sign in a cave in Laos
Showing posts with label Liz news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Liz news. Show all posts
23 March 2020
Liz in Malay Mail 2015 - repeat
In Oct 2015 there was an article about me in the Malay Mail, see my blog. I recently found that this has been reprinted on Emily's blog in Sept 2019. She mentioned the Malay Mail is now defunct, but it is still going!
23 November 2017
New Liphistius spider L. priceae named after me
I am honoured to have a new species of Liphistius spider named after me in 2017. The trapdoor spider, Liphistius priceae sp. nov. has recently been described in a new paper, Revue suisse de Zoologie (September 2017) 124(2): 391-445, A revision of the trapdoor spider genus Liphistius (Mesothelae: Liphistiidae) in peninsular Malaysia; part 1, by Peter J. Schwendinger.
There are 5 species groups of Liphistius in peninsular Malaysia : the trang group, the malayanus-group, the batuensis-group, the tioman-group and the linang-group. L. priceae sp. nov. belongs to the linang-group.
The specimens were collected by Dr Peter Schwendinger. They are known only from two caves in the
same limestone hill at Dabong in Kelantan - Gua Keris and Gua Pagar. None were found in the associated rain forest so they may be confined to caves, although show no noteworthy cave adaptations.
Unfortunately there are no photo of the live specimens, only those in alcohol -
There are 5 species groups of Liphistius in peninsular Malaysia : the trang group, the malayanus-group, the batuensis-group, the tioman-group and the linang-group. L. priceae sp. nov. belongs to the linang-group.
The specimens were collected by Dr Peter Schwendinger. They are known only from two caves in the
same limestone hill at Dabong in Kelantan - Gua Keris and Gua Pagar. None were found in the associated rain forest so they may be confined to caves, although show no noteworthy cave adaptations.
Unfortunately there are no photo of the live specimens, only those in alcohol -
Extracts from the paper :
(Location):
Malaysia, Kelantan, about 5 km
S of Dabong, Gua Keris (= Kris Cave) and Gua Pagar
(locally also called Gua King Kong), 130 m; 8.-9.
VI.2004; leg. P.J. Schwendinger. The precise type
locality is Gua Keris.
Etymology:
The new species is named in honour of
Liz Price (London, UK), a former long-time resident
in Kuala Lumpur, and a very active speleologist who
over 30 years explored and published on caves and cave
faunas all over Southeast Asia. She was also involved
in conservation and trying to save some caves from
destruction by quarrying in Malaysia.
Diagnosis:
Small to medium-sized, light-brown coloured
species, similar and closely related to
L. tempurung. Both sexes slightly smaller than those
of L. tempurung.
This is the second specimen to have been named after me. The first was a snail from Laos, called Sinoennea lizae .
A big thank you to Peter Schwendinger for honouring me with this cave spider.
3 October 2015
13 February 2013
Merapoh Croatian expedition in Descent
I wrote a short piece on the September 2012 Croatian caving expedition to Merapoh, in Pahang, Malaysia for the international caving magazine Descent.
It was published in Issue 230, Feb/Mar 2013. To order a copy go to Descent ordering.
Descent is a UK magazine.
It was published in Issue 230, Feb/Mar 2013. To order a copy go to Descent ordering.
Descent is a UK magazine.
26 April 2011
Modern-Day Cavewoman Explores Spectacular Caves
http://www.ouramazingplanet.com/caves-asia-liz-price-1425/
Modern-Day Cavewoman Explores Spectacular Caves
OurAmazingPlanet
Sleepytime. Hundreds of bats hang from the ceiling of a cave. These furry, flying mammals are fairly high up on the food chain inside the caves.
The snakes are constrictors and swallow their prey whole.
Modern-Day Cavewoman Explores Spectacular Caves
OurAmazingPlanet
Liz Price, a woman unfazed by roaches or darkness, pictured in a cave in Laos. Credit: Liz Price.
Sometimes what starts off as a hobby can become an all-consuming passion – one that changes a person's life forever. Such is the case for Liz Price, an English-born former pharmacy researcher.
As a university student in her native England, Price fell in love with caving. She says it was the vast, tropical caves of Southeast Asia that truly won the top spot in her heart. Now, Price calls Malaysia home, where she explores the many caves of the region, volunteering as a guide and writing about her adventures and research for books and articles.
The caves in Southeast Asia are cathedral-sized showcases of spectacular geological architecture, but Price isn't just interested in rocks. The caverns are home to a host of creatures that might send the more faint-hearted screaming in the other direction.
For Price, the giant cockroaches, huge snakes and massive centipedes that lurk in the pitch-black are part of the allure of the caves. They are creatures deserving of respect instead of revulsion, she says. [See the cave creatures Price has met.]
We asked Price to explain what it takes to be a modern-day cavewoman, and what it is that draws her, again and again, into the darkness of the caves.
OAP: So how did you get into caving in the first place?
Liz Price: When I went to university, I was persuaded by some people from the caving club to join them for a caving weekend. I didn't enjoy the first two caves. I found them small and muddy and I came out covered in bruises. However I was persuaded to do another weekend trip, and that was when I became hooked.
