A mecca for adventurers and nature lovers, Borneo’s landscape is flush with some of the world’s oldest rainforests. This ecological playground is divided among three countries: Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia. Visitors to these parts will unearth a treasure trove of nature-based experiences during their travels. One moment you may be trekking through dense jungle in Kalimantan, and the next you’ll be cruising through the floating village in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Don’t miss these Borneo attractions
- Walking among the orangutans in Sabah and Sarawak
- Mount Kinabalu
- Iban Longhouse in Sarawak
- Turtle watching in Turtle Islands National Park
- Kampong Ayer floating village
The treasures of Sabah and Sarawak
Sabah and Sarawak are so rich in ecological jewels that it’s not easy deciding on where to start your journey but most visitors flock to these Malaysian states to walk among the orangutans. Sabah’s Sepilok and Sarawak’s Semengoh are home to the two famous rehabilitant centres where you can see the orangutans feed and swing from vine to vine.
In Sabah, you can climb Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Malaysia, travel to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and enjoy turtle watching at Turtle Islands National Park. Alternatively, Sarawak is brimming with national parks and its capital, Kuching, has enough temples, attractions and markets to keep you occupied for days.
Nature and more
Brunei may be tiny in comparison to its island counterparts, but its gems sure pack a punch. A largely Islamic state, it’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan is graced with the sultan’s palace and a sprinkling of magnificent mosques. Bandar is also home to the floating village of Kampong Ayer.
Indonesia’s Kalimantan covers the central and southern regions of Borneo. Its riches are hidden beneath a vast and incredibly biodiverse rainforest. You can visit the floating market in Banjarmasin, and divers will love the underwater treasures of the Berau Archipelago.
