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The highlights of Borneo

 

Borneo Island is the fourth largest island in the world. The North is part on the territory of Brunei, the South is Indonesian and Malaysian. Borneo is well known for the tropical forest and wildlife, especially in Tanjung Putting National Park on the Indonesian territory. It is home to the largest population of orang-utans in the world but you can observe many other species of plants and animals in this park.

Below are our suggestions of activities for your holiday in Borneo Island.

A cruise in Tanjung Putting National Park

The first must-do activity in Borneo is a private cruise on a Klotok, a local boat specific to the region. We usually suggest 2 nights aboard so you can fully enjoy Tanjung Puting National Park’s beauty. A cook, a guide and a captain will be on the boat with you to make sure you make the most of your time aboard. There is a mattress with pillows, mosquito nets, a kitchen, bathrooms and a shower. Don’t forget to bring your sneakers, some repellent, a rain jacket and of course a book and your camera!

You navigate along the river through Tanjung Puting National Park. In the morning wake up at daybreak to enjoy the sunrise and the sound of the jungle around you. This cruise in Borneo is an opportunity for you to taste some delicious dishes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, enjoy traditional Indonesian cuisine while on a boat.

Throughout your 2-day cruise, you can observe mammals, insects and birds such as orang-utans, monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles or tarantulas. This will for sure be a highlight of your stay in Borneo.

An encounter with orang-utans

In the South of Borneo Island, Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the only places in the world where you can observe orang-utans in their natural habitat. Orang-utans are considered the most intelligent primate. There are 3 spots in the park where you can see the animals.

In 1971, two primatologists created Camp Lakey a research center where scientists study orang-utans’ behaviours and protect this endangered animal. Today, there are 6,000 orang-utans in the camp.

Sustainable tourism helps support the research and preservation of the great diversity of Tanjung Puting National Park wildlife. Observing orang-utans is a must-do activity in Borneo!

Hiking in the jungle

During your cruise on the river, you can decide to stop for a 2-hour hike through the lush jungle in Tanjung Putting National Park. The weather is quite humid and there are mosquitoes but it is all worth it. With your guide and a ranger you will see insects, birds and even orang-utans hiding in the trees if you’re lucky.

You can also choose to go on a 45-minute night walk to observe tarantulas, fluorescent fungus and tarsiers.

Meet the Dayak

The Dayak are indigenous people living in Borneo rainforest. Meeting them and staying in a traditional village will be a highlight of your stay in Borneo. Despite globalization, Dayak traditions are still strong. You will learn everything about their beliefs, enjoy a dance show, admire their colourful costumes and maybe join them for a ceremony.

Explore Banjarmasin floating market

Visiting Banjarmasin floating market is the last one of the must-do activities in Borneo. The market takes place in a river, instead of market stalls products are sold in small boats by local women from villages of the area. Banjarmasin is a colourful place where you can do your shopping, buy fruits, vegetables and clothes, while enjoying the lush jungle.

Board a small speedboat early morning and reach the market 30 minutes later. The colors of the sunrise give the moment something magic. On the way back you see the hustle bustle of the city by the riverside: children playing, brushing their teeth, taking a shower or doing their laundry in the river.

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