Discover Borneo: The Ultimate Guide to Wildlife, Rainforests and Local Culture
Tucked away in Southeast Asia, Borneo is a place that feels almost mythical. It’s the world’s third-largest island, split between Malaysia, Indonesia and the tiny nation of Brunei, yet it remains one of the least understood travel destinations on the map. For adventurous travellers, it’s an intoxicating mix: dense jungles teeming with wildlife, river cruises where proboscis monkeys leap between branches, towering mountains wrapped in mist, and coral reefs ranked among the best dive spots on Earth.
But Borneo is about more than its landscapes and creatures. It’s home to a mosaic of cultures, from the indigenous Dayak peoples still living in traditional longhouses to the vibrant food markets of Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Here you can hike through ancient rainforests in the morning, share stories with local families in the afternoon, and finish the day with a steaming bowl of Sarawak laksa.
Whether you’re chasing once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, looking to immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions, or simply want to slow down on a sun-drenched beach, Borneo offers the kind of travel experience that stays with you long after you leave.
The Wildlife of Borneo
If there’s one reason travellers dream about Borneo, it’s the wildlife. This island is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to ancient rainforests that have thrived for over 130 million years and shelter thousands of species found nowhere else. From the treetops to the riverbanks, life bursts from every corner — and sometimes from unexpected places, like bats spiralling out of vast caves or pygmy elephants quietly emerging from the jungle at dusk.
Borneo is one of only two places in the world where orangutans still live in the wild, and it’s the only home of the proboscis monkey and Bornean pygmy elephant. The island also hosts secretive predators like the clouded leopard, the world’s smallest bears, and birdlife so spectacular it’s considered a paradise for ornithologists. Add to that nesting sea turtles, rare reptiles, and insects in every colour imaginable, and you start to understand why naturalists call Borneo a “living ark.”
What makes wildlife watching here so unique is that it feels raw and unfiltered. You might be drifting down a river as hornbills swoop overhead, hearing the haunting calls of gibbons at dawn, or stumbling upon a rafflesia bloom on the forest floor. Some encounters are rare and fleeting, others almost guaranteed — but each one reminds you that you’re standing in one of the last great wildernesses on Earth.
Orangutans
The island’s most famous residents, orangutans are highly intelligent and critically endangered, sharing 97% of our DNA. They are incredible problem-solvers, tool users, and tender parents — mothers carry their young for years, and flanged males rule territories with booming calls that carry across the jungle.
Where to see them: At rehabilitation centres such as Sepilok (Sabah) and Semenggoh (Sarawak), or in the wild along the Kinabatangan River and deep within the Danum Valley.
Proboscis Monkeys
These pot-bellied primates are found only in Borneo. With their oversized noses and reddish coats, they look almost cartoonish, yet they’re graceful leapers, often seen vaulting across rivers. Males’ noses act as amplifiers for their honking calls, used to impress females and warn rivals. Troops gather in mangroves and riverside forests, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Bornean Pygmy Elephants
Gentle, round-faced, and surprisingly small, Bornean pygmy elephants are an endangered subspecies with only a few thousand left in the wild. They’re most often spotted near rivers, moving in herds that include playful calves. Unlike their larger Asian cousins, they have longer tails and a more youthful appearance, which has earned them the nickname “the teddy bears of the jungle.”
Clouded Leopards
Elusive and nocturnal, clouded leopards are Borneo’s apex predator. With striking cloud-patterned coats, long tails, and jaws adapted to prey larger than themselves, they are masters of stealth. Incredibly agile, they can climb down trees headfirst and often hunt monkeys and small deer. Sightings are rare, but just knowing they share the same forest adds an edge of mystery to any jungle trek.
Sun Bears
The smallest bear species in the world, sun bears are named for the golden crescent marking on their chest. They are excellent climbers, often seen tearing into trees for honey, fruit, and insects. The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok offers a chance to learn about efforts to protect these threatened creatures.
