ShareMany travelers may have heard of Borneo, a tropical island off the coast of Southeast Asia that is famous for its rainforests, majestic wildlife and fascinating indigenous communities. But Borneo is so much more than a lush, tropic isle in the Pacific Ocean! This beautiful biological sanctuary has so many surprises to discover.
1. Borneo is the world’s 3rd largest island.
With a landmass of over 283,000 square miles, Borneo is the third largest island in the world and the largest of all Asia’s islands, but you might be surprised to learn that despite this, Borneo isn’t its own country. Rather, its territory is divided among the nearby nations of Malaysia and Indonesia and the sovereign state of Brunei, home of the wealthiest king in the world. This mutually beneficial arrangement is especially suited to protecting Borneo’s ancient treasure, from its endemic animals and indigenous people to its breathtaking landscapes.
The deep and mysterious jungles of Borneo have played host to headhunting tribes and giant man-like apes—and they are rumored to be the true setting for Mogli, Baloo and Sheer Khan in The Jungle Book. But for the modern-day explorer, Borneo is a unique treasure trove of biodiversity where the opportunities for discovery are limitless.