Climber, female leader, protector: Telin Kaloni safeguards Gunung Lesong’s nature, heritage

Telin (third left) and others exploring Gunung Lesong. Photo by: Zora Chan / WWF-Malaysia

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, March 7: Telin Kaloni, from Kampung Menangkin Tengah in Sri Aman, has climbed Gunung Lesong about 20 times since she was just 10 years old.

Today, she stands as a protector of nature, using her deep knowledge of the forest and unwavering dedication to safeguard the land, wildlife, and heritage of her community.

This International Women’s Day 2026, World Wide Fund for Nature, Malaysia (WWF Malaysia) highlights Telin’s inspiring story, a shining example of a woman whose leadership, courage, and love for nature transcend gender.

Beyond being a devoted mother and active community member, Telin has served as tuai rumah (headwoman) since 2020, a demanding role in the Dayak community that requires insight, courage, and the trust of those she leads.

By stepping into this position, she challenges traditional gender norms and shows that women are equally capable of guiding their communities with wisdom and excellence.

“Leadership is not about being a man or a woman, but about responsibility to the community,” she said in a media release issued by WWF Malaysia on Friday (March 6).

Photos shared by Telin of her first hike (right) and second hike to Gunung Lesong.

Telin’s journey began in childhood, immersed in the customs, spirituality, and deep connection her community shares with the natural world. Her first climb to Gunung Lesong left a lasting impression, igniting a lifelong passion for exploring forests, caves, waterfalls, and sacred sites while documenting the cultural and natural heritage of her people.

Over the years, she has returned to Gunung Lesong around 20 times, each expedition undertaken with care and purpose. Telin observes wildlife, studies the forest ecosystem, protects historical sites, and keeps the stories of her ancestors alive. Through this work, she connects past and present, helping her community maintain a close relationship with the land that sustains them.

“Every journey in the forest teaches me about life and respect for nature,” she said.

Even today, Telin explores different parts of Gunung Lesong with her family, passing down knowledge, traditions, and a love for the forest to the next generation. What began as a childhood hike has become a shared family ritual and a way of honouring nature.

Telin also works with conservation organisations, including WWF-Malaysia, tracking orangutan nests and documenting flora and fauna to protect the forest’s biodiversity for future generations. For her, the forest is a sanctuary, a teacher, and a reminder of the responsibilities we hold to the world around us.

Telin in traditional costumes speaking at an event. Photo by: Ezen Chan / WWF-Malaysia

“The forest does not belong to us alone; it is a loan for our grandchildren,” she stated.

Telin’s story reflects the dedication of countless rural women whose contributions often go unseen. They quietly lead, preserve culture, and safeguard the environment, shaping a sustainable future without seeking recognition.

This International Women’s Day, Telin’s journey reminds us that giving selflessly, through leadership, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship, creates a richer, more sustainable world for all. Her courage, perseverance, and devotion to the Earth make her a living testament that women are essential guardians of our planet and heritage.

“If we protect nature, nature will protect us,” she said. — DayakDaily