It was quite a difficult trip in a river cave, but I really enjoyed the challenge, and to this day, that cave is one of my favorite English caves. River caves are always more special than dry caves, probably because they seem more alive. The sound of the water is exhilarating -- you can never be sure what is around the next corner. Even a mere cascade of water can sound like a large waterfall from a distance.
From then on, I got the caving bug. I can't define anything in particular that caused this, it is something that probably only cavers will understand! Every cave is different, and even if you go into the same cave many times, it never gets boring.
Inside a cave in Laos, the hardened rock takes on the look of gently flowing marshmallow. Credit: Liz Price.
OAP: I understand you've explored caves all over the world. Over the years, have you had any experiences that were particularly frightening?
Price: My worst experience was in England. I was doing an extreme trip which involved a very long, wet small section of a cave, where we had to crawl flat out for a long distance, with body touching both floor and ceiling. I was sent into this confined section first, as I was the smallest in the group and the others wanted to know if it was the correct way.
It was, and I got through, but whilst waiting for the larger members of the party to negotiate the tiny passage, I got extremely cold. By the time the last member had forced his way through, I was starting to get hypothermia. I got colder and colder, and by the time we had established the correct route, I just wanted to sit there forever, which is a symptom of hypothermia.
OAP: What is the strangest creature you've encountered in a cave?
Price: Because of my love of caves and also cave fauna, I don't really consider any beasties as strange! I must have considered some of the cave invertebrates to be strange when I first encountered them. But now I like them all. Even the cockroaches!
One of my most memorable encounters was meeting a porcupine head on in a passage. I was going one way and he was coming towards me, but there was a large boulder separating us and it was only as we rounded the boulder from opposite sides that we met face to face, and both retreated backwards due to the surprise!
Centipedes and cockroaches hang overhead inside a cave. Credit: Liz Price.
OAP: What is it about these creatures that intrigues you? Why do you think you're drawn to them?
Price: I've no idea why I am drawn to them. Maybe it's the fact that they live in caves, and I like caves so much! However, I admire cave fauna for its ability to survive in a pitch black environment. Bats are absolutely fascinating creatures, especially the fact that they navigate through dark caves. They are extremely useful to humans -- the fruit-eating bats help pollinate our crops, and the insect eaters feed on many insect pests. All the 'creepy crawlies' in a cave play a role in the food chain and help support the cave environment.
OAP: Has anything ever crawled on you?!
Price: Many times I've had cockroaches falling on me, running down my hair and neck, or climbing up my legs. But I just brush them off and carry on. I don't mind cave cockroaches as I consider them to be quite clean, unlike the urban ones in houses and restaurants, which crawl through dirty places. I've frequently had bat pee and poo landing on me, which isn't too pleasant.
OAP: What keeps you going back to caves?
Price: It's like asking a golfer why he keeps going back for more, or why rock climbers keep climbing cliffs. I guess it's just in my blood.
There are also many cave areas of the world which have not yet been explored. So it's quite easy to find a new cave -- a place where you are the very first person ever to tread. It is always nice know that you are the first people to enter. It's one of the few places left on the planet where you can enter virgin, unexplored territory.
Reach Andrea Mustain at amustain@techmedianetwork.com . Follow her on Twitter @AndreaMustain.
Slide show :
The entrance to Saddan Cave, a temple cave in Myanmar.
The caves of Southeast Asia are among the largest and most spectacular in the world. From Laos to Myanmar to Vietnam, the caves entice explorers with their promise of adventure -- and plenty of surprises in the darkness.
Liz Price, an adventurer, researcher and writer based in Southeast Asia has made caving her life's work, and has spent countless hours exploring every last corner of the region's subterranean labyrinths. See some of the incredible creatures she has encountered in her explorations, from the expected (bats) to the unsettling (amazingly large insects).
These hardy creatures pass their lives in near-darkness. Survival means finding food wherever you can, and in these wild caves, the predator can become the preyed upon in the blink of a well-adapted eye.
Credit: Liz Price.
Cockroaches crawling the walls of Gomantong Cave in Malaysia.
Living up to their reputation for surviving just about anywhere, cockroaches crowd the caves in Southeast Asia. The roaches thrive with plenty of bat guano around to feed on. In turn, the roaches are preyed upon by many of their fellow cave-dwellers.
Price says she's not bothered by the many-legged critters, even when they crawl on her. "I just brush them off and carry on," she said.
A very large centipede hangs out on a cave wall. These impressive insects can feed on the swarms of cockroaches that fill the caves. But even a creature this fierce-looking isn't safe from predators.
Dinner. A huge cave spider feasts on a centipede. It's an insect-eat-insect world in the caves, where the hunter can become the hunted.
Flying in the dark. For bats, not a problem. The tiny mammals use a kind of sonar to help them navigate, sending out high-frequency sounds that bounce off their surroundings, and help the bats avoid any impediments to their flight path.
Although bats are high up the food chain in caves, they, too, fall victim to hungry neighbors. They provide a tasty treat to creatures -- big and small -- that manage to get hold of them.
A cave racer, a kind of snake, secures a meal. Price said the racer, found in many tropical caves, is one of her favorite cave dwellers.
