Complete strangers offered beers, meals, words of support, and random acts of kindness. On the trail I made some of the most unlikely friends and met some of the most determined, unique, intelligent and kindly people. I hiked with Thai, Malaysian, Australian, and Indonesian adventurers.

We laughed, danced, swore, spit, walk under stars, woke wet and cold, but mostly just walked. I felt bored, felt crazy, felt exhausted, I performed a feat without any concrete value, that most folks can’t quite seem to grasp.

Mount Kinabalu is a mountain in Sabah, Malaysia. It is protected as Kinabalu Park, a World Heritage Site. Kinabalu is the highest peak in Borneo’s Crocker Range and is the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago as well as the highest mountain in Malaysia. Mount Kinabalu is also the 20th most prominent mountain in the world by topographic prominence.

The mountain and its surroundings are among the most important biological sites in the world, with between 5,000 and 6,000 species of plants, 326 species of birds, and more than 100 mammalian species identified. 

Are you ready for a trip like this? 

Em Surasak currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand and is an avid adventurer, traveler, photographer, and mountain climber. These days you can find him scaling cliffs throughout Europe and Southeast Asia. 

“I’m a dirt person , I trust the dirt. I don’t trust diamond and gold.”

You can follow more of his adventures here on instagram. 

Sarah is a researcher, writer, photographer, and artist with a lifelong love for the oceans. 

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1. Letter from the Editor: Overdue for a mental detox in nature?

Whether at the beach, mountain climbing, or out at sea, we can all agree that traveling sustainably and environmentally-centered not only realigns and detoxes your mind, but can really help protected areas.

2. How to Almost Survive a Tropical Cyclone at Sea. 

My pride and joy, and home, a 42-foot sailing catamaran named “Shaguar”, was moored in Roebuck Bay at Broome and she could be in trouble if the tropical low developed into a cyclone.

3. Loving Sharks with African Dive Adventures.

If you are looking for a pure adrenaline experience, then African Dive Adventures is for you…

4. Shop our store this season and support ocean conservation

5. Wildscreen Exchange Feature for March: Whale Shark 

Whale shark (Scientific name Rhincodon typus) with mouth wide open, filter feeding.

6. FEATURE DESTINATION: A Coruña, a Different Side of Spain

Tucked away in the green, rugged Northwestern corner of Spain, the sparkling coastal city of A Coruña is a side of Spain that many never see.

7. FEATURE DESTINATION: Islas Cíes: the Islands of the Gods

a hidden paradise off the coast of northwestern Spain. The wild landscapes, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters beckon to those wishing to escape civilization.

8. FEATURE DESTINATION: The Galician Seafood Sector, Allies in Conservation

Conservation and the seafood sector are typically viewed as opposing forces, but in Galicia, Spain, they have found hope in a different perspective.

9. FEATURE DESTINATION: Galician Seafood

In Galicia, Spain, seafood is far more than just something to put on a plate. With centuries of fishing tradition…

10. FEATURE DESTINATION: Galicia, a Photo Series

A collection by Sarah Murray

11. Jack’s March Photo: The Mandarinfish

12. Volvo Ocean Race Ocean Summit.

11th Hour Racing, the Founding Principal Partner in sustainability for the Volvo Ocean Race shared their recap with us on the third of seven Ocean Summits held in Hong Kong last week. 

13. Aquarius: Excerpted from Blue Frontier

Below me appears something resembling the underwater lair of a James Bond villain. Actually, it’s a 48-foot cylindrical habitat called Aquarius, the last underwater research station in the world.

14. Trash Talk with Michael Crawford-Hick in Nepal.

…The bank was not of normal dirt, but layers and layers of dust and plastic bags….

15. March for the Ocean

Government “listening sessions” on opening up 90% of public seas to offshore oil ends March 9…

16. Surasak Nuibut, Mountain Climber, Adventurer & Travel Photographer: Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia

This month Em takes us to Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. Are you ready for an trip like this?

17. More Trees, More Bees, More Honey, More Money. 

Solution Search winner Apis Agribusiness is making life sweeter for a new generation of Ethiopian youth

18. Connect with the Global Marine Community. 

In a nutshell, the Global Marine Community is a free interactive resource that gives you access to a weekly email detailing a round-up of events and opportunities in ocean conservation.

19. New tool to help companies fight plastic pollution

An online tool which helps companies measure their plastic footprint, developed by the social enterprise Searious Business and IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, was launched today at the Ocean Plastics Crisis Summit in London, UK.

20. Interested in advertising, contributing an article, or becoming a donor? 

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Be sure to mention SEVENSEAS Media for special rates and discounts when making your inquiry. 

1. Oceanic Society Expeditions. 

See this “Senegal: African Manatee and Turtle Conservation” trip plus many others in the new 2017-2018 Expeditions Catalogue. 

2. Bangkok Photo Tours. 

We visit traditional sights but focus on markets, street art, and local food. All camera forward and environmentally sensitive.

3. Ever dream of swimming with humpback whales? Now you can. 

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales Karim guides…

4. Isla Mar Research Expeditions – Field Courses in Puerto Rico. 

A field course coordination company in Puerto Rico that specializes in organizing and hosting island ecology (marine/terrestrial) themed courses.

5. Pangaea Ocean Sailing Expedition. 

Panex is opening up sailing expeditions for guest crew. This is an unique opportunity to go sailing, cross an ocean, and be a part of something bigger.

6. Loggerhead Marinelife Center. 

Imagine roaming some of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems. Gorgeous vistas, affordable travel and amazing memories; immersing yourself in the sounds of nature.

7. SEE Turtles. 

…protect endangered turtles throughout Latin America and the world by supporting community-based conservation efforts through ecotourism, education, and Billion Baby Turtles. 

8. Pete Oxford Expeditions. 

We offer unique, small group expeditions for travelers and photographers to remote and pristine destinations and cultures around the world.