecotourism project. We check into the Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort Hotel for an overnight stay. The afternoon and evening is at leisure to recover from jetlag.
Overnight at Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tuesday 15th July. Kota Kinabalu/Kinabalu National Park
We leave in the morning for a 2 hour drive to the Kinabalu National Park, a world heritage site. This highland park is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The mountain being the highest in South East Asia has attracted many climbers over the years including a yearly international marathon event. You will go on a guided nature walk with a Parks naturalist, after checking in at the Park's office, followed by a half hour slide presentation. After lunch, we will explore the mountain garden. In the later evening, we will drive for another hour to our overnight cabin at Mesilau Nature Resort located at the other end of the Park.
Overnight at Mountain Lodge at Mesilau Nature Resort (B,L,D)

Day 5: Wednesday 16th July. Mesilau Nature Resort
Today, for keen birders, we will go on an early morning bird walk, looking for the wide variety of montane birds found around the park. After breakfast, and for the rest of the day, we will explore the fascinating vegetation around the park, enjoying the fresh mountain air and cooler temperatures found at this altitude.
Overnight at Mountain Lodge at Mesilau Mountain Resort (B,L,D)

Day 6: Thursday 17th July. Mesilau Nature Resort / Sepilok Nature Reserve
After breakfast, we will go on a nature walk within the resort. Then we drive for 5 hour to the Sepilok in Sandakan district located in the east coast of Sabah, this is the gateway to Sabah's amazing wildlife. We will be staying near the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation centre. After dinner, we will go on a night walk in the Sepilok forest.
Overnight at Lodge in Sepilok (B,L,D)

Day 7: Friday 18th July. Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre / Sukau
This is a day of nature, culture, and conservation.

After breakfast, we proceed for Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre is an initiative of the Sabah Wildlife Department to rehabilitate and train young Orang-utans to survive again in the wild. Visitors view these red apes during their feeding time from an observation platform followed by audio visual presentation of the rehabilitation initiatives. Observe the difference of rehabilitated Orang-utans and wild ones in the lower Kinabatangan forest.

In the afternoon, we leave for Sukau on a 2 hour drive. Sukau is a village situated along the lower reaches of Sabah longest river, Kinabatangan River. The lower Kinabatangan is the last remaining large tract of wetlands in Malaysia that has enormous wildlife diversity, some are endemic to the island of Borneo such as the Orang-utan and Proboscis Monkeys. Your programme in Sukau will be learning about conservation initiatives on Orang-utans and becoming part of the conservation effort. In the evening, we will present a slide show on the Orang-utan research, conservation, community involvement and overview of the Kinabatangan ecology. .
Overnight at Kinabatangan River Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 8: Saturday 19th July. Orang-utan study site - Red Ape Encounters in the wild
Today we depart early on a boat to the Orang-utan study site. Orang-utans are endemic to Borneo and Sumatra and this is one of the few remaining study sites of wild Orang-utans. The site is situated in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. Meet with Research Officers in the field, join their research activities to understand and observe the behavior of these wild red apes. You will also learn more conservation initiatives underway to protect and conserve the species and their habitat. We will return to lodge in the late afternoon. After dinner, we go on a night cruise to look for nocturnal animals.
Overnight at Kinabatangan River Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 9: Sunday 20th July. Sukau - Kinabatangan River
We will cruise in the morning to an oxbow lake. An oxbow lake is like a crescent shaped lake lying alongside the Kinabatangan River. This lake was created over time and separated from the main river as erosion and deposits of soil changed the river's course. This lake is one of the best places to go bird watching and sometimes, wild orang utans are spotted in this quiet and serene lake. The lake is also important as a breeding ground for fresh water fish. Later in the morning, there is a special treat to tea at one of the village houses. This is an opportunity to learn about the culture of the "Orang Sungai" (River People) of Kinabatangan. We will then tour the village. In the late afternoon, we will go on a river cruise until sunset. This is the time when wildlife is at its most active behavior. Aboard your river boat, you will cruise with your nature guide to search for the proboscis monkeys, snakes, birds and many others. This is an awesome encounter, we simply dock at the rivers edge to watch their peculiar behavior. On a fine weather, the day is usually complimented with a beautiful sunset. Tonight there will be a BBQ dinner (if weather permits) and cultural performance.
Overnight at Kinabatangan River Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 10: Monday 21st July. Sukau / Danum Valley
We leave early today for a 2 hours drive to Lahad Datu, a town located near the sea on the east coast of Sabah. At about 9.30am, we will go on another 2 1/2 hours overland journey on gravel road to Borneo Rainforest Lodge within the Danum Valley conservation area. After lunch, we will go an introduction to the forest and the canopy walkway - a series of suspended bridges through the tree-tops. In the evening, if weather permits, experience a Night Drive in an open-air truck in search of nocturnal animals.
Overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 11: Tuesday 22nd July. Danum Valley - lowland forest
After breakfast we go on a trek to the Kadazandsun burial site - Coffin Cliff then proceed with trekking to the view-point for a bird's eye view of the Danum Valley and the Borneo lowland rainforest. Descend to the Jacuzzi pool for a refreshing dip. Optional activities now include water-tubing for an hour in the Danum River or trekking along the Segama River. In the evening if weather permits we enjoy a night walk around the lodge in search of nocturnal creatures.
Overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 12: Wednesday 23rd July. Danum Valley/Lahad Datu/Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, go on a guided jungle walk to the Canopy Walkway to experience the sounds of the birds and return through the Nature Trail. After lunch, we check out and return to Lahad Datu town to catch a flight back to Kota Kinabalu. You are met on arrival in Kota Kinabalu and transfer to Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort for your last night on the island.
Overnight at Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort (B,L,D)