"It's non-venomous, and a very placid snake. Only on two occasions have I seen an angry cave racer, and I am sure there was a reason for that -- maybe it was guarding eggs or young, or it was simply hungry!"The snakes are constrictors and swallow their prey whole.
The circle of life. Cockroaches can make a meal out of almost anything, including any unlucky bats that fall to the cave floor. These roaches are feeding on a dead bat in Gomantong Cave in Malaysia.
Modern-day cavewoman has spelunk
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42752602/ns/technology_and_science-science/
Modern-day cavewoman has spelunk
She has dealt with everything from cockroaches to bat poo
OurAmazingPlanet OurAmazingPlanet
Sometimes what starts off as a hobby can become an all-consuming passion — one that changes a person's life forever. Such is the case for Liz Price, an English-born former pharmacy researcher.
As a university student in her native England, Price fell in love with caving. She says it was the vast, tropical caves of Southeast Asia that truly won the top spot in her heart. Now, Price calls Malaysia home, where she explores the many caves of the region, volunteering as a guide and writing about her adventures and research for books and articles.
The caves in Southeast Asia are cathedral-sized showcases of spectacular geological architecture, but Price isn't just interested in rocks. The caverns are home to a host of creatures that might send the more faint-hearted screaming in the other direction.
Liz Price, a woman unfazed by roaches or darkness, pictured in a cave in Laos.
For Price, the giant cockroaches, huge snakes and massive centipedes that lurk in the pitch-black are part of the allure of the caves. They are creatures deserving of respect instead of revulsion, she says. [See the cave creatures Price has met.]
We asked Price to explain what it takes to be a modern-day cavewoman, and what it is that draws her, again and again, into the darkness of the caves.
OAP: So how did you get into caving in the first place?
Liz Price: When I went to university, I was persuaded by some people from the caving club to join them for a caving weekend. I didn't enjoy the first two caves. I found them small and muddy and I came out covered in bruises. However I was persuaded to do another weekend trip, and that was when I became hooked.
It was quite a difficult trip in a river cave, but I really enjoyed the challenge, and to this day, that cave is one of my favorite English caves. River caves are always more special than dry caves, probably because they seem more alive. The sound of the water is exhilarating — you can never be sure what is around the next corner. Even a mere cascade of water can sound like a large waterfall from a distance.
From then on, I got the caving bug. I can't define anything in particular that caused this, it is something that probably only cavers will understand! Every cave is different, and even if you go into the same cave many times, it never gets boring.
OAP: I understand you've explored caves all over the world. Over the years, have you had any experiences that were particularly frightening?
Price: My worst experience was in England. I was doing an extreme trip which involved a very long, wet small section of a cave, where we had to crawl flat out for a long distance, with body touching both floor and ceiling. I was sent into this confined section first, as I was the smallest in the group and the others wanted to know if it was the correct way.
It was, and I got through, but whilst waiting for the larger members of the party to negotiate the tiny passage, I got extremely cold. By the time the last member had forced his way through, I was starting to get hypothermia. I got colder and colder, and by the time we had established the correct route, I just wanted to sit there forever, which is a symptom of hypothermia.
OAP: What is the strangest creature you've encountered in a cave?
Price: Because of my love of caves and also cave fauna, I don't really consider any beasties as strange! I must have considered some of the cave invertebrates to be strange when I first encountered them. But now I like them all. Even the cockroaches!
One of my most memorable encounters was meeting a porcupine head on in a passage. I was going one way and he was coming towards me, but there was a large boulder separating us and it was only as we rounded the boulder from opposite sides that we met face to face, and both retreated backwards due to the surprise!
Inside a cave in Laos, the hardened rock takes on the look of gently flowing marshmallow.
OAP: What is it about these creatures that intrigues you? Why do you think you're drawn to them?
Price: I've no idea why I am drawn to them. Maybe it's the fact that they live in caves, and I like caves so much! However, I admire cave fauna for its ability to survive in a pitch black environment. Bats are absolutely fascinating creatures, especially the fact that they navigate through dark caves. They are extremely useful to humans — the fruit-eating bats help pollinate our crops, and the insect eaters feed on many insect pests. All the 'creepy crawlies' in a cave play a role in the food chain and help support the cave environment.
OAP: Has anything ever crawled on you?!
Price: Many times I've had cockroaches falling on me, running down my hair and neck, or climbing up my legs. But I just brush them off and carry on. I don't mind cave cockroaches as I consider them to be quite clean, unlike the urban ones in houses and restaurants, which crawl through dirty places. I've frequently had bat pee and poo landing on me, which isn't too pleasant.
OAP: What keeps you going back to caves?
Price: It's like asking a golfer why he keeps going back for more, or why rock climbers keep climbing cliffs. I guess it's just in my blood.
There are also many cave areas of the world which have not yet been explored. So it's quite easy to find a new cave — a place where you are the very first person ever to tread. It is always nice know that you are the first people to enter. It's one of the few places left on the planet where you can enter virgin, unexplored territory.
- The 7 Longest Caves in the World
- Image Gallery: Amazing Caves Around the World
- Explore the Underworld: Coolest Spelunking Trips
Reach Andrea Mustain at amustain@techmedianetwork.com. Follow her on Twitter @AndreaMustain.
