Borneo

Indonesia

Some time ago, say in the 1930s and 1940s, the very mention of "Borneo" conjured up the world of jungle, orangutans, and adventurers such as "Bring 'em Back Alive Frank Buck". And in many ways, the island still lives up to the billing of one of the "last best places" for adventure. Geographically, the northern part of the island includes the tiny (but very wealthy) kingdom of Brunei, sandwiched between two, much larger Malaysian states – Sabah and Sarawak – while an Indonesian province, Kalimantan, fills the map of central and southern Borneo.

Most visitors these days head for the "eco-destinations" of Sabah and Sarawak. Head into the heart of Borneo and you'll see animals and plant life found nowhere else, including the rafflesia, the world's largest flower (nearly 3 feet across). Hiking trails through Sabah's Danum Valley and Kinabalu Park can take only a few hours to traverse, while treks deeper into unspoiled jungle can last for days.

Meanwhile, the diving offshore is nothing less than sublime, notably at Sabah's famed offshore island, Sipadan. Jacques Cousteau visited the island in the late 1980s and said "I have seen other places like Sipadan – 45 years ago..." And new discoveries, such as Sarawak's Luconia Shoals and Sabah's Layang-Layang atoll, are only now beginning to be explored – a truism for much of Borneo.

SABAH is Malaysia's premier nature adventure destination situated in the northern tip of Borneo Island, the third largest island in the world. Sabah is popular for its wildlife conservation attractions, rain forest, surrounding nature and islands, beach resorts, tropical white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and its warm and friendly people. If you are thinking of visiting Borneo, these places of interest and activities will whet your appetite!

Mount Kinabalu

Let me begin with my favorite place-definitely not to be missed if you are visiting Borneo: Mt. Kinabalu (4,093m), the summit of Borneo and the tallest mountain in South East Asia. This mountain is sacred to the locals. Thousands from around the world have trekked to its peak. At the foot of this mountain is Kinabalu National Park, a botanical paradise filled with rare orchids, nepenthes pitcher plants and the rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

If you haven’t heard yet, the most popular native of Borneo is the orangutan. The world-famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre enables visitors to come in close contact with these amazing animals. This sanctuary allows visitors to witness an exciting conservation programme in action. Set in 43 square km of beautiful rainforest, the sanctuary helps once captive orangutans learn to fend for themselves in the wild. Watch how these orphaned orangutans being taught to climb, and then go to a platform where you can witness them coming in from within the forest for their daily meals of milk and bananas.

Danum Valley Rain Forest

If nature is close to your heart, then you must visit Danum Valley, nestled deep in the rain forest of Borneo where nature is at its most pristine. As you travel deeper and deeper into the jungle, you will suddenly come across a magical paradise of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL), erected overlooking the magnificent setting of the Segama River and flanked by tall hill ranges. BRL is an impressive resort, designed by naturalists and built on stilts using traditional timber materials, and has the comfort of a 3-Star Hotel. I totally recommend Danum Valley to those who yearn to see wildlife in a primeval Borneo rainforest - the rare Sumatran rhino, proboscis monkeys, orangutan, elephants and over 275 species of birds.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Park

When you've had enough of sightseeing and you want to take a day’s break idling around to charge your energy, then I suggest you take a 30-minute boat trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The park is made up of five beautiful islands and is a well-known sanctuary where peace and tranquility prevails. The tropical white sandy beaches are ideal for relaxing and tanning. The crystal clear water is fantastic if you fancy snorkeling or watching the sea lives and corals. The park is also a great spot for a BBQ picnic under the long hours of golden sunshine. Other activities include windsurfing, fishing, parasailing, kayaking and bird watching.

Golfing Holidays

If golf is your sport, then try the numerous high quality golf courses in Sabah. One course’s designer, Graham Marsh, noted, “I had to create a masterpiece by combining the natural splendor of the mountains and the seas, with ingenious architecture, and create a first class championship course to provide an enjoyable, yet challenging game for top professional golfers and amateurs alike."

White-Water Rafting

For the true adventure seeker looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, Sabah offers some of the most exhilarating thrills in the world. My scariest experience, only because I am not a good swimmer, is white-water rafting down the Padas River (a grade-3 river). Whilst trying to negotiate the rapids along this raging river for a distance of about 5 kilometers, do enjoy the breathtaking view that the surrounding rain forest offers. However, be warned, don’t take your eyes off the rapids and waves too long!

Scuba Diving

Off the North Eastern coast of Borneo lies a tiny jewel of an island, Sipadan, with a marine ecosystem so perfect and unique that it is world-renowned as one of the best dive spots in the world. Sipadan Island rises as a pristine Coral Sea mount, 650 meters from the floor of the Sulawesi Sea. This pinnacle off the eastern coast of Borneo is an oceanic magnet for marine life. As soon as you enter the crystal clear waters of Sipadan Island, you’ll understand why you have endured a journey that has taken you halfway around the world. As you begin to descend into this tropical water, you'll also understand why the World Wildlife Fund says, "No other spot on the planet has more marine life than this island."

http://www.islands.com

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