Day 13: Thursday 24th July. Kota Kinabalu - headed home
This morning we board our flights back to Cleveland.
(B,L,D)

Day 14: Friday 25th July. Arrival Home
Today we fly into the USA and connect to our flights home. All meals in flight.
(B,L,D)

Price Includes:

• Activities and excursions as stated
• Specialised nature guide
• 2 nights at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort, Kota Kinabalu – first and last night
• 2 nights accommodation at Mesilau Nature Resort
• 1 night accommodation at a nature lodge in Sepilok
• 3 nights accommodation at a lodge in Sukau
• 2 nights accommodation at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley
• Entrance fees to Kinabalu National Park, Gomantong Cave, Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Danum Valley
• Conservation fee for the Orang-utan study site
• Transportation (land, river)
• Meals as indicated
• Airfare

Not included:

• Camera fees where required
• Anything else not stated above

Detailed Itinerary for Houston Zoo sponsored trip

Day 1: Saturday 16th August. Departure from Houston
Today you fly Houston to Kota Kinabalu, crossing the International Dateline en route.
(D)

Day 2: Sunday 17th August. In flight
We crossed the International Dateline and continue our flight into Kota Kinabalu. All meals in flight.
(B,L,D)

Day 3: Monday 18th August. Kota Kinabalu
Today we arrive into Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival into Kota Kinabalu we are met by our guide from Red Ape Encounters, a community-based orang-utan ecotourism project. We check into the Promenade Hotel for an overnight stay. The afternoon and evening is at leisure to recover from jetlag.
Overnight at Promenade Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tuesday 19th August. Kota Kinabalu / Sepilok
After breakfast we will begin our drive across the northern portion of the island to Sepilok in Sandakan district, loacted on the east coast of Sabah. We will stop for lunch along the way at the base of Mount Kinabalu and take some time to stretch our legs on a guided trail. Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia and is famous for its diversity of pitcher plants and orchids. After our walk we will continue our trip to Sandakan, gateway to Sabah's amazing wildlife. We will be staying within walking distance of the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre at the Sepilok Nature Resort. After dinner we will go on a guided night walk in the Sepilok forest.
Overnight at Sepilok Nature Resort (B,L,D)

