I'm off into the jungle..

Well this Easter, I will be off into the jungles of Kalimantan, Borneo. That's right, the location of those films Anacondas I & II. But no, I'm not there to see massive ancient snakes, I'm there to photograph Orangutans. With over 40% of Orangutan population loss in the last few years in Indonesia, I want to visit them in their natural habitat well off the beaten track.

My question to you, is do you have any tips for jungle photography and hiking. Anything about gear to food to insect replenant would be appricated.

Many thanks,

Anyone have anything to offer me?

don't drink the water. =]

Well living in Jakarta, i don't drink the water anyway, but thanks for replying

tupper wrote in post #7380080
Well living in Jakarta, i don't drink the water anyway, but thanks for replying

well then. =]. bring a machete cause you might get in some high plants and stuff you might need to cut down. bring bugspray that has a high % of deet. hmm what else

Mosquito gear, water treatment, silica for your gear, good waterproof shoes with decent tread, rain poncho for gear and you, dry bag for the rest. Change your socks often.

Just two things top of my head...

1) Carry a monopod with a long stainless steel spike. This would provide you with a steadier shots in unsteady grounds as well as providing you with a certain degree of self-defensive protection just in case...

2) Rain covers for your bag and camera/lens... Save your free silica pouches and throw them inside your bag...

Thanks for the replies, I'll have the rain covers on standby, but it's nearly finished wet season here so hopefully I won't have to use it much!

binoculars :P

Bring a lighter or some salt to get leeches off.

perryge wrote in post #7463773
Bring a lighter or some salt to get leeches off.

deet works well too, so just some mosquito repellent

Watch alot of Survivorman episodes, in case you get yourself in a jam.

Great stuff Tupper.

I did a similar trip in the nineties and spent some time in the canopy with a few mates and hammocks. I'd still take a hammock if you plan on staying in the rain forests as a way of keeping you and your gear out of the damp however if you don't plan on staying I'd just take light long sleeves and pants.

Add in what's been said before with the bug spray, good water proof footware, spare socks and dry gear. I'd also chuck in a hat and a fly net. For me it helps with the bugs that annoy....at least they don't get in your face. Nothing ruins a shot more than flapping away at bugs and frightening the subject away.

Otherwise, take along patience, a sense of adventure and a smile. You'll love it up there.

Thanks for the advice! I'm really looking forward to it, and can't wait to see some of these left in the wild. (They are endangered)

I shot a lot in the rain forests of Central and South America and can tell you that...

1. The rain forests / jungle are very dark you will want to take the fastest lenses you have, flash, better beamer, etc. Plan on tripod support for longer exposures.

2. Heat, humidity and intermident rain were something else to contend with. Heat and humidity beats you down while humidity and rain will push your gear to the limits.

3. A local guide is worth gold. He knows the terrain, the political atmosphere and the seasonal changes that occur so, where you think the subject may be, in reality they may be several miles distant, or a thousand feet higher/lower in elevation from where you are standing.

Good shooting! Sounds like you're in for a heckuva time!