Borneo is associated with animals and forest huts, making it a bucket list destination for several. It’s the fourth- largest island in the world and is divided into quarters belonging to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Borneo is known for its diversity and has one of the oldest trees in the world. But it has n’t been without its issues. Palm oil estates have significantly impacted the animals there, drastically affecting a large portion of the jungle.
The good news is that protection and reforestation are taken seriously by the government and local charities, allowing this island to continue to offer special tourist experiences.
March, April, and May are the best days to attend Borneo. These times have the least precipitation, and heat are n’t somewhat as high as in summer. When it comes to securing hospitality, May and September may also be a little less expensive and competitive. At popular tourist destinations, you’ll also have a chance to see smaller audiences.
Indonesian Borneo is home to two favorite holidays places: Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu, both in the Sabah area to the north of the island. We visited the tips below while our home was on the beach.
Component One: Forest Activities Near Sandakan
Photo Credit: ]@Alexpunker/DepositPhotos ] Our first base was near Sandakan, specifically the small town of Sepilok, where we were treated to many wildlife viewing opportunities and submerged in nature. The Sepilok Forest Edge Resort, which is situated in Sandakan and is only a small 20-minute drive from the Sandakan aircraft, offers an incredible shelter experience in the Borneo forests.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center
Photo Credit: ]@kjorgen/DepositPhotos ] Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, formerly known as Pusat Pemuliharaan Orang Utan Sepilok, was set up in 1964 by Barbara Harrison, an English woman. Animals who have been orphaned or injured at this facility should be ideally rehabilitated there.
You can go to the centre either with a link or by yourself. Animals can often be seen more clearly in guidelines than in trees. Their dark tresses camouflages them well against the trees, so they’re never always easy to see. Make sure you check when the feeding times are because you’re more likely to notice animals when food is distributed on raised platforms on two times during the day.
Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Sanctuary
Photo Credit: ]@NataliaGolovina/DepositPhotos]You wo n’t have to go far to reach the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Sanctuary – it’s just across the car park from the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Sun animals are the world’s smallest species and the next most endangered. The golden cross form on their chest gives them their name. The majority of animals in this area were previously kept as pets or by people who wanted to trade their body parts (especially the gallbladder ) for medical purposes. You may help the center by making a point about the methods that have harmed them by visiting the facility.
Rainforest Discovery Centre
Photo Credit: ]@lenawurm/DepositPhotos ] Also, in Sepilok, the Rainforest Discovery Centre is where you can learn more about the ecosystems and biodiversity in Borneo’s rainforests.
The facility has a dome staircase, allowing you to encounter the forest from a different perspective. They can go through the ceiling of the forest and presumably position some wildlife. Additionally, the domestic portion of the facility has exhibits and shows that provide information about the flora and fauna of Borneo and the problems that the forest faces in terms of protection.
Additionally, The Rainforest Discovery Centre offers a large number of nature trails that allow for bird-watching and animals spotting. Consider booking a day tour of the trails below, where you’ll finally be able to place some of Borneo’s daytime creatures.
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Photo Credit: ]@SLAVIANIN/DepositPhotos ] Located in Labuk Bay, around 38 kilometers from Sandakan, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is a privately owned reserve that is home to these strange- looking creatures. Proboscis monkeys are native to Borneo and are readily identified by their large, unique noses!
Try scheduling your visit with one of the two observation platforms and the daily feeding schedule ( these eat in addition to the monkey’s natural diet ). Make sure you have your camera prepared; we have some fantastic images below.
Component Two: Exploring the Kinabatangan River
Photo Creidt: ]@Fisher. snigger. by/DepositPhotos ] The Kinabatangan River is one of Borneo’s major rivers and the longest in Sabah. It’s a great place for wildlife viewing and river cruises. It’s a wildlife hub and home to many of Borneo’s widespread residents, including the hornbill, animal, dwarf rhinoceros, proboscis monkey, snake, and more.
Due to the Kinabatangan River’s importance in terms of wildlife, restoration efforts are continuing to protect the animals ‘ healthy environments. River cruises along the Kinabatangan River are a popular choice among visit companies.
Staying in a waterfront house is the best way to practice the Kinabatangan River. David Attenborough stayed at Sukau Rainforest Lodge when he filmed in Borneo, and we spent the night there. Along with a manual, excursions to wildlife trails and valley vacations are frequently planned. The Kinabatangan River is a special attraction for birdwatchers because early dawn boat tours give you a chance to see a variety of species.
Component Three: Discovering Nature’s Magic in Kota Kinabalu
Photo Credit: ]@nuitgarden/DepositPhotos ] You can fly from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu ( the plane journey is less than an hour ) or travel by car ( hire a driver, taxi, or rental car ).
The lengthy journey between Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu is nervous and takes four to five hours. But, traveling by car allows you to stop and see the next places: Sabah Tea Resort, Gomantong Caves, and the Agnes Keith House.
In Koto Kinabalu, we stayed at the Shangri La Rasa Ria.
Mount Kinabalu
Photo Credit: ]@sinseeho/DepositPhotos ] Mount Kinabalu is part of the Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the third-highest peak in Southeast Asia and the fourth-highest top in Malaysia at 409 meters above sea level.
A common exercise is climbing to the top of Mount Kinabalu. It’s best to reserve through a tour operator who will arrange everything for you, since you’ll need a guide and a climbing force. The most popular trekking route is the Summit Trail, which will take you to Low’s Peak, the highest level on Mount Kinabalu.
Most climbing choose to do a two-day walk, with the conference summit at sunrise on the first day of the climb. You can book a stay at Laban Rata ( basic but sufficient accommodation ), about 3, 273 meters up the mountain.
You must be in good shape to reach the top. Although the walk is challenging, the sights from the top of the mountain are unmatched.
If you do n’t want to climb a mountain, there are plenty of great trails in the national park, too. You can see a lot of the local flora and fauna, including cup plants and flowers, thanks to these. In the area, you may even spot a Rafflesia plant. Guides typically inform each other when a blooms directly.
Poring Hot Springs
Photo Credit: ]@Augustine Bin Jumat/Shutterstock .com ] Poring Hot Springs is around 136 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu. You can take a bath in the pools, which are ideal if you’ve only climbed Mount Kinabalu, and are surrounded by lush tropical forest.
There’s a ceiling walkway these ( one of the longest in Southeast Asia ), a butterfly land, gardens, and plenty of walking paths. Poring Hot Springs even has changing areas and a cafe, making it an excellent place to spend the evening pleasantly.
Sabah, Malaysia: A North Borneo Rainforest Experience
Photo Credit: ]@ Lillian Tveit/Shutterstock .comIn Northern Borneo, you’re guaranteed to have once- in- a- lifetime experiences when it comes to wildlife viewing. This area also provides a lot of excellent learning opportunities for learning about protection and replanting. So add Borneo to your bucket list and make a trip there soon if it is n’t already on it!
ABOUT THE Artist
Jane Geffin
TheFamilyConscience .com is a parenthood and experience home travel site. I’m a interpersonal worker and a family to two kids, a girl and a preteen. I’m especially interested in environmentally friendly and informative journey.