Day 5: Wednesday 20th August. Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre
After breakfast, we proceed for Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre is an initiative of the Sabah Wildlife Department to rehabilitate and train young Orang-utans to survive again in the wild. Visitors view these red apes during their feeding time from an observation platform followed by audio visual presentation of the rehabilitation initiatives. Observe the difference of rehabilitated orang-utans and wild ones in the lower Kinabatangan forest. We plan to attend both the morning and afternoon feedings here at the Centre.
Overnight at Sepilok Nature Resort (B,L,D)

Day 6: Thursday 21st August. Sepilok to Sukau and Lower kinabatangan River
In the morning we leave for Sukau on a 2 to 3 hour drive. Sukau is a village situated along the lower reaches of Sabah's longest river, the Kinabatangan River. The lower Kinabatangan is the last remaining large tract of wetlands in Malaysia which has enormous wildlife diversity including a number of species endemic to the island of Borneo such as the Orang-utan, Proboscis monkey and Pygmy elephant. During our stay in Sukau, we will be visiting the recently protected 26,000 hectare Lower Kinabatangan Conservation Area, a region where the Houston Zoo is working closely with local conservation organizations to protect orang-utans and elephants. Our program in Sukau will be learning about conservation initiatives on orang-utans and becoming part of the conservation effort. In the evening we will present a slideshow on the orang-utan research, conservation, community involvement and overview of Kinabatangan ecology.
Overnight at Kinabatangan River Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 7: Friday 22nd August. Full day at Orang-utan study site with Red Ape Encounters
Today we depart early on a boat to the orang-utan study site. Orang-utans are endemic to Borneo and Sumatra and this is one of the few remaining study sites of wild orang-utans. The site is situated in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. Meet with Research Officers in the field, join their research activities to understand and observe the behavior of these wild red apes. You will also learn more conservation initiatives underway to protect and conserve the species and their habitat. We will return to lodge in the late afternoon. After dinner, we go on a night cruise to look for nocturnal animals, along the banks of the Kinbatangan River.
Overnight at Kinabatangan River Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 8: Saturday 23rd August. Sukau - Kinabatangan River
We will cruise in the morning to an oxbow lake. An oxbow lake is like a crescent shaped lake lying alongside the Kinabatangan River. This lake was created over time and separated from the main river as erosion and deposits of soil changed the river's course. This lake is one of the best places to go bird watching and sometimes, wild orang utans are spotted in this quiet and serene lake. The lake is also important as a breeding ground for fresh water fish. Later in the morning, there is a special treat to tea at one of the village houses. This is an opportunity to learn about the culture of the "Orang Sungai" (River People) of Kinabatangan. We will then tour the village. In the late afternoon, we will go on a river cruise until sunset. This is the time when wildlife is at its most active behavior. Aboard your river boat, you will cruise with your nature guide to search for the proboscis monkeys, snakes, birds and many others. This is an awesome encounter, we simply dock at the rivers edge to watch their peculiar behavior. On a fine weather, the day is usually complimented with a beautiful sunset. Tonight there will be a BBQ dinner (if weather permits) and cultural performance.
Overnight at Kinabatangan River Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 9: Sunday 24th August. Kinabatangan River
Sukau AM on the river, village tour of both Sukau and Bilit as well as meet members of the local community education effort who work closely with our community based eco-tour operators, Red Ape Encounters. We will then board our boats and return to the orang-utan research site in the afternoon, as well as enjoy a night cruise on the Kinabatangan and Mennangol tributaries, to watch for nocturnal wildlife. A mid-day visit to Gomantong Cave is an optional visit today. The Gomantong cave system is famous for it's large colonies of insectivorous bats and swiftlets. For centuries, the caves have been renowned for their valuable edible swiftlet nests which are harvested for bird's nest soup. The bird's nest collection is an ancient tradition and the trading of these nests has been done since at least 500AD. Twice a year, from February to April and July to September, locals with licenses climb to the roof of the caves, using only rattan ladders, ropes and bamboo poles, and collect the nests. The first collection takes place early in the breeding season before the swiftlets lay their eggs. The birds then make another nest in which they lay their eggs.
Overnight at Kinabatangan River Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 10: Monday 25th August. Sukau to Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast we leave the village of Sukau for Sandakan and a short 45 minute return flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu you are met and transferred to Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort for a relaxed two night stay right on the beach. With inviting beaches, views of sparkling coral islands, and legendary attentive service, Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort offers the serenity of a secldued tropical retreat just minutes away from the centre of Kota Kinabalu.
Overnight at Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort (B,L,D)

