Borneo Express

Map of Borneo Island

Region of Borneo Borneo is a large island and is considered to be part of the geographic region of Southeast Asia. It is divided into states governed by three countries namely Malaysia, Indonesia, and the sultanate of Brunei. The Indonesian part of Borneo comprises the southern two-thirds of the island's area and is divided into the four provinces of West, Central, South and East Kalimantan. The Malaysian part comprises the northern coast and is divided into the states of Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan. The tiny oil-rich nation of Brunei is wedged between these two Malaysian states. Borneo is home to the world's oldest tropical rainforests which, until a few decades ago, completely covered the island. Among the planet's most biologically diverse ecosystems, these forests are home to thousands of endemic animal, reptile, insect and plant species as well as orangutans, rhinos, hornbills, macaques, gibbons, tarsiers, and slow loris. For countless generations, Borneo's indigenous Dayak subsistence farmers and hunter-gatherers depended upon and sustainably managed these forests as their primary source of livelihood. Under their stewardship, the forests were able to maintain the highest species diversity of any terrestrial ecosystem, supplying food, medicines, cash crops and building materials. This has changed dramatically with the advent of industrial logging and monoculture African oil palm plantations. For more current outlook on the individual state, please click on the state flag below.

Sabah

Sarawak

Brunei

Kalimantan

Labuan

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Sabah Sabah, known as "the Land Below the Wind" because geographically it is situated below the typhoon and monsoon belt (the name "Land Below the Wind" which is associated with Sabah was a classic book authored by Agnes Newton Keith in 1939), has a uniquely diverse population consisting of 32 ethnic communities, and boasts some of the world's greatest wildlife treasures. In Sabah you find the highest mountain in South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu, located in the Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia's first World Heritage Site. And Sipadan and Layang-Layang Islands are amongst the top 10 diving spots on earth! People: The main ethnic groups are: the Kadazandusun - the largest group who make up nearly one third of the population, the Murut, the Paitan and the Bajau. Other indigenous groups include the Bonggi, the Iranun, the Ida'an and the Brunei. In addition, the Chinese make up the main nonindigenous group. Culture: The mixed communities in Sabah has made it possible for us to enjoy a captivating array of culture and art that is both unique and exquisite. The richness of the culture and art in Sabah is expressed in the differences between the traditional dress, dance, music and handicraft of the various ethnic communities. Each of these differences clearly reflects the identity of each racial group. The State of Sabah is presently divided into six administrative divisions, namely:   Kudat Division   Labuan Division   West Coast Division   Interior Division   Sandakan Division   Tawau Division Flag     Crest     Aerial View of Kota Kinabalu See General Facts about Sabah | Sabah Org

Sarawak Sarawak is a member of the Federation of Malaysia, a constitutional monarchy. Practicing the parliamentary democratic system of government, Sarawak is regulated under the State Constitution and the Constitution of Federation. Kuching is the State capital and the administrative centre for the First Division of Sarawak. The State of Sarawak is presently divided into eleven administrative divisions, namely:   Betong.   Bintulu.   Kapit.   Kota Samarahan.   Kuching (Administrative center and State Capital).   Miri.    See Miri Big Map  |   Miri City Center Map     Mukah.   Limbang.   Sarikei.   Sibu.   Sri Aman. Flag     Crest     Kuching Waterfront See Sarawak Goverment

Brunei The Brunei state is divided into the four districts, namely;   Brunei/Muara   Tutong   Kuala Belait   Temburong. Famous for National Park and Forest reserve. Flag     Crest     Aerial View of Bandar Seri Begawan Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam as stated in the Brunei Constitution, with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan as the head of the Islamic faith in the country. Thus Islam plays a central role in the life of every Muslim in Brunei Darussalam. Other faiths practiced in the State include Christianity and Buddhism. Official language of Brunei is Malay. Other languages include English and Chinese (various dialects). See The Goverment of Brunei Darussalam

Labuan Labuan had a glorious history under the rule of various empires. After the demise of the Majapahit Empire in the 14th century, Labuan came under the rule of the Brunei Sultanate. The British then officially declared Labuan a colony of the British Empire in 1849 and renamed it Victoria. The British lost its hold over Labuan in 1942 when the Japanese invaded the island. Britain resumed power over Labuan 3 years later and subsequently ceded the island to Sabah in 1963 when Sabah joined Malaysia. The administration of Labuan was handed over to the Federal Government of Malaysia in 1984. In 1990, Labuan was declared an International Offshore Financial Centre. See General Facts about Labuan | Labuan.Net

Kalimantan The Kalimantan state (which is governed by Indonesia) have four provinces, namely;   West Kalimantan   Central Kalimantan   South Kalimantan   East Kalimantan The government administrative region of West Kalimantan as autonomous area, consisted of 10 regencies and 2 cities, that is: Pontianak regency, Sambas regency, Bengkayang regency, Landak regency, Sanggau regency, Sintang regency, Kapuas Hulu regency, Ketapang regency, Sekadau regency, Melawi regency, Pontianak city, Singkawang city. See Pontianak Authority

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