Get away from it all in rural Borneo

The fascinating culture of Borneo, situated on the China Sea just across from the Malaysian mainland, combines breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife to offer the adventure of a lifetime.

Home to two Malaysian states, Sarawak and Sabah, Borneo still retains most of its ancient wilderness, with hidden forest trails winding through pristine jungles; majestic mountain rivers, canopy walkways, limestone caverns and bubbling springs.

Whether you choose to wile away your time relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches of Kuching or Kota Kinabalu – both of which provide an ideal base for exploring the island – or choose to go touring to make the most out of your Borneo holidays, there is something exciting to do for everyone.

The island’s most beautiful beaches include, for example, Damai Beach at Kuching; the long, sandy Karambunai peninsula beach to the north east of the city of Kota Kinabalu and the stunning Pantai Dalit Beach.

Selingan Island, meanwhile, is a perfect location for snorkelling and swimming during the day, while in the evenings, it offers you the chance to see and learn about wild turtles, as they clamber up the beach en-masse to lay eggs.

Take a trip to the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Center, journey through the amazing rainforest and take a cruise down the river to see rare proboscis monkey, wild orang-utans and other unique wildlife.

Few holidays to Borneo are complete without visiting a traditional Longhouse, watching blow pipe demonstration or travelling to Mulu National Park. Here, a 3 km (1.86 m) long plank walk will take you through magnificent rainforest to Deer Cave. Featuring the world’s largest entrance, this cave is home to thousands of bats. With a bit of luck, you may get to witness their flight out of the cave to feed.

You may wish to follow this up by travelling on to Lang Cave, where you will be able to marvel at the landmark’s famed stalactites and stalagmites.

Alternatively, take a rainforest canopy walk and visit the hot springs of Mount Kinabalu National Park; learn about the area’s diversity in fauna and flora through a nature walk and/or admire the breathtaking scenery from the base of Mount Kinabalu.

Should you happen to be really energetic, you may wish to take a guided climb up Mount Kinabalu. More than 13,000 feet in height, the climb will take you through several different vegetation zones with truly unique fauna and flora, including some of the 1,000 orchid species that can be found around the park.

Naturally, you will want to spend some time exploring the fascinating and rich history and culture of Borneo. In addition to witnessing the daily life of indigenous tribes’ people, you have the opportunity to visit many historic sites including, for instance, Kota Kinabalu’s famous Sabah State Mosque and the Temple of Poh Toh Tze.

Accommodation offers all the luxury you can imagine. Typically set alongside gorgeous beaches, within beautifully landscaped grounds and against a backdrop of jungle clad mountains, resorts offer spas, golf courses, private beaches and more.

From jungle or city tours, cultural performances and fascinating fauna and flora to swimming, snorkelling and other water sports or pure, heavenly relaxation, there are so many more delights Borneo has to offer – there simply is not enough room to name them all!