© 2011 OurAmazingPlanet. All rights reserved. More from OurAmazingPlanet.
17 January 2009
5 January 2009
Naga Mas photo (taken from Star)
This photo of us coming down from Naga Mas was "illegally" used by Star Sunday Metro on 4 Jan 2009 to advertise trekking in Penang. The photo was taken by the Star stringer, Anthony Law, on our trip to Gua Tambun & Naga Mas.
30 December 2008
Tambun rock paintings & Naga Mas fossil (Star)
Star
Metro North
Delicate lines: Paintings showing a herd of deer. One doe appears to be pregnant.
THE prehistoric rock paintings in Tambun, Ipoh, may not be the only ones in the area.
Archaeology student Noel Hidalgo Tan believes the rock paintings are clues to show that there are other similar paintings yet to be discovered.
This, he said, was because prehistoric paintings were always found in clusters.
Tan, 30, who is currently doing his thesis on the Tambun prehistoric paintings discovered by the British army in 1959, was in Ipoh to take part in a guided tour of the Tambun caves organised by Perak Heritage Society (PHS).
Tan added that the limestone paintings in Tambun were of archaeological importance.
“I believe these are the only prehistoric iron oxide paintings in Malaysia,” Tan said of the paintings located several meters high on limestone walls.
Tan said he believed the prehistoric people used scaffolding to paint a dugong, a catfish, a turtle, a flying fox, a tapir and a herd of deer on the limestone walls.
“I will conduct an inventory of the paintings, none has been done so far,” Tan said.
He said his research would include determining the age of the paintings by carbon dating and conducting a chemistry test on the material used in the paintings.
Seashells found scattered nearby the prehistoric rock paintings.
The site of the prehistoric paintings was once under the sea, judging from the presence of seashells found scattered on the limestone hill which is at least 30m high.
Perak Heritage Society president Law Siak Hong said the paintings were not cave paintings as they were not found in caves but on the face of limestone rock.
After viewing the prehistorical drawings, the society members travelled south to Naga Mas near Gopeng to see the fossil of a mammal embedded in a cave wall.
“The bones belong either to a leopard or cat,” said Liz Price who has written many books on caves.
The bones, though high up, have been vandalised and need protection as there are people who are trying to remove the bones, believing that they have supernatural power or potential for the practice of black magic.
Metro North
Monday December 29, 2008
Art of our ancestors
Story and photos by ANTHONY LAW
Delicate lines: Paintings showing a herd of deer. One doe appears to be pregnant. THE prehistoric rock paintings in Tambun, Ipoh, may not be the only ones in the area.
Archaeology student Noel Hidalgo Tan believes the rock paintings are clues to show that there are other similar paintings yet to be discovered.
This, he said, was because prehistoric paintings were always found in clusters.
Tan, 30, who is currently doing his thesis on the Tambun prehistoric paintings discovered by the British army in 1959, was in Ipoh to take part in a guided tour of the Tambun caves organised by Perak Heritage Society (PHS).
Tan added that the limestone paintings in Tambun were of archaeological importance.
“I believe these are the only prehistoric iron oxide paintings in Malaysia,” Tan said of the paintings located several meters high on limestone walls.
Tan said he believed the prehistoric people used scaffolding to paint a dugong, a catfish, a turtle, a flying fox, a tapir and a herd of deer on the limestone walls.
“I will conduct an inventory of the paintings, none has been done so far,” Tan said.
He said his research would include determining the age of the paintings by carbon dating and conducting a chemistry test on the material used in the paintings.
Seashells found scattered nearby the prehistoric rock paintings. The site of the prehistoric paintings was once under the sea, judging from the presence of seashells found scattered on the limestone hill which is at least 30m high.
Perak Heritage Society president Law Siak Hong said the paintings were not cave paintings as they were not found in caves but on the face of limestone rock.
After viewing the prehistorical drawings, the society members travelled south to Naga Mas near Gopeng to see the fossil of a mammal embedded in a cave wall.
“The bones belong either to a leopard or cat,” said Liz Price who has written many books on caves.
The bones, though high up, have been vandalised and need protection as there are people who are trying to remove the bones, believing that they have supernatural power or potential for the practice of black magic.
23 October 2008
Gua Naga Mas letter - NST
NST Online » Letters
2008/10/21
Cave exhibit: A fossil of a cat is going to the dogs
By : LIZ PRICE, Kuala Lumpur
IN a cave known as Gua Naga Mas in Perak, there is a fossil of a mammal embedded in the cave's wall. It was found in 1992. No real tests have been done, but the fossil is thought to be a leopard or some other cat, and may date back to the Pleistocene, 1.8 million to 10,000 years BP (before the present era).
The Department of Museums and Antiquities erected a signboard at the base of the steps leading to the cave. My first visit to the site was in 1996. On subsequent visits over the years, I could see that pieces of the fossil had been removed. It is disheartening to find that unscrupulous people have been removing these ancient bones, and that nothing has been done to protect them.
This month, I tried to get to the cave and found the signboard had completely disappeared, and the steps were totally overgrown and were not to be seen. Also, a factory has encroached right up to the hillslope.
