What are the Best Eco-Tourist Spots in Borneo?

Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Photo by: Bigstockphoto

Located on the north of Java and east of Sumatra, Borneo is the largest island in Asia, and the third largest island in the world. Borneo boasts of diverse wildlife and virgin forests, making the region one of the best places to go on an eco-tour. If you love being close to nature and getting up close and personal with wildlife, then check out the best eco-tourist attractions in Borneo:

Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park is the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Malaysia. This park is also one of the most biologically diverse in Asia, boasting of 4,500 different species of wild animals and plants. Perfect for hikers, trekkers, and backpackers who are physically fit, the park makes the perfect spot for leisurely walks, hiking, eco tours, mountain climbing, and forest tours. Kinabalu Park’s main attraction is the Low’s Peak. This mountain was named after English naturalist Hugh Low, who was the first to reach its summit in 1895.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is a wildlife sanctuary and a tourist attraction in one. The local government founded the center in 1964. It serves as a rehabilitation facility for injured, displaced, and orphaned orangutans with the final goal of setting the orangutans back into the wild.

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center gives tourists a unique tour that includes hiking, sightseeing, and plenty of encounters with local wildlife. Apart from the orangutans, the park boasts of 200 different species of plants and birds.

Kinabatangan River

Measuring 560 kilometers in length, the Kinabatangan River is the longest river in Sabah and the second longest in Malaysia. The surrounding forest near the river is home to hundreds of species of wild animals, including crocs, macaques, red leaf monkeys, and orangutans. The forest features several well-known trails and trekking sites. If you are lucky, you might even encounter river sharks, Bornean Pygmy Elephants and proboscis monkey along the riverbank! The Kinabatangan River also attracts various bird species including kingfishers, eagles, hornbills, and broadbills.

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is a massive eco-park comprised of five islands: Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan, Sapi, and Sulug. The 50 square meter park was named after Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is home to various land and marine animals. The forested areas of Gaya and Manukan are ideal for trekking while the other islands feature white sand beaches, bio-diverse waters, and caves.

Sabah Tea Garden

The Sabah Tea Garden is the only tea plantation in the region to offer 100% organically grown teas. The tea is guaranteed pesticide and chemical free. The 2,500 hectares property offers two types of tours: adventure and educational. Both tours will take visiting travelers to various parts of the plantation and factory. Tourists are also taught the basics of tea making. At the end of each tour, visitors are free to sample delicious teas for free! The Sabah Tea Garden is perfect tea lovers and adventure seekers who want to get to know the local tea growing and processing.