Dr. Dale Straughan is our most regular visitor to Sukau, with a record of 39 visits (as of 2015) since 1999. It all started when Dale was invited by an Australian friend to travel with her to Borneo to see the unique primates. Dale spent an enjoyable time visiting interesting places in Sabah such as Kinabalu Park, Danum Valley, and Tenom Agricultural Park and fell in love with the lure of Sukau.
Born in Australia, Dale earned her Ph D in Zoology from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. She worked as a Field Ecologist and has produced over 80 scientific publications, mainly about ecology. Although she has been retired for many years, she still takes photographs and takes notes about the wildlife she sees. She has published an article for the Sabah Society Journal titled “A Comparison of Vertebrates Recorded in 1990-1991 and 1999-2004 from the Sukau Region of the Kinabatangan Floodplain, Sabah” with co-author, John Bakar. This article presents a list of 356 vertebrate species recorded in the Sukau Region from 1990-1991 and 1999-2004 and serves as a useful reference for local and international field ecologists. In 2003 Dale wrote 'Visitor Handbook on Lower Kinabatangan Floodplain', a comprehensive ecotourism guideline for the guests of Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
Dale has a particular interest in Sukau because this place offers a high concentration of wildlife in the Lower Kinabatangan River Floodplain, visitors have the privilege to search for the exquisite array of Bornean wildlife on river cruises. Dale is also impressed with the ecofriendly concept of Sukau Rainforest Lodge, citing that rooms without air-conditioners provide such a great way to enjoy the authentic experience of hearing the local sounds. The lodge is relaxing, not overcrowded and Dale enjoys the company of the friendly Sukau Rainforest Lodge staff and the unassuming Sukau villagers.
Dale is now a retired and lives in the USA with her husband. During free time, Dale loves to garden and travel the world. Dale always plans to return to Sukau, the unforgettable paradise of Borneo.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge dedicates Deluxe Room Number 1 to Dr. Dale Straughan in honour of her contributions.