Gibbons and Other Primates
Bornean gibbons are famous for their haunting dawn duets, sung by mated pairs to defend their territory. Watching them swing effortlessly through the canopy is magical. Alongside them, you might encounter red leaf monkeys with striking maroon coats, silvered langurs with their silky grey fur, and ever-curious macaques along rivers and trails.
Hornbills
Eight hornbill species call Borneo home, but the rhinoceros hornbill is the most iconic. With its dramatic casque and powerful wings, it’s both a symbol of Dayak culture and a keystone species vital for seed dispersal. Their loud, whooshing wingbeats often announce their arrival before you spot their colourful beaks against the green canopy.
Crocodiles and Reptiles
Saltwater crocodiles lurk in rivers and mangrove estuaries, sometimes reaching over six metres in length. Beyond these formidable predators, Borneo teems with reptiles: giant monitor lizards bask in the sun, while flying draco lizards extend their ribbed membranes to glide between trees.
Birds, Amphibians and Insects
With more than 600 bird species, Borneo is a birder’s paradise. Highlights include the rare Bornean bristlehead, jewel-bright pittas, and electric blue kingfishers. The forest floor and streams are alive with tiny, vividly coloured frogs, while butterflies, beetles, and stick insects add to the constant sense of discovery.
Turtles
Just offshore, Turtle Islands Park in Sabah provides sanctuary for green and hawksbill turtles. At night, you can watch females lumber ashore to lay eggs, and sometimes witness hundreds of hatchlings racing toward the sea under starlit skies.
Rainforests and National Parks
Borneo’s landscapes are as diverse as its wildlife. Towering granite peaks, caves the size of cathedrals, tangled mangroves, and beaches where jungle meets sea — each national park offers a different window into this ancient ecosystem. Exploring them isn’t just about hiking trails or snapping photos; it’s about stepping into environments that have been evolving for millions of years, where every sound and shadow hints at life unseen.
Mount Kinabalu National Park
At 4,095 metres, Mount Kinabalu is Southeast Asia’s highest peak and a rite of passage for many travellers. The two-day trek to the summit is tough but rewarding, with sunrise revealing a sea of clouds stretching to the horizon. The mountain itself is sacred to the Kadazan-Dusun people, who believe it’s the resting place of ancestral spirits.
Landscapes and Highlights: Granite peaks, mossy cloud forests, and UNESCO World Heritage status. Sunrise from the summit is one of Asia’s most iconic travel experiences.
Wildlife: Mountain blackbirds, pygmy squirrels, tree shrews, and the elusive mountain serow. Unusual species like the Kinabalu giant red leech and earthworm are unique to the slopes.
Flora: Over 5,000 plant species including rare orchids, giant pitcher plants, and the enormous rafflesia bloom.
Gunung Mulu National Park
In Sarawak, Mulu is famed for its limestone wonders — from razor-sharp pinnacles to some of the largest cave systems in the world. Deer Cave is so vast it could swallow St. Paul’s Cathedral, and at dusk millions of bats pour out in a mesmerising stream.
Landscapes and Highlights: Towering limestone pinnacles, vast chambers like Deer Cave, and adventurous treks to remote karst formations.
Wildlife: Bats by the millions, cave swiftlets, hornbills, macaques, and colourful rainforest insects.
Flora: Dense rainforest surrounds the caves, with fungi, ferns, and mosses thriving in the damp, shaded environment.
Bako National Park
Close to Kuching, Bako is small in size but huge in diversity. Within a single day you can explore mangroves, dip into dense rainforest, climb sandstone cliffs, and relax on secluded beaches.
Landscapes and Highlights: Coastal cliffs, secluded coves, and well-marked trails linking rainforest, mangrove, and heathland.
Wildlife: Proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, silvered langurs, and cheeky macaques that roam freely near the park HQ. Monitor lizards are also commonly seen.
Flora: Pitcher plant gardens, tangled mangrove roots, and coastal vegetation adapted to sandy, salty soils.
