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The Difference Between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Borneo is an island whose land is shared by three countries. These are Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Despite the fact that they are all "part-owners" of Borneo, these are three very different countries with different cultures, laws and customs. Most people travel to Borneo in Malaysia but it is possible to visit any one of these three countries. Malaysian Borneo is located on the island's north side. The sea to the north is the South China Sea. This area is also commonly called East Malaysia There are 2 Malaysian states on Borneo: Sarawak and Sabah. These are two of the most popular tourist destinations. Around 4 million people live in these 2 states. The Indonesian part of Borneo is very large and takes up two thirds of the island's south area. 12 million people live in the region which is made up of Central, South, West and East Kalimantan. Indonesian people call Borneo "Kalimantan" rather than by its internationally recognized name. You will find that Malaysian Borneo is considerably more prosperous than Indonesian Borneo. There are also many more facilities, organized tours and safer traveling opportunities. Brunei is a very small nation but a wealthy one thanks to crude oil and natural gas production. Brunei is very heavily influenced by Islam and laws such as the banning of public alcohol consumption are in place. The population of Brunei is only around 300,000. The highest point in Borneo - Mount Kinabalu - is located in the Malaysia region in Sabah. This is one reason why it's such a popular tourist spot. This point is over 4000m above sea level. After 400 years of ownership arguing, Indonesia and Malaysia signed a treaty in 1966 to divide the island into sections. Some time after, in 1984, Brunei became an independent nation. Native ethnic groups have been living on Borneo for hundreds of years, the main one being the Dayak people which is made up of groups such as Kayan, Kenyah, Punan Bah and Penan. The major urban areas in Borneo include: Malaysia Kuching, Sarawak Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Sandakan, Sabah Tawau, Sabah Miri, Sarawak Indonesia Banjarmasin Pontianak Balikpapan Samarinda Loa Janan You will find some vast differences in the cultures of the people who live in the 3 countries that inhabit Borneo island but it is one functioning ecosystem. From a nature point of view, it's all interjoined despite the political and cultural differences of the human inhabitants, so you're assured of stunning scenery whichever "country" you're in! |
