Geography of Borneo

Borneo, the world's third-largest island, lies standing on the Equator at the geographic center of the Malay Archipelago, the Earth's most significant group of islands. Additionally, it is the only island in the world that is shared by three nations. The island's population is still quite low. Even though it boasts exceptional natural resources, breathtaking panoramic landscapes, and increasingly endangered fauna, it hasn't become as popular as surrounding locations in the Philippines, peninsular Malaysia, and Indonesian islands like Java and Bali as a tourism destination.

Physical Features

Borneo is an island located in the far southwest of the Pacific Ocean. Only Greenland and New Guinea are larger islands than it, making it the third largest island in the world. In the Greater Sunda Islands group of the Malay Archipelago, Borneo is located southeast of the Malay Peninsula. The island is bordered by the Java Sea, which separates Borneo from the island of Java, the South China Sea, the Sulu Sea, the Celebes Sea, and the northwest corner of the South China Sea. To the east and southeast, the Makassar Strait divides Borneo from the island of Celebes (Sulawesi), and to the west, a number of small oceans and straits separate Borneo from the island of Sumatra.

It has an area of 748,168 km². According to the 2020 national censuses, Borneo has 23,053,723 residents. The main mountain range in Borneo extends from southwest to northeast. The elevations are low in the south, rarely rising above 1,200 m, but as you travel further north along the Malaysia-Indonesia border, they start to soar, with some reaching heights of over 2,400 m. Sabah's Mount Kinabalu, Borneo's tallest summit, rises 4,095 m near the range's northeastern terminus.

The climate on the island is typically humid and hot, with rain occurring more frequently than not with some locations receiving 350 to 500 centimeters of rain annually. The monsoon season runs from October to March. No true dry season exists. The main trade routes in Borneo run alongside or on its rivers, even where powerful currents flow down from the mountains. The island was totally covered by dense tropical rainforests, which are said to be the oldest in the world. The landscape of Borneo has been significantly transformed by the arrival of vast oil palm plantations and large-scale logging. The capital cities of the island are Bandjarmasin in Kalimantan, a river port near the southeast coast, Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, a river town in Sarawak, Kuching in the northwest, and Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei, a city set back from Brunei Bay.

Land Pattern

Borneo is located right on the equator. Its largest width is 600 miles (960 km), and its length from northeast to southwest is 830 miles (1,336 km). Although the island is mostly hilly, there are significant lowlands that are frequently swampy along the shores, particularly in Central Kalimantan and Sarawak. From Mount Kinabalu in the far northeast, which rises to a height of 13,455 feet (4,101 meters), the island's highest point and the tallest peak in Malaysia, a continuous chain of mountain ranges stretches southwest over the island. The Crocker, Nieuwenhuis, and Muller Mountain ranges are some of the ranges that make up the central spine.

Borneo is located right on the equator. Its largest width is 600 miles (960 km), and its length from northeast to southwest is 830 miles (1,336 km). Although the island is mostly hilly, there are significant lowlands that are frequently swampy along the shores, particularly in Central Kalimantan and Sarawak. From Mount Kinabalu in the far northeast, which rises to a height of 13,455 feet (4,101 meters), the island's highest point and the tallest peak in Malaysia, a continuous chain of mountain ranges stretches southwest over the island. The Crocker, Nieuwenhuis, and Muller Mountain ranges are some of the ranges that make up the central spine.

River

The main trade routes in Borneo run alongside or on its rivers, even where powerful currents flow down from the mountains. The island was totally covered by dense tropical rainforests, which are said to be the oldest in the world. The landscape of Borneo has been significantly transformed by the arrival of vast oil palm plantations and large-scale logging. Navigable rivers drain a significant portion of Borneo, serving as the main and frequently the sole arteries for trade and commerce. The Kapuas in the west and the Mahakam in the east are Kalimantan's principal rivers. Few rivers are navigable for more than 100 miles (160 km) or even much less far north as the island narrows, which is primarily to blame for the northern interior of Borneo continuing to be one of the least-known regions of the globe until recently. The Rajang in Sarawak is the principal river of East Malaysia.

Climate

Borneo has an equatorial climate that is hot and humid with two seasons that are pretty well defined as a reasonably dry summer for the majority of the year and a wet monsoonal period between October and March. It rains on average 150 inches (3,800 mm) per year. No true dry season exists.

Flora And Fauna

Borneo is mostly covered in a thick rainforest, and the island's floral and animal species are both very diverse. There are vast stands of conifers, teak, and oak. The monster flower (Rafflesia), the biggest flower in the world, and epiphytes are two more notable features of the woodlands. The Bornean clouded leopard and the proboscis monkey are two animals that are native to the island. There are also orangutans, gibbons, and elephants that are noteworthy, but the Sumatran rhinoceros is no longer found there. There are also numerous birds, insect, and fish species.

Borneo alone counts as one of the world's largest producers of tropical timber. The majority of it is turned into Malaysian plywood. The remaining rainforest on the island serves as the sole natural habitat for the critically endangered Bornean orangutan, also known as "the wild man of Borneo" due to its similarity to humans. The rafflesia, which can reach a diameter of a meter and weigh up to seven kilograms, is the largest flower in the world. It is also a crucial refuge for many native woodland species. Borneo is also home to the endangered Sumatran rhinoceros, clouded leopard, and Asian elephant.

Conclusion

The third-largest island in the world, Borneo, is home to great natural riches and a wide variety of flora and animals. It is shared by three countries and is located in the center of Maritime Southeast Asia. Borneo offers a distinctive and alluring landscape with its dense rainforests, high mountains, and navigable rivers. Nevertheless, compared to other adjacent locations, it continues to receive fewer tourists despite its amazing offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size of Borneo?

Borneo covers an area of 748,168 square kilometers, making it the third-largest island globally.

How many countries share Borneo?

Borneo is shared by three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.

What is the highest peak in Borneo?

Mount Kinabalu, located in Sabah, Malaysia, is the highest peak in Borneo, rising to 4,095 meters.

What is the climate like in Borneo?

Borneo has an equatorial climate, with hot and humid conditions and no true dry season. It experiences heavy rainfall, averaging 150 inches annually.

What is unique about Borneo's rainforests?

Borneo's rainforests are considered the oldest in the world and are home to diverse plant and animal species, including the critically endangered Bornean orangutan.

Which rivers are important for trade and commerce in Borneo?

Navigable rivers, such as Kapuas and Mahakam in Kalimantan, serve as essential trade arteries on the island.

What major timber production takes place in Borneo?

Borneo is one of the world's largest producers of tropical timber, with much of it processed into Malaysian plywood.

Which endangered species are found in Borneo?

Borneo is home to endangered species like the Bornean orangutan, Sumatran rhinoceros, clouded leopard, and Asian elephant.