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Bako National Parks Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo: A Guide to

System — Thu, 20 May 2010 09:10:00 +0000

Lush tropical rainforests including mangroves with some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna together with a rocky coastline interrupted only by pristine white sandy beaches are not a thing of the past: they can be enjoyed fist hand in Bako National Park. Bako is one the smallest parks in Sarawak, yet one of the most interesting beacause of its highly visible wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls and fascination plant life. Well maintained trails wind through beautiful tropical lowland and mangrove forest and across rocky headlands where the walks vary from easy strolls to full day jungle treks. At Bako, it is possible to see almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo.

This is Borneo; Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan

BBooks — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:45:54 +0000

This is Borneo has been produced in close collaboration with the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) Malaysia, an organization which, as a matter of policy, always attempts to take a balanced, factual approach in its conservation work. Thus, this book provides a balanced view of the world’s third largest island, using a unique blend of photographs and succinct yet wide-ranging text that encompasses natural history, geography, history, government, people, economic changes and conservation issues.

A Botanist in Borneo; Hugh Low’s Sarawak Journals 1844 – 1846

BBooks — Tue, 30 Oct 2001 16:00:00 +0000

At the time I formerly sent it to you I remember having said that I expected something very magnificent in its flower, and sure I am that when it produces its spikes of flowers in England it will be the admiration of all cultivators, probably beyond any Orchid that has ever appeared. As I saw it nothing could have exceeded it in beauty; about 200 of its branches were hanging horizontally from the main stem of a large tree, from each of which depended two, three or four chains of flowers, 10 feet in length, and sometimes 12 feet. The individual flowers are upwards of 3 inches in diameter. When they first open the ground colour is pale lemon colour, barred and blotched with bands and spots of the richest cinnamon; as they become older the cinnamon colour gradually diminishes in size; the yellow become richer and more brilliant, and takes the place formerly occupied by the more dull but not less rich tint; the stem and foot-stalks of the flower are covered with a rich downy coating of moss, similar to that of the Rose; the labellum is shaded, cinnamon and purple; the leaves are of a light green colour and leathery texture, similar in shope to those of Aerides odoratum, as far as I recollect; but more stiff and erect; the whole habit of the plant is as neat as the rest of those of the same tribe. The roots are large, but by no means so thick as in some of the continental Indian Vandas. It delights in high trees and on the banks of rivers, thick forests and other humid places.’ [BBooks notes]: Obviously the orchid to end all orchids (200 simultaneously flowering stems!) this quote from the book shows Hugh Low’s gift for observation and also his sense of beauty.

A History of Sarawak (Reprint)

BBooks — Tue, 30 Oct 2001 16:00:00 +0000

The Rajah now set to work in earnest to put the Government on a sound footing. He made no attempt to introduce a brand new constitution and laws, but took what Already existed. He found the legal code was just enough on paper, but had been over-ridden and nullified by the lawless pangirans. All that was necessary was to enforce the existing laws, modifying the penalties where too cruel and severe, “and introducing fresh laws as occasion required. The Rajah associated the native chiefs with himself in the government, and found them amenable to wholesome principles, and on the whole to be level-headed men. By this means mutual confidence was inspired, and the foundation laid of a government, the principle of which was and has ever since been “to rule for the people and with the people,” to quote the Rajah writing twenty-two years later, “and to-teach them the rights of freemen under the restraints of government.

Bako National Park, Borneo; Rain Forest, Vegetation & Plants (including a checklist on flowering plants)