The Magic of Borneo, Indonesia

You’ve got to visit Borneo in this life. It’s an absolute must! It’s the third largest island in the world, and a tropical one at that.

If you like the views in this post, I’d encourage you to book your trip sooner rather than later. Sadly, like most gorgeous sites on this planet, man is doing one of the things he does best: draining one (all) of the world’s most pristine and ancient landmarks for its natural resources. Imagine that one day that the potential oldest rain forest on the planet may well be no more.

Half the world’s rainforest timber is exported from this amazing tropical island every year. Worse, the massive trees that are being harvested every day are being replaced by palm tree plantations to support the growing palm oil industry.

Before we get started, here’s one such animal that you may not see if you don’t get over and visit this place tout de suite! Makes me wanna give the little guy a hug. Sad they have to suffer cause of us.

Here’s an aerial view of one of the many coastal cities. There are hundreds of hotels and several different hostels to choose from in Borneo. You can also sign on with an international tour group or local expedition group to camp your way across the mountains, caves and jungles that stretch the entire island.

4952959256_2214f5d910_o — Borneo by Wahyu Wijanarko

It goes without saying that you should ask your guide or a local if it’s safe to take a dip in any of the inland jungle rivers! (read: Piranhas). There are many that offer paradise views and crisp, cold, mountain fed waters to cool off in after a humid day of hiking.

Gunung Mulu National Park is a huge tourist draw. Located in the state of Sarawak, there are endless caves, waterfalls and wildlife within the caves and surrounding landscape. Thankfully, of the two official states in Borneo, Sarawak just recently told the world they would not allow any more logging or palm plantation expansions. Good for you guys!

Emerging From Darkness by Daniel Pietzsch

The main island is surrounded by some incredibly gorgeous smaller islands like this one, Pulau Tiga.

If you watched Survivor: Borneo, you probably recognized the island straight away. Stay at the Pulau Tiga Resort for a night if you venture over there. Love it at sundown!

There are still active volcanoes around. Be careful but do enjoy!

Carnage inside the beauty of the lush green rainforests. How do we do this kind of stuff to the environment?

Borneo Rainforest Destruction by fortherock

The imposing Mt. Kinabalu.

Hard to forget you’re in a part of Asia when you find your way to Sibu.

The street food is awesome everywhere you go in Southeast Asia! This is a heavily Indian-inspired dish, with Chinese egg noodles, shrimp, spices and other delicious additives that elude my brain at the moment.