This fossil is thought to be the only one known in Southeast Asia. It is really sad to see that the authorities have done nothing to protect this site.
2008/10/21
Cave exhibit: A fossil of a cat is going to the dogs
By : LIZ PRICE, Kuala Lumpur
IN a cave known as Gua Naga Mas in Perak, there is a fossil of a mammal embedded in the cave's wall. It was found in 1992. No real tests have been done, but the fossil is thought to be a leopard or some other cat, and may date back to the Pleistocene, 1.8 million to 10,000 years BP (before the present era).
The Department of Museums and Antiquities erected a signboard at the base of the steps leading to the cave. My first visit to the site was in 1996. On subsequent visits over the years, I could see that pieces of the fossil had been removed. It is disheartening to find that unscrupulous people have been removing these ancient bones, and that nothing has been done to protect them.
This month, I tried to get to the cave and found the signboard had completely disappeared, and the steps were totally overgrown and were not to be seen. Also, a factory has encroached right up to the hillslope.
This fossil is thought to be the only one known in Southeast Asia. It is really sad to see that the authorities have done nothing to protect this site.
20 October 2008
No protection for ancient cave fossil (Sun, NST)
This was published on the letters page, p16 of THE SUN , 20th October 2008
No protection for ancient cave fossil
In a cave known as Gua Naga Mas in Perak, there is a fossil of a mammal
embedded in the cave wall. It was found in 1992. No real tests have
been done, but the fossil is thought to be a leopard or other cat, and
may date to the Pleistocene, 1.8 million to 10,000 years BP.
The Dept of Museums and Antiquities erected a sign board at the base of
the steps leading up to the cave. My first visit to the site was in 1996.
On subsequent visits, by comparing my photos over the years, I could
see that pieces of the fossil have been removed. It is very
disheartening to find that unscrupulous people have been removing these
ancient bones, and that nothing has been done to protect them.
In Oct 2008 I tried to get to the cave and found the signboard had
completely disappeared, and the steps were totally overgrown and were
not to be seen. Also a factory has encroached right up to the
hillslope.
This fossil is thought to be the only one known in SE Asia. It is
really sad to see that the authorities have done nothing to protect
this site and to promote it's importance.
I hope someone from the Museums or Tourism Depts will read this and
take some action to preserve such an important piece of Malaysia's
past.
Liz Price
The letter was also published in NST on 21 Oct 2008
The Department of Museums and Antiquities erected a signboard at the base of the steps leading to the cave. My first visit to the site was in 1996. On subsequent visits over the years, I could see that pieces of the fossil had been removed. It is disheartening to find that unscrupulous people have been removing these ancient bones, and that nothing has been done to protect them.
This month, I tried to get to the cave and found the signboard had completely disappeared, and the steps were totally overgrown and were not to be seen. Also, a factory has encroached right up to the hillslope.
This fossil is thought to be the only one known in Southeast Asia. It is really sad to see that the authorities have done nothing to protect this site.
No protection for ancient cave fossil
In a cave known as Gua Naga Mas in Perak, there is a fossil of a mammal
embedded in the cave wall. It was found in 1992. No real tests have
been done, but the fossil is thought to be a leopard or other cat, and
may date to the Pleistocene, 1.8 million to 10,000 years BP.
The Dept of Museums and Antiquities erected a sign board at the base of
the steps leading up to the cave. My first visit to the site was in 1996.
On subsequent visits, by comparing my photos over the years, I could
see that pieces of the fossil have been removed. It is very
disheartening to find that unscrupulous people have been removing these
ancient bones, and that nothing has been done to protect them.
In Oct 2008 I tried to get to the cave and found the signboard had
completely disappeared, and the steps were totally overgrown and were
not to be seen. Also a factory has encroached right up to the
hillslope.
This fossil is thought to be the only one known in SE Asia. It is
really sad to see that the authorities have done nothing to protect
this site and to promote it's importance.
I hope someone from the Museums or Tourism Depts will read this and
take some action to preserve such an important piece of Malaysia's
past.
Liz Price
The letter was also published in NST on 21 Oct 2008
NST Online » Letters
2008/10/21Cave exhibit: A fossil of a cat is going to the dogs
By : LIZ PRICE, Kuala Lumpur
IN a cave known as Gua Naga Mas in Perak, there is a fossil of a mammal embedded in the cave's wall. It was found in 1992. No real tests have been done, but the fossil is thought to be a leopard or some other cat, and may date back to the Pleistocene, 1.8 million to 10,000 years BP (before the present era).
This month, I tried to get to the cave and found the signboard had completely disappeared, and the steps were totally overgrown and were not to be seen. Also, a factory has encroached right up to the hillslope.
This fossil is thought to be the only one known in Southeast Asia. It is really sad to see that the authorities have done nothing to protect this site.
23 August 2008
Liz in article about Wild Asia
ALL MALAYSIA
Asia in the raw
The first time I checked out the Wildasia website, I thought, “Darn! Whoever created this site beat me to it.” I’d always thought there wasn’t enough information on nature destinations and adventure travels in Asia.
Then, came Wildasia.
