Enchanting Borneo

Borneo is defined by its scale and diversity. The island is home to some of the world’s oldest rainforests, best experienced in places such as Danum Valley and Gunung Mulu National Park. 

Here, visitors encounter dense jungle landscapes, rich wildlife, and protected conservation areas that safeguard species including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and hornbills. Mulu is also renowned for its extensive limestone cave systems, which include some of the largest cave chambers on Earth, many of which are accessible via guided walks and river journeys.

Cultural tourism also plays a key role in Borneo’s appeal. Along inland rivers, traditional longhouses provide insight into the lives of indigenous communities such as the Iban and Penan, whose connections to the forest remain strong. These encounters add valuable context to the island’s history and ongoing environmental challenges.

Borneo’s coastline and surrounding seas add another dimension. Sipadan Island is widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s premier diving destinations, known for its clear waters, coral walls, and abundant marine life. Inland, Mount Kinabalu stands as a major natural landmark and popular trekking destination, offering dramatic views that contrast sharply with the lowland rainforest below.

Enchanting Borneo offers a detailed and engaging portrait of one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse regions. While the focus is on the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, the Sultanate of Brunei and Indonesian Kalimantan are also covered. Drawing on extensive travel and research, the book explores Borneo’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultures in an accessible yet informative way, showing how geography shapes daily life across the island.

The fully revised Enchanting Borneo, authored by David Bowden, has just been released and is available in all good bookshops or online sites. First published in 2011, this 80-page, full-colour book is now in its third edition. It has been meticulously updated with refreshed text and vibrant new photography that highlights the world’s third-largest island

The book gives particular attention to Borneo’s natural environment, describing ancient rainforests, limestone caves, and marine ecosystems alongside the conservation efforts working to protect them. Cultural insight is another strength, with indigenous communities presented through their histories, traditions, and evolving relationships with the modern world.

Enchanting Borneo is published by John Beaufoy Publishing in the United Kingdom. The Enchanting Series is Southeast Asia’s bestselling travel pictorial series, featuring captivating photography and concise overviews of each destination. These fully illustrated hardcover books make ideal souvenir gifts for travellers or an excellent introduction for those planning a visit.

David Bowden is the author of several titles
in the series, including books on Malaysia, Penang,
Langkawi, Indonesia, Bali and Lombok,
Vietnam, Australia, and Singapore.