Borneo Highlights
When it comes to Borneo, most people tend to think of its famous orangutans. While these gentle creatures are indeed one of the country’s highlights there’s so much more to see on this wild island. Take a look below and discover our top ten highlights of Borneo.
1. Orangutans & jungle boat cruise
A visit to the world famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is not to be missed on your Borneo travels. Here, you’ll be able to witness our ginger cousins eating and playing among the canopy leaves. You can also see more of Borneo’s wildlife during a morning cruise along the Kinabatangan River, where you can look out for pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys.
2. Batang Ai National Park
Nestled in the heart of Malaysia on the island of Borneo, Sarawak is a wildlife lover’s dream. Here, you’ll find Batang Ai National Park; home to dense rainforest, pristine rivers, and unbelievable animals. Spending a few nights in a traditional riverside longhouse in Batang Ai is the ideal opportunity to learn about the local Iban tribe of Sumpa and immerse yourself in their fascinating culture.
3. Kuching City
Known for its delicious cuisine, Kuching proudly showcases its Chinese and Malaysian influences through its moreish street food and inspired architecture. As the capital of Sarawak, it is a wonderful place to spend a day or two. Our cycling and river cruise trip offers the perfect introduction to this foodie gem and will give you the time to sample some authentic Sarawak street food.
4. Lankayan Island
This secluded tropical paradise has a real castaway vibe – perfect if you want that Robinson Crusoe experience. Our Lankayan beach trip is pretty special; you’ll stay in the only accommodation on this idyllic island, witness out of this world sunsets and go diving in the crystal clear blue sea.
5. Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Saying goodbye to civilisation and delving deep into the Borneo wilderness is a once in a lifetime experience. The Tabin Nature Reserve expedition takes you on the ultimate adventure through the Bornean jungle. Keep your eyes peeled for the rehabilitated orangutans released into the wild from Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
6. Climbing Mount Kinabalu
Looking for something to burn off those street food calories? Why not set yourself the ultimate challenge of reaching the peak of the highest mountain in Southeast Asia? On our 3-day Mount Kinabalu trip, you’ll climb through a veil of clouds before reaching the top just in time to enjoy the stunning sunrise spill out above the horizon.
7. Damai Peninsula
Just north of Sarawak’s capital, Kuching, you’ll find the golden beaches of the Damai Peninsular. Here, you can soak up the rays on its sun-kissed sands, before kayaking through the rainforest and meeting local village tribes.
8. Kubah National Park
Frogs, frogs and more frogs! Set off at night for a 4-hour fully guided wildlife trek of this park and you’ll discover a wealth of rare animals and living organisms, including 60 species of frogs. It’s a truly astounding experience to hear the rainforest at its most active and to fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.
9. Treehouse accommodation
If you’re visiting Borneo, then it’s most likely you’re a wildlife lover. In that case, you’ll enjoy nothing more than getting up close and personal with nature while staying in treehouse accommodation on the coast of the Damai peninsular. Spend 2-nights in this treetop paradise surrounded by mangroves, monkeys and fireflies.
10. Mulu Caves
Did you know that Borneo is home to one of the largest limestone caves in the world? As day turns into night, you’ll witness an impressive mass exodus of fluttering bats, as they surge out of the Mulu Cave exits and into the evening sky.
