The Jungle of Borneo - With video

Borneo. It has always evoked deep emotion within me from when I first saw a wildlife programme filmed there on a flickering black and white television set. It was remote, distant and seemingly untouchable.



Human contact with orangutans is kept to a minimum as they will return to the wild
The world though has become a smaller place and getting to Borneo could not be easier, especially that part of the sizable island governed by Malaysia. I traveled to the province of Sabah in the north. Here there are two points of entry. Sandakan, our chosen arrival point close to the rain forest in the north-east and the much more accessible and barely remote Kota Kinablau.

Around Sandakan it is possible to book tours into the rain forest and along the Kinabatangan river. That was our choice.It was not cheap but the experience of a dawn river patrol will live in the memory with hornbills, money's and giant crocodiles among the many astonishing creatures that can be seen.

At Sepilok, there is one of the world's foremost orangutan rehabilitation centres. This is close to the sun bear sanctuary and a quite stunning rainforest walk at the Discovery Centre.
  
A short and inexpensive flight takes you from Sandakan to Kota Kinablau. This large bustling city is a million miles away from the peace and tranquility of the forest. However it does have some delights its own. For our party is was the heritage railway which runs on Wednesday and Saturday from the city to Papar. Breakfast and lunch is served on board this steam-hauled nod to colonial times. Many tour groups offer trips on the service but expect to pay around £55 or $80+.
The North Borneo Railway's steam locomotive built in Britain

Kota Kinabalu is also well situated for a number of nearby islands located just off shore. Holidaymakers should make there was to Jessleton quay and book a ferry with one of the ten or so operators. They all operate a similar service. The ferry carries around 20 people and you can choose whether to do one island, two or even island hop. Our party's favourites were Sapi and Manukan. 


This chap came out for a walk on Sapi Island

Borneo did not disappoint and with air fares between the Malaysian mainland and the island is inexpensive for the European, Australasian and North American traveller now is definitely the time to visit.



Location: Sabah, Malaysia

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