Be inspired by tropical Borneo

• Getting back to nature: Borneo’s finest asset is most definitely its glorious variety of flora and fauna, from the world’s biggest flower (known as ‘Rafflesia arnoldii’) to its endangered orangutans and stretches of lush national parks, Borneo really is a nature lover’s dream.
  
• Trekking & walking: Keeping on the adventurous side, Mount Kinabalu is Malaysia’s highest mountain and offers some of the most beautiful views of Borneo (if you don’t mind putting the work in). Trekkers will find it challenging but not too demanding, and for those who prefer walking, with jungles, beaches and national parks galore, you’ll be delighted too.
  
• Learning about tribal life: Borneo is one of the rare places on Earth where tribes can be found deep in the jungle, from the Rungus people in Kudat to the Iban tribe in Batang Ai. Staying with these communities offers a rewarding opportunity to learn about another culture and way of life.

1. Meeting the Iban tribe: What could be more exciting than heading deep into the jungle, and meeting some of the Iban Headhunters who live in the Batang Ai National Park? Luckily, no headhunting is done any more (phew), but the area has been turned into a self-sufficient eco-tourism spot, giving the locals jobs and sharing their customs with you.
   
2. Spotting orangutans – Of course, we can’t talk about the top experiences in Borneo without mentioning orangutans. Borneo is one of only two regions in the world (the other being Sumatra) where orangutans can be found in the wild or semi-wild. Our endangered ginger friends can be visited in Semenggoh Orangutan Centre in Sarawak or the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, both sanctuaries do incredible work to reintroduce these great apes back into the wild.
   
3. Bako National Park – Another fascinating primate, endemic to Borneo, is the proboscis monkey. Famous for its long nose (hence the name) proboscis monkeys can can be spotted in the jungles of Bako National Park, near Kuching.
   
4. Escape to Lankayan Island – After your travels and adventures in Borneo, we highly recommend Lankayan Island for an idyllic paradise; perfect for snorkelling, lounging on the white sands or even watching turtles hatch if you go at the right time.

Sabah

Sabah is perfect for first-time travellers to Borneo, with incredible wildlife, beaches and an easier terrain to navigate. Whether you’re up for meeting the tribes of Northern Sabah, and learning from the locals how to make handicrafts, or seeing the vivid colours of Kota Kinabalu with Mount Kinabalu as your backdrop, you’re sure to love it.

Ideal for: Honeymoons, families, mature adventurers

Sarawak

Sarawak is perfect for more seasoned travellers or those looking for a unique, authentic and off-the-beaten-track experience with local encounters. It’s ideal for people who haven’t been before but is a little more demanding than Sabah. You’ll have the chance to get to know the Iban people of Batang Ai, staying in the community Nanga Sumpa Lodge, right in the heart of the rainforest. Here, you’ll learn from the locals about their crafts, how they live off the land and the history of the infamous headhunters. If you’re lucky, you might even see the orangutan in its natural environment.

Ideal for: Adventurous families or couples, seasoned travellers, culture lovers

Borneo is one of the most biodiverse islands. With 15,000 species of plant, 1,400 species of amphibians, 222 species of mammals and 10 species of primates, you’ll be venturing through one of the richest biomes in the world.

Some of our favourite wildlife from Borneo:

• Bornean pygmy elephant
• Bornean bearded pig
• Civets
• Short-nosed fruit bats
• Treeshrews
• Bornean gliding frog (discovered 2013)
• Proboscis monkey
• And of course… the orangutan

Protection from wildlife:

You’ll be surrounded by diverse and unique wildlife wherever you go in Borneo, however jellyfish and leeches can be a nuisance in some places. Leech socks are handy but can also be pricey, so we recommend tucking trousers into your long socks to keep the leeches away from skin- it’s not the strongest fashion statement, but it saves pennies and can work just as well.

If you’re snorkelling on Lankayan Island, take a rash top or skinny diving suit with you to stave off any unwanted stings from pesky miniature jellyfish. Don’t worry, their stings aren’t dangerous but we’re sure you’d rather avoid them!

