Malaysian Borneo is split between the provinces of Sabah and Sarawak, and holidays to Borneo offer a tantalising mix of rain forests, volcanoes, idyllic tropical islands and trekking. The island is renowned for its huge variety of wildlife including orang-utan, proboscis monkey and exceptional birdlife but did you know that it was also a world-class diving site.
The island is the third largest in the world, where some of the oldest rainforest on earth is watered and feed by wide rivers that meander through supporting vulnerable ecosystems that are abundant in rare plant and animal species. In addition to the endless natural wonders on offer, journeys of Borneo also explore the intriguing culture of the tribal longhouse communities in Sarawak, and the colonial heritage from the days of British North Borneo.
A grand tour of Borneo can take 3 weeks offering a comprehensive explore to both Sarawak and Sabah, but if you don't have that much time enjoy the North Borneo Explorer without compromising on the experience of wildlife, including orangutans and pygmy elephants, jungles and the beaches.
‘At-a-Glance’ Illustrative Itinerary
DAY 3: This morning you will visit Sepilok, home to one of only four Orangutan sanctuaries in the world. The Centre helps once captive Orangutans learn to climb and fend for themselves in the wild with the hope that one day they may return to the forest. You will then continue to the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre where there are around 28 rescued bears. Sun bears are the smallest, cutest and least known members of the bear species, and their populations are rapidly diminishing in Southeast Asia as habitats are being destroyed by deforestation and sun bears are being killed for commercial exploitation.
In the afternoon you will need a head for heights as you experience the Canopy Walkway. At dusk there is a very good chance of viewing the Borneo Giant Flying Squirrel gliding from tree to tree.
DAY 4: After a leisurely breakfast this morning you will be transferred to a shared boat for a full day's journey to Sukau. Passing through pristine mangrove forests along the Kinabatangan River delta, and then along the river, itself in search of the local wildlife which includes orang-utans, macaques, red and silver leaf monkeys, elephants, crocodiles, civet cats, otters and proboscis monkeys.
DAY 6 : After breakfast you will be transferred by road to the Danum Valley, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours. After lunch you will take to the ‘treetops’ to experience the sights and sounds of the jungle from a suspended walkway in search of the local wildlife. In the evening there will be the chance of experiencing a night-time drive in a jeep in search of nocturnal animals.
Photos courtesy of Bamboo Travel
