As a future resident of the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship, Philippe traveled to Borneo and is delighted to share his personal experiences, thoughts, and photographs from this extraordinary destination.
Borneo is one of the world’s most diverse and untouched islands, where ancient rainforests, rare wildlife, and rich local cultures create an unforgettable experience. Philippe’s story offers an authentic, firsthand perspective—an inspiring preview for travelers who may soon explore Borneo as part of the Victoria Cruises world journey.
Jakarta – The Gateway to Borneo
Our journey to Borneo began in Jakarta, Indonesia’s vibrant and overwhelming capital. From the very first moment, the city felt intense and unfamiliar—an enormous, sprawling metropolis full of energy, noise, and constant movement.
We didn’t spend weeks exploring Jakarta; we had just two days before continuing on to Borneo. Still, that short time was enough to experience the city’s contrasts and character.
Glodok – Jakarta’s Chinatown
Early the next morning, our first stop was Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown. This neighborhood is bursting with color and life. At dawn, the streets are already crowded with vendors selling everything from fresh vegetables to live frogs.
Market stalls spill into the streets, blocking narrow alleyways as vendors, pedestrians, and scooters all compete for space. Winding lanes hide ornate temples and old shophouses, creating a fascinating mix of chaos and tradition. Chinatown is the perfect place to get lost and simply absorb the atmosphere.
The Dutch Old Town and Taman Fatahillah Square
From there, we continued to the Dutch Old Town, centered around Taman Fatahillah Square, often referred to as Jakarta’s “Trafalgar Square.” The square is surrounded by museums, including the Wayang (Puppet) Museum, the Jakarta History Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics.
The square itself is lively and entertaining, filled with street performers, family activities, and photo spots. On the northwest corner stands the iconic Café Batavia, a colonial-era landmark—an ideal place to enjoy a refined coffee or cocktail while soaking in the historic surroundings.
After two intense days in Jakarta, it was time to move on—Borneo was waiting, promising a completely different kind of adventure.
Borneo – A Journey into the Wild
After the intensity of Jakarta, Borneo felt like stepping into another world. The noise of the city was replaced by the sounds of the jungle, the rhythm of rivers, and the calls of wildlife hidden deep within ancient rainforests.
Borneo is one of the most diverse and untouched islands on Earth. Shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, it is a dream destination for nature lovers—a place where gibbons act as your morning alarm clock and orangutans still move freely from tree to tree.
Spending several weeks crossing the island from coast to coast, exploring rivers, rainforests, and remote regions, felt like being immersed in a real-life nature documentary. At times, it was as if we had stepped straight into a David Attenborough film.
Borneo is one of the best places in the world for wildlife observation. Together with Sumatra, it is the only place where orangutans still live in the wild. Seeing these intelligent and gentle great apes in their natural habitat is a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.
Beyond its dense jungles, Borneo also offers a spectacular underwater world, making it equally appealing for divers and snorkelers. To truly experience the island—its landscapes, wildlife, and culture—a minimum of two weeks is highly recommended.
Kota Kinabalu – The Starting Point in Sabah
We arrived in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, and used it as our base for the following weeks. While Borneo’s most impressive sights lie outside the city, spending one or two days here is worthwhile.
Kota Kinabalu is ideal for easing into the journey: tasting local cuisine at lively night markets, visiting the famous Floating Mosque, and preparing supplies before heading deeper into the island. Fresh seafood, spicy sauces, and tropical fruits dominate the menus, offering a perfect introduction to Bornean flavors.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – Life Below the Surface
Just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu lies the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a group of five islands easily reached by boat. Entrance to the park is affordable, and each island offers crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and abundant marine life.
Snorkeling here revealed colorful fish, vibrant corals, and calm turquoise waters—proof that Borneo’s beauty doesn’t end at the shoreline.
Mount Kinabalu – Reaching New Heights
From Kota Kinabalu, we joined a guided trek to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Borneo. This demanding two-day hike is a highlight for many travelers. The climb is physically challenging, but the reward is extraordinary—breathtaking views and an overwhelming sense of achievement.
One thing is certain: sore muscles are guaranteed for days afterward.
Deramakot Forest Reserve – The Heart of the Jungle
The most unforgettable part of our journey was a four-day expedition into the Deramakot Forest Reserve. This experience alone is reason enough to travel to Borneo.
Accompanied by two experienced park rangers, we ventured deep into untouched rainforest in search of wildlife. Along the way, we encountered elephants, orangutans, macaques, proboscis monkeys, snakes, and countless bird species.
The rangers shared deep knowledge about the ecosystem, teaching us how interconnected and fragile the jungle truly is. This was Borneo at its rawest and most authentic.
Rivers, Monkeys, and Jungle Rhythm
Exploring Borneo by river offers a slower, more intimate perspective. Boat rides along winding waterways pass through mangrove forests and remote jungle landscapes.
Proboscis monkeys lounged in treetops, watching silently as our boat drifted past. Occasionally, wildlife appeared unexpectedly along the riverbanks, reinforcing the feeling that here, nature is firmly in control.
The Rafflesia – A Rare and Fleeting Wonder
One of the most anticipated moments of our Southeast Asia journey was finding a Rafflesia flower, the largest flower in the world.
This extraordinary parasitic plant takes nine months to grow and blooms for only about a week before dying. The largest specimens—sometimes reaching one meter in diameter—are found in Borneo. Witnessing one in bloom is a rare privilege, as once it fades, it disappears forever.
Final Reflections on Borneo
Borneo is not an easy destination. It is humid, wild, unpredictable—and yes, cockroaches are part of the experience. But that is exactly what makes it real.
For those seeking authentic nature, extraordinary wildlife, and true adventure, Borneo is unforgettable. For future residents of the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship, this island promises to be one of the most enriching and exciting stops along the world journey.