The Wild Side: Exploring Malaysian Rainforests

Malaysia packs in varied experiences – not the least of them being a rainforest island called Borneo. The two largest states here, Sabah and Sarawak, occupy the northern part of the island, separated from mainland Malaysia by the South China Sea. The countryside blends from pristine beaches, into low-lying rainforest irrigated by snaking rivers, and finally into mountainous terrain. In fact, the country’s five highest peaks are located here, in East Malaysia.

Welcome to the jungle 

For tourists, such geography translates into an Indiana Jones’ style adventure holiday in Borneo. After getting in to Kuching or Kota Kinabalu, the usual entry points for Malaysian Borneo, you could work your way upstream on a cruise of the muddy, snake and crocodile infested, Kinabatangan River. Then, try scaling Malaysia’s highest peaks, at several thousand feet. These experiences are steeped in old traditions; from the times when Dayak head-hunters would comb these lands to decapitate spice-traders. Though the practice has ceased to be, a night in a heritage longhouse, or on-board a traditional wooden cruise-boat, continues to be a thrilling experience.

Other highlights of your Borneo excursion would be…

Do

The unique geography of Borneo endows it with many wonders. Touch the sky atop Malaysia’s highest peak – Mount Kinabalu – at a lofty 13,000 feet. Explore the unexplored in Sarawak’s Mulu caves – an intricate network of corridors carved by water on limestone hills. In fact, scholars believe man knows more about the moon than the hidden facets of these caves. Sail up the island’s longest river, Rajang, to observe varieties of snakes, crocodiles, fish, birds and other mammals that appear on the banks. Enjoy the surf at Sabah’s and Sarawak’s unspoilt beaches. The best adventures come together amidst nature’s jewels in Borneo.

See

Be fascinated by Borneo wildlife on and off this island. Sipandan, an island neighbouring Sabah, is classified as one of the best places to go scuba-diving, globally. See over 3,000 species of fish, hundreds of coral varieties and green turtles, underwater. The oxbow lakes around Kinabatangan River attract local monkeys, orangutans, reptiles, amphibians and elephants. Take a wildlife tour of the area. An hour away from Sabah by boat, on Turtle Island, you can watch the endangered Hawksbill turtles scuttle about. The Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve, also in Sabah, houses an Orangutan Sanctuary – Borneo being synonymous with them. In Sarawak, enjoy the 16 walking trails through Bako National Park, famous for typical rainforest fauna.

Spot orangutans in their natural habitat

Eat

The good news for Indians is that chicken is the preferred non-vegetarian option in Borneo cuisine! Braised with tamarind sauce, soy or chillies and served in earthy terracotta ware with wooden spoons, these dishes are best paired with rice. If indulging in a leisurely meal on a Dayak boat, savour the nutritious and crunchy fern stir-fry called Midin. Iban-style dishes, cooked in bamboo stems over open fires, are a novelty here. Food is cheap, healthy and piquant.

Stay  

If you can spend several hundred dollars, the quaint Dayak boat cruise is meant for you. However, Miri is the choice destination for budget accommodation in Borneo. At Sepilok, modern hotels target the middle-class traveller. But no matter how extravagant your Borneo holiday budget, brave one night in a longhouse to get a real taste of the island.

Spend an unforgettable holiday in nature's lap

Enjoy

The towns along the major rivers of the island allow you glimpses into the daily life and customs of Borneo. You could buy tickets to folk shows of Sabah’s ethnic groups, where song, dance and story recitals are thrown in. While shopping at street-markets, haggling is a custom and may end in the shop owner offering you refreshment and a chat. Kota Kinabalu’s Night Market, Central Market, Handicraft Market and Filipino Market are popular places to do this.

What to Pack

Since Islam is the dominant religion of Borneo, relatively demure dressing is appropriate. So pack in those airy cottons to enjoy the pleasant but humid weather and take off for an adventure of a lifetime!