“1,470 SPECIES”

“One Trail. Three Biological Domains. One Remarkable Discovery.”

Banding Trail Adventure (BTA) 2026 is more than an expedition into the rainforest — it is a journey to discover, document, and better understand the remarkable biodiversity within Pulau Banding and the wider Belum-Temengor landscape. Organized by Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF) together with its research and strategic partners, BTA brings scientists, researchers, conservationists, government agencies, universities, and volunteers into the field, combining scientific research with hands-on biodiversity exploration. This year, the 67-hour expedition along the 4.78km Banding Trail recorded an extraordinary 1,470 species across the three biological domains of Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya, almost three times the 519 species recorded in 2025. The achievement earned BTA2026 recognition from both ASEAN Records and ASIA Records, but beyond the numbers and recognition, its greater significance lies in the knowledge created — providing valuable biodiversity data for research, conservation and a deeper understanding of the natural treasures we have a responsibility to protect for generations to come.

Adding a meaningful dimension to the occasion, EMKAY Group Executive Chairman, Dato’ Hjh Fazwinna Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal, hosted the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, YB Dato’ Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup, and invited guests to a dinner at Villa Tanjung Wan, Belum Rainforest Resort. Against Belum's tranquil backdrop, the evening became an opportunity to share stories and perspectives on conservation, sustainability, and Pulau Banding's development journey —particularly how responsible development can coexist with the natural environment.

The final day of Banding Trail Adventure (BTA) 2026 marked a proud and memorable conclusion to the expedition, as Dato’ Hjh Fazwinna Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal officiated the gathering of scientists, researchers, conservationists, and partners who had contributed their expertise and commitment throughout the program. The occasion became even more significant when Dato’ Fazwinna, together with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, YB Dato’ Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup, witnessed the recognition of BTA 2026 by both ASEAN Records and ASIA Records for its extraordinary discovery and documentation of 1,470 species across three biological domains. More than a numerical achievement, the recognition celebrated the collective efforts of everyone involved and reinforced the importance of scientific research, collaboration, and continued conservation in safeguarding the remarkable biodiversity of Pulau Banding and the wider Belum-Temengor landscape.