Time Spent Amongst Trees

Whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned wildling, finding a way to experience the call of nature across Borneo Island on any budget. Roughly half of Borneo is covered in lowland forest with 10% designated as protected areas so you’re never far from an exciting chance to be in the thick of it all. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite choices to experience the lush greenery across the island.

Remember to always contact park officials or tourism offices in the area if you are planning to set up your own tents and for confirmation on whether those sites have any safety advisories, especially if it’s a remote area or during harsh weather conditions.

BINTUDOH GREEN

SPRING RESORT, LAMUNIN

Craving a bit of excitement and something to keep everyone in the family occupied? This self-contained resort has a great reputation for stargazing with its location further inland in theTutong district, and it’s also a great spot for a digital detox filled with activities like ATV rides, boating in the lake and a flying fox.

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IG: @bintudohgreenspringresort www.bintudoh.com

ECOPONIES, LAMUNIN

Want to immerse yourself in a farm environment and traditional Dusun food and culture? This adorable homestay with its own local organic herb and veggie garden, camping spots available where you can set up your tent and get a warm meal for a small fee. They also do traditional Dusun cooking classes and hold cultural performances from time to time.

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IG: @eco_poniesgarden

Easily accessible from the Temburong bridge, the Abode’s breathtaking safaristyle tent villas are the epitome of glamorous camping. If you’re looking to spoil yourself or loved ones, the luxurious four-poster bed and riverside balcony are enough reason to visit. Whether you want to unwind at the spa or take the iconic Land Rover to the river for an afternoon of relaxation, you can do it all in style.

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FB: Abode Brunei

IG: @abodebrunei www.abodebrunei.com

A popular open beach front and plenty of facilities like public toilets, outdoor showers and a dedicated campsite area with ample parking, this is a great option for those wanting to do a back to basics experience without being too far away from civilisation. You’ll need to book a space through Forestry Department at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism before you can stay there.

@abodebrunei

@sumbilingecovillage

Making use of the classic A-frame structure, this glamping resort in Temburong is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for more creature comforts like a proper bed or fans to beat the heat and mosquitoes. The simple luxury Sumbiling Eco-Village offers in the heart of the jungle forest is a great way to get away from it all and still be comfortable.

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FB: Sumbiling Eco Village IG: @sumbilingecovillage www.sumbiling.com

Adventures requiring a big backpack and not much else can leave you stressing out about what stays and what goes. The Body Shop has amazing nature-based products that help you stay fresh without harming the environment and we’ve picked our office faves for all travel situations.

EDELWEISS DAILY SERUM CONCENTRATE 50ML $99.90 / 30ML $79.90

The natural antioxidant power of the Edelweiss flower is 43% stronger than retinol and is a great way to maintain your skincare routine when you can’t pack all your usual products. Its new double concentrated formula means a little goes a really long way for great skin no matter where you are.

SKIN DEFENCE MULTI-PROTECTION LOTION SPF 50+ PA++++ 60ML $49.90

Meet our best protection ever. A facial moisturising lotion that combines high SPF 50+ PA++++, 24hr moisturisation and anti-pollution protection. Contains red algae extract and vitamin C. It’s going to help your skin look brighter and healthier, but you must wear it every day. Promise?

TEA TREE OIL 20ML 34.90 / 10ML $19.90

Antiseptic, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anti-viral - this powerhouse ingredient is a necessity in any bag and could literally heal you. We love its concentrated formula sourced from Community Fair Trade chemical free plants in Kenya.

BREATHE PURIFYING HAIR & BODY WASH 200ML $34.90

This all in one cleansing liquid is incomparable to the nasty chemical versions you find in motels. Packed with selected natural essential oils for healthy, clean skin and hair, you’ll also save space with less stuff to carry!

Truly a unique experience, these hobbit-style houses tucked away in a 13-acre woody forest will transport you to another world. Just 40 minutes away from KK city center, the area around Kokol Hobbiton Forest is lush with natural landscapes particularly cascading waterfalls. Kokol Hobbiton has extra luxuries like air conditioning, a TV and an ensuite bathroom with toilet.

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You’ll literally be in Cloud 9 staying at this dome glamping site in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia! Nestled into the side of a mountain, The Cloud gives you a good introduction to glamping with access to resort facilities and the excitement of waking up on chilly mornings surrounded by fog. You might even forget you’re in Borneo! The road leading up is steep, so caution is advised if you are driving there. There are no restaurants onsite but you can bring your food to cook and utensils and cookware is provided.