Day 11: Tuesday 26th August. Kota Kinabalu
We continue our stay in Kota Kinabalu for a day of winding down on the beach, or shopping in the city centre. Set along the white sand beach and turquoise waters of the South China Sea, Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort sits on 25 acres of lushly landscaped gardens and is 10 minutes away from the airport and city centre. Guestrooms are deorated in traditional Boreno textures and colors and offer balconies with views of the gardens, sea and outlying islands. Resort amenities include seven restaurants and bars, health club, spa, nine hole pitch and putt golf course, tennis and two swimming pools.
Overnight at Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort (B,L,D)

Day 12: Wednesday 27th August. Kota Kinabalu to Houston
This morning we board our flights back to Houston and cross the International Dateline enroute home.
(B,L,D)

Price Includes:

• Activities and excursions as stated
• Specialised nature guide
• 1 night at Promenade Hotel
• 2 nights at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort, Kota Kinabalu
• 2 nights accommodation at a nature lodge in Sepilok
• 4 nights accommodation at a lodge in Sukau
• Entrance fees to Kinabalu National Park, Gomantong Cave, Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
• Conservation fee for the Orang-utan study site
• Transportation (land, river)
• Meals as indicated

Not included:

• International airfare
• Camera fees where required
• Anything else not stated above

Travel Information

Thanks for choosing Borneo with Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc. It is our pleasure to help you plan for your upcoming ecotour. To ensure that your travel arrangements are made to your satisfaction, please take a few minutes to read through this information.

What you need to have with you on your trip:
Passport: If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you will need a passport, valid for six months from the date of completion of your trip.

It is always a good idea to make a photocopy of your airline tickets and of the pages of your passport that have the number, your photograph and other pertinent information. Keep the copies separate from the originals.

Visas: Please consult the Borneo consulate or embassy nearest you for visa requirements to enter Borneo. If a visa is required, you are responsible for obtaining it.

Documents for children under the age of 18, not traveling with both parents: The U.S. government is increasingly requiring that minors under 18 years of age traveling alone, with grandparents, or with one parent/legal guardian only, carry a notarized document signed by both parents or by the parent/legal guardian not traveling with the child. We suggest you obtain such a document (noting the age of the child, relationship to traveling adult(s), dates of travel, and destination) to avoid potential problems. For example, in the case of divorce, the parent with legal custody must sign the permit, and the accompanying adult must carry proof of this fact. In addition, if the child’s surname differs from that of either parent, you may want to carry the child’s birth certificate.

Emergency Contact number while on your ecotour:
Call COLLECT (813) 476-2810

Practical Information

Borneo (administratively divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei) is the third largest island in the World. It has an area of 743,330 km² (287,000 square miles), and is located at the centre of the Malay archipelago and Indonesia. Borneo is considered to be part of the geographic region of Southeast Asia. Borneo is in fact only a western reference and the term is rarely used locally; the name Borneo itself was only given by the Dutch during their colonial period. In Indonesia, the island is always referred to as Kalimantan while in Malaysia the northern section is referred to as East Malaysia, as opposed to western reference of Malaysian Borneo.

Currency: The currency of Borneo, where we will be visiting is the Malaysia Ringitt (MYR). The exchange rate as of January 2007 was 1 US$ = 3.51 MYR. Major credit cards are generally accepted at hotels and larger stores. U.S. dollars are accepted in Borneo, so we suggest you carry U.S. currency in small denominations for smaller purchases such as taxis, refreshments or miscellaneous expenses.

Health: All information we obtain regarding health precautions is received from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta at 404.332.4559 or www.cdc.gov.

Please note that Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc., as a travel company, is in no way authorized to prescribe any inoculations or medications. We recommend that you consult your personal physician for medical advice, showing him or her the brochure that indicates the places you will be visiting. Your physician is most familiar with your personal medical history and is best qualified to determine your particular needs. It is always advisable to have physical and dental check-ups before you leave.

