Thailand or Borneo for Your Nature Holiday? Read This Before You Decide

A Complete Guide for Nature Lovers

If you are planning a long-haul trip from Europe, Australia, or New Zealand and searching for the best eco nature destination in Southeast Asia, two names usually appear at the top: Thailand and Borneo.

Both offer tropical forests, wildlife, and national parks — but the type of nature experience is very different.

This guide explains why many serious nature travelers, wildlife photographers, and eco-adventurers choose Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah, Malaysian Borneo) over Thailand for authentic rainforest, rare wildlife encounters, and low-impact eco tourism.

 

Why Travelers Compare Thailand and Borneo for Eco Tourism

Most travelers researching eco nature tours search for:

• Best rainforest destinations in Southeast Asia

• Where to see orangutans in the wild

• Best jungle trekking in Asia

• Wildlife photography destinations

• Sustainable eco lodges in Borneo

• Thailand vs Borneo nature comparison

While Thailand is well-known for beaches and mainstream tourism, Borneo is one of the world’s last great rainforest wildernesses.

1. Borneo Has One of the Oldest Rainforests on Earth

Borneo’s rainforests are estimated to be over 130 million years old, making them older than the Amazon rainforest.

Major protected areas include:

• Gunung Mulu National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Kinabalu Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Danum Valley Conservation Area

• Batang Ai & Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuaries

These vast continuous forests support complex ecosystems that are increasingly rare in Asia.

Thailand’s forests, while beautiful, are generally younger and more fragmented due to long-term agricultural and urban development.

 

2. Unique Wildlife You Cannot See Anywhere Else

Borneo is globally famous for species that do not exist in Thailand:

• Bornean Orangutan

• Proboscis Monkey

• Bornean Pygmy Elephant

• Sun Bear

• Clouded Leopard

• Rhinoceros Hornbill

Many wildlife encounters in Borneo take place inside protected reserves and deep jungle habitats, not in captive environments.

Thailand wildlife tourism focuses more on sanctuaries and rescue centers, while Borneo specializes in wild habitat observation.

 

3. Lower Crowds, More Wilderness

Borneo receives far fewer international tourists than Thailand.

This means:

• Fewer people on jungle trails

• Quiet river safaris

• Small-group expeditions

• Greater chance of wildlife sightings

Thailand’s top nature areas such as Khao Sok and Doi Inthanon often experience heavy visitation, especially in peak seasons.

For travelers seeking peace, silence, and immersion, Borneo offers a clear advantage.

 

4. Authentic Indigenous Cultural Experiences

Sarawak alone has over 27 indigenous ethnic groups, including:

• Iban

• Bidayuh

• Kayan

• Kenyah

• Kelabit

• Lun Bawang

Visitors can stay in traditional longhouses, learn forest-based livelihoods, and experience living cultures closely connected to nature.

These experiences are community-led and deeply integrated into daily life, not staged performances.

 

5. More Adventure-Focused Eco Experiences

Borneo excels in expedition-style nature travel:

• Multi-day jungle trekking

• Cave exploration (world’s largest cave chambers in Mulu)

• River expeditions

• Canopy walks

• Limestone pinnacle climbs

• Remote jungle camps

Thailand offers excellent day hikes and short jungle walks, but Borneo specializes in deep wilderness journeys.

 

6. Exceptional Biodiversity and Endemism

Borneo is one of Earth’s most important biodiversity hotspots.

You can find:

• Rafflesia flowers

• Hundreds of orchid species

• Rare pitcher plants (Nepenthes)

• Thousands of endemic insects, birds, and amphibians

For nature enthusiasts, scientists, and photographers, Borneo provides greater species variety per square kilometer than most destinations in Southeast Asia.

 

7. Strong Conservation Tourism Model

Many Borneo eco lodges and tour operators:

• Fund wildlife protection patrols

• Employ local indigenous guides

• Limit visitor numbers

• Support conservation research

Your visit directly contributes to rainforest protection and community livelihoods.

 

8. Better Choice for Long-Haul Travelers

For visitors from Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, Borneo offers:

• A more distinct experience compared to familiar Southeast Asian beach destinations

• Higher “once-in-a-lifetime” value

• Fewer repeat-style mass-tourism environments

Many travelers describe Borneo as raw, wild, and unforgettable.

 

Thailand vs Borneo: Quick Comparison

Feature	Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah)	Thailand
Rainforest Quality	Primary, ancient rainforest	Mostly secondary forest
Wildlife Rarity	Very high	Moderate
Crowds	Low–medium	High
Indigenous Culture	Extensive	Limited
Adventure Level	High	Moderate
Best For	Serious nature lovers	Mixed travelers

 

Who Should Choose Borneo?

Choose Borneo if you want:

• To see orangutans in the wild

• Deep jungle trekking

• Rare wildlife photography

• Indigenous cultural immersion

• Low-impact eco adventures

Choose Thailand if you prefer:

• Beaches and island hopping

• Short nature excursions

• Highly developed tourist infrastructure

 

Final Verdict: Borneo Wins for True Eco Nature Travel

For travelers whose priority is rainforest, wildlife, and conservation-focused experiences, Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) is one of the best eco nature destinations in the world, and often a better choice than Thailand.

If your dream trip involves untouched jungle, rare species, and meaningful cultural connections, Borneo should be at the top of your list.