KOTA KINABALU: A team of outstanding National Geographic wildlife experts and their guests made Sabah the first location in Asia to witness wildlife in the wild.

Through their program – Wildlife of the World by Private Jet, the entourage has put Sabah on the map as part of the luxury private jet trip.

The top-notch team of experts includes Author and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Sandesh Kadur, and Primatologist and Conservationist Mireya Mayor.

The specialists and guests travelled in style aboard a refurbished and decked-out Boeing 757 private jet, branded under the National Geographic brand, across three continents, Asia, Africa, and Europe, staying in exquisite lodgings.

After a two-day stop in Singapore, the experts flew into Sandakan for a three-day wildlife adventure.

Visiting Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (SOURC), Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) and spending two nights at Kinabatangan River. While at SOURC and BSBCC, the experts and their guests were given private tours and talks.

Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman said Sabah is a world-class nature and wildlife destination and known for conservation efforts.

 “I am pleased that the Nat Geo experts’ team with their VVIP guests were here to experience our amazing wildlife. I commend Sticky Rice Travel for their efficient planning and arrangement in guiding the Nat Geo group in Sabah.

“We also had a private jet that came into Sabah in October this year, bringing in VVIP guests for wildlife tours,” she said in a statement.

“A big thank you to MAHB, Sabah Immigration Department, Royal Malaysian Customs Department and PDRM in Sandakan airport for their continuous cooperation and support on the private jet arrangement,” Noredah added.