Reasons Why Borneo Is An Ecotourism Paradise

Borneo – split between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei – is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Featuring vast areas of primary rainforest believed to be millions of years old and countless species of flora, fauna and endemic primates, there’s little wonder why ecotourism thrives here.

Looking to be immersed in the nature and wildlife of this Southeast Asian island? Book yourself onto Culture Trip’s 10-day adventure to Borneo, which includes a visit to an orangutan sanctuary, organic tea farm and a snorkelling trip in Kota Kinabalu.

Biodiversity

More than 16,000 plant types call the Bornean rainforests home, with approximately 6,000 of these found nowhere else on Earth. There are also hundreds of mammals, reptiles and birds, some endemic and some migratory, along with 10 species of primates. Rare and endangered proboscis monkeys and orangutans, pygmy elephants and hornbills live here, too.

The Monkeys

Danum Valley Conservation Area

Located in East Sabah, Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the few untouched stretches of jungle remaining in the world. An onsite research centre studies the unique ecology of the area while promoting conservation. Guests can stay at its accommodation and participate in jungle treks, canopy walks and wildlife spotting. Protected since 1995, the conservation area is one of the leading research facilities in Borneo.

National Parks and Protected Areas

The island of Borneo is divided between the Indonesian territory of Kalimantan, the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak and the country of Brunei. Each region features various national parks and protected areas. Head to Sabah to find multiple conservation areas and forest reserves in the interior, including Maliau Basin, Tangkulap and Crocker Range. Sarawak features Bako National Park and Pulong Tau National Park. Even tiny Brunei has a few reserves within a short drive of its capital Bandar Seri Begawan. Kalimantan, covering the largest landmass, has at least eight national parks.

Orangutan Rehabilitation Centres

Sadly, the Bornean orangutan is critically endangered. Deforestation – combined with growing palm oil plantations – destroys their natural habitats. Several rehabilitation centres exist around Borneo to nurse young and orphaned orangutans, preparing them to one day return to the wild. In Sabah, head to Sepilok near Sandakan and Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Sarawak near Kuching. Visitors can watch the orangutans and get close to the young primates.

Bornean Orangutan can be seen at reserves across the island

Marine Life

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a series of five islands off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, boasts an impressive array of marine life and crystal clear water. Head to Sabah’s East Coast to Sipadan Island and experience deep-sea diving. Other places around Borneo are home to migratory species, including dolphins and whales at certain times of the year. It’s no secret that Borneo is one of the world’s top diving sites.

Green turtles live in the waters around much of Borneo

Nature on the Doorstep

Tourists don’t need to travel far to experience nature. Dense jungle and primary rainforest surround many cities in Borneo; within a short drive of Sabah’s Kota Kinabalu and Sarawak’s Kuching, you’ll find yourself in the forest. This is a huge contrast to the vast expanses of palm oil plantations in West Malaysia. Expert guides can take travellers along trails and canopy walks high above the forest floor to spot wildlife, monkeys and birds.

Sarawak’s Caves

Sarawak is famous for its caves that have several unexplored chambers and passages. From harvesting the edible bird’s nest delicacy at Niah Cave to Mulu’s Deer Cave that features at least one million bats, Sarawak provides a rich diversity in activities and experiences for ecotourists. The Sarawak Chamber, also in Mulu National Park, is the world’s largest cave chamber by volume.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.