At the present time, no specific immunizations are required for this ecotour, although the CDC recommends the following:

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
• Hepatitis B, especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
• Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in Borneo. See your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug. For details concerning risk and preventive medications, see Malaria Information for Travelers to South-east Asia.
• Meningococcal (meningitis) if you plan to visit countries in this region that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June.
• Rabies, pre-exposure vaccination, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
• Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults.

Please also note

• A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain countries in South-east Asia. For detailed information, see Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country. Also, find the nearest authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccine center.

Swimming There may be several opportunities to swim during the ecotour. You should bring a couple of swimsuits. Since you will have time to swim, for added protection from the sun you may wish to wear a T-shirt while swimming.

Time Difference: Borneo is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Weather: Borneo enjoys a sunny tropical climate year-round with temperatures generally between 75° and 85°. However, it is certainly an equatorial country and because of the consistent high humidity it feels hot year-round. The rainy season is November to February, but is somewhat unpredictable as tropical showers rarely last for any length of time.

Please remember that the sun’s rays are more vertical than you may be used to, so you can sunburn more easily. Be careful of the midday sun.

What to pack for your ecotour

Your travel wardrobe should be informal, comfortable and carefree. Clothing which can be layered is the most suitable, for example, a T-shirt, sweater or sweatshirt, and windbreaker or jacket. The emphasis is on casual attire.

Recommended items:

• Hiking boots as they provide good traction for walks on sometimes-slippery terrain.
• Comfortable "closed" walking shoes with rubber soles and good support. Tennis shoes would be a good choice.
• T-shirts, polo shirts, and/or other comfortable short-sleeved shirts.
• Shorts.
• 1 or 2 bathing suits.
• Long-sleeved shirts for protection from the sun and insects.
• Cotton or other lightweight long pants.
• Windbreaker or light sweater.
• Sunhat.
• Sunglasses.
• Waterproof sunblock (30 SPF minimum).
• Waterproof insect repellent.
• A small backpack or rucksack.
• Waterproof bags to protect your camera and binoculars.
• Binoculars.
• Camera, lenses and plenty of film.
• Extra camera batteries.
• Prescription medicines. If certain medicines are part of your daily health regimen and are vital to your health, make sure you bring an adequate supply for the duration of your ecotour.
• Travel Alarm Clock.

Binocular guidelines

Good binoculars and their proper use can add immeasurably to enjoying wildlife. Each traveler with Terra Incognita Ecotours should decide well before a trip begins whether the binoculars you own are adequate and, if not, what kind of binoculars should be acquired.

Recommendation
Binoculars are rated with two numbers, e.g. 7 x 35. The first number is the magnification and the second is the diameter of the objective (the larger ones) lenses in millimeters. The first tells how much an object is enlarged and the second number is a measure of how much light-gathering power a lens has. As the second number increases so usually does the weight of a pair of binoculars. If one divides the first number into the second, the closer the result is to 5 the better the balance between weight, magnification and resolution.

Binoculars that are rated at 7x35, 8x40 or 10x40, are among the best for wildlife viewing. Binoculars with a center focus are much preferable over ones in which you have to focus each eyepiece separately. For some, image stabilized binoculars are an asset. Now it is a matter to decide on price and style.

The following is a checklist of things to do to make sure that you have the best binoculars and know how to use them.

Binocular cups
Binoculars usually are constructed so that you can raise and lower the cups that surround the eyepieces. If you are going to wear eyeglasses when using binoculars, roll or push the cups down. This will bring the lenses of the eyepiece the proper distance from your eye. If you do not use glasses then leave the cups unrolled or the eyepiece frames elevated.

Distance between eyepieces
All binoculars can be adjusted so that the distance between the eyepieces varies. You should move the eyepieces apart as far as they go, look through the eyepieces and gradually move the eyepieces together until you see a single image.

