Almost mythological as a place, Borneo is an amalgam of bio-diversity. A place of vast, uncharted rainforests, Borneo is filled with wildlife including yet-to-be discovered species and a plethora of endemic trees, orchids, and unique animals like you’ve never seen before… anywhere! Our wildlife journey in Malaysian Borneo will take us to vast jungle and marine habitats where we’ll observe some of the inhabitants, including the endangered wild orangutan, "man of the forest." If you love exotic plants, animals, and culture, you’ll be thrilled by this opportunity to go adventuring in Borneo — the third largest island in the world.
The island of Borneo is divided among three countries: Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. Our adventure will take us through Malaysia Borneo, which is comprised of two bodies of land, the Malay Peninsula, home to the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and the island of Borneo, home to the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak (see the map on page 8).
And, of course, we’ve chosen Malaysian Borneo’s BEST destinations for our wildlife viewing adventure:
- Kinabatagan Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the probiscus monkey, the endangered Asian elephant, Sumatran rhinoceros, and many more exotic Borneo species of wildlife. The largest river in the state of Sabah, the Kinabatangan accesses some of the world's best wildlife viewing by boat;
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, created to protect and rehabilitate native Bornean orangutans made homeless by logging. So far, the center has rehabilitated about 80 orangutans to forest life and now encompasses 15 square miles. In addition to orangutans, we will see Sumatran rhinos and walk on trails through the rainforest for a close-up look at a diverse world of trees, climbing plants, birds, and insects. Watching these amazing orangutans swinging freely in the forests of Borneo is an unforgettable experience;
- The Danum Valley and its primeval forests, where almost all of Borneo's wildlife can be found along with 275 species of birds. A nature lover’s paradise, it is possible to spot wild cats, orangutans, macaques, gibbons, red leaf monkeys, pygmy elephants, and — if you are very lucky — the rare Bornean clouded leopard. The canopy walkway is a great way to experience life in the treetops where much of the wildlife is to be found;
- Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah and the gateway to the culture and natural wonders of a tropical paradise. This bustling city is situated by the sea against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Kinabalu;
- Kuala Lumpur, where we will spend our last two nights in Malaysia, is the focal point of the new Malaysia. This city's bustling streets, gleaming office towers, and cosmopolitan culture symbolize Malaysia's brave determination to leap into the future. The city is a combination of Malaysia's past and present, its many cultures, and its remarkable natural treasures — a fascinating place to explore.
Why go to Borneo now? Because development has exploited its plants and animals at a rapid and alarming rate. Much of Borneo’s wildlife is now endangered, and opportunities to experience the incredible beauty and amazing bio diversity of Borneo (especially the chance to see its wild orangutans) may not be available for long.
We hope you will join AdventureWomen on this remarkable wildlife and cultural journey to Malaysia Borneo, at the ends of the earth!
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
View endangered orangutans ("the man of the forest") in the wild and in amazing sanctuary and rehabilitation centers.
Spend a night at a traditional Longhouse for an opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of the Rungus people.
Explore the renowned Danum Valley Conservation Area and its extraordinary diversity of wildlife, one of the best remaining examples of what Borneo's forests used to be.
Cruise up remote rivers in Borneo in search of proboscis monkeys, macaques, and other exotic wildlife.
Stay in comfortable Malaysian eco-lodges and luxury hotels, featuring en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and fabulous food.
Enjoy expert guides and wildlife interpretation by naturalist guides.