The third largest island in the world is where you'll find two of Malaysia's most exotic provinces, spilling over with natural wonders like the Rafflesia flower, Mount Kinabalu and the caves of Gulung Mulu as well as providing shelter for endangered animals such as the proboscis monkey, clouded leopard and, of course, the orang-utan.
Orang Utan Included!
Adoption of an Orang Utan at Sepilok is an included party of your holiday to Borneo with Faraway Holidays.
Your adoption will be recognised with a letter and certificate from the Sepilok Orang Utan Centre (Sandakan), a profile and 2 photos of the Orang Utan and an appeal newletter & jute bag.
A visitor center is due to be completed at Sepilok during 2010, to allow viewing of the baby orangutans that are part of the adoption scheme.
Borneo is great for
- Cultural Insight
- Handicrafts and shopping
- Local Markets
- Golf
- Trekking
- Birdwatching
- Coral Reefs
- Flora and fauna
- Rainforests
- Wildlife
- Sailing
- Snorkelling
- Sun and Sea
- Hiking/Walking
Sarawak, the Land of the Hornbill, is home to equatorial rainforest, a glorious coastline and the hospitable Dayak people, whose traditional longhouses you may choose to visit. Its capital Kuching reflects the fascinating mixture of this area's colonial, Chinese, Malay and Indian past and is close to the region's prettiest beaches.
Sabah, the Land Below the Wind, occupies the northern tip of Borneo with the South China Sea to its west and the Sulu and Celebes Seas to its east. It is the ideal destination for a whole range of adventure holidays among its mountains, caves, forests and coral reefs. Kota Kinabalu, the capital, bustles with markets and nightlife and is the ideal base from which to explore the rainforest interior or head out to sea.
Recommended highlights
The following experiences are possible from Borneo. Talk to our expert travel consultants about how to make your holiday extra special:
Heritage Village and City Highlights by Car
Whilst in Borneo, you should make a visit to the Heritage Village and Museum for a closer view of Sabah's ethnic diversity highlighted by the unique local architectural styles and the colourful costumes. Then, you could hire a car or taxi and proceed for a city drive - exploring the major landmarks such as the State and City Mosque, Tg. Aru Beach and the tallest building, Tun Mustapha Tower.
Visit the `Venice Of the East' (Water village) in Tuaran
Have you ever fancied taking tea in a local Borneo home? Enjoy the hospitality of the local Sea Bajau as you visit their water villages. Here in Tuaran, where the sea meets the land - an interesting blend of seafaring and farming communities come together to produce a unique cultural experience. Take a visit to a nearby local market and witness the close relationship between the people of Tuaran and their farming neighbours, the Kadazandusuns.
KK By Night With Cultural Show Including Traditional Music and Dance
Feel the heartbeat of KK as you drive past some of the city's landmarks before putting your bargaining skills to the test at the Night Market. Why not enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring an array of Malaysian cuisine? The evening's entertainment usually entails a lively presentation of traditional music and dance. The colourful attire of different ethnic groups and the rhythm and beat of local musical instruments will no doubt leave you with lasting memories of Borneo's rich cultural diversity.
Jungle Adventure Though Poring Rainforest and Mount Kinabalu
The jagged granite peaks of Mt. Kinabalu (4095m) towers above one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. A UNESCO recognised World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park is a natural wonder that offers you a glimpse into the fascinating and often unique world of plant and animal life within the park. Enjoy a short trek through the rainforest and witness life in the treetops as you walk along the 100ft high Canopy Walkway, and if that's closed due to bad weather, you could always go to the Kipungit Waterfalls instead.
Visit the Wildman Of Borneo in a Sandakan Jungle Adventure
Fancy coming face to face with the famed Wildman of Borneo? Meet this remarkable creature in its natural habitat as they learn to survive once more in the teeming jungles of Borneo. A raised wooden walkway takes you to the observation deck where Orang Utans slowly emerge from the rainforest to be fed by rangers. Take in panoramic views of Sandakan from the magnificently adorned Buddhist temple, Puh Jih Shih. After a leisurely lunch in the park, why not continue your adventures by exploring the water villages.
Embrace the Tip Of Borneo Where the South China Sea Meets the Sulu Sea
Ever wondered what it feels like to see the meeting point of two seas? Standing on the northern most tip of Borneo, where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea is a magnificent, life-affirming experience. Why not mingle with the Bajaus and Dusuns people at the local market before continuing your journey north for a simple meal with the Rungus people, well known for their traditional communal Longhouse dwellings, beadwork and weaving skills. After lunch, you could drive through coconut plantations to Simpang Magayau, the northern-most point of Borneo.
Ultimate Mount Kinabalu Experience By Air
For the best views of Borneo, you should fly by helicopter over Borneo's famed Croker Range for magnificent aerial views of Mt Kinabalu, the jungles of the national park and Sabah's lush countryside. Enjoy a high-paced flight over the Kiulu river valley, landing at a perfect spot to enjoy a champagne toast and a quick dip in the river. This tour offers you the ultimate helicopter thrill ride if you're in search of adventure and adrenaline.
Helicopter Ride Over the Marine National Park with Lunch at Atmosphere
If you want a tantalizing treat during your stay in Borneo, then book a 15-minute awe-inspiring helicopter ride over the coral waters of the Marine National Park. Make sure you ask to touch down at Atmosphere, a revolving panoramic restaurant lounge bar, where you can order a superb 3 course lunch or dinner with wine. Why not really splash out and order a limousine home to your hotel?
Explore the Lost World and Virgin Forests of the Maliau Basin
Fly deep into the interior to discover the Lost World of Sabah where the steep slopes of the Maliau Basin are virtually insurmountable by foot. Experience one of the last remaining primal virgin forests, stretching 588sq km, with a unique and diverse landscape of lower montane, heath and lowland dipterocarp forests. An early morning departure will bring you into the heart of the jungle where you can do a 2-hour trek with an experienced guide. We recommend you take a refreshing swim in the series of multi-tiered waterfalls known as the Maliau Falls before flying out over the steep cliffs of Maliau.
Borneo - Tip to Tip Above Land
Take in Sabah's diversity by combining a flight to Mount Kinabalu with a trip to the Tip of Borneo, the northern most point of the island. Enjoy the lush greenery of the jungle, the wildness of the Kiulu River Valley with its rice paddies and local villages and the Tip of Borneo in Kudat, Sabah's glorious coastline and jewelled islands. No other trip could provide you with such a unique bird's eye view of the best of Borneo.
