Skip to main content
View of the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

Resources

About Borneo

Borneo holds an estimated 6% of global biodiversity making it one of the most species rich places in the world.

Facts about

Borneo

  • Borneo is the third largest island on the planet and is divided among three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.
  • Between the years 1985 and 2005 Borneo lost on average 850,000 hectares of forest every year.
  • Borneo is home to many species of global concern including the orangutan, Bornean rhinoceros and Asian elephant.
  • Other distinct species include the Sunda pangolin, rhinoceros hornbill, proboscis monkey & rafflesia flower
Map of Borneo © Orangutan Appeal UK

Borneo is a biodiversity hotspot which means it is biologically rich but deeply threatened.

Plant and animal species of Borneo Map of Borneo © Orangutan Appeal UK

Facts about

Sabah

  • Sabah is the home of world renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
  • Sabah is located in Malaysian Borneo.
  • Known for its incredible biodiversity, it's home to various unique and endangered species, including the orangutan and the pygmy elephant.
  • Sabah boasts lush tropical rainforests which are estimated to be some of the oldest in the world, with their origins dating back millions of years.
Map of Sepilok in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia Plant and animal species of Borneo Map of Borneo © Orangutan Appeal UKMap of Sepilok in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia Plant and animal species of Borneo Map of Borneo © Orangutan Appeal UK
  • Sabah experiences warm and humid conditions all year. Daily temperatures typically range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F) and humidity levels that often exceed 80%.
  • Sabah is known for its high rainfall and tropical storms, with some areas receiving more than 3,000 mm (118 inches) of rain annually.
  • The period from March to April is considered the dry season in Sabah, with lower rainfall and relatively stable weather. It's a popular time for tourists to visit. However, Sabah's natural beauty and wildlife are attractions year-round, so visitors can plan their trips based on their interests and preferences.
Misty rainforest in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia Plant and animal species of Sabah

The diverse variety of species native to Sabah make it an ecotourism hotspot.

Plant and animal species of Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia © Orangutan Appeal UK

Explore more articles

  • Infant orangutan in a tree

    Resources

    Research roundup ⭐

    Staying up to date on the latest research and ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the orangutan and its habitat. New resources will be added to this page regularly.

  • Photo of female orangutan

    Resources

    Orangutan facts

    Orangutans are one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom sharing almost 97% DNA!