Follow in the footsteps of Alfred Russel Wallace

The theory of evolution has long been credited solely to Charles Darwin. His name is recited in schools worldwide as the most forward-thinking scientist and naturalist of his time. His statue gazes wisely down at each new generation that sets foot in London’s Natural History Museum. It may then surprise some that his world-renowned theory on the evolution of species was first published jointly with a lesser-known figure whose name has slowly been erased from the history books: Alfred Russel Wallace. Explore the travels of Alfred Russel Wallace by following his footsteps through Malaysia and the Amazon, discovering his role in the theory of evolution.

Who is Alfred Russel Wallace?

Alfred was a scientist and adventurer who worked closely with Charles Darwin on the theory of evolution. Although lesser-known, he was in no way less awe-inspiring. Read more about this incredible explorer’s life below.

A brief history

Alfred R. Wallace was born in 1823 in Usk, Wales, to father Thomas Vere and mother Mary Anne (née Greenell). The family moved to England when Alfred was only three years old, where he spent most of his life when he wasn’t out on expeditions.

Despite limited formal education due to his leaving school at 14, he was still eager to learn. Through reading, self-study, and determination, he grew up to become a naturalist, explorer, and social critic.

His travels took him from South America and the Amazon to the Malay archipelago, including the islands of Malaysia, New Guinea, Borneo, and Indonesia. At 30, he met his close colleague, Charles Darwin, with whom he collaborated on incredible discoveries.

His partnership with Charles Darwin

Shortly before naturalist Alfred Russel’s second research trip, Darwin and Wallace met in 1853. In 1858, Alfred sent Charles a letter outlining his ideas of evolution — that species evolve by adapting to their environment.

This meant Alfred believed that genetic mutations were essential for survival. One example of this is a giraffe. Millions of years ago, these long-necked animals had much shorter necks, but as food became scarce, they had to evolve to eat leaves from the tree tops.

This led to the two collaborating on a scientific paper discussing their theories and findings. Darwin published a book titled On the Origin of Species the following year. As a result, the theory of evolution by natural selection became known as his theory, overshadowing Wallace’s contributions.

Following the travels of Alfred Russel Wallace: discoveries and legacy

Over his 90 years, Alfred made many scientific discoveries and analyzed and studied new species wherever he went. He published over 20 books and over 700 articles, essays, and letters detailing his fascinating accounts.

Evolutionary theory through biological selection

Wallace independently developed the theory of biological selection in evolution and played an essential part in Darwin’s accomplishments. Inspired by his eight-year travels in the Malay archipelago, he realized that animals and plants adapted to their environment for survival and reproduction, resulting in advantageous traits for future generations.

He expanded on his thoughts in his book Natural Selection and in a 1858 joint paper with Darwin. Both are considered foundational documents in the history of the evolutionary thesis.

In his travels to the archipelago, he contributed significantly to the field of study, having collected and identified over 110,000 insects, 8,050 birds, and 410 mammals, among others. He also collected over 5,000 undiscovered and new species for the West. The unique discoveries included Wallace’s flying frog and Wallace’s golden birdwing butterfly.

Wallace’s Line

To truly get a feel for the explorer’s journey of discovery, you must cross what is now known as Wallace’s Line, a deep channel of water separating the Asian and Australian faunas. While Wallace discovered it on this expedition to the Malay islands in 1859, it wasn’t named after him until later, when Thomas Henry Huxley did so in his honor.

This biogeographic boundary and the transition from primates to marsupials were instrumental in his conclusion that these animals had developed entirely separately from each other, despite being just miles apart.

To the west of the line are Asian islands like Borneo and Bali. These islands are home to species typically associated with the Asian mainland, such as big cats, orangutans, buffalo, and elephants. On the east of the line, he noted Australasian islands like Lombok and Sulawesi. Here you can find animals like marsupials, cockatoos, and large flightless birds like emus.

There seems to be limited overlap between these areas, except for the crab-eating macaque, which lives on both sides. As a result of these discoveries, the line remains a cornerstone in the study of evolution and biological diversity.

In the path of a pioneer: Wallace’s footsteps in the forest

While it took Alfred years to traverse this scattering of islands, with modernity on your side, you can navigate his route in just a few weeks. Witness the beauty and wonder that inspired his papers, and ultimately, the discovery of evolution.

Wallace in the Amazon: Brazil rainforest

Alfred’s first voyage was to Brazil between 1848 and 1852 with fellow naturalist Henry Walter Bates. His hunger for knowledge and adventure was fulfilled by collecting biological specimens, following local guides, and trekking through tropical forests for almost two years.

But this return journey was no easy feat. On the way back, there was a tragic loss, and the ship caught fire. Thankfully, a passing boat saved them, ensuring that among the possessions rescued were his wild tales and scientific insights.

Tamarind monkeys in Rio Negro, Brazil

One of the most exciting discoveries in the Amazon basin was when Wallace identified two species of tamarin monkeys. He noted these in his book A Narrative of Travels on the Amazon and Rio Negro and stirred the West’s understanding of the region.

He found it interesting that these monkeys presented as brown and white from the north river bank, and the other black from the south river bank. Spot these monkeys for yourself in the area, the largest tributary of the Amazon River, where you’ll find almost jet-black waters and a wide variety of plant species.

