The island of Borneo is not a very common destination for travel, although there are agencies and operators that organize vacations and tours of its extensive territory. And, although you can think of it as a small island, the truth is that it is the third largest in the world, having similar dimensions to countries like France. It is a very charming area, especially if you are a lover of nature and animals because it is very rich in unique species that can only be observed there. But there is still much more to see and do.
Location
The Island of Borneo is in the South China Sea, in South Asia, its territory belonging to more than one state. In fact, a large part is from the Indonesian state of Kalimantan, while another is from the two Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. In addition, Brunei also has another part of the island.
When to visit it?
The island of Borneo has a tropical climate , notable for its humidity throughout the year. However, as a consequence of the rainy season, it is recommended to visit it in spring, although it is possible to go at other times of the year, but always after the rains. The temperature is usually regular, not dropping the minimum of 20 degrees Celsius not even during the winter.
Nature
The island of Borneo is rich in flora and fauna . It is a territory in which there are many native species, some of which are also very curious. The latest data from different organizations and nature associations reflect that more than 400 species have been identified. It is not in vain, it is one of the largest centers of biodiversity in the world.
For example, within the fish – there are about thirty that are unique – there is the catfish , which has very protruding teeth and an adhesive belly to stick to the rocks, or the tree frog with green eyes that are very bright.
Siamese fighting fish are also very striking due to their iridescent greenish-blue color; the miniature fish (measuring less than one centimeter), which is the smallest vertebrate in the world, or the river shark , which is in danger of extinction.
Continuing with the animals, other curious species are the red orangutans , which are currently threatened by deforestation, in part produced by the extraction of palm oil.
Among the plants, for example, one of those not to be missed is a flower called Rafflesia Arnoldii , which is the largest in the world (it weighs 11 kilos and has a diameter of more than one meter). characterized by having no stem or leaves. Despite its beauty, this plant is considered one of the strangest in the world and not only because of its physical characteristics, but because it is considered a parasite .
Other points of interest
In addition to these species and the forests, jungles or the Bako or Kinabalu National Park, among other natural environments , on the island of Borneo there are other attractions that deserve to be visited .
This is the case of Sarawak to live with the local population to learn about the customs of the tribes, who descend from the authentic ‘Head Hunters’, or from more populated and lively cities with a little more hustle like Sandakam or Kota Kinabulu .
In addition, in the Sabah region, you can visit the orangutan rehabilitation center, apart from being an ideal area to practice some sports, such as diving , and observe the floating houses and the fishing activity from which its inhabitants mainly live. population.
A tropical island to live adventures in the middle of nature and spend unforgettable days, away from the madding crowd. Without a doubt, a very different vacation.