Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

22 August 2025

3-minute read

Borneo, a giant, rugged island in Southeast Asia’s Malay Archipelago, is shared by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Indonesian Kalimantan and the tiny nation of Brunei. It’s known for its beaches, caves, and ancient, biodiverse rainforest, and is home to wildlife like orangutans and clouded leopards.

Zakia, a travel blogger and content creator who’s explored some of the world’s most fascinating destinations, shares immersive Muslim-friendly travel stories, practical tips, and hidden gems that inspire thousands of followers to go beyond the guidebook. One such place she’s wandered through is the island of Borneo, and while most people think of it as an island with forests, she calls this unusual destination “extremely amazing”.

The main international airports to get to Borneo are Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Kuching in Sarawak and the Brunei International Airport that connects flights from Dubai, London and other Mediterranean countries. European, American, African and Asian passport holders do not require a visa for Brunei and get a visa on arrival. From March to October, when Brunei experiences its dry season, is the ideal time to visit this island.

With lots of nature to enjoy, must-see natural and cultural attractions in Borneo include Kota Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Sabah region, Baku National Park in the Sarawak area, the largest cave in the world at the Gunung Mulu National Park, the world’s oldest rainforests, and the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where these gigantic creatures can be seen in their natural habitat.

Filled with natural wonders, visitors to Borneo can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and a number of activities from diving at Barracuda Point, to fishing, mountain climbing and hiking up Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest mountains. The Rafflesia flower, one of the world’s largest flowers, is indigenous to the island.

There are a range of accommodation options for travellers in Borneo, with budget hostels starting from a mere $8 a night right through to medium-range Air BNBs to the much more expensive luxury 5-start hotels.

Because it is still a developing country that tries to preserve its natural habitats and forests, travelling around Borneo can be difficult. Although there are flights available between the different areas, there are not many reliable buses and trains, and the roads are not very good so for those hiring a car, getting around can be challenging.

As a combination of three countries, namely Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia, there is a strong Islamic culture among the local people with many “fascinating mosques” everywhere, and the sound of the adhaan ringing through the streets at the time of salaah. Christians, Chinese and Buddhists make up the rest of the community and the array of religions share the island peacefully. There are also 33 indigenous groups and over 200 sub-ethnic groups in Borneo. Tourists are required to dress modestly, and halal food is widely available, although there are a few non-halal restaurants with visible signage.

From local food adventures to off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences, Zakia makes travel both accessible and exciting.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Muhammad Kara and Zakia here.