BRUNEI

GENERAL INFORMATION
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GENERAL INFORMATION

BORNEO

Borneo is enormous, and distances can be deceptive. Major cities such as Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Bandar Seri Begawan and Balikpapan are connected by decent roads, while smaller destinations may require combinations of off road driving and boats.

Sabah and Sarawak are relatively straightforward to explore through the major roads following tourism routes, although remote areas can still require considerable travel time on dirt tracks. Kalimantan is generally more challenging because of its size and the limited infrastructure, off road driving o muddy tracks can be challenging.

Borneo is a place where ancient rainforests, spectacular mountains, winding rivers, remote villages off road tracks and extraordinary wildlife come together. It is the third-largest island in the world and is divided among three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. The Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak occupy the northern part of the island, while the Indonesian region of Kalimantan covers most of the island’s southern and central areas.

For Overlanders, Borneo offers an experience very different from the crowded cities and beach resorts found elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Here, the journey is often as memorable as the destination. Visitors can explore some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, encounter orangutans and proboscis monkeys, climb or drive up dramatic mountains, travel along jungle rivers, visit indigenous communities and relax on beautiful tropical islands.

Borneo rewards overlanders who are willing to slow down and accept that journeys through remote landscapes may take longer than expected.

Discovering Sabah

Sabah, located in the northeastern part of Borneo, is famous for its remarkable combination of mountains, rainforest, islands and wildlife. The state capital, Kota Kinabalu, offers a relaxed atmosphere. One of Sabah’s greatest landmarks is Mount Kinabalu, which rises dramatically above the surrounding landscape. At 4,095 meters, it is the highest mountain in Malaysia. Sabah is also one of the best places in Borneo to experience wildlife. Lots of opportunities to see wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, crocodiles and many other species. While bush camping in the forest is especially atmospheric early in the morning and near sunset, when wildlife is often more active.

Another important destination is Sepilok, near Sandakan, where visitors can learn about orangutan conservation, and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre offers an opportunity to learn about the world’s smallest bear species and the conservation challenges facing it.

The waters around the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park are popular for snorkeling, diving, swimming and island excursions. Further east, Semporna provides access to some of Borneo’s most famous marine environments, including islands known for coral reefs, clear water and exceptional diving.

Sarawak

Sarawak occupies much of northwestern Borneo and is the largest state in Malaysia. It is renowned for its caves, rivers, rainforests and extraordinary cultural diversity. Kuching, is the state capital. The city is also a gateway to some of the state’s most important natural attractions.

One of Sarawak’s highlights is Bako National Park, a relatively accessible protected area where overlanders can explore rainforest, mangroves, beaches and coastal cliffs. Bako is particularly famous for its proboscis monkeys, although long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, wild boar and numerous bird species.

Gunung Mulu National Park is famous for its enormous limestone formations, spectacular caves and rainforest landscapes. Mulu is also known for the remarkable evening spectacle of thousands of bats emerging from caves in search of food.

Sarawak is equally important for its indigenous cultures. Communities including the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and Penan have deep historical connections with the forests and rivers of the region. A visit or overnight camp in a villag with traditional longhouses is a great experience and will provide insight into local architecture, food, crafts, music and community life.

Kalimantan

Kalimantan is the Indonesian portion of Borneo and makes up the majority of the island’s land area. It is vast, diverse and, in many places, considerably less developed for tourism than Sabah and Sarawak. For adventurous overlanders travelers, this can make Kalimantan particularly rewarding.

Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan. The park is internationally recognized for its orangutans and its network of rivers and tropical forests. Overlanders can spend days surrounded by jungle, rivers and wildlife. The region provides a powerful reminder of the ecological importance of Borneo’s forests. Find an local who is willing to take you out on the river, traveling by boat through the rainforest is one of Kalimantan’s defining attractions.

Kalimantan also offers opportunities to experience traditional Dayak culture. Cultural experiences can include staying overnight in villages with traditional longhouses, The area around Balikpapan and Samarinda (Eastern Part) provides access to forests, rivers and wildlife habitats, while the Mahakam River is an important route through the interior. Further north, areas around Berau and the Derawan Islands are known for beaches, coral reefs, marine life and diving opportunities.

Brunei

Brunei Darussalam is a small, peaceful country on the northern coast of Borneo, surrounded by Malaysian Borneo. Known as the “Abode of Peace,” Brunei combines Islamic traditions, royal heritage, tropical rainforest and modern comforts. Although famous for its oil wealth and monarchy, the country also offers fascinating cultural and natural attractions.

The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is most famous landmark is the magnificent Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, recognized for its golden dome and elegant Islamic architecture. Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, with its impressive golden domes, is another major attraction.

One of Brunei’s most unique attractions is Kampong Ayer, a historic water village built on stilts along the Brunei River. Boat trips through the village offer you a glimpse into traditional life on the water.

Ulu Temburong National Park protects vast areas of pristine tropical rainforest. Brunei also offers lively local markets, rivers and mangrove areas.

Brunei is an Islamic country, so modest clothing and respect for local customs are important, particularly at religious and cultural sites.

Wildlife is perhaps the greatest reason many people travel to Borneo. The island is home to species found nowhere else in the world, as well as animals that have become increasingly rare because of habitat loss.

Borneo’s forests are also extraordinarily rich in plant life. Huge trees rise above dense layers of vegetation, while orchids, ferns, pitcher plants and countless other species thrive in the humid environment.

The waters around Semporna are among the most celebrated diving areas in Southeast Asia. Coral reefs, sea turtles, reef fish and spectacular underwater landscapes attract divers from around the world.