The story starts thousands of miles away in the northern Democratic Republic of Congo. There flows the Ebola River, a remote headstream of the Mongaka and a tributary of the mighty Congo River. In 1976, this waterway became the namesake for one of the world’s most infamous pathogens after the virus was first recognized in a nearby village.
Scientific lore suggests that fruit bats are the silent, unaffected carriers of this virus—living as natural reservoirs without ever falling ill themselves. While the virus remains a world away, its namesake’s biological "ambassadors" are much closer than you think.
At the Anak Bukit Flyover, the underside of the PIE serves as a massive, man-made bridge. This is one of the few places in our city where you can witness a thriving colony of nectar bats.
Look up! You’ll see tens or hundreds of them — not just a few, but a literal "cloud" of bats—hanging upside down in the shadows of the concrete girders. These are vital pollinators for our ecosystem; without them, we wouldn't have local delicacies like durian or petai!
To ensure the safety of both the cachers and the colony, the final cache location is placed a respectful distance away from the main roost.
This is a rare wildlife viewing opportunity! Bring binoculars for a close-up look at their "dog-like" faces and large, dark eyes. If you’re a photographer, a power-zoom camera is essential for capturing these nocturnal residents without disturbing their rest.
You are here as an Ebola Ambassador — a guardian of knowledge. They are shy, harmless, and essential to our "City in Nature".
Keep your voices low. Loud noises can stress the colony and cause them to take flight prematurely. Observe, log your find, and leave no trace.
Are you ready to face the wild side of the expressway? Step into the shadows, look to the skies, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt!
Happy Caching!