Borneo - Island of the Forest People
Borneo is not a classic holiday destination for beachgoers or city travelers – and that's precisely what makes the world's third-largest island so fascinating. Those seeking untouched nature, exotic wildlife, and authentic encounters will find one of our planet's last great wilderness regions here. The island is located in Southeast Asia and is divided by three states: Indonesia, Malaysia, and the small Sultanate of Brunei. The Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, in particular, are popular starting points for round trips.
Even at first glance at the dense rainforests, it becomes clear that Borneo is a paradise for nature lovers. Large parts of the island are covered by tropical rainforest, which is among the oldest on Earth. Countless animal species live here, including some found nowhere else. Borneo's most famous symbol is undoubtedly the orangutan, which translates to "man of the forest." In protected areas such as the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah or the Kinabatangan region, visitors can, with a bit of luck, observe these impressive great apes up close. The focus here is not on zoos or shows, but on the protection and reintroduction of animals into their natural environment.
Another natural highlight is the Kinabatangan River in northeastern Borneo. Boat trips in the early morning or at dusk are among the most impressive experiences of a journey. Along the banks, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, hornbills, and numerous other monkey species can often be spotted. With a bit of luck, a wild orangutan might even appear in the treetops.
Those who enjoy hiking should visit Kinabalu National Park. Mount Kinabalu, at 4,095 meters, Malaysia's highest mountain, rises above the landscape. The ascent is considered challenging but technically manageable for many experienced hikers. Even visitors who don't wish to climb to the summit will find numerous hiking trails in the national park through cloud forests and an extraordinary flora featuring orchids, pitcher plants, and rare ferns.
Borneo also has a lot to offer underwater. Off the east coast of Sabah lie some of Southeast Asia's most beautiful diving areas. Sipadan Island, in particular, enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide. Here, turtles, barracuda schools, and colorful coral landscapes attract divers from all over the world. As visitor numbers are strictly limited, nature remains largely protected.
In addition to the spectacular nature, it is also the people who enrich a trip to Borneo. The island is home to numerous ethnic groups with their own traditions, languages, and customs. In Sarawak, for example, one encounters the Dayak peoples, whose history is closely intertwined with the rivers and rainforests. Many traditional longhouses can be visited, offering insights into a way of life that has been preserved to this day despite modern influences. At the same time, Borneo's cities present themselves as open, diverse, and hospitable. Places like Kuching or Kota Kinabalu combine colonial history, modern infrastructure, and Southeast Asian serenity.
Culinary, visitors can expect an exciting mix of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous influences. Fresh fish, exotic fruits, and spicy noodle dishes characterize the regional cuisine. The markets offer an impressive variety of smells, colors, and tastes.
Borneo is not a destination for a quick weekend trip. The distances are great, the climate is tropical and warm year-round, and the infrastructure outside the cities can sometimes be basic. But it is precisely this unspoiled nature that makes the island so appealing. Those willing to immerse themselves in nature and approach the journey at a slightly slower pace will be rewarded with experiences that have long become rare in many parts of the world: ancient rainforests, wild rivers, fascinating animals, and the feeling of being close to one of our planet's last great natural landscapes.