The meeting of waters of Manaus, Brazil

Alfred spent significant time in Manaus, one of the best cities in South America, observing the unusual waters split entirely in the middle, with one side flowing black. Today, this is known as the ‘Meeting of Waters’ and is a peculiar sight.

Get the ultimate Brazil experience by visiting this unique natural phenomenon, swimming with pink dolphins, and engaging with locals from an Indigenous village. The city also has a few incredible places to learn more about the Amazon, like the Museu da Amazônia (MUSA), which is filled with exhibitions and trails.

The Malay archipelago and Wallace’s Line

If you wish to follow some of Wallace’s routes around the Malay islands, you can do just that. The group of about 25,000 Southeast Asian islands includes countries like Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. Make sure that a leg of your journey takes you to Sarawak, Borneo. Its bustling capital, Kuching, is surrounded by a rich forest that begs for exploration.

Here, he wrote his first essay on the origin of species, published in London in 1855. Once you step away from the bustle of modern-day life and venture into the rainforest, you might as well be re-entering that era with the Victorian Wallace waiting for you around the next bend, butterfly net in hand.

Bako National Park, Borneo

Bako National Park is located on the northern tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula, and is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and unique landscapes that are begging to be explored. It is home to an exceptional range of fascinating mangrove forests, grasslands, and beaches, and approximately 275 rare proboscis monkeys.

Found only in Borneo and key players in this explorer’s mental evolution towards his great findings, these monkeys are known to the locals as belanda, translatable to “Dutchmen”. Although their comparison to the Western male is perhaps a little unflattering, the parallels can be drawn between them, their fellow primates, and humans that aided the discovery of evolution.

Batang Ai National Park, Borneo

Ensure that while you are in Sarawak, you don’t miss the opportunity to see Borneo’s iconic orangutans. Wallace was captivated by them and is said to have looked after an infant he unintentionally orphaned for several months, calling it “the most wonderful baby I ever saw”.

Batang Ai National Park is one of the best places to search for them. Within its borders, the highest density of wild orangutans can be found across Borneo. While you aren’t guaranteed to encounter one of these magnificent primates, Batang Ai is still home to many rare species.

It is looked after by the Iban tribe, descendants of Borneo’s legendary headhunters. Thankfully, this tradition is no longer practiced. Instead, the people act as custodians for this wonderful nature reserve and the home of their ancestors.

Halmahera, Indonesia

Halmahera is an island in the east of Indonesia, part of the Maluku Islands. This area is known for its unique fauna and flora, such as Wallace’s scrubfowl, the invisible rail, the common tube-nosed fruit bat, and the Molluccan cuscus.

Wallace’s standardwing bird-of-paradise is also a big draw for many. To see any bird of paradise is a true treat, but what better way to round off a grand tour of his discoveries than by concluding it with a sighting of a bird that bears his name?

The best time to visit Wallace’s past stops

This naturalist aimed to collect natural history specimens across various areas on his journeys. If you visit during the right time, you might see some of his most beloved collections for yourself.

Avoid visiting the regions during the wettest months, as travel can be challenging due to flooding and muddy trails. Wildlife sightings will also be limited during this time.

• Malay archipelago (May to September): Planning your trip for spring and early fall will ensure you visit during the dry season. This offers the most comfortable temperatures and makes wilderness sightings more likely. Visit sites like the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, spotting macaques, the Sulawesi bear cuscus, and various vibrant bird species.
• Amazon basin (June to September): August and September are the Amazon basin’s driest months, with minimal rainfall, fewer mosquitoes, and reduced humidity, making conditions more comfortable for travel. This period is also ideal for river cruises in the Pará region, as well as on the Tocantins and Negro River basins, due to lower water levels and easier navigation.

FAQs about Alfred Russel Wallace

Who discovered evolution?

Alfred Russel Wallace and Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution in the 19th century. While Charles often gets the most recognition following his book On the Origin of Species, both studied and developed the theory independently before a joint presentation in 1858.

Why is Alfred Russel Wallace less famous than Charles Darwin?

Darwin has proved to be more popular than Wallace, not because his ideas were more progressive, but because he promoted these more effectively. Alfred was also not as well-connected as his colleague, which helped capture the public’s interest.

Where did Alfred Russel Wallace travel to?

Wallace spent time in Latin America and Asia, conducting extensive fieldwork. These expeditions included the Brazilian Amazon and the Malay islands, which comprise current-day Singapore, Borneo, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

What did Alfred Russel Wallace do?

The explorer is celebrated for his ideas on evolution by biological selection alongside Darwin. Thanks to his discovery of the biogeographic boundary, he has also pioneered work in the field of biogeography. His extensive fieldwork and specimen collections are still visible in places like England‘s Natural History Museum in London and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

What type of animal was Wallace most captivated by?

The naturalist was especially captivated by the birds of paradise in the Malay archipelago. He was fascinated by their remarkable example of natural beauty and evolutionary adaptation.

Why is the Wallace Line important?

The Wallace Line is crucial because it marks a clear boundary between Australia’s and Southeast Asia’s plant and animal species. It highlights the evolutionary differences in biodiversity needed for survival across continents.

Make it happen

As the impressive travels of Alfred Russel Wallace show, he was an unconventional explorer with radical ideas for the time. He collected animal specimens and researched natural fauna across South America and Asia. Have you been inspired to visit some of Wallace’s travels? Contact our local travel experts in Malaysia and Indonesia, and let them know what you are after. All they need are a few details to get the planning underway.