Depending on when you visit Borneo, the weather can vary a little between regions, but Borneo is a year-round destination. Rain showers are possible at any time, and the wetter months can bring lower humidity and lush green landscapes. The rain doesn’t usually last all day, although wildlife sightings can sometimes be trickier when it’s wet.

In Sabah, the drier months generally run from February to August, with wetter weather from September to January. If you’re hoping to see turtles hatching on Lankayan Island, the best time to visit is between May and September.

Borneo is a big island, and some of its most interesting places are tucked away in remote corners, so getting around is part of the experience. We’ll arrange the transport you need as part of your trip, mixing flights, private transfers, boats and bikes depending on your route.

Domestic flights – With large distances between destinations, most trips include at least one domestic flight. Flights are generally affordable and we’ll arrange these for you before you travel.

Private car and driver – For many transfers, you’ll travel by private car with a local driver. It’s a comfortable and flexible way to get around, with the chance to stop along the way and pick up local tips and recommendations.

Boats – Rivers are a big part of life in Borneo, and boats are often the best way to reach remote villages, jungle lodges and wildlife areas. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as you travel deeper into the island.

Bikes – In some rural areas, you can swap four wheels for two and explore by bike. It’s a great way to travel at a slower pace, meet local people and enjoy the scenery, while keeping your carbon footprint down.

Most trips with Rickshaw Travel in Borneo include breakfast, so you’ll have a good start to the day. If you fancy a drink while you’re away, it’s worth picking up a bottle or two at duty-free before you arrive, as alcohol can be expensive, particularly in Sabah.

Food you can expect to find:

Borneo’s food scene is a tasty mix of Malay, Chinese and indigenous influences, with plenty of fresh ingredients and bold flavours. Some local dishes to look out for include:

• Sarawak Laksa – A Sarawak favourite made with a rich, spicy broth of chilli, coconut milk and rice noodles, usually topped with chicken, prawns and beansprouts. A squeeze of fresh lime adds a refreshing zing.
• Kolo Mee – A simple but delicious bowl of springy egg noodles tossed with barbecued pork and vegetables. It’s a firm street-food favourite in Sarawak.
• Mee Sua – Fine wheat noodles served in a comforting broth with chicken and mushrooms. It’s often flavoured with rice wine for extra depth.
• Lok-Lok – Skewers of meat, fish or vegetables that are boiled or fried, then dipped into sauces such as satay or sweet and sour.

When it comes to eating out, look for busy local restaurants where the tables are filled with locals. It’s usually a good sign that the food is fresh, tasty and authentic, and smaller eateries are often much cheaper than restaurants aimed at tourists. Staying somewhere with a breakfast buffet? Fill up in the morning before a day of exploring, grab a light snack in the afternoon and save your appetite for dinner.

In the heat and humidity of the rainforest, we recommend packing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Merino wool is a great option here as it has thermoregulating properties and is also sweat/odour resistant too. Alternatively, thin cotton works well. Don’t forget, your clothing will get wet (you’ll likely be in rainforest after all), so it’s worth packing clothes that are quick-drying. Brightly-coloured or dark clothing often attract unwanted mozzies, so we’d also suggest sticking to pale colours like khaki and beige.

Having a good hat to protect yourself from the sun and rain is really important, especially for boat journeys, as the sun’s reflection off the water and deck can double-up your potential sunburn. Make sure you pack a poncho, kagool or light jacket with you.

Malaysia is a Muslim country, so dress respectfully in populated areas, wearing clothing that covers the knees and shoulders.

Footwear: Trainers with good grip are essential here, the paths and pavements can be very slippery given the climate, but expect them to get muddy. Lightweight walking boots are also great if you have them.

Rickshaw tip
Most places in the rainforest sell rubber shoes that cost around £2-5 and are just perfect. Similar to football boots, with rubber studs to grip the mud, you can simply rinse them in the water afterwards, so they’re very easy to clean.