Borneo is made up of three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. It is the largest island in Asia and third largest island in the world. The primary land coverage is ancient rainforest home to the endangered orangutan, Sumatran rhino, sun bear and clouded leopards. Coastlines are made up of peat swamp forests and mangroves. Borneo has been a keystone location in the discovery of evolution processes as well based on its unique, isolated habitats with a range in biodiversity from mountains to lowlands. The nations comprising Borneo have about 288 mammals (including 10 species of primates), 600 birds, 150 reptiles and amphibians and 394 freshwater fish. There are an estimated 15,000 plant species as well, in which up to 1,000 species of insects can be found on a single tree.

This course is located within the Sabah Forestry Department’s ranger station in Sepilok’s mangrove forest, just outside Sandakan. Mangroves are coastal forests made up of specially adapted trees that thrive in low oxygen and high saline water in tropical and subtropical regions. These forests protect the inland jungle from tides and provide shelter and nurseries for hundreds of aquatic species. Your lessons will take you trekking through the mangrove forest and into the surrounding jungle.

The capitol of the Sabah region is Sandakan. Sandakan is known as the “Nature City” where tribal people had close religious ties to nature and wildlife. The city is famous for its fresh range of seafood as well and includes Sim Sim Water Village, a fishing village constructed right on a community of docks. The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre’s canopy walk are also popular attractions that you will visit during this course.

You will fly into the Sandakan Airport before you meet up for this expedition. 

The main language of Sandakan, Borneo is Bahasa Malay. This differs from the Malay on the western coast, which resembles Bruneian Malay. Many people here also speak English, especially those of the younger generations. 

The currency in Sandakan, Borneo is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). You can get cash from ATM’s or do a currency exchange with Bornean banks at the airport in the public area of the departures terminal. If you have a Visa or Mastercard, those will usually be accepted at businesses, hotels and some taxis.

Key Points:

• You can book a taxi from the taxi kiosk, located just outside the arrival gate. There are several taxi companies that you can choose from and they are safe and reliable. Throughout the city you can book a taxi or minibus to take you where you want to go. Grab Taxi is the most common app for booking a taxi.

• All tap water in towns in Sabah is treated. It complies with Malaysia’s National Standard for Drinking Water Quality which is based on WHO guidelines. Technically the tap water is safe to drink but most people will filter or boil tap water before drinking. Tap water is fine for cleaning teeth, however. The cylindrical ice tubes served in drinks in are mass-produced in ice factories and are generally safe to consume. Most restaurants and coffee shops use these ice tubes, as do many food stalls. If you want to be 100% sure ask for a drink without ice. Cold canned and bottled drinks are available almost everywhere, even in small towns and villages so you can avoid ice altogether if you wish and still enjoy a cold drink.

• You can feel safe when walking during the day. Generally, you should not be afraid to walk at night. Chances to hear insults or sexual harassment are very low. As a popular tourist location, Sandakan is a friendly city for visitors from all over.

• The voltage is 230/240 V and the frequency of 50 Hz. The type of plug you’ll need is Type G, similar to Britain.

• Wifi in Sandakan is available through public routers from businesses, hotspot Wifi, and SIM and eSIM cards from cellular operators. While you are in the city, you will have Wifi access. While at the ranger camp, you will not.

• Although it is officially a secular state, Islam is the dominant religion and as such there are a lot of traditional beliefs there, which travellers, particularly LGBTI travellers, should take into consideration. Under a British Empire colonial-era law, sodomy (and oral sex) is illegal, for both homosexual and heterosexual couples. There are also no anti-discrimination laws in place, meaning members of the LGBTI community have no protection from discrimination in the workplace or in the public sphere. Malaysia also has no tradition of accepting transgender identity and transgender individuals may face high discrimination or violence. Despite all these negative factors, members of the LGTBI community can still have wonderful experiences if they are discreet about their behaviours in public.

•  Police emergency phone number- 999

• Borneo’s time zone is GMT+8.

• Most countries do not need a tourist visa up to 90 days but if in doubt check:www.doyouneedvisa.com

Note: When searching for travel trips on Borneo on travel websites, search for Brunei, Malaysia, or Indonesia, as it is actually made up of 3 countries

For more information on the specific expedition location please see the itinerary and accommodation page.