Our Specialist Guides

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.

My journey began humbly as an office agent back in 2012, but over time, I developed a strong interest in working out in the field. Being naturally adventurous, I became a mountain guide in 2014 and later spent nearly a decade as a cultural village guide. After completing my Regional Tour Guide Certificate course, I earned my key badge, a milestone that marked the beginning of my deeper exploration into tourism and guiding.

Today, I continue to broaden my horizons, driven by a passion to create meaningful experiences and lasting memories for others. I have a deep love for nature- the flora, the fauna, and everything in between, and I’m always eager to share what I know with those who travel with me.

Joining the ranks of Borneo Eco Tours' guides has been one of the most epic milestones in my journey. It's a place of constant learning, and every day brings new discoveries and opportunities to grow.

Hi, my name is Mohd Ashraff Haikal Bin Raj Anand. I’m a 25-year-old tour guide currently working with Borneo Eco Tours since February 2024.

After completing my studies in Electrical Technology at a community college, I made a bold decision to switch fields and pursue my passion for tourism. I went on to earn a Diploma in Tourism Management from Politeknik Tawau, Sabah. As someone who has always enjoyed meeting people and sharing stories, guiding felt like a natural fit.

My journey into eco-tourism began at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. I arrived with little knowledge of the natural world and initially struggled with communication and confidence. But thanks to the support of my supervisors and fellow guides, along with my own determination to grow, things slowly began to change. Through hands-on experience and a willingness to learn, I developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature and wildlife.

Over time, I discovered a special interest in birds and birdwatching. I’ve since dedicated myself to learning about different species, their behaviors, and birding techniques. Today, I’m not only confident in guiding international guests through one of Borneo’s most biodiverse ecosystems, but I’m also becoming an emerging birding and nature enthusiast in the region.

From a nervous beginner with no prior experience in the tourism industry to a passionate and confident guide, my journey is a story of growth, resilience, and a deep love for the natural world.

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 show 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.

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.