The world’s third largest island after Greenland and New Guinea, Borneo packs a pretty impressive statistical punch when it comes to its nature:
– There are 15,000 species of plant on the island
– There are 222 species of mammal living on Borneo
– 250 species of amphibians and reptiles have been recorded
– 622 species of bird spend time here
Straddling the equator and shared between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, the island of Borneo is cloaked in extensive tropical rainforest, some of the world’s oldest, that is home to a staggeringly diverse number of species of flora and fauna with more being discovered all the time. Endemic species of animals include clouded leopards, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and rhinos, although the beautiful orang-utan is perhaps the best known of the island’s residents. This is an island that doesn’t do things by halves: Borneo has some of the world’s largest and most incredible cave systems, formed over millions of years, each providing a unique ecosystem of its own; hence the 27 species of bat that have made their home on the island. And amongst the 15,000 types of plant you’ll find species of ‘rafflesia’, the world’s biggest flowering plant – some of species can grow to a metre in diameter! Unfortunately, the flower smells like rotting flesh, earning it the delightful local nickname ‘corpse flower’. As bountiful as the land may be, the waters around Borneo are also teeming with life – you’ll find some of the world’s best diving here. Pristine coral, multiple species of turtles, pelagics, rays and huge flitting schools of fish are regular sights.
Borneo’s wonderfully varied plants and creatures live on both lowlands and mountainous terrain, amongst a huge variety of habitats, from mangroves and peat swamp to swamp forest and heath, to name just a few. The whole island is criss-crossed by a network of massive rivers that provide plant, animal and human alike with a constantly flowing lifeline. Like the diverse wildlife, there are a number of distinct indigenous groups making their way amongst the rainforest. Some still live the traditional life of a hunter gatherer, whilst others have established communities and turned to cultivating crops, particularly rice. Each though has their own culture, traditions and lifestyles.
For anyone with even the smallest interest in nature and the great outdoors, there could be no better destination in Asia than Borneo. For those who are extra adventurous there are activities on offer such as diving, mountain climbing, trekking, caving rafting and fishing, whilst for those looking for a more relaxed trip, both the wildlife and general nature are easily accessible in a series of excellent national parks and sanctuaries. Add in the human interest of the indigenous cultures (Borneo headhunters anyone?) and you’ve got one thoroughly fantastic destination.
For more information on Borneo visit our Borneo pages here. We may not currently feature Indonesian Borneo on the website but we will still be able to help. If you’re as convinced as we are that Borneo is the holiday destination for you, call us now and we can help you tailor make your dream trip.