5 wild reasons to go to Borneo

The increasingly popular island destination of Borneo, in Malaysia is a spectacular eco-tourist destination offering some of the most unique travel experiences and wildlife adventures on the planet.

There are so many reasons to explore Borneo – Marissa Cooke has five to get you started:

The world’s largest flower

Borneo is home to some of the most unique species of flora and fauna on the planet. One of these, the Rafflesia arnoldii, is the worlds’ largest flower.  With a remarkable one metre diameter, this rarely blooming, prehistoric-looking flower emits the rancid smell of decaying flesh to attract insects for pollination.

Bornean Orang Utans and Probiscus Monkeys
Borneo is famous for its native Bornean Orang Utan, an endangered species threatened by deforestation, oil-palm plantations and poaching. The famed Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre is one of the best places to meet these curious creatures and to learn  - have your camera at the ready! There’s no other place on the planet you can see the unique, golden-furred Probiscus Monkey either. The Probiscus Monkey, named for its unusually long nose, is also native to the island of Borneo.

The Borneo Kite Festival
See some of the most colourful and unique kites from around the world including ones shaped like giant whales, bears, crabs, butterflies and jellyfish at the annual Borneo International kite festival in Bintulu, Sarawak.

Stay in a Borneo Longhouse

For a true Borneo experience, stay in a Borneo Longhouse (Rumah panjang), the traditional residence for many island locals. Longhouses are typically raised off the ground on stilts and are divided into a more or less public area along one side and a row of private living quarters along the other.

Diving or snorkelling Pulau Sipadan
Pulau Sipadan is one of the best and most renowned diving spots in the world. Located off the small coastal town of Semporna on Sabah’s eastern coast, Pulau Sipadan boasts stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters that are home to some of the most diverse species of fish, coral and underwater life in the world.

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If you'd like to see this exciting place for yourself, why not take a look through all our trips to Borneo then order a FREE brochure or read one online.
 

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