Few tourists these days travel without a still or video camera. Most Malaysians are Taxed about being photographed, although it is inappropriate to thrust cameras in people’s faces. Unless you can take photos from a distance with a long lens it is always polite to ask permission to photograph anybody. Many Malaysians enjoy being photographed although the Orang Asli may show little interest Taking pictures in such circumstances may require some perseverance, patience and perhaps a little theatrics to convey your wishes.
There are no photographic treks to Taman Negara organised from within the country but international photo magazines often advertise specialised organised photographic tours to Malaysia.
It is wise to be well equipped in the rainforest However, carrying too much can a nuisance, so getting the right balance is important. Sometimes porters can be to carry equipment. While there is a loss in picture quality with many zoom lenses, they do save on weight. Longer lenses (e.g. 200mm) are good for taking wildlife, people and stance shots. A small tripod is useful in low fight situations inside the rainforest or caves.
Alternatively, take a flash and/or fast film. A polarising filter can be helpful, and for overcast skies graduated blue and yellow filters are useful. Bring spare batteries as they and other equipment are not widely available in Taman Negara. Facilities nor repairs are only available in Kuala Lumpur.
Choosing slide or print film depends upon how the photographs will be used.
It is expensive to obtain prints from slides but almost impossible to get
good slides from prints. The light in Malaysia is mostly good and film speed
selection need not the higher than 200 ISO. The exception is in rainforest
where the light is often poor. The light is generally best just after sunrise
and just before sunset, when it is low and golden.
Midday light is intense and generally not suitable for photography. Print
film is readily available in Malaysia and Taman Negara, however slide film
is more scarce and is not sold in the Banded Pitta park. Photographers are
generally advised to bring their own film. The guides in the park are normally
very good at accommodating the reel & special interest groups such as photographers.
Some boat drivers are keer from A to B as quickly as possible, but for those
who specifically want to rainforest features along the way, the guides are
normally obliging. Chartering a boat will guarantee that photographers can
take the photos they like, when they like.
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