Adventure World

Borneo & Brunei

An exciting holiday destination, Borneo has brought together diverse heritage, tradition and culture for travellers throughout the centuries where natural wonders abound with eco treasures from mountain high to ocean deep. Home to 'the wild man or Borneo' (the Orang Utan), the comical proboscis monkey and over 1200 species of orchid.

Sabah State: The state of Sabah is a tropical paradise of wild and natural beauty. Meet some of the friendliest, warmest people in the world and discover a land of ancient forests, pristine beaches and underwater marvels. Set between the coral reefs and the rainforests with world class resorts and hotels, Sabah is South East Asia's premier nature adventure destination.

Sarawak State: The state of Sarawak located on the northwest coast of Borneo, is an enchanting land of mystery, romance and exotic adventures. Sarawak plays home to headhunters, longhouses, ancient virgin rainforests and the largest land caves in the world.

Brunei: Brunei offers a wide variety of attractive places to visit and experience. The rainforest and national parks, magnificent mosques and water villages with rich culture, heritage and traditions give Brunei Darussalam extraordinary appeal.

Top Highlights

Sabah State: Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah is a bustling city on the edge of the South China Sea overlooking a cluster of coral fringed islands, and is known as ‘The Land Below the Wind’ and KK. Located a short drive from the city centre are stunning white sandy beaches and resorts.

Closest to the city centre is Sutera Harbour; the Nexus Resort is a 25 minute drive north and the Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria Resort is a 40 minute drive, and has it’s own Orang Utan Sanctuary. Travelling south you arrive at the Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, home to the world’s largest and rarest flower, the Rafflesia.

Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South East Asia is a two hour drive from the city centre, but the views from the top are spectacular. It takes two days to climb Mt Kinabalu, with most people climbing as far as Laban Rata Resthouse on the first day, then climb to the summit at dawn and descend. The climb is 99% uphill, is steep and has endless steps (2500 of them).

Poring Hot Springs are set in hibiscus gardens which attract butterflies and birds; the steaming, sulphurous water is channelled into man-made pools and tubs. The Springs are the gateway to the Canopy Walkway, which consists of a series of walkways suspended from trees up to 40km above the jungle floor offering a unique view of the surrounding forest.

Sandakan, on the north-eastern side of Sabah, is the gateway to Turtle Islands National Park.

Libaran Turtle Island, an hour’s boat ride away is ideal for relaxation, and offers village walks and night fishing. Nearby activities include snorkelling in the Sulu Sea and glass bottom boat rides.

Selingan Turtle Island a 75 minute boat trip away, is the breeding ground for the Green and Hawksbill turtles and is considered one of the most important sea turtle conservation centres in South East Asia. The turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the beach (between July and December), and then the eggs are transferred to the hatchery.

The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre is located near Sandakan on the eastern side of Sabah, a 40 minute flight ex Kota Kinabalu. The Centre helps once captive Orang Utans learn to climb and fend for themselves in the wild with the hope that they may return to the forest. Visitors can get a close up view of these animals and learn about their natural habitat. Sepilok is one of Sabah’s top tourist attractions, and visitors can ‘adopt’ an orphaned orang utan for a year.

The limestone Gomantong Caves are 45 minutes from Sandakan, and are the world’s biggest bird’s nest caves. Expert skill is involved as the harvesters ascend the bamboo ladder to collect the precious nest of the swiftlet bird, which are used for bird’s-nest soup. Wear a hat!

A cruise down the Kinabatangan River is the best way to spot the rare Proboscis monkey, hornbills, macaques, elephants, crocodiles and other exotic wildlife. A must on any trip to Borneo.

Diving Borneo - Sipadan Island: Located 36km off the south east coast of Sabah, Sipadan Island is rated as one of the ‘top five’ spots in the world for diving. Sipidan is the tip of a limestone pinnacle that rises 600m from the seabed. Float over a near-vertical ‘wall’ and gaze into the inky depths. Ideal for novice and experienced divers.

