Borneo, Malaysia—just the name conjures images of untamed jungle, exotic wildlife, and hidden corners to explore. We journeyed through rainforests, rivers, and villages and experienced a mix of jaw-dropping scenery, unexpected wildlife encounters and more than a few ‘am I in an adventure movie?’ vibes.
When it comes to adventure, few places match the raw beauty and untamed allure of Borneo, Malaysia. While Borneo is famed for its magical wildlife, the region’s history is equally captivating.
When it comes to adventure, few places match the raw beauty and untamed allure of Borneo, Malaysia. While Borneo is famed for its magical wildlife, the region’s history is equally captivating.
Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, located in Southeast Asia and shared by three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The Malaysian section includes two states, Sabah and Sarawak.
Located in the northern region of the island, Sabah boasts rich biodiversity, including Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia.
Historically known as North Borneo, Sabah was influenced by the Bruneian Empire in the 14th century and later became a British Crown Colony in 1946. It gained self-governance in 1963 before officially joining Malaysia later in the same year.
Sandakan, a city on Sabah’s northeast coast, is a place that doesn’t make the cover of glossy travel magazines but should. After visiting the Sandakan War Memorial Garden, a peaceful, reflective stop that requires you to slow down and recognise the significance of the place, it’s time to hit one of Borneo’s biggest highlights—the Sepilok Orangutang Rehabilitation Centre.
Think of it as daycare for orangutans, except these little red-headed fuzzballs are learning to climb, play, and other essential skills they’ll need in the wild.
When breakfast was served, it wasn’t just the orangutans lining up. Swinging in uninvited, a troop of macaques and silver leaf monkeys turned the feeding platform into a lively buffet brawl—the orangutans were completely unbothered by the ordeal.
Next door to the orangutan sanctuary is the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world’s smallest bears—sun bears. Roughly four to five feet long with sleek jet-black fur, each bear flaunts its own unique crescent-shaped patch on its chest, making it easy to remember who’s who as they lounge around and explore their sanctuary.
Borneo is much more than cute creatures.
The Rainforest Discovery Centre offers a canopy walk that feels like stepping into another world. Suspended high above the forest floor, you can stroll among the treetops and spot wild orangutans, squirrels and Bornean Hornbills.
Labuk Bay is where the proboscis monkeys will make their debut. These guys with their comical long noses and pot bellies, are quintessential Borneo.
Just a short trip away, you’ll check into a resort perched right on the Kinabatangan River. With raised walkways connecting the cabins and monkeys casually hanging out on the rails, you’ll want to tread lightly.
Word of advice: avoid eye contact unless you want to end up in a chase!
A series of river cruises along the Kinabatangan will give you front row seats to the jungle coming alive. Picture monkeys swinging between trees like acrobats and grooming each other in that classic, ‘pick-n-flick’ way—you might even spot a few crocodiles lurking in the water.
But Sabah isn’t all just wildlife and also has its share of fascinating, slightly eerie sights—like Gomantong Cave. Famous for its edible bird nests, the cave system is a dark, echoing world where birds, bats and cockroaches coexist.
Now it’s time for a completely different kind of spa day. Forget hot stone massages—this is a fish spa, where you stand in a river by Lunati Village and let foot-long fish nibble and swim around your feet.
Heading west will give you a change of scenery—and a bit of history—to the Kundasang War Memorial Park, nestled in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. The memorial park’s four gardens—representing Australia, England, Borneo and Contemplation—are not just beautiful but deeply symbolic of the Borneo campaign during WWII.
Kinabalu National Park showcases the rich flora of the region, which is best explored on a guided tour through its botanical gardens.
Nearby, a quick stop at Nabalu Village lets you browse local markets before settling into the cosy Kinabalu Pine Resort.
Once in Kota Kinabula, Sabah’s capital, you can wind down from the jungle’s wild energy and head to Manukan Island. A short boat ride from the mainland, it’s like cruising into a tropical postcard. Manukan, the boomerang-shaped gem of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, is known for its vibrant coral reefs and colourful marine life.
Finally, get a taste for Sabah’s rich culture at Mari Mari Cultural Village. This isn’t your average tourist spot; it’s a hands-on experience that lets you live and breathe the traditions of the region’s indigenous tribes, from tribal dance performances to sampling local delicacies. The tour takes you through the traditional homes of Sabah’s tribes, each one built by descendants of the people they represent.
From its ancient rainforests to the peaks of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo Malaysia isn’t just a place you visit; it’s an experience.
