We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culture

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Should I Know About Borneo?

Michael Anissimov
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,057
Share

Borneo, located in Southeast Asia, is the world's third largest island, with a land area of 743,330 sq km (287,000 sq mi), larger than Texas. Only Greenland and New Guinea (a few hundred miles to the east) are larger. Borneo is divided up between three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, with Indonesia administering the largest portion. Borneo is covered in rainforest, like much of Southeast Asia. The rainforest of Borneo is acknowledged to be among the world's most distinct and species-rich, topped in biodiversity only by the Congo Rainforest in Africa and the Amazon Rainforest in South America. This has made Borneo a very popular destination for eco-tourism.

The population of Borneo is about 16 million, making for a relatively low population density of 57/sq mi, or 22/sq km. The largest city on Borneo is Kuching, Malaysia, with a population of about 630,000. There are about ten other major cities on the island, ranging in population from 200,000 to 600,000. Of particular historical interest is the small country of Brunei, the remnant of a sultanate that controlled almost all shipping in the area between the 14th and 16th centuries, during the heyday of Islamic seafaring. Today, the Sultan of Brunei, who holds absolute power, is the world's fourth richest monarch, behind only the monarches of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand. His palace, with 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and a floor area of 2,152,782 square feet (200,000 sq m), is the world's largest by a huge margin.

Ultimately, the highlight of Borneo is its nature, not its (mostly small) cities. Borneo has 15,000 species of flowering plants with 3,000 species of trees, 221 species of terrestrial mammals, and 420 species of birds, many of which are endemic. Borneo is west of the Wallace Line, meaning its flora and fauna are derived from Asia rather than Australia. The Bornean Orangutan makes its home here, the 45,000 individuals making up the world's largest orangutan population. Other unique or endangered species found here include the Asian Elephant, Bornean Clouded Leopard, Sumatran Rhinoceros, and the Dayak Fruit Bat. The Sumatran Rhinoceros is among the world's most endangered animals, with only a few hundred living individuals.

The island of Borneo is the location of many beautiful cloud forests, often nestled in the mountains of the island, where moisture is so thick that moss grows on practically everything. Some of the best known cloud forests are found around Mt. Kinabalu, located at the northern tip of the island. Mt. Kinabalu's altitude of 4,095 meters (13,435 ft) makes it the tallest mountain on Borneo, also making Borneo the world's third tallest island, behind Hawaii and New Guinea.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Michael Anissimov
By Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov is a dedicated WiseGeek contributor and brings his expertise in paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism to his articles. An avid blogger, Michael is deeply passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. His professional experience includes work with the Methuselah Foundation, Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and Lifeboat Foundation, further showcasing his commitment to scientific advancement.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov is a dedicated WiseGeek contributor and brings his expertise in paleontology, physics, biology,...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-should-i-know-about-borneo.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.