12 Things to do in Borneo
Borneo is a paradise for thrill-seekers and adventurers who love entering into the unknown. From jungle trekking to wildlife spotting, there is always an adventure waiting to unfold. Here are 12 things which shouldn’t be missed on this vast and jungle-clad island.
Spot a Pygmy elephant
With their sweet faces and oversized ears, these beautiful creatures will melt your heart. Borneo pygmy elephants are the smallest elephants in the world and are too adorable for words. For a chance to see them in the wild, take a river cruise along Kinabatangan river where herds of them bathe in the water.
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Watch the sunrise over the rainforest
The sunrise over the rainforest is particularly spectacular as a thick layer of cloud-like mist hovers over the trees in the early morning. Wake up in the pitch black to the hum of the rainforest and witness the jungle come to life.
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Island hop
Not many people think of paradise islands when they think of Borneo, but Borneo is in fact surrounded by a number of idyllic islands. Spend a day snorkelling in crystal clear waters and island hopping from one paradise island to the next. Don't miss this insane sandbank on Timba Timba island.
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Get up close to an orangutan
There are few islands in the world where you can see orangutans in the wild, but Borneo is one of them. Spot one in the wild along Kinabatangan river or in Danum Valley rainforest. If you haven’t had the good luck to see one in the wild, you can always head to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where they rescue these beautiful monkeys and later release them back into the wild.
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Trekking through the rainforest
When you think of Borneo, images of vast rainforest spring to mind. In fact the whole reason I wanted to come to Borneo was to go trekking through Danum Valley rainforest. Adventuring into the dense rainforest you’ll have the chance to spot red leaf monkeys, orangutans and gibbons in the wild. Those who are lucky might get a glimpse of the East Sumatran rhinoceros or the Pygmy elephant.
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Spend a night on Pom Pom island
Pom Pom island is a paradise island surrounded by shallow, turquoise waters. It's as pretty as a postcard with its bougainvillea-lined jetty and shady hammocks ideal for a nap. It’s the kind of place where you quickly lose track of time and find yourself adapting to the island’s gentle groove.
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Bako National Park
Surrounded by the sea, Bako National Park is a beautiful, green oasis with jaw dropping views over the ocean. There are plenty of trekking trails inside the park with opportunities to see proboscis monkeys, waterfalls or the iconic sea stacks.
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See the world’s smallest bear
Sun bears are the smallest species of bear in the world and they are just too cute for words. But don’t be fooled by their sweet faces, as they are wild and at times violent animals. The Sun Bear Conservation Centre rescues these beautiful animals mainly from those who try to domesticate them, cage them and mistreat them.
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Hike Bohey Dulang
With insane views over the shoreline and the coral reef below, this short hike is worth every effort.
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Blue mosque Kota Kinabalu
Surrounded by water, this blue-domed mosque is an impressive sight to see. If you find yourself in the capital of Borneo for a day or two, make sure to visit this beautiful mosque. It’s worth the short bus journey out of town for.
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Wildlife spotting river cruise
Kinabatangan river is one of the best places in Borneo to see wildlife. On a river cruise you’ll have the possibility to see proboscis monkeys, macaque monkeys, orangutans, hornbills and pygmy elephants.
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Day trip to Brunei
One of the smallest countries in the world, Brunei, is located on the island of Borneo. This tiny nation is home to virgin rainforest, opulent palaces and gold-domed mosques.
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