Malaysian Borneo

Malaysian Borneo is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most diverse and untouched natural landscapes, making it ideal for travellers interested in wildlife, trekking and eco-adventures. The states of Sabah and Sarawak are known for their national parks, including the UNESCO-listed Gunung Mulu with its vast cave systems and Kinabalu Park, where climbers tackle Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak. In Borneo’s rainforests, you’ll find orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants, especially around the Kinabatangan River and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Offshore, diving and snorkelling are world-class, particularly at Sipadan, regularly ranked among the top dive sites globally.

Cultural life in Malaysian Borneo reflects a rich blend of indigenous traditions and colonial history. Cities like Kuching and Kota Kinabalu serve as gateways to understanding this mix—Kuching, in particular, is known for its well-preserved architecture, riverfront promenade and museums that highlight the traditions of Sarawak’s many ethnic groups. Longhouses, still inhabited in rural areas, give insight into communal ways of living among the Iban and Bidayuh people. Festivals such as Gawai Dayak, celebrating the end of the harvest season, offer a window into local customs and are marked by traditional music, dance and food. There’s also a strong maritime influence, seen in the region’s historical role in trade and colonial interactions, particularly with the British and the Bruneian sultanate.

Food in Malaysian Borneo reflects both indigenous ingredients and the influence of Chinese, Malay and Indian culinary traditions. In coastal towns and markets, you’ll find a focus on fresh seafood—grilled fish, prawn dishes and spicy sambals are staples. Signature dishes include manok pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo), laksa Sarawak with its distinctive spice blend, and hinava, a Kadazandusun raw fish dish marinated with lime and ginger. Night markets in both Kuching and Kota Kinabalu offer a casual way to explore the local food scene, with everything from satay skewers to sweet kuih desserts. Coffee culture is growing too, with cafés popping up alongside traditional kopi shops, serving locally sourced beans in more contemporary settings.