Our Specialist Guides

I am Sylvister Saimon, a Specialist Guide at Utan Rainforest Lodge, Borneo Eco-Tour. After graduating, I gained experience in various fields, including housekeeping, F&B, gardening, gas station work, general labor, and drainage cleaning.

My journey as a guide began in 2008 at Borneo Rainforest Lodge as a Nature Tourist Guide. In 2011, I transitioned into a Specialist Reptiles and Birds Guide and won the Borneo Bird Festival Bird Race at RDC that same year. In 2016, I was named a Specialist Adventure Guide after accomplishing multiple cycling and mountaineering challenges, including cycling from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park and climbing Mount Kinabalu the following day. I also cycled from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, to Kuching, Sarawak.

Additionally, I have been involved in filming programs with BBC, 8TV, and Animal Planet. However, while I have received many achievements and awards, I do not see them as the ultimate measure of success. For me, being part of a great company like Borneo Eco-Tour is an achievement in itself.

What truly interests me is continuous growth and reaching new heights in my career. My guiding principles in life are to keep learning as much as possible, as every skill and experience will be valuable in the future. I believe in staying humble, being a good listener, avoiding conflicts, and never being arrogant with knowledge.

From a young age, my ambition to become a teacher or a doctor was driven by the desire to nurture, care, and create a positive impact. Alongside this, my love for wildlife and nature became an inseparable part of my life. Growing up with pets and being close to animals sparked a deep connection with the natural world, which only grew stronger with time.

In 2015, I began my journey in tourism, immersing myself in the wonders of wildlife. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the natural world but also allowed me to explore and appreciate the beauty and intricacies of life around us.

My mission has always been to create joyful memories for others by showcasing the treasures that nature offers. I believe in the power of every smile, as it brings us closer to a happier, more harmonious world. By embracing nature and learning to coexist with its wonders, we can collectively work toward saving our planet and conserve the wildlife's home. 

Through my journey, I hope to inspire others to reconnect with the earth, cherish its wildlife, and realize that we are all part of a much larger ecosystem.

Born and raised in the rural area of Penampang, Sabah, I’ve always been surrounded by the natural beauty of my homeland. This connection to nature shaped my early passion for animals and conservation, rooted in a belief that preserving natural habitats is essential to sustaining wildlife for future generations.

My love for wildlife began in childhood and grew stronger during my high school years through my involvement in the Nature’s Club. This passion inspired me to pursue a degree in Conservation Biology at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), where I deepened my knowledge and commitment to environmental preservation.

I find joy in sharing the wonders of Bornean wildlife with guests, creating awareness, and inspiring others to appreciate the beauty and importance of nature. Recently, I’ve developed a growing fascination with birds and insects, captivated by their often-overlooked but critical roles in our ecosystems. This interest has also sparked my passion for photography, as I aim to capture and share the intricate beauty of these creatures with others.

Before I understood what the tourism industry truly was, I worked in several hands on roles as a fisherman, a technician, and a surveyor. Each job taught me resilience, but I always felt there was something more waiting for me something that aligned with my deep appreciation for nature.

In 2008, I joined Borneo Eco Tours. I began working in maintenance and later became the head boatman at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. While I was proud of my work, I still felt a desire to grow and contribute in a more meaningful way, especially in sharing the beauty of Borneo’s incredible biodiversity.

Eventually, I was encouraged by close friends and colleagues to take a step into guiding, even though it wasn’t official at first. With their support and inspiration, I enrolled in a tourist guide course through Borneo Eco Tours and finally found my true calling.

As a nature enthusiast, I’ve always been passionate about exploring the jungle, discovering insects, and capturing nature’s wonders through photography. Guiding allows me to share this passion with travelers from around the world, while also deepening my own connection to the rainforest.

My motto for success is: Always go the extra mile, because that’s where the unexpected and extraordinary achievements happen.

Kazree, born and raised in Kinabatangan Batu Puteh, has always been deeply connected to the lush landscapes of his homeland. His passion for photography began in 2012 and grew into a serious pursuit by 2017.

As a passionate trekker with a love for birdwatching, herping, and nature, Muhammad Kazree is committed to continuously honing his skills and deepening his understanding of the natural world. He finds joy in sharing stories with guests, creating meaningful connections that highlight the beauty and wonder of Borneo.

In February 2024, Muhammad Kazree embarked on a new chapter by joining BET, marking a significant milestone in his journey of exploration and discovery. This step reflects his unwavering dedication to personal growth and achievement.

My journey has been one of transformation and discovery. Starting in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, I had little experience in the tourism industry. However, my passion for wildlife and nature drove me to explore new opportunities. In 2017, I made a leap into the world of tourism, beginning my role as a vehicle captain.

Though I was inexperienced at first, my curiosity and determination pushed me to learn and grow. By mid-2019, I started guiding tours, sharing my love for nature and wildlife with others. This career shift was challenging, but it also proved deeply rewarding as I embraced the opportunity to inspire others to connect with the natural world.

My interests are broad, but they are grounded in a love for exploration, discovery, and the joy of sharing meaningful experiences. My motto, "Whenever there's a chance, we just have to try," reminds me to seize opportunities and embrace challenges.

Through my journey, I aim to create unforgettable memories for others, showcasing the wonders of nature and encouraging everyone to love wildlife.

Jad, born and raised in Sandakan. I joined BET in 2020 as a vehicle captain and later took the opportunity to become a tour guide. My interest in this field began while working with BET, as I became fascinated by nature and sought to deepen my knowledge of the forest and wildlife. In 2023, I started training as a guide, with a special interest in wildlife, particularly orangutans. I enjoy meeting people and learning more about nature and culture.

I was born and raised in Kinabatangan, and my passion for nature and guiding began early in life. After completing high school, I became involved with the tourism cooperative (KOPEL) in Kampung Batu Puteh, Kinabatangan, where I worked for almost five years. During this time, I developed a deep interest in becoming a nature guide and gained extensive knowledge about the forest, including tracking, hiking, wildlife, and plants.

In 2022, I furthered my expertise by attending the Nature Guide Course (GREEN BADGE) and earned recognition as an Honorary Wildlife Warden (licensed) within the same year. In 2023, I transitioned to Greenview Travel and Tour, where I worked for six months before having the incredible opportunity to join Borneo Eco Tours (BET) in October. My time with BET has been transformative, offering valuable experiences and expanding my skills and knowledge through diverse tours.

I am especially grateful to BET for giving me the chance to pursue the Region Specific Tourist Guide (RSTG) certification in 2024, which is a significant milestone in my professional development.

Mohd Farhan Bin Aloh is a passionate nature enthusiast born and raised in Sandakan, where his love for the wild first took root. After finishing college, he followed his calling into the rainforest and began his guiding journey at Sukau Greenview. For three unforgettable years, he explored the rich, vibrant landscapes of Kinabatangan, a place that captured his heart and deepened his connection to nature, especially the birds whose morning songs continue to inspire wonder.

In early 2023, Farhan proudly joined Borneo Eco Tours, where he continues to share the beauty, mystery, and magic of Borneo’s rainforests with travelers from around the world. From the echo of hornbills in flight to the peaceful glow of river sunrises, he believes these wild places have the power to transform how we see the world and ourselves.

He lives by the motto: “Go beyond limits, dream without borders,” because in nature, there are no walls, only endless moments of discovery.