Borneo

Borneo is the third largest island in the world after Greenland and New Guinea. The Malaysian states located on Borneo are separated in Sarawak with a size of 123520 square km and Sabah with 75230 square km at the North Coast with the sultanate Brunei wedged in between these two Malaysian provinces. The southern two thirds of Borneo are called Kalimantan and belong to Indonesia.

Famous for its richness in plant and animal species, Borneo is a centre of biodiversity in tropical Asia. Floristically, the tropical rainforests in Borneo are the richest of all major plant communities on earth. Borneo is also home to many endangered animal species, such as Proboscis monkeys, Orang Utans, the Sumatran Rhinoceros, Elephants, and clouded leopards and so on. In the National Parks still the visitors
will have a chance to see these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Sarawak currently has 10 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, in Sabah 6 National parks can be found.

The people of Malaysia are creating a colorful mixture of culture and religion. The official Religion is Islam, but Malaysia is open for all the different kinds of Faith directions. In this tolerant country a big community of Christians is found as well as Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. During a visit of Malaysian Borneo it is unforgettable experience to experience the peaceful and friendly environment, in which these different cultures are living together.

Another Highlight in Borneo is a trip to one of the Dayak Longhouses in Sarawak. Known and feared as Headhunters these tribes now offers a fascinating view to their unique traditions. An overnight stay in one of the longhouses gives a lasting memory and expression of their way of life. Although many of the Dayaks already converted to the Islamic or Christian Religion, still they are keeping elements of the Nature Religion called Animism. This Religion is based on the acceptance that every mountain, every lake and every tree got a soul and that the Nature is inhabited by gods and demons.