Sarawak State: Kuching is the ideal base to explore the state. Sights include the waterfront area, Sarawak Museum, the white palace of Istana, Fort Margherita, the Cat Museum and a number of temples, mosques and churches.

The Sarawak Cultural Village is a unique ‘living museum’ on a sprawling 17 acre site. It contains traditional longhouses with tribes-people residing in them, going about their daily routine as well as making handicrafts and performing the many vibrant dances for visitors.

The Semonggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is 32kms south of Kuching and is where orphaned or illegally caged orang utans, monkey and honey bears are taught to fend for themselves before being released back into the wild.

A four hour drive from Kuching is Lemanak River, boarding point for a traditional stay in a Longhouse. Experiencing village life amongst a community living under the same roof; cooking, socialising and working together can be an unforgettable experience.

The Mulu Caves are accessible from Kuching or Kota Kinabalu and have the honour of being home to the ‘largest chamber’ in the world, reputed to be the size of 16 football fields. The underground network stretches more than 51kms and another famous attraction is the Pinnacles, a forest of razor sharp limestone peaks towering 45m above the rainforest.

Brunei: One of the smallest countries in the world; and one of the wealthiest! Due to it’s off shore oil supplies, it affords its nationals a comfortable standard of living. It has spectacular rainforests and National Parks, mosques decorated in gold gilt and Italian marble, and a bustling river community.

The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is bound on three sides by water, all of the major sights are within walking distance of the city centre, and the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque dominates the landscape.

Kampong Ayer, the ‘Venice of the East’, is the world’s largest water village with 30,000 people living in houses on stilts snaking along the banks of the Brunei River in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. The village includes several schools, a fire brigade, a police station and several shops. The best way to visit the village is via water taxi (longboats with outboards).

The Jerudong Park Playground was the Sultan’s gift to his adoring subjects for his 48th birthday and is pretty close to the size of Disneyland. It offers thrilling rides for kids of all ages.

One of the Sultanate’s most luxurious resorts is the 5-star Empire Hotel and Country Club, located on the beach 20 minutes from the city. Well worth spending a couple of nights here particularly as it features three cinemas, a bowling alley, driving range and a 18 hole floodlit Jack Nicklaus golf course.

Fact Sheet

• Country Dialling Code: + 673 (Brunei)
• When to Go: Borneo is a year round destination due to its warm equatorial climate. Sarawak has a monsoon season between November and February. In Sabah, most rain occurs in September and October. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Temperatures are cooler in the mountain regions. Brunei has an equatorial climate with temperatures from 20-30°C.
• Capitals: Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur; Brunei - Bandar Seri Begawan
• Official Language: Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) although English is widely spoken.
• Electricity: 220 - 240V, 50 cycles. Three-square-pin plug (like UK).
• Currency: Malaysia - Ringgit / Brunei - Dollar
• Cash: US dollars can be readily exchanged for Ringgit and Dollars.
• Credit Cards & ATMs: Visa & MasterCard readily accepted. ATMs can be found in most towns.
• Tipping & Bargaining: Malaysia - Tipping is not expected, but greatly appreciated. Bargaining is accepted (except in department stores). Brunei - Tipping is not required and bargaining is not accepted.
• Email & Internet Access: Cyber cafes can be found in most towns.
• Alcohol: The sale of alcohol has been banned in Brunei since 1991.
• Geography: Both Sabah and Sarawak are covered by dense jungle, with many large river systems, particularly in Sarawak. Mt Kinabalu in Sabah is the highest in South East Asia.
• Brunei is one of the smallest countries in the world, the sultanate covers just 5765sq km. It has no mountain ranges or great rivers. Approximately 75% of Brunei retains its original forest cover.
• Gateway Airport: Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
• Bus: There are several efficient, modern coach lines available throughout the region. Buses are clean and comfortable, many with air-conditioning. Brunei has limited public transport after dark - taxis are recommended for short trips.
• Car: Car hire in Sabah and Sarawak is expensive partly because of the road conditions. Brunei has standard and luxury cars for hire with reputable companies. The roads are well maintained.
• Ferry: Connections from Sabah and Sarawak to the mainland and Brunei.