Malaysian Borneo

Rare wildlife, world-class diving, distinctive Chinese-Malay-Dutch architecture and contemporary urban perks – Malaysian Borneo has it all. Its gateway cities Kuching and Sandakan, capitals of Sarawak and Sabah provinces, respectively, exude vintage charm and offer a multicultural food scene. The best action, however, happens outside city limits. For tropical rainforest trekking and orangutan sightings, head to Sarawak’s Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or Sabah’s Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Serious adventurers can scale the 4,000-metre volcanic spires of Mount Kinabalu, South East Asia’s third highest peak, or explore the labyrinth caves at Gunung Mulu National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site. From Kuching, sail through rainforests and experience tribal community life with an indigenous Iban family. For snorkelling and diving, head to Sipadan or Mabul islands off Sabah’s southeastern coast.

Average temperature in August: 27°C