Danum Valley Conservation Area
Danum Valley is one of Borneo’s last untouched wildernesses, offering 438 square kilometres of pristine primary rainforest. Staying here feels like stepping back in time to a world unchanged for millions of years.
Landscapes and Highlights: Towering dipterocarp trees, canopy walkways, jungle rivers, and trails that cut through ancient rainforest.
Wildlife: Orangutans, gibbons, red leaf monkeys, and rare night-time sightings of slow lorises or even clouded leopards. Birders can spot over 270 species, including the helmeted hornbill.
Flora: Giant rainforest trees create a cathedral-like canopy, while the undergrowth teems with ferns, fungi, and medicinal plants used by local communities.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Less known than Danum, Tabin covers over 1,200 square kilometres and is especially famous for its mineral-rich mud volcanoes that attract animals seeking salts and nutrients.
Landscapes and Highlights: Remote rainforest wilderness with bubbling mud volcanoes that act as natural salt licks.
Wildlife: Bornean pygmy elephants, wild cattle (banteng), macaques, hornbills, and a wide range of smaller mammals and reptiles.
Flora: Secondary forest regenerating from logging, rich in fruiting trees that sustain elephants, bears, and primates.
Cultural Encounters
Borneo isn’t only about wild jungles and rare animals — it’s also home to a rich mosaic of cultures. Over 200 ethnic groups live on the island, each with their own traditions, languages, and cuisines. From indigenous longhouse communities deep in the rainforest to buzzing modern cities like Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, the human side of Borneo is every bit as fascinating as its natural wonders.
Indigenous Traditions
The Dayak people, Borneo’s largest indigenous group, have lived in close harmony with the rainforest for centuries. Many communities still reside in longhouses — wooden structures raised on stilts that can house dozens of families under one roof. Travellers are often welcomed to stay overnight, sharing meals, learning about traditional crafts, and listening to stories passed down through generations. Rituals often involve music, dance, and intricate beadwork or tattoos that reflect ancestral connections to the land.
City Gateways
While Borneo is synonymous with jungle adventure, its cities are cultural hubs in their own right.
Kuching, Sarawak: Known as the “Cat City,” Kuching has a laid-back riverside vibe, colourful colonial architecture, and some of the best food in Borneo. Street art, museums, and vibrant markets make it an ideal starting point for exploring Sarawak.
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: This coastal city blends modern energy with easy access to nature. Its lively night markets brim with seafood, while nearby islands and Mount Kinabalu draw travellers looking to balance city life with adventure.
Food and Flavours
Bornean cuisine is as diverse as its people, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences. Must-tries include:
Sarawak laksa: A rich, spicy noodle soup layered with prawns, chicken, and sambal.
Manok pansoh: Chicken cooked inside bamboo with herbs, a Dayak speciality.
Jungle ferns and wild vegetables: Often stir-fried with garlic or sambal, showcasing the forest’s abundance.
Fresh seafood: From grilled stingray to chilli crab, coastal towns and cities serve it up daily.
Sharing a meal here often feels like the best introduction to the culture — markets buzz with chatter, longhouses open their kitchens to guests, and every dish tells a story of blending traditions.
Islands and Coastlines
While Borneo is famed for its jungles, its surrounding seas and beaches reveal another kind of wonder. Here, turquoise waters meet coral reefs alive with colour, while sleepy islands and coastal villages offer a slower rhythm of life. For divers, it’s paradise. For everyone else, it’s a chance to swap jungle trekking for hammock days and sunset strolls.
Sipadan Island
Why Go: Consistently ranked among the world’s best dive destinations, Sipadan rises from an extinct volcanic cone surrounded by coral walls that plunge into the depths of the Celebes Sea.
Top Experiences: Diving Barracuda Point, drifting along vertical walls, or snorkelling over shallow reefs alive with fish.
What You’ll See: Giant swirling schools of barracuda, green and hawksbill turtles in abundance, reef sharks cruising by, and corals teeming with reef fish.
