Top 5 Reasons to Bucket List Borneo

Wendy Wu Tours launched an exciting destination this year – Borneo!

As biodiverse as a country can be, Borneo is has a unique mash-up of unbelievable nature, tribal tradition, gorgeous beaches and multicultural cities. The stats speak for themselves. Borneo is home to half of all known plant and animal species on the entire planet!

Here are the top 5 reasons that Borneo should be bumped-up your bucket list:

1. WILDLIFE

Orangutans. Enough said? Well actually, there is so much more to Borneo’s wildlife than just these cheeky orange scallywags. There are approximately 222 species of mammals in Borneo and around 420 bird species.

In the enormous expanses of equatorial rainforest that remain unexplored or undeveloped, there may even be creatures humans are yet to have met yet. The big drawcards, however, aside from the orangutan, are clouded leopards, slow lorises, sun bears, pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys. You will be constantly on the search for any and every creature during your trip!

2. NATURE’S GLORY!

When you’re in Borneo, you’ll feel like you’ve plunged into a Sir David Attenborough nature documentary. Such an unbelievable list of wildlife requires just as remarkable scenery to live in. Parts of Borneo are still classed as true wilderness. It is all mostly accessible to travellers.

Ancient rainforests, cathedral-sized caves, riverine habitations and even the serrated peaks of Mt Kinabalu are protected national parks. There are different trails or boat trips that allow explorations to be as adventurous as you like.

3. TRIBAL CULTURE

The indigenous heritage of Borneo makes up 11% of the unique ethnic mix in Malaysian Borneo. There is an array of tribes living in the forests and along the coast. These tribes are sustaining much of the ancestral religions, customs and ways of life, as well as retaining their spiritual links to the rainforest. You can visit some of these once isolated communities to see their traditional residences and learn about their culture or pay a visit to Sarawak Cultural Village. Moreover, don’t worry; the Iban people have ceased their headhunting practices!

4. BEACHES

Borneo is blessed with some beautiful beaches and diving locations. The waters are crystal clear and ideal for relaxation time. There are incredible stretches of coastline on the north coast, offering many pristine, secluded beaches. There are plenty of neighbouring islands too, many of which are unpopulated.

The seas around Borneo are packed with life including turtles. If you do fancy doing more than just dabbling your toes in the water while you’re there, make sure you’ve got a mask and snorkel to truly enjoy this enchanting underwater world.

5. FOOD

Borneo’s food is a delicious mix of Malay, Chinese and also Indian cuisine. As well as the customary dishes enjoyed by the indigenous tribes. The tribes are renowned for making use of native ingredients. Flavours are energetic and strong thanks to locally grown spices. Fish and exotic fruits and also vegetables often feature.

The different ethnic mixes of people in each area of the island means that foods are never repetitive – there are different flavour combinations and cooking styles from place to place. Kuching and Kota Kinabalu both have a vibrant street food scene – it’s here you can enjoy roti, laksa and nasi lemak all in one sitting!

 

Ready to discover the Best of Borneo? Book a Borneo holiday with Wendy Wu Tours. Our fully inclusive tour offers an unforgettable holiday!