Nature Season 3 Episode 11 Kinabalu: Summit of Borneo

The Nature series takes us on yet another spectacular journey, this time to the summit of Borneo, where a unique habitat of high-altitude grasslands, wide-open vistas, and tropical montane forests is waiting to be explored. In the Kinabalu episode, the show offers a rare opportunity to follow a group of mountaineers on their climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Borneo.

The Kinabalu expedition is led by Ruth Kiew, a renowned botanist and mountaineer, who has a passion for studying the unique flora that thrives in this high-altitude ecosystem. This ascent to the summit will be Ruth's 21st climb up the mountain, but she never tires of the adventure and magical sights that await her at the top. This episode will showcase the time-lapse footage that captures the incredible transformation of the grasslands transitioning to the rainforest.

As the team ascends, the landscapes change, starting from the tropical rainforests at the bottom to the stunted forest at the base of the mountain, and up to the different levels of montane forests. The varying climate and altitude create an ecosystem that is both rare and fascinating. The team also shares their experiences of the mountain and their efforts in conservation of endemic plants that are not found elsewhere in the world.

A major highlight of the episode is the climb to the Plateau that leads up to the summit, which is a breathtaking experience for the climbers and viewers alike. The climb to the summit is a physical challenge, and the mountaineers need to acclimate to the altitude and reduce their speed in order to reach the top. While ascending, they discover the unique flora and fauna, including pitcher plants, orchids, butterflies, birds, and even a snake that blends in with its surroundings.

With the Kinabalu episode, Nature showcases the mountain and its biodiversity, as well as the challenges the forest faces due to climate change, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation. Ruth and her team explain that the forest's biology does not follow political boundaries, but rather spills over the mountain range that spans Borneo, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Throughout the episode, the mountaineers' interactions with the local people, such as the Dusun Tribe that has lived on the mountain for centuries, provide valuable insights into the indigenous people's relationship with the mountain. Against the backdrop of the stunning summit, the episode also highlights the importance of conservation, ecology, and creating awareness about the local community.

Overall, the Kinabalu episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves nature and is curious about the world around us. The sights, sounds, and stories that unfold throughout the episode are captivating, and the message of conservation and awareness is clear and compelling. The episode provides extraordinary access to the summit of Borneo, and it is an unforgettable journey that will amaze audiences.