The beautiful island of Borneo is a tropical paradise situated in South East Asia. As a destination many have not ever thought of even going to, Borneo has a lot to offer the intrepid traveller. We thought we would help you out by writing a list of our top five things to do in Borneo!
1. Volunteer at an Orangutan Sanctuary
Borneo is one of only two locations in the world which is home to the Orangutan. The ‘man of the forest’ lives in the rainforests on the island, but they are coming under increasing pressure from human encroachment into the forest, and as a result more and more of these majestic animals need to be taken into rescue centres. These rescue centres are always on the lookout for volunteers and here at The Great Projects we can help you become an invaluable part of the Orangutan conservation efforts in Borneo. You could be creating enrichment, observing the Orangutans, or even helping to build them a new enclosure! The activities vary from day to day at the different centres, so take a look at what you could be getting up to here!
2. Lok Baintan Floating Market
(Photo credit: Crisco 1492, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
The floating market at Lok Baintan is unique and something you won’t want to miss out on on your trip to Borneo. You will however need to set your alarm clock as the market is often finished by 9am! The perfect place to look at the different goods on offer (a lot of it is food so you’ll be in time for breakfast!) and really soak in the Bornean culture, the floating market should really be on your list of things to do in Borneo!
3. Labuan Cermin Lake
(Photo credit: Girl On Leave)
This lake is often called one of the most beautiful and picturesque locations in the whole of Indonesia. It is recommended that you get here between 10am and 2pm to see the lake in its full majesty, and a visit to the lake which is fresh water on its upper layer and salt water on its bottom is something you will remember for a lifetime.
4. Margomulyo Mangrove Forest
After what may be quite a bumpy car journey to get there on a typical Indonesian dirt road, once you arrive at the Mangrove Forest you will see why it has all been worth it. You are able to take part in jungle walks, being serenaded by birdsong and the calls of the other animals who call the forest home. With such a wide range of wildlife on show in the forest, if you keep your eyes peeled you will have the chance to see anything from the small, colourful crabs who reside in the mangroves to the Bekantan Monkeys who move between the trees in the forest!
5. Pampang Cultural Park
(Photo credit: Top Indonesia Holidays)
Time spent at this Dayak tribal village is time well spent. It is one of the best ways to learn about the more traditional elements of Bornean culture as you will be immersed in all elements of tribal life. The older Dayak community will be at the park to share their stories and you will have the chance to meet the children in their traditional clothes before the tribes people put on a show consisting of dancing and singing. There is an opportunity for photos at the end of the performance so you’ll have memories of your new friends which will last a lifetime!
This is by no means an extensive list of all of the activities in Borneo, but we created it to give you an idea of just some of the things to do in Borneo! Our biggest recommendation is simply to head off and explore this incredible island paradise as soon as you can!
