Malaysia Borneo

Collectively known as East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo, Sarawak and Sabah extend along the northern shores of Borneo, the world’s third largest island, book-ending Brunei and bounded by Indonesian Kalimantan to the south. Both Sarawak, “Land of the Hornbills” and Sabah, “The Land below the Wind”, are in wild contrast, literally, to Peninsular Malaysia, another world away across the South China Sea.

On a path far less travelled, intrepid souls who journey to Borneo’s legendary lands are rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Captivating in their unique ways, Sarawak and Sabah share extraordinary similarities. Both these powerful forces of nature are equatorial havens for tropical biodiversity. Unparalleled expanses of pristine rainforest – some, dating back millions of years – are the habitat to some of the planet’s richest, most diverse eco-systems on earth. Steamy jungles, legend-shrouded mountains and world-acclaimed national parks pulsate with a mind-boggling deluge of exotic wildlife and fauna, from the world’s largest pitcher plant to the endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros. As Malaysia’s most culturally diverse states, Sabah and Sarawak are home to a myriad of indigenous ethnic groups, each with their own colourful customs and traditional way of life. 

Both state capital’s provide fascinating gateways for Borneo’s cultural riches and natural wonders: Sarawak’s evocative Kuching (“Cat City”) alongside the Sarawak River and Sabah’s Kota Kinabalu (KK), a coastal city straddling jungle-clad hills and azure seas. Wherever you travel in these far-flung lands, experience the genuine hospitality of the Borneo people.