A non-descript insect crawls absently through the peat forest of Pulau Lakei, sun high overhead, as it meanders through the dry landscape. Then there is something sweet on the wind, the irresistible scent of nectar lies just up ahead, what a treat! The smell is emanating from a cavernous plant, the promise of sugar draws the insect in closer and all the way inside this organic vessel. There at the bottom the easily reachable food reward lies, a pool of liquid sugar free for the taking. The insect clambers down the slippery sides for that first taste and finds it isn’t nectar at all. In fact, the liquid is not food at all. The insect tries to leave but the walls are too steep and waxy to climb, it is the food! This carnivorous plant, a pitcher plant, has lured its prey into a lethal trap and will now digest it slowly over time, greatly benefiting from the nitrogen rich body as it decomposes. Just another amazing species found here in Bako National Park.
Thankfully too large (and still full from breakfast!) to be lured in by pitcher plants, we spend the morning ashore exploring this very special ecosystem. While it is not lush as one would expect of the tropics, this slightly more elevated region is still is teeming with life but due to various conditions, does not receive as much rainfall. Consequently the plant life has had to adapt to poor soil and dry conditions by growing slowly, unless it specializes to access living supplements like insects or even frogs.
Back at sea level, the rainforest comes all the way down to the beach where life is much easier. Bearded pigs roam along the ground at the Park Headquarters while proboscis monkeys and long tailed macaques scamper among the dense foliage. The diversity and range of ecosystems, each with very separate plants and animals in such a small range is what makes this part of the world so special. Every landing is different in so many ways and we are so fortunate to be able to explore each one.
