Five Wonderful Things to Do in Borneo Island
- U-Report
VIVA – Indonesia has extraordinary natural wealth and spread across all regions, one is the beauty of Borneo Island. Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is surrounded by the Java Sea to the South, the Sulawesi Sea to the East, and the South China Sea to the North.
The island is famous for its rainforests, orangutans, the famous Sipadan dive spot, and Mount Kinabalu which is a world wonder that must be visited by tourists. Travelers who are visiting Borneo can do many things, such as the following.
1. See Natural Wildlife on the Kinabatangan River
Along the Kinabatangan River, in the Malaysian state of Sabah, is a small patch of protected natural rainforest that provides an unforgettable opportunity to see orangutans, pygmy elephants, macaques, proboscis monkeys, and crocodiles in the wild. Ornithologists will be in heaven when they spot kingfishers, rhinoceros hornbills, and many other exotic bird species.
A boat ride along the Kinabatangan River is the perfect way to take in the sights and sounds of Borneo's rainforest. A highlight of both trips to Borneo is seeing herds of pygmy elephants, the smallest Asian elephants, swimming in the Kinabatangan River.
2. Greeting Orangutan in Borneo
Orangutans are only found in the wild on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Orangutans are endangered due to the loss of their natural habitat, poachers, and the illegal pet trade.
The land of Borneo is their natural home where they build nests in towering trees and mothers raise their young, often staying together for 10 years. But the reality is that most visitors to Borneo will see orangutans in rehabilitation centers.
3. Look at the Largest Flower in the World
Endemic to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, the rafflesia arnoldii lily is a sight to behold. The blooms can grow up to 3 feet long and can weigh up to 15 pounds. This flower is parasitic as it has no visible leaves, roots, or stems and is the world's smelliest flower.
It is known as the "carrion flower" because it is pollinated by flies that are attracted to its exuding scent of rotting flesh. Unfortunately, this flower only blooms for about five days.
4. Diving in Sipadan
Located in the Sulawesi Sea, Sipadan is a world-famous diving destination. In this place, you will meet many tourists raving about their dives in Sipadan. There are over 3,000 species of fish, hawksbill and green turtles, barracudas, manta rays, and sharks to see.
Looking at the photos of Sipadan divers will already encourage you to get your diving certification. However, Sipadan Island is closed to visitors every December to provide a quiet period for the coral reefs and marine life. Usually, divers stay on one of the nearby islands and organize a day trip with one of the dive operators.
5. Say Hello to Amuntai Swamp Buffalo
The abundance of oil palm plantations has led to limited land in borneo. As a result, the people of Danau Panggang village have been forced to raise buffaloes in the Amuntai swamp by utilizing the swamp. Borneo is indeed called the island of a thousand rivers.
Borneo has more water than land. Amuntai swamp buffaloes are an interesting tourist attraction in Amuntai Borneo. From the boat, visitors can become a swamp buffalo herders.