Nestled in the heart of the Malay Archipelago, Borneo is the third largest Island in the world. The southern two-thirds of the island is divided into the four provinces of West, Central, South and East Kalimantan. The northern coast is divided into the states of Sarawak and Sabah. The tiny nation of Brunei is wedged between these two Malaysian states. Borneo is home to the world’s oldest tropical rainforests which, until recently, covered the entire island. Since 1950 almost 50% of the Island has been cleared to satisfy the western world’s appetite for cheap timber and palm oil.

Amongst the planet’s most biologically diverse ecosystems, prepare to feel as though you have just stepped into a zoological paradise, such is the diversity of Borneo’s floral, faunal, and cultural ecology. Relax, sit back and fathom these numbers.15000 plants (400 only recently discovered), 222 species of mammals, 420 resident birds, 100 amphibians, and 394 species of fish. Borneo falls within the “Coral Triangle’, and this implies even more, 500 species of reef building corals, a global epicentre of marine biodiversity - no wonder the WWF has put this region on the top of its list for marine conservation.

Rajahs, Riches, Rainforests & Reefs - Voyage of Discovery
2011 Departures - August 21 & 31
We will visit some of the key destinations in Malaysian Borneo, from the famous Bako National Park to the remote islands of Palau Tiga. The Semengoh Wildlife centre for orangutans, near Kuching, provides us with an opportunity to view, first hand, one of our closest relatives. The national parks of Tanjung Datu, Bako and Similajau provide us with a snapshot of the diverse ecosystems that once covered the entire island, and now provide refuge for the abundant wildlife. In addition, a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village, near Kuching, will expand our understanding of the people of Borneo, and our visit to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei highlights the diversity of cultures embedded through the island.

Secrets of Sabah - Voyage of Discovery
2011 Departure - September 10
We will explore some seldom visited and very remote islands to take advantage of the marine diversity that exists in the heart of the coral triangle. In addition we visit the key destinations of the Turtle Islands, Sandakan and the Kinabatangan River. Described as Malaysia’s gift to the earth, the Kinabatangan is a wildlife mecca and we immerse ourselves deep within its beauty with an inclusive overnight stay in the rainforest lodges of Sukau. We have the chance to view, Wild orangutans, Proboscis monkeys, Macaques, Bornean Pygmy elephants and countless bird species as we journey along the river. We will explore the tragic history of the WWII Sandakan Death Marches, where only 6 survived from the initial 6,000 participants. Our visit to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary gives us an insight into the plight, and struggle to save, one of our closest relatives.

Across the Wallace Line - Voyage of Discovery
2011 Departure - September 20
From the clear tropical waters of the Derawan Islands to the remote Kutai National Park, our expedition will take us down the seldom visited eastern side of Borneo. We will witness modern river life along the mighty Sungai Mahakam as it skirts Samarinda. A visit to Samboja Lestari to view the reforestation projects and rehabilitation of the orangutans near Balikpapan is sure to be a highlight. We cross the famous Wallace Line, named after the 19th century British naturalist, and take an overnight journey through Lore Lindu National Park, the Bada Valley and the ancient and mystical Toraja Land in Sulawesi. We will finish off the journey with an insight into the ancient Goan Kingdom and the more recent Dutch history of Makassar.

Borneo on the Wild Side - Voyage of Discovery
2011 Departures - September 30, December 29
2012 Departure - January 8
A myriad of exciting destinations await us as we voyage along the southern and western coastlines of Borneo. From isolated tropical islands to diverse National Parks, our itinerary will showcase some of Borneo’s undiscovered jewels. We spend time in the outlying Islands of the Kangean and Karimata Archipelagos to experience the clear waters and colourful reefs of these seldom visited destinations. The landmark Camp Leakey in Tanjung Puting National Park will be a highlight, allowing us the opportunity to view the rehabilitation of the ex-captive orangutans. Tanjung Puting is one of the great wonders of Borneo and is a wildlife mecca. We also visit Tanjung Datu, Gunung Palung and Bako National Parks to examine, first hand, the complexity of ecosystems that once covered the entire Island. They now provide a refuge for Borneo’s 15000 species of plants, 222 species of mammals, 420 resident birds, and numerous other reptile, amphibian and fish species.