The simple homepage, presented in a clear style with nature shots, displays a hotchpotch of articles and facts clumped into different sections. You can browse the guides on natural areas in Malaysia, read travel, adventure and natural history articles, or find out about conservation projects around the region.
Dr Reza Azmi is a biologist who founded the Wildasia website to cater for his interest in nature and travel.
Or, if you’re planning a trip, look up the “travel centre” and get in touch with people who can dole out travel tips or get you in touch with locals in the area. If you’re in a time crunch, you can get a custom-tailored travel itinerary prepared by Wildasia.
Yet, the website is not profit-oriented, as founder Dr Reza Azmi, 34, explained.
“The idea is to get more people outdoors,” said Reza, a conservationist with a background in botany. “We try to get people tuned into the importance of natural areas to help protect and conserve the remaining natural habitats in Asia.”
Wildasia is a platform to share information and help facilitate exploration of these natural areas, he added. The long-term goal is to work closely with the tourism sector, and to develop more responsible tourism principles and practices. For example, the website will back tour operators who support conservation plans that protect the areas they work in.
The site’s history began in 1998. Reza, then based in Sabah, was working on an idea to support small and village-level tourism initiatives.
“At that time, nature tourism in the Kinabatangan area was picking up but the villagers were often left out,” said Reza. “It was a shame as they often made the best nature guides.”
Reza took the initiative to write his own guide to help tourists know more about the Kinabatangan and the villagers who could help visitors with lodging and boat trips. Such information allows tourists to do independent travel and not depend on tour operators, he said.
Setting up a website was a natural progression since it is a cheap platform to disseminate information, Reza said. The website, a prototype named wildborneo.net, generated interest worldwide. Reza began putting up information on other areas and this led to Wildasia.net in 2002.
In the beginning, Wildasia was a one-man show. In addition to his “real job” as a biologist working on research and conservation projects, Reza spent hours churning out articles for the website.
“I sleep, eat, think Wildasia, it’s a 24-hour thing,” confessed Reza who lives with his wife and two family pets in Kuala Lumpur. “But I’m very lucky as my job involves a great deal of travel. Wildasia is an extension of what I do. I use the travel directory before I go on work assignments.
Today, Wildasia holds one of the largest directories of people and organisations involved in conservation and nature/adventure travel.
Over the years, more than 50 of Reza’s friends and colleagues – a bunch of naturalists, biologists, conservationists and writers – have contributed articles, pictures and shared information through the site.
One of Wildasia’s contributors, Liz Price, a cave and karst specialist and freelance writer based in Kuala Lumpur, finds the site a good source of information on many off-the-beaten-track destinations.
“It’s a useful site for facts on nature and travel,” said Price who checks the site weekly or at least once a month. “When I get questions from overseas visitors, it’s good to refer them to the site.”
Tan Chin Tong, 47, an avid Wildasia reader checks out the site at least once a week.
“I enjoy reading the articles – they’re raw and unpolished, just what nature lovers love to read,” said Tan who is based in Ipoh.
“They’re unlike articles (in mass publications) with content beautifully constructed to whet readers’ appetite but full of disappointments when you make the trip.”
But Tan would like to see more articles on Peninsular Malaysia. “There are many hidden beauties known only to a few,” he added.
From design to content, Wildasia is a voluntary effort.
“The Tourism Malaysia award belongs to all the volunteers who helped build Wildasia to what it is today,” stressed Reza.
Though Wildasia receives more than 10,000 visits a day from readers worldwide, Reza is not satisfied. He constantly thinks of ways to improve the site and sees Wildasia’s development as an evolving process.
“But I hope to see more contributors from different parts of Asia getting involved. That would help us cover more natural areas and bring us closer towards our goal,” Reza summed up.
For now, it’s heartening to see our tourism authorities recognise a non-commercial effort on nature tourism writing in Malaysia.
Check out http://www.wildasia.net/
Asia in the raw
The first time I checked out the Wildasia website, I thought, “Darn! Whoever created this site beat me to it.” I’d always thought there wasn’t enough information on nature destinations and adventure travels in Asia.
Then, came Wildasia.
The simple homepage, presented in a clear style with nature shots, displays a hotchpotch of articles and facts clumped into different sections. You can browse the guides on natural areas in Malaysia, read travel, adventure and natural history articles, or find out about conservation projects around the region.
Dr Reza Azmi is a biologist who founded the Wildasia website to cater for his interest in nature and travel.
Or, if you’re planning a trip, look up the “travel centre” and get in touch with people who can dole out travel tips or get you in touch with locals in the area. If you’re in a time crunch, you can get a custom-tailored travel itinerary prepared by Wildasia.
Yet, the website is not profit-oriented, as founder Dr Reza Azmi, 34, explained.
“The idea is to get more people outdoors,” said Reza, a conservationist with a background in botany. “We try to get people tuned into the importance of natural areas to help protect and conserve the remaining natural habitats in Asia.”
Wildasia is a platform to share information and help facilitate exploration of these natural areas, he added. The long-term goal is to work closely with the tourism sector, and to develop more responsible tourism principles and practices. For example, the website will back tour operators who support conservation plans that protect the areas they work in.
The site’s history began in 1998. Reza, then based in Sabah, was working on an idea to support small and village-level tourism initiatives.
