Borneo

Borneo is an island separated from Malaysia by the China Sea. The land is shared between the two Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, the Indonesian state of Kalimantan and the tiny sultanate of Brunei. Most holidays to Borneo focus on the Malaysian states but it is also possible to visit Kalimentan as part of an Indonesian tour.  We love orangutans and no trip to Borneo would be complete without a trip to one of the Malaysian rehabilitation centres. The more intrepid can visit the Camp Leakey research centre in Kalimantan. But there is a huge amount of wildlife on offer in Borneo as well as some beautiful walks, dramatic scenery and relaxing beaches. Highlights include:

• A visit to either Sepilok or Semenggok orangutan rehabilitation centre at feeding time for your best chance to see these gorgeous creatures.
• Two or three-day trips into the pristine Danum Valley rainforest staying in one of the lodges and looking for endemic wildlife such as mouse deer, orangutans, civets, macaques and pygmy elephants. If you are very lucky you may get a rare sighting of a clouded leopard or sun bear.
• A stay on the Kinabatangan River, wildlife spotting on the peaceful jungle backwaters.
• Snorkelling and diving off the white sand beaches of Lankayan Island.
• A stay on Gaya Island just off the coast near Kota Kinabulu, a great way to relax for a few days at the beginning or end of a trip.
• Trekking the Headhunters Trail in Mulu National Park.
• Climbing Mount Kinabalu.

Walking

There is some magnificent walking to be had in Borneo. From trails through tangled jungles to treks up jagged mountain peaks. Wherever you choose to walk you are advised to take a guide. Not only to keep you safe from the wildlife (pygmy elephants are larger than you might imagine!) but also because their knowledge of the environment you are walking in will enhance the experience. Local knowledge means they may know where to find some of the more elusive animals.  Some of  the best walking includes:

• Rainforest walks from Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley to viewpoints over the rainforest canopy and past Coffin Cliff (an abandoned burial site).
• Trails in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve looking for Asian pygmy elephants and other endangered wildlife.
• Walks through the gently rolling hills of Tanjung Datu National Park.
• Challenging trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu including overnighting in a mountain lodge and for the even more intrepid a via ferrata traversing the mountain.  
• The Headhunters’ Trail – a two night trek following ancient pathways into jungle occupied by local Iban people who you will meet on this trek.