Watch Judi Dench's Wild Borneo Adventure

Judi Dench's Wild Borneo Adventure is a nature documentary television series co-produced by Atlantic Productions and Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific. The show features the famous actress Judi Dench, who travels to the rainforest of Borneo to explore its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and the unique conservation efforts happening there.

The first episode gives an overview of the rainforest ecosystem and its inhabitants. Dench is joined by her long-time friend and conservationist, David Mills, who has lived and worked in the region for over 40 years. They visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where they learn about the smallest bear species in the world and the threats they face from habitat loss and poaching. Dench also encounters orangutans, macaques, and gibbons while visiting Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where orphaned and injured primates are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

Dench and Mills also meet with Dr. Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Sabah's State Wildlife Department Director, who explains the challenges of protecting endangered species such as the pygmy elephant and the Bornean rhinoceros. They travel deep into the rainforest to meet with scientists and researchers from Danau Girang Field Centre, the first and only research station in Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. Together, they study the birds, reptiles, mammals and insects that live in the region, and how they are affected by human activity.

The second episode focuses on the marine life around Borneo's coastline. Dench and Mills travel to Semporna, a small town situated on the east coast of Malaysia. There, they board a diving vessel and explore the coral reefs surrounding the nearby islands. They come face to face with giant clams, colorful fish, and sea turtles. Dench also visits Mabul Island, one of the best places in the world to observe small marine life, such as nudibranchs, seahorses, and pipefish.

In the third episode, Dench and Mills travel to Batang Ai National Park, situated in the heart of Sarawak, Malaysia. The park contains the largest protected area of tropical rainforest in Borneo and is home to some of the rarest plants and animals on the planet. Together, they join a team of scientists from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to study the rainforest canopy from a perspective rarely seen before. They also meet with members of the local Iban community who are involved in reforestation efforts and working to balance their cultural heritage with modern life.

The final episode concludes with Dench and Mills visiting the Kinabatangan River in Sabah. Here, they explore the rich and diverse ecosystem of the rainforest and meet with the Borneo Conservation Trust, who are working to protect the region and its wildlife. They encounter crocodiles, hornbills, and proboscis monkeys during their journey. They also learn about the challenges facing the region in the form of deforestation, the palm oil industry, and climate change.

Throughout the series, Judi Dench's Wild Borneo Adventure showcases the incredible beauty and diversity of Borneo's natural world, as well as the innovative and collaborative efforts being undertaken to protect and conserve it. Dench's enthusiasm, warmth, and sense of wonder make her the perfect guide, and the show is a must-watch for any nature lover or conservationist.