Borneo — an orchid wonderland 
abah Malaysia Borneo is the third 
largest island in the world and 
renowned for its biodiversity. Botanists 
and conservationists have been attracted to 
Borneo for centuries, including Charles 
Darwin who referred to Borneo as “one 
great wild untidy luxuriant hothouse made 
by nature for herself.” 
A landscape rich in flora, Sabah is home 
to almost 1,200 species of orchids, includ- 
ing the Rothschild’s Slipper Orchid, 
Paphiopedilum rothschildianum, so pre- 
ciously coveted that it is considered the 
“Kinabalu Gold.” 
Growing in the forests, tropical rain- 
forests and parks are 26 species of rhodo- 
dendrons, 9 species of Nepenthes pitcher 
plants including the Nepenthes rajah (the 
largest in the world), over 80 species of fig 
trees; 60 species of oaks and chestnut 
trees, plus the Rafflesia, (the largest flower 
in the world). 
The World Heritage listed Kinabalu 
Park was designated by UNESCO in 
December. 2000 for its ‘outstanding uni- 
versal values’ and role as one of the 
world’s most important biological sites. 
Kinabalu Park covers 754 sq kms, which 
in size is larger than Singapore Island, and 
has the highest mountain between the 
Himalayas and the Snow Mountains of 
New Guinea - Mount Kinabalu. 
Kinabalu Park is a botanical paradise 
with flora and fauna that ranges 
over 6 climate zones, with an esti- 
mated 5,000 flowering plants. Wild 
orchids grow in abundance and 
range in size from pinhead to huge 
stems over 2 metres in length. 19 
species of Begonia have been doc- 
umented with the rare Begonia 
chongii being discovered recently 
growing on the west side of the 
mountain. The Mountain Garden is 
a highlight of the Park with 5 acres 
replanted with examples of the 
diverse plant-life gathered from all 
over the park. 
The Sabah Agricultural Park at 
Tenom is set on 1,500 landscaped 
acres with 3,538 plant species, spe- 
ciality gardens, and the Tenom 
Orchid Centre, Native Orchids 
Centre, and Hybrid Orchid Centre. 
The Native Orchids Centre, with 
400 of the 1,500 orchids found in 
the world, is recognised worldwide 
as the major centre for its Borneo 
orchids’ collection. 
Later this year, the 2009 Sabah 
Orchid Show will be held at Kota 
Kinabalu from 30 September to 4 
October, showcasing a spectacular 
array of orchids. 
Sabah is also famous for the Wild 
Man of Borneo — the Orang-utan, 
from 
This specially designed Orchid Lovers Tour of Sabah, takes in 
visits to orchid & botanical gardens, the Sabah Orchid Show, 
tropical rainforests, mountain plants & flower habitats. You will 
also experience many of the other natural wonders Sabah has to 
offer, including meeting the Wild Man of Borneo, The Orang-utan. 
Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum rothschildianum 
and the indigenous Proboscis monkey. 
There are some 326 species of birds, 222 
mammals, and exotic animals such as 
barking deers, pygmy elephants, sun 
bears, gibbons, hornbills and cloud leop- 
ards. Borneo has the richest and most 
accessible wildlife regions in all of South 
East Asia. 
26 SEPTEMBER - 6 OCTOBER 2009 
per person twin share 
price departing from 
Brisbane or Perth 
Return economy airfare to Kota Kinabalu 
Return economy airfare from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan 
All pre-paid airport taxes, transfers and coach touring 
Full escorted by experienced local guides 
9 nights accommodation and all meals 
Extensive touring including visits to the Sabah Orchid Show, 
Kinabalu National Park, Australian War Memorial, Sepilok 
Orang-utan centre PLUS stopover in Brunei including 
dinner and City Lights