Life on an island is never dull with the different nation-states of Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia all located there, it’s truly an amazing mélange of cultures and experiences that make for endless, exciting adventures. From mystic caves with towering stalactites to the cool blue world underwater, you’re never far from finding something to get your blood pumping!
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SAND, SUN AND SEA
Surrounded by some of the world’s best ocean life, Borneo is teeming with fun ways to explore the open water. The island us uniquely surrounded by a number of seas, including the Sulu Sea and South China Sea to the North and Northwest, the Celebes Sea and Makassar Strait to the East, and the Java Sea and Karimata Strait to the South. Diversity is the keyword here, and there is tons of it in the surrounding waters of Borneo. Scuba diving or snorkeling are two ways to easily get yourself immersed and there are heaps of options for each level of comfort in the water. Sipadan, Semporna and Mabul, in the Sabah region are of course world-famous for their incredible diversity and quality of deep ocean life; diving with barracudas? Check. Might discover some incredibly tiny wildlife down in the ground on a muck dive? Double check. Sipadan is a location best recommended for experienced certified divers, but you can do snorkelling activities here around the over-water chalets that dot the areas around Mabul and Semporna.
The river tubing near Batu Langara Hill and Riam Hanai Waterfall in South Kalimantan are also fun options with slightly more rapids to take on. Both have incredibly rugged, wild landscapes to make you feel like you’re floating through the set of Jurassic Park in real life. For more freshwater fun, why not try renting a kayak or bamboo raft to explore the Upper Sarawak River area? You’ll get to see the rugged junglescape up close as you make your way along the pristine shallows of Semadang River.
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TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Back on land, there are equally endless ways to experience Borneo and its unique terrain. Hiking is a favourite past time of many Borneans for good reason — it’s an inexpensive way to get amongst the lush nature of the island, whilst getting fit. Favourite spots in Brunei include the Bukit Sipatir and Tasek Lama routes which have fairly well-marked paths that can accomodate most people’s levels of fitness. Some even bring their young kids here! You’ll find stunning views of the Brunei River on one side and the sprawling city of Bandar Seri Begawan on the other, at the topmost points of Bukit Sipatir, which has dedicated rest and photo-taking spots, perfect for the important Instagram updates. The Mulu Gunung National Park no only has the incredible cave structures underground, you’ll get to see some of the most incredible views hiking to ‘The Pinnacles’; 45-metre-long limestone spikes jutting out of the earth like some backdrop of a Lord of the Rings movie. Covering an area of several kilometers halfway up the mountain, thee unusual formations can take a few days to reach, as you hike out of Mulu National Park Headquarters to Gunung Api where they’re located. Much of the trail is described as tough travelling for around three days and two nights typically, and requires an almost vertical climb in some parts, so this one’s not for the faint-hearted or unfit. Be prepared with all the essentials you’ll need to survive the elements as well in the simple open-air huts along the journey.
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THE CALL OF NATURE
Go in search of orangutan and endangered jungle animals by visiting a national park or taking a wildlife tour. There’s truly so much to see, especially if you’re a nature or wildlife enthusiasts! The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center based in the Sandakan district of Sabah, and the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre in Kuching, Sarawak, are two wonderful sanctuaries for orphaned and injured orangutans. You’ll get a special opportunity to observe these critically endangered primates up close and in their element. Try a wildlife walk in Temburong where long-armed gibbons call out through the early morning mist with their unmistakable calls. Visitors can take guided hikes through the landscapes to see the towering trees, stunning waterfalls, and the wildlife that calls the jungle home. There are also plenty of camping spots available across the island if you want to see the vibrant life of nocturnal creatures here. Guides are always recommended in this case to make sure you are safe and get the best out of your jungle trip.
Turtle Island Park is a wonderful spot to get up close with various species of sea turtles such as the Green and Hawksbill turtles who comes to this protected marine park to lay their eggs. You can also dive and snorkel for a different view of the marine animals that call the surrounding island waters their home!
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ARCHANGEL BORNEO HOLIDAYS
Are you ready to get to your own little slice of paradise? The Pitas Floating Coral Bar is a dreamy destination you’ll definitely want to return to; the naturally occuring coral bar in the Tun Mustapha Marine Park is just 30 to 40 minutes away from Kudat’s coastline in the state of Sabah, Malaysia-Borneo, and this one-kilometre island is beautifully surrounded by shallow water corals and crystal-clear ocean water as far as the eye can see! Jet here for the day to luxuriate in this private tropical paradise that looks and feels like you’ve gone on a magical journey to the Maldives or Caribbean. Whether it’s sipping on a cool beverage in the lounge chairs, going for a swim, snorkel or stroll around the coral bar to check out the marine life, or even just enjoying a relaxed paddle in a glass kayak, this is truly a Borneo adventure you won’t want to miss out on!
Tel: 60 014 9932788 | IG: @pitas_floating_coral_bar
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DIVE DEEP, SAVE OUR OCEAN & ADVENTURE BEYOND WITH PONI DIVERS & PONI ADVENTURES
Poni Divers offers world-class shipwreck diving in Brunei, taking explorers to underwater time capsules, rich with marine life and history. Poni’s top-tier facilitie, expert instructors and these pristine wrecks attract divers from all over the world to experience unrivaled wreck penetration, deep dives, and reef exploration.
Beyond diving, Poni Adventures offers snorkelling & high-energy watersports activities, perfect for thrill-seekers. For businesses, their corporate teambuildig programmes provide dynamic indoor & outdoor challenges and sustainability workshops to foster leadership & communication in an exciting & fun setting.
Join Poni Foundation’s Ocean Week Brunei this summer, learn more about the challenges our ocean faces and take action! Build fish homes, plant corals, learn more about ocean careers & how technology can help save our oceans, and empower yourselves with our workshops on how to make positive changes for your community. If you’re a budding photographer, join our underwater photo & video competition!
