Check out the Asian nation of Borneo

Orangutans at the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Borneo. Picture: Supplied

Orangutans at the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Borneo. Picture: Supplied

Published Jul 7, 2018

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The island of Borneo is a treasure of undiscovered biodiversity, and rich marine life nestled in the lush rain forests. 

Situated in South East Asia, the island of Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, after islands Java, Sulawesi and Sumatra.

The island is home to two provinces: Sabah and Sarawak.

It is also home to the world’s oldest Amazon rainforest and some of the world’s most endangered species including the Clouded Leopard, Borneo Elephant and the Orangutan. 

Tourists can meet and experience a bit of the wildlife at the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary - a rehabilitation center for orphaned baby orangutans, or see the large proboscis monkey in the Kilas Wetlands.

The Proboscis monkey in Borneo. Picture: Supplied

For the explorers, there is the canopy walk through the Kinabalu Park, scuba diving at Sipadan Island, or summit the island's highest mountain peak at 4095 metres - Mount Kinabalu.

Mount Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu in Borneo. Picture: Supplied

Another island to visit near Kota Kinabalu is Labuan. Also called the Pearl of Borneo, Labuan is the largest of seven islands off the coast of Sabah and Brunei. 

Famous among locals for its duty-free status, four shipwrecks, a trip to Labuan makes for an exciting experience with it's bird park, water villages, beaches and golf clubs.

For the tourists who traveled to the island to relax, there is the beautiful islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park which is just a 20 minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, or the Manukan island, just south of Malaysia. 

A short drive from Kota Kinabalu is the Monsopiad Cultural Village that is named after the legendary warrior who lived in the village more than 200 years ago. The village features a cultural museum showcasing the village's story and some of their cultural attire and treasures, all made from traditional and natural material.

Tourists can also be treated to a wildlife safari at the Gunung Mulu National park in Sarawak, which is accessible via twin plane. The Gunung Mulu National park features the famous pinnacles lookout and the deer cave which tourists will only be able to access by foot through a hike.

Borneo is definitely a destination that is still free of mass tourism, and has attractions worth exploring. 

IOL

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