Contributing Writer: Elwa Gloria Justin
I still remember the first time I saw them, gentle shadows moving along the Kinabatangan River, their ears flapping softly as if waving hello. They weren’t towering giants like I had imagined, but the smallest elephants of the bunch: Borneo elephants. In that moment, watching them splash in the muddy shallows, I realised these “fun-sized” giants were more than just adorable, they were the heartbeat of the forest.
Found mainly in Sabah, Malaysia, these gentle giants may be the smallest of their kind, but still could weigh as heavy as a small car (around 2,000 kg!). With a super-smart, multipurpose trunk and the ability to hear their friends calling from 2 km away, they’re basically the social butterflies of the jungle.
They’re not just cute, they’re nature’s ultimate gardeners! By spreading seeds through their dung, making trails for other animals, and clearing space for new plants to grow, they help keep the forest healthy and thriving. In other words, Borneo’s elephants aren’t just part of the forest, they’re the ones throwing the biggest green party in it! Elephant sightings in Sabah, like any wildlife, are indeed by chance as they roam free in the wild.
Recommended spots:
1. Kinabatangan River, Sandakan
2. Deramakot Forest, Telupid
3. Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Lahad Datu
4. Danum Valley, Lahad Datu
