BORNEO- MALAYSIA

Roland

25 November 2020

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BORNEO- MALAYSIA

Borneo is the third-largest islands in the World. The Malay part is divided into two states: Sarawak and Sabah. Due to the proximity of the Equator temperatures are always high throughout the year, and they do not change drastically. 

 

There are only two seasons, a wet and a dry. As it is a tropical island rainfall can be expected every day. Mornings are usually clear and sunny, and the rain usually arrives in the early afternoon.

 

The island’s last remaining National Parks and ad Nature Reserves are home to some incredible wildlife. Sabah is the best place in the World of seeing wild Orangutans, Pygmy elephants, and Proboscis monkeys. There are some unique and rare species like the Clouded leopard, the Western tarsier, or the Bornean slow loris who are hiding in the forests.

WHERE TO GO

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah state. It has an International Airport (BKI) which makes it easier access when travelling. The city and its surroundings have some great beaches where the travellers can rest after exploring the dense rainforests of the island.

 

Gaya Island

Gaya Island is the perfect place to relax after your wildlife holiday. It is located only 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. This tropical island has some excellent resorts where you can rest, snorkel, or enjoy the tropical forest.

Kinabalu Park

The park is famous for Borneo’s highest mountain Mt Kinabalu (4095m) and belongs to the World Heritage site since 2000. It has a vibrant flora and different habitats from lowland rainforest to sub-alpine forest. It is not just a hotspot for flora, but it is a perfect birding destination. Travellers can see up to 100 species within four days of staying there.  It also offers an excellent option for bird and macro photography.

 

Deramakot Forest Reserve

Daramakot Forest Reserve is a natural reserve in the heart of Sabah; it is around a 7-hour drive away from Kota Kinabalu. It is a perfect place to observe rare mammals in Borneo. 75% of Sabah’s mammal species can be found in this reserve including the elusive Sunda Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Bornean Bay Cat, Flat-headed Cat, and Leopard Cat. Excursions in the area include plenty of night safaris.

Sepilok

Sepilok is a great place to learn about the rainforest of Sabah while visiting the Rainforest Discovery Centre. In the centre, you can enjoy birdwatching during the canopy walk. Sepilok is also an excellent place for exploring the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Both Centres are a perfect option to visit and learn about the orphaned orangutans and captive sun bears and how these organisations are taking care of them and try to set them back in the wild.

 

Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan is the second longest river in Malaysia. Beautiful forests surround the river, and it is a great place to see some fantastic wildlife. Proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, silvered langurs, Pig-tailed macaques can be seen during the boat excursions.

Danum Valley Conservation Area

The area is 438 sq km big. It is a mainly primary, lowland forest which is another biological hotspot in Borneo. The forest is home to more than 500 species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Main target species in the area are gibbons, orangutans, red-leaf langurs, and hornbills. At night the travellers will be searching for western tarsiers and the elusive clouded leopard.

 

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Tabin Reserve is another wildlife hotspot on the island. The reserve has been created to protect the disappearing forest and to save the habitat of many species. All the eight species of hornbills were seen here; also gibbons and pygmy elephants can sometimes be seen near the river from the resort. The travellers who visit the forest will have the chance to hike to one of the mud volcanoes which are vital for the animals as they serve as mineral salt licks.

HOLIDAY IDEAS

WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

THE BEST OF WILD SABAH

A private wildlife holiday focusing on the best of Sabah, Borneo.

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WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

IN SEARCH OF SABAH’S RARE MAMMALS

Discover the rarest mammals of Sabah

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BORNEO-MALAYSIA

BIRDING THE BEST OF BORNEO

Explore the bird diversity of Sabah

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THE WEATHER

Sabah is a tropical state, which is located very close to the Equator. The temperatures are staying the same round the year (between the high 20s and low 30s), the humidity level is relatively high (80%). The lowland forests can feel very warm and humid.

There are two main seasons, the wet and dry. Although during the dry season travellers can still expect rainfall every day.  It is possible to travel there almost during the whole year, although it is recommended to avoid the peak of the wet season.

November to February

This is the peak of the wet season. Heavy rainfall can be expected throughout the island. It is generally not recommended to travel as animals apart from reptiles and amphibians are less active.

 

March, April, May & October

The Shoulder season. Rainfall can be higher than during the summer, but less than during the winter months. As these months are not as popular the parks can be less crowded in general and offers still good wildlife viewing options.

 

June to September

This is considered the primary tourist season. It is regarded as the dry season but as we are talking about a tropical region so some rainfall can be expected every day. August is the fruiting season which attracts a good number of mammals and birds.

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