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Borneo

Borneo is an island that is a bit of a mixture, Sabah and Sarawak are states of East Malaysia and do not forget the independent Kingdom of Brunei ruled by a man reputed to be one of the richest in the world, would not mind being a couple of pence behind him. Finally the island is completed by Kalimantan which belongs to Indonesia, a pretty mixed bag but it is this mixture that makes Borneo such a great place to visit.

It is impossible to mention Borneo without the conversation turning to the "wild man of Borneo" the world famous orang-utan these can be seen at the Sepilok sanctuary in Sandakan, this is where they take the orphang young and rehabilitate them before releasing back into the jungle. Sandakan is not just known for its orang-utan along the banks of the Menanggoi River you can witness some varied wildlife, the cheeky monkeys, hornbill, monitor lizards and the long nosed proboscis monkey. This area known as Sabah is home to Mount Kinabula National Park where you can find hot springs and a forest canopy walkway, if you are fit enough take a guided climb to the summit and watch the sunrise and you may have gathered this also means a fairly early start.

It is also well worth a visit to "Turtle Island" named because of the number of turtles, but of course this is Malaysia and long white sandy beaches are never far away

Sarawak is possibly the most fascinating area in Borneo, it is full of pepper and rubber plantations and those unusual to say the least Dyak "long houses" built on stilts along the river banks, they look so precarious.The Lemenak River is home to the Iban tribes You can see the acient crafts, blow pipe demonstrations and ritual dancing from these warriors of what was once a head hunting tribe, have been assured that element no longer practiced. It is a long journey by boat and road but not to be missed. Of course having trekked through the jungle and returned still with your head you can on the Damai Beach and just to emphasis the contrast there is a Holiday Inn Beach Resort. Almost forgot the Mulu Caves claimed to be the largest in the world but certainly a major natural wonder.

You can get to Borneo via Hong Kong chance to do a bit more shopping get those designer clothes, bargain hunting round the markets plus now the airport has moved no longer will the wheels of an aircraft part your hair as you bargain with the local stall holder.

Please rember if you do want to visit Borneo and head into the jungle it is the real thing, not one designed by Disney, there will be creepy crawlies of a wide nature, you will need the correct clothing, proper footwear it can be noisy but that is the fun of it.

Interested in visiting Borneo please ring 01572 822702

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