Mabul and Kapalai
Why Go: Just a short boat ride from Sipadan, these islands offer a more relaxed escape. Mabul is a traditional fishing community turned diving hotspot, while Kapalai is a sandbank resort that looks like it floats in the middle of the sea.
Top Experiences: Muck diving in Mabul for tiny, unusual critters; staying in stilt-houses above turquoise lagoons; snorkelling straight off the jetty.
What You’ll See: Seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, frogfish, and other rare macro creatures — perfect for underwater photography.
Lankayan Island
Why Go: A remote eco-island in the Sulu Sea, Lankayan feels like a true castaway retreat with conservation at its heart.
Top Experiences: Joining turtle hatchling releases, diving colourful reefs, or simply enjoying long stretches of quiet beach.
What You’ll See: Occasional whale sharks offshore, nesting green and hawksbill turtles, and dazzling coral reefs with rays and schooling fish.
Sabah’s Beaches
Why Go: Not every traveller makes it out to the islands — and you don’t have to. Sabah’s mainland beaches are laid-back and easy to reach from Kota Kinabalu and beyond.
Top Experiences: Watching fiery sunsets at Tanjung Aru, exploring the northern beaches of Kudat, or hopping across the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park islands.
What You’ll See: Palm-fringed sands, calm lagoons, colourful reef fish in snorkel-friendly shallows, and occasional turtle landings in quieter stretches.
Travel Tips for Borneo
Travelling through Borneo is unlike anywhere else — part rainforest adventure, part cultural immersion, part island escape. A few practical tips will help you get the most out of the journey while travelling responsibly.
When to Go
Borneo’s rainforest climate means showers are always a possibility, but March to October is generally the driest period and best for trekking, wildlife watching, and diving. If you visit between June and August, you might catch the fruiting season — a bonus for spotting orangutans and other primates feeding in the wild.
Getting Around
Distances can be deceiving on such a vast island. Domestic flights are often the fastest way to hop between major regions like Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Sandakan, and Miri. In more remote areas, longboats and ferries aren’t just transport — they’re part of the adventure. River journeys along the Kinabatangan or Rejang offer a slower, more scenic way to travel. Buses and minivans cover ground between towns, though schedules can be flexible.
What to Pack
Think jungle-to-coast versatility. In the rainforest, breathable quick-dry clothing, a light rain jacket, and sturdy shoes are essential. Don’t forget insect repellent and a dry bag for river trips. On the coast, reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear (if you have your own), and a sarong for the beach will come in handy. A refillable water bottle with a filter is useful everywhere.
Health and Safety
Mosquitoes are part of the territory, so plan ahead with repellent and check if you’ll need malaria prophylaxis for your route. The heat and humidity can be draining — stay hydrated and pace yourself, especially on treks. Always stick to bottled or filtered water, and follow local advice when swimming in rivers or coastal areas.
Travel Responsibly
Borneo’s environment and cultures are incredibly rich but also fragile. Choose eco-lodges or community-run homestays that support local livelihoods. When visiting longhouses, dress modestly and be open to traditions that may be different from your own. In the wild, never feed animals or get too close — the best encounters are those that happen naturally.
“Borneo is one of those rare places that still feels like an adventure in the truest sense of the word. It’s an island where you can trek through some of the world’s oldest rainforests in the morning, drift past pygmy elephants on a river cruise by afternoon, and finish the day with a bowl of steaming laksa in a bustling night market. The next morning, you might find yourself diving among turtles and swirling schools of barracuda, or waking to the haunting duet of gibbons calling across the canopy.
What makes Borneo so special is its diversity — not just in wildlife and landscapes, but in cultures and experiences. Every corner feels different, yet all are connected by a spirit of wildness and resilience. This is a place that rewards curiosity, slows you down, and reminds you just how vast and varied our planet really is.
Whether you come for the orangutans, the longhouses, or the coral reefs, you’ll leave with something more lasting: a sense of connection to a part of the world where nature still reigns supreme, and where adventure feels endless.”
