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Borneo Island, the third-largest island in the world, offers a very special travel experience, with its vibrant cultures, ancient rainforests, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Shared between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, Borneo stands as one of the richest biodiversity hotspots on Earth.
Borneo Island (Source: GlobalGuide)
Just like the culture and environment, Borneo has a diversified history. The origins of the island reach far back into ancient times, with early human habitation dating well over 40,000 years ago. At the outset, Borneo was a land of Dayak tribes indigenous to the island and traditionally lived an out-and-out traditional life.
History of Borneo Island (Source: Adventurelife)
In the 15th century, with the coming of traders from China, India, and the Arab world, much cultural interaction occurred that would further influence the local traditions. The coming of Islam and then Christianity rather shaped the social and religious contours of Borneo. Today, Borneo is celebrated because of the harmonious balance between these different influences, which seem to reflect in its rich cultural tapestry and, hence, create a wealth of experiences to be enjoyed by tourists visiting the island.
Beach Houses in Borneo Island (Source: AreroTravel)
Borneo Island is located in the center of Southeast Asia, wrapped by the South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Java Sea. It is divided uniquely among the three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei.
At 743,330 square kilometers, or so, in area, Borneo boasts dense rainforests, towering mountains, mangrove swamps, and crystal-clear beaches, easily making it one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Borneo Island location (Source: AudleyTravel)
Salient and towering, Mount Kinabalu stands tall at 4,095 meters and crowns Sabah as the highest peak in Southeast Asia. It forms part of Kinabalu Park, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage for its various ecosystems that house an estimated 5,000 plant species, 326 bird species, and a whole lot of mammals.
Popular activities range from a full mountain climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, a truly rewarding adventure that offers breathtaking views in all directions of the surrounding landscapes. The two-day climb is arduous yet unforgettable for any outdoor enthusiast.
Mount Kinabalu (Source: BorneoAdventure)
One of the most famous Borneo conservation sites, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre stands near the town of Sandakan. It was founded in 1964 and its main purpose is the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned or injured orangutans into the wild.
These incredible creatures can be witnessed during their feeding times, where one can learn their behavior and insight into the importance of wild-life conservation. Situated in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, nature is preserved to act as a home for the orangutans among other wildlife.
Inside of Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (Source: HannahRud)
Gunung Mulu National Park is one of the most important nature reserves in Sarawak and a World Heritage site, boasting incredible karst landscapes, an intricate web of limestone caves, and ancient rainforests. Most travelers, however, come for the Mulu Caves-a network of surprising cave systems that includes the Sarawak Chamber, one of the largest underground chambers in the world, and the Deer Cave, which houses the biggest bat colony.
It consists of the Pinnacles, a group of sharp pointed peaks made out of limestone. To the adventurous traveler, there is a hard but rewarding trek toward the pinnacle and great scenery to see. Mulu National Park is equally a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and cavers alike.
Gunung Mulu National Park (Source: Malaysia)
As the oldest national park in Sarawak, Bako National Park represents the best amalgamation of the different ecosystems of Borneo, comprising mangrove swamps, dipterocarp forests, rocky cliffs, and secluded beaches. It lies a mere 37 km from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, making it easily accessible for day trips or overnight stays.
It is considered one of the best places to view proboscis monkeys with large noses and other wildlife such as bearded pigs, silvered langurs, and a variety of bird species. Several walking trails grant views to dramatically pretty coastline and forest landscapes.
Bako National Park (Source: MalaysiaTravel)
Suggested for you: West Malaysia tour 3 days: Mount Kinabalu Trek
The Kinabatangan is Sabah's longest river, with over 560 kilometers from its source in the mountains down to the Sulu Sea. Being a riverine environment, this forms one of the finest places in Borneo for wildlife observation at close range: pygmy elephants, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, and a host of bird species like hornbills and kingfishers.
Kinabatangan River (Source: BorneoCalling)
The best time to visit Borneo depends very much on the region and your desired activities. Generally speaking, peak tourist season hits between March and October due to its drier weather and more favorable conditions for outdoor activities such as trekking, spotting wildlife, and diving.
For the best overall experience, plan your visit between April and June when the weather is nice and rain is seldom a problem.
Best time to visit Borneo Island (Source: Thetimes)
By Air: The fastest and most convenient way to travel to Borneo would be by plane. There are several international airports, with some direct flights going from cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, and Hong Kong. On top of this, regional flights within Malaysia and Indonesia link different parts of Borneo well.
By Sea: One can also enter Borneo by ferry or boat from the surrounding countries. There is a regular ferry schedule between Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia, and also parts of Borneo like Sabah and Sarawak.
Transport by boat in Borneo Island (Source: Travelofabookpacker)
A land of imagination for any traveler in quest of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural richness, Borneo Island remains a destination of fascination. So, plan your tour to Borneo with Asia King Travel and indulge in one of the most unimaginable travel experiences on Earth.
Suggested for you: Malaysia Trekking Tours
