Borneo

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and the largest in Asia, located in Southeast Asia. It is politically divided among three entities: the Indonesian region of Kalimantan, the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, and the sovereign state of Brunei. The island covers about 743,000 square kilometers.

Geographically, Borneo spans coastal mangroves, vast tropical rainforests, and inland highlands. Its highest peak is Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, at 4,095 meters. The island experiences a tropical, humid climate with abundant biodiversity. It is home to many notable species, including the Bornean orangutan, proboscis monkey, clouded leopard, and a wide variety of birds and plants. Much of the interior remains relatively pristine, though large areas have been cleared for logging and palm oil production.

Ecology and conservation are prominent concerns. Many habitats are peat swamp forests and riverine ecosystems that store substantial carbon. Deforestation and fires have driven habitat loss and species declines. Protected areas include Kinabalu Park and Gunung Mulu National Park, both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as the more extensive Danum Valley Conservation Area in Sabah.

Human geography reflects the island’s diversity. Indigenous Dayak groups inhabit Kalimantan, while Sabah and Sarawak are home to groups such as the Iban and Kadazan-Dusun, among others; Brunei has a Malay-majority population. The island’s modern political arrangement places Kalimantan within Indonesia, with Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei as separate jurisdictions. Economically, Borneo relies on natural resources—timber, oil and gas, and palm oil—with growing emphasis on ecotourism in protected areas.