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FB: The Cloud Kinabalu – Glamping & Homestay www.thecloudecostay.com

ARA

Sabah’s first exclusive eco-friendly and lifestyle island glamping haven is a mere 30 minutes from KK’s city center and airport, giving you more time to spend in this private 14-glamping tent retreat featuring locally produced and upcycled materials and is powered by solar energy throughout the day. Turquoise waters beckon, and there are plenty of fun activities for you to explore the island and its pristine surroundings.

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IG: @aradinawanisland

Tucked away at the base of a beachside cliff range, this family-run campground and cafe has idyllic sea viewsimagine zipping open your tent to a serene clear water bay that feels like your own deserted island! They’ve kept things deliberately simple to encourage guests to connect with each other and nature. Spend your days exploring the area of Borneo’s northern tip and come back to catch the famous sunsets, with a drink in hand and no worries at all.

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FB: Secret Place Borneo IG: @secretplaceborneo www.secretplace.jimdo.com

As Uncle Tan says, “If it is a tropical rainforest you want to experience”, then this is the place to do so! Set on a preserved native land just off the famous Kinabatangan River, this is a camp experience guaranteed to give you memories that last a lifetime. You won’t need to pack a shelter as there are basic wooden huts with amenities like showers and toilets. Uncle Tan’s even makes sure you’re fed well with proper meals every day and necessary tea breaks to refuel.

•• www.uncletan.com

KIYAU CAMPSITE, KG. SAPIT

A large campsite set up by local Bidayuh, Kiyau is a wonderful spot to stay if you are in Kuching and want to see some of the Sarawak Delta Geopark sites. The picturesque village sits thousands of meters high on a green mountain range and is a stone’s throw from the West Kalimantan border. Kiyau offers a clean and safe range of camping setups including some wooden platforms where you’ll wake up to sunrises from above the cloud line.

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FB: KIYAU Campsite – Kampung Sapit

SUMIRAN ECO PARK & RESORT, KUCHING

Plenty of wholesome fun to be had just 20 minutes away from Kuching city! Sumiran Eco Park is a contained park area close to the Sarawak River that has lots of activities to enjoy. Try the rock-climbing wall, say hello to the furry, fuzzy friends at the petting zoo or even go for a horse ride. They also offer luxury tent ‘mansions’ or A-frame cottages with an attached bathroom, which come equipped with their own thick mattresses and pillows for a comfy night of sleep.

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IG: @sumiranecocamp www.sumiranecocamp.biz.my

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SAMPADI FAMILY HIDEOUT

Half homestay and half campsite, this new settlement just under two hours from Kuching city has a peaceful vibe with simplicity at its heart. It’s a recommended location if you want to have a heap of clean beach space to yourself. You’ll want to bring all your essentials with you (plenty of repellents!) and cater for all kinds of weather, but the friendly owner has a small store if you really need extras. The giant hermit crabs that come out in droves at night are worth the walk around!

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FB: Sampadi Family Hideout

PINGGIR SIAK, BAU

Nicknamed the ‘Stranded Cabin’, this remote spot is perfect for a peaceful outdoor getaway and has lots of space with pretty much everything you could need bar food supplies (although if you need to stock up there are markets on the way to Pinggir Siak). Play in the clear, shallow river nearby or simply take the time to hang out with your friends and family in the serene landscape. You’ll have to park your car at the designated space before walking around ten minutes to the actual cabin itself but there is a chargeable porter service available and those not driving can request for a single car pick up and drop off.

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IG: @pinggirsiak

FB: Pinggir Siak biG feature 26 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Brunei has its wonder and rugged beauty and let me tell you, the hiking trails here are enough to make some local legends. In recent years, many locals have caught on to the thrill of hitting the trails, and new paths are popping up. The existing trails aren’t too shabby either, with better signage and upkeep than ever before. I'm here to guide you through the best of the best in which you are walking in sight of some of the oldest rainforest systems in the world - five great hikes in the sultanate that will provide a feast for the eyes and get the heart pumping. Forget about counting your steps, walking is a meditation, relax into it and go!

Now this is a good one. It takes effort to get there, effort to begin. Take a boat out from the Yayasan Complex or RIPAS bridge jetties. Pulau Berambang jetty is about two kilometres away, but the trail head is a further three kilometres from there. The smart move is to bring a bicycle on the boat and ride to the trailhead. You can lock it up next to the Sepak Takraw court, near the trailhead sign. The climb is steep at first but the path is clear and shaded. You'll find a path to an old coal mine on the way, but if you're looking for the real prize, stay right and push to the top where you'll find a rocky outcrop with panoramic views of Brunei Bay, SOAS bridge and the Limbang River below. Just remember, bring your own water - there are no refreshments on the way. If you time it right, you can catch a rewarding sunset view on the boat ride back to the city.