“At that time, nature tourism in the Kinabatangan area was picking up but the villagers were often left out,” said Reza. “It was a shame as they often made the best nature guides.”
Reza took the initiative to write his own guide to help tourists know more about the Kinabatangan and the villagers who could help visitors with lodging and boat trips. Such information allows tourists to do independent travel and not depend on tour operators, he said.
Setting up a website was a natural progression since it is a cheap platform to disseminate information, Reza said. The website, a prototype named wildborneo.net, generated interest worldwide. Reza began putting up information on other areas and this led to Wildasia.net in 2002.
In the beginning, Wildasia was a one-man show. In addition to his “real job” as a biologist working on research and conservation projects, Reza spent hours churning out articles for the website.
“I sleep, eat, think Wildasia, it’s a 24-hour thing,” confessed Reza who lives with his wife and two family pets in Kuala Lumpur. “But I’m very lucky as my job involves a great deal of travel. Wildasia is an extension of what I do. I use the travel directory before I go on work assignments.
Today, Wildasia holds one of the largest directories of people and organisations involved in conservation and nature/adventure travel.
Over the years, more than 50 of Reza’s friends and colleagues – a bunch of naturalists, biologists, conservationists and writers – have contributed articles, pictures and shared information through the site.
One of Wildasia’s contributors, Liz Price, a cave and karst specialist and freelance writer based in Kuala Lumpur, finds the site a good source of information on many off-the-beaten-track destinations.
“It’s a useful site for facts on nature and travel,” said Price who checks the site weekly or at least once a month. “When I get questions from overseas visitors, it’s good to refer them to the site.”
Tan Chin Tong, 47, an avid Wildasia reader checks out the site at least once a week.
“I enjoy reading the articles – they’re raw and unpolished, just what nature lovers love to read,” said Tan who is based in Ipoh.
“They’re unlike articles (in mass publications) with content beautifully constructed to whet readers’ appetite but full of disappointments when you make the trip.”
But Tan would like to see more articles on Peninsular Malaysia. “There are many hidden beauties known only to a few,” he added.
From design to content, Wildasia is a voluntary effort.
“The Tourism Malaysia award belongs to all the volunteers who helped build Wildasia to what it is today,” stressed Reza.
Though Wildasia receives more than 10,000 visits a day from readers worldwide, Reza is not satisfied. He constantly thinks of ways to improve the site and sees Wildasia’s development as an evolving process.
“But I hope to see more contributors from different parts of Asia getting involved. That would help us cover more natural areas and bring us closer towards our goal,” Reza summed up.
For now, it’s heartening to see our tourism authorities recognise a non-commercial effort on nature tourism writing in Malaysia.
Check out http://www.wildasia.net/
22 August 2008
Exploring Batman’s domain - caver Liz - Star
The Star Online > News >
Sunday November 2, 2003
Exploring Batman’s domain
DARK and dank – home of bats, poisonous bats and snakes. Who in their right mind would want to explore caves?
For freelance writer and fulltime caver Liz Price, from Britain, caves are utterly intriguing.
“There is a lot to see and appreciate. Every cave is different too, and each is interesting in its own way,” she says.
CAVE DWELLERS: Thousands of bats live in Gua Wang Burma.
Price finds the fauna especially fascinating. “Anyone will find it interesting to see the animals in their element. For example, you can see the bats’ habitat and how they adapt to the conditions,” she shares.
Other interesting facets of caving are the geological wonders, such as underground rivers and limestone formations. Price’s favourite place for caving in Peninsular Malaysia is the Perlis State Park.
“I have been there about 14 times and there are so many caves to explore,” says Price who has also been on expeditions to restricted caves.
The most popular cave in Perlis is Gua Wang Burma, with its exciting formation of narrow passages and muddy tunnels – you need to crawl or squeeze your way through to reach the amazing water-worn rock formations.
Known for its streams and exotic species of insects and fungi, the cave system is divided into two main caves: Wang Burma Satu with its unique rock formations, and Wang Burma Dua, which is physically and mentally challenging with its dark hooks and turns.
Price who has been caving for 10 years, since she was a student, advises those who are interested to go with experienced cavers.
“You don’t really need specialised equipment, except for good lighting. Be prepared with spare batteries and bulbs because the caves are really dark.
“For caving gear, you don’t really need anything special, except for a helmet with a headlight. So, try to wear old clothes as you have to do a lot of walking, crawling and climbing,” she says.
Caving is still not a popular sport in Malaysia.
“In Europe it is a big sport; maybe because it is very challenging. Unlike tropical caves, it is narrower, cold and slippery in the West. Tropical caves are bigger and easier to walk in. They are also very beautiful with interesting creatures, so it is really a shame that not many people know about them,” says Price.
Those interested in caving can call the Malaysian Nature Soceity at 03 22879422 or e-mail : natsoc@tm.net.my
Sunday November 2, 2003
Exploring Batman’s domain
DARK and dank – home of bats, poisonous bats and snakes. Who in their right mind would want to explore caves?
For freelance writer and fulltime caver Liz Price, from Britain, caves are utterly intriguing.
