In the Ulu Muda forest in the Malaysian state of Kedah, the tallest trees called the tualang(Koompasia excelsa), are home to giant honey bees (Apis dorsata)

Traditional honey hunter spend a couple of weeks in the forest during havest season in early spring. The skills are passed down through generations: they construct the ladder during the day and collect honey only on moonless nights, to ensure there’s no source of light other than the glowing embers from the torches that distract the bees.

The hunters chant before they star gathering the honey in order to sooth the angry bees.

To reach the hives, they use ropes and ladders to climb the immense trees, which can reach 289ft.

Honey hunters chech the ladder – it can be dangerous work.

The hunters use traditional knives made from buffalo bone to cut a section of the hive.

Bees are sensitive to light, which makes them follow the glowing embers down to the ground.

Honey hunters wait on the ground below as their friends rid the hives of bees up above.

The honey hunters camp at the side of Pedu lake for two weeks during havest season, which stretches from February to March.

The Asiatic honey bees play a big role in maintaining the ecosystem of the rainforest by pollinating 50 to 70% of plants. Sustainable methods practised by the traditional honey hunters are important to ensure the bees come back in the future.

As the honey is so difficult to obtain and is rare, it’s very expensive.

According to www.theguardian.com