Adjusting each lens to your eyes
Binoculars usually have two focus adjustments, one that is a center focus that moves both lenses at the same time and one, called the diopter, that adjusts only one lens, usually the right one. To adjust the lenses to your eyes look through the binoculars with your right eye closed. With the center focus wheel, focus on an object 20-40 feet away. Then, with the left eye closed, focus the eyepiece on the right eye while looking at the same object. Now using the center focus make sure you see a sharp image. Most diopters have a numerical scale so that after you have made the adjustment it can be easily reset if it is accidentally altered.

Practice
When viewing wildlife it is helpful if when you raise your binoculars that they are pointed at what you are looking at with your naked eyes. If you cannot do that consistently a little practice would be helpful. Try looking at a flying bird, without taking your eyes off it, raise your binoculars and look through them. If you see the bird immediately, good, if not, bring your binoculars down and put them back up again after re-spotting the bird. Do this enough so that you can immediately see in your binoculars what you were seeing without them.

Wearing binoculars
If the weight of binoculars around your neck is bothersome, there are two things you might consider. One is to buy a neck strap, made of a spongy material at least an inch or more wide. The second is to buy a harness that fits over the shoulders and distributes the weight more evenly.

Photography Notes

For many of us, photography is a natural and fun part of travel. No matter what your level of interest, or what kind of equipment you use, the following may help you prepare.

Equipment: Regardless of what camera you use - film or digital - be sure to check that it is working properly before you leave home. If you purchase a new camera, or have an old one that has not been used for a long time, try shooting some pictures and examine the results. Also, be sure read your camera manual and bring it with you to help address any unexpected problems you might encounter.

Batteries: Modern cameras will not operate without a functioning battery. For this reason, please bring extra camera batteries with you, even if the one in your camera is new. For digital cameras, and many film cameras as well, rechargeable batteries are a great option. Digital cameras can use up batteries fairly quickly, depending on the camera make and model and how often you review images in-camera. Bring at least one extra rechargeable battery - or battery set. Look for chargers with a fast recharge time.

Film: How much film should you bring? Consider bringing at least twice as much film as you expect to need, as stores are few and far between. And be forewarned - enthusiastic photographers sometimes shoot up to 5 rolls per day! Film speed (ASA or ISO) is also an important consideration - the higher the ISO the faster the film, meaning the more sensitive it is to light. For most situations, 200 ISO film is a good all-around choice. You may also want to bring along a supply of 400 ISO for overcast days and low-light situations. Professional photographers generally use 100 ISO because of its fine grain (good for making big enlargements and publishing), but the slow speed requires extra care and use of a tripod.

Digital Memory Cards: Memory cards are the digital equivalent of film and, like film, they come in different types (e.g., compact flash, smart media, memory stick) and sizes (e.g., 128MB, 256MB, 512MB). Be sure you know what kind of memory card your camera requires and bring as many memory cards as needed to hold all your images from your expedition. If you are new to digital, consult your camera manual to learn the different image resolution and JPEG compression settings on your camera. This will determine how many photos will fit on your memory cards and what quality of image is required for your end use (e.g., the higher the resolution the larger the print you can make). You might consider bringing a digital storage device for downloading images from your memory cards (see below).

Digital Storage Devices: Many digital photographers travel with a laptop computer or a specific type of portable digital storage device designed for downloading images from digital cameras. A laptop has the advantage of letting you view, edit, store, and share your images while you travel and many even have a built-in CD burner for backing up your image files. Options for smaller devices that do not require a laptop include portable digital storage hard drives, some available with viewing screens, and portable CD burners that work directly from the memory card. Whatever hardware you choose be sure to learn the workflow for downloading and storing your images before leaving home.

Digital Camera Cables: One of the greatest advantages of shooting digital is the ability to review and share your daily images with others. It is important to remember to bring along the cables that will allow your camera to connect with a computer (USB), or storage device.

Tripods: Many photographers use a tripod because they help keep the camera steady in low-light situations and when using long telephoto lenses.

Destination links
Galapagos :: Amazon River Cruise :: Costa Rica Ecotour :: Nicaragua Adventure :: Rwanda Gorilla Trek :: Belize Ecotour :: Madagascar Photo Expedition :: Borneo Ecotour

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