Exploring Beautiful Borneo – only the Kalimantan area of Borneo belongs to Indonesia
The largest of all islands in Asia, Borneo is one of the most stunning holiday destinations that you could choose to travel to anywhere on the planet. The southern part of the island is known as Kalimantan and the temperatures are fairly constant in this part of southern Asia. Visiting at almost any time of year, you can expect highs of 30 degrees. Sunny weather is common, although December, January and February tend to be rainiest, on average. In most coastal towns, the sea breeze is enough to keep you cool, even when the sun gets hot. As a result of the even climate, you can usually find a female travel companion to meet up with and explore the island at any time of year. Borneo is considered safe so long as you take sensible precautions, but a travel companion can help you to feel at ease, especially if you head off the beaten track.
Urban Borneo
Although Borneo is often depicted as a tropical island paradise, it certainly has a lively urban vibe, too. Samarinda, with over 700,000 inhabitants, is the island’s largest city. Here is a place full of bars, hotels and restaurants, many of which occupy former colonial buildings in a kind of faded glory. However, you will also find traditional street markets, cinemas and a vibrant live music scene. Head to the Deja Vu club around midnight for some excitement. Further to the south is Borneo’s second city, Banjamarsin. Here, the Sabilal Muhtadin Mosque should not be missed because it is the city’s most famous landmark. On the west side of the city is a floating market which is well worth checking out, simply for the novelty of shopping from boats and jetties.
The Natural Beauty of Borneo
One of the major draws of Borneo for tourists of all types – and their travel buddies – is the large amount of flora that gives the island life. Borneo is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world which is home to 3,000 species of tree alone. In this environment, many animal species have become specialists and could now only survive in their unique natural habitats. Probably the most famous of these species is the Bornean orangutan which is subject to many conservation project across the island. By supporting these, it is probably the best way to see them up close. In addition, the rainforest is home to species like wild Asian elephants, the Bornean clouded leopard and the dayak fruit bat. Some travellers are even able to spot the rare Sumatran rhinoceros, too. Most wildlife spotters choose to go on organised tours of the rainforest in order to minimise the disruption humans have upon the indigenous species. Given that the rainforest accounts for about 57 per cent of the land mass of the island, there is plenty to explore. Much of it is either swampy or mountainous, so a guide is really essential.
When planning your trip to Borneo, don’t forget to download the Tourlina app to find a suitable female travel companion to make your holiday in Borneo that little bit more special.