Our Specialist Guides

Hailing from a small Murut village in Keningau, Jonathan had always been fascinated by Mother Nature and her gifts, spending his childhood exploring the wilderness and collecting natural specimens - which explains why he's such a great and passionate Tour Guide today! Besides his love of meeting new people, learning about new cultures, and sharing his own vast knowledge to his guests, Jonathan also works hard to raise awareness on nature and environmental issues. He champions many different species that often get a bad PR, such as spiders, because they all serve a critical purpose in the ecosystem. In his spare time, Jonathan can be found traversing the wilds with child-like wonder, pursuing his other interests such as stargazing, birdwatching, photography, camping and trekking.

Muhammad 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My journey into the world of tourism began in 2017 when I enrolled in a Tourism Management course, which I successfully completed in 2019. This formal education provided me with a strong foundation in the industry, but my true passion for nature has been with me for as long as I can remember.

In 2024, I officially embarked on my career as a guide. Although I started with limited experience in identifying plants and understanding wildlife, I embraced every opportunity to grow. I’ve been learning continuously, drawing wisdom from senior guides and immersing myself in the natural world. Each day brings new discoveries, deepening my appreciation for the environment and reinforcing my commitment to sharing its wonders with others.

I firmly believe in the saying, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” Plants, for me, are not just part of the scenery; they are teachers, storytellers, and reminders of the delicate balance of life. As a guide, I take joy in introducing others to the beauty and significance of plants, helping them see their diversity and importance in ways they may not have noticed before.

My deepest passion lies in the world of plants—their diversity, resilience, and the essential roles they play in ecosystems. I am particularly fascinated by their medicinal properties, ecological significance, and cultural value. I aspire to deepen my expertise in wild plants, learning how they heal, adapt, and interact within their environments.

In the future, I hope to lead specialized tours that focus on plants, sharing their fascinating stories while inspiring others to appreciate and protect the natural world. My ultimate goal is to transform this passion into profound knowledge, creating a career where I can both teach and learn from the earth every day.

Through guiding, I aim to inspire meaningful connections between people and nature, fostering a greater sense of responsibility to preserve it for generations to come.

My name is Saiben, and I’m proud to be the first employee at Utan Rainforest Lodge, back when the lodge was still being built. I was here alone for quite some time, and it’s amazing to see how much the place has grown and changed. I started as a security guard and worked my way up to becoming a guide.

One of my key responsibilities at the lodge earlier on? Making sure the Bornean Ground-Cuckoo showed up every day at the bird feeding station… ???? (Or maybe hiding it—who knows?!)

So, if you’re curious about the mysterious Bornean Ground-Cuckoo, just come find me… Chikidakk!!! 

Jokes aside, my love for wildlife has only grown over time, and I’m truly passionate about what I do. I strive to keep learning and improving, and one day, I hope to be among the best in this field.

As a child, Ezam dreamed of becoming an engineer, drawn to the idea of building and creating. But life had other plans, leading him into the heart of nature, where he found his true passion—wildlife and adventure. His journey in the field began in 2018 when he started as a driver at another lodge. Over time, his curiosity and love for the wild grew, inspiring him to pursue a career as a guide.

For Ezam, the best part of being a guide is the endless learning opportunities. Every day in the field brings something new—whether it’s uncovering fascinating animal behaviors, meeting people from around the world, or deepening his understanding of the natural world. His favorite wildlife species, the clouded leopard, represents everything he admires about nature: mystery, beauty, and the thrill of discovery. Beyond guiding, Ezam has developed a newfound love for photography and videography. Capturing the beauty of the wild through his lens allows him to tell stories, preserve special moments, and share the wonders of nature with others. Whether it’s a fleeting glimpse of a rare animal or the golden light of sunrise over the jungle, he finds joy in documenting the world around him.

Ezam draws inspiration from survival expert Bear Grylls, whose resilience and adaptability in the wild serve as a guiding force in his own journey. He lives by the motto, “Great things never come from comfort zones,” always pushing himself to explore beyond the familiar and embrace new challenges.From navigating jungle trails to capturing nature’s magic through his camera, Ezam’s journey is a testament to growth, curiosity, and an unshakable love for the wild.