Scotland wildlife photography vacation

Planet

Ethics while photographing wildlife in Borneo
Our guiding principle is that no image is worth disturbing the animals we’re here to admire. We always put wildlife wellbeing before photography. This means keeping a respectful distance, never luring or baiting animals, avoiding flashes or bright lights at night, and limiting noise and movement. We also follow the advice of local guides, whose knowledge of species behaviour ensures encounters remain safe and ethical.

Our environmental commitments
We aim to tread as lightly as possible through Borneo’s fragile ecosystems. “Leave no trace” is a non-negotiable: nothing is taken, nothing is left behind. Guests and guides alike avoid picking plants, removing natural objects, or leaving rubbish. Where waste is unavoidable, we ensure it’s disposed of responsibly — often transporting it ourselves if local facilities aren’t adequate.

To reduce our footprint, we favour rechargeable batteries, reusable bottles, refillable filter systems, and the minimisation of single-use plastics. Accommodation is always locally owned and managed, with food sourced close to where we stay whenever possible, reducing transport miles and supporting sustainable supply chains.

We also work consciously with water and energy use. In rainforest areas where resources are limited, we encourage shorter showers, the reuse of towels, and turning off lights and electronics when not in use. Whenever possible, transfers are shared to reduce emissions, and we offset unavoidable carbon use by contributing to local reforestation projects.

Respecting the places we visit
We know that travel brings both benefits and pressures to wild places. By partnering with conservation-led lodges and reserves, our presence directly supports the protection of wildlife habitats. Many of the entrance fees and permits built into this trip are reinvested into habitat protection, anti-poaching patrols, and scientific research.

People

Our commitment to communities we visit

Travel has the power to bring meaningful benefits to local communities, and we make it a priority that the impact of our tours is a positive one. Wherever possible, we work directly with local people and businesses so that the economic value of tourism stays within the region.

All accommodation on this tour is locally owned and managed, ensuring revenue supports community livelihoods rather than leaving the country. The same is true for the food we eat — we favour locally sourced produce and dishes, which not only reduces transport emissions but also supports small farmers and food suppliers.

We hire local guides, boat crews, and drivers whose knowledge of the landscapes and wildlife is unmatched. By working with them, we help sustain traditional livelihoods and ensure that specialist knowledge continues to be valued and passed down. Guests benefit too, as these guides offer cultural insights and stories that enrich the overall experience.

Respecting local culture is at the heart of how we travel. We encourage guests to engage with people in a spirit of curiosity and respect, being mindful of local customs and traditions. Photography is always approached sensitively, with permission sought before photographing local people.

We also make a point of supporting conservation and community initiatives wherever possible, whether through entrance fees that fund habitat protection or by contributing to community-led projects. By doing so, our tours don’t just create opportunities for photographers, but also help create long-term benefits for the communities who live alongside the wildlife we’ve come to see.