“There is a lot to see and appreciate. Every cave is different too, and each is interesting in its own way,” she says.
CAVE DWELLERS: Thousands of bats live in Gua Wang Burma.
Price finds the fauna especially fascinating. “Anyone will find it interesting to see the animals in their element. For example, you can see the bats’ habitat and how they adapt to the conditions,” she shares.
Other interesting facets of caving are the geological wonders, such as underground rivers and limestone formations. Price’s favourite place for caving in Peninsular Malaysia is the Perlis State Park.
“I have been there about 14 times and there are so many caves to explore,” says Price who has also been on expeditions to restricted caves.
The most popular cave in Perlis is Gua Wang Burma, with its exciting formation of narrow passages and muddy tunnels – you need to crawl or squeeze your way through to reach the amazing water-worn rock formations.
Known for its streams and exotic species of insects and fungi, the cave system is divided into two main caves: Wang Burma Satu with its unique rock formations, and Wang Burma Dua, which is physically and mentally challenging with its dark hooks and turns.
Price who has been caving for 10 years, since she was a student, advises those who are interested to go with experienced cavers.
“You don’t really need specialised equipment, except for good lighting. Be prepared with spare batteries and bulbs because the caves are really dark.
“For caving gear, you don’t really need anything special, except for a helmet with a headlight. So, try to wear old clothes as you have to do a lot of walking, crawling and climbing,” she says.
Caving is still not a popular sport in Malaysia.
“In Europe it is a big sport; maybe because it is very challenging. Unlike tropical caves, it is narrower, cold and slippery in the West. Tropical caves are bigger and easier to walk in. They are also very beautiful with interesting creatures, so it is really a shame that not many people know about them,” says Price.
Those interested in caving can call the Malaysian Nature Soceity at 03 22879422 or e-mail : natsoc@tm.net.my
Cavin in on Ebay, cave postcards - Star
THE STAR
L I F E S T Y L E
Living
Saturday January 20, 2007
Caving in
By YAP MIOW SEN
Can you believe that someone, somewhere in the world would avidly collect postcards of Malaysian caves, and that a postcard of Batu Caves taken in 1910 can fetch RM70?
Liz Price (pic), an avid speleologist (caving enthusiast), gets onto eBay once a week to trawl for such items.
“Caving is my passion. I’ve been collecting postcards of caves in Malaysia and actually found a few on eBay UK. I also collect postcards on tin mining as well as colonial Malaya,” says Liz, who resides in Kuala Lumpur.
Not only does Liz buy postcards on eBay, she sells them as well.
“I actually managed to sell a few postcards which I got free on board a flight. They sold for RM6-RM7 each.
“It’s amazing seeing what people will sell and buy online,” she says with a giggle.
“I saw a documentary once on a guy who picked up a discarded fishing boat rope on a beach and put it for sale as a joke. He actually managed to sell it! Most of the time, I sell more than I buy. It’s a convenient way to ‘recycle’ all my unwanted stuff.
“Some of the things I’ve sold so far are caving books, a watch, souvenirs from a Concorde flight, books from my childhood, an electric organ and a 1950s’ cocktail dress of my mum’s.”
“I haven’t made much money from my sales but then I’m not doing it as a business. The fun of being able to sell all the things I don’t need in my life anymore is a great feeling.”
L I F E S T Y L E
Living
Saturday January 20, 2007
Caving in
By YAP MIOW SEN
Can you believe that someone, somewhere in the world would avidly collect postcards of Malaysian caves, and that a postcard of Batu Caves taken in 1910 can fetch RM70?
Liz Price (pic), an avid speleologist (caving enthusiast), gets onto eBay once a week to trawl for such items.
“Caving is my passion. I’ve been collecting postcards of caves in Malaysia and actually found a few on eBay UK. I also collect postcards on tin mining as well as colonial Malaya,” says Liz, who resides in Kuala Lumpur.
Not only does Liz buy postcards on eBay, she sells them as well.
“I actually managed to sell a few postcards which I got free on board a flight. They sold for RM6-RM7 each.
“It’s amazing seeing what people will sell and buy online,” she says with a giggle.
“I saw a documentary once on a guy who picked up a discarded fishing boat rope on a beach and put it for sale as a joke. He actually managed to sell it! Most of the time, I sell more than I buy. It’s a convenient way to ‘recycle’ all my unwanted stuff.
“Some of the things I’ve sold so far are caving books, a watch, souvenirs from a Concorde flight, books from my childhood, an electric organ and a 1950s’ cocktail dress of my mum’s.”
“I haven’t made much money from my sales but then I’m not doing it as a business. The fun of being able to sell all the things I don’t need in my life anymore is a great feeling.”
30 July 2008
Laos snail called Liz - Sinoennea lizae
On a caving expedition to Luang Nam Tha Province in northwest Laos, in January 2006, I collected some snails for identification. They were passed to Wim J.M.Maassen of the mollusc department in the National Museum of Natural History, at Leiden in The Netherlands.
Out of the snails I collected, he was able to describe 4 new species. And he named one of them after me! It is called Sinoennea lizae. The snail is very small, but it is still an honour for me! A big thank you to Wim for this, and also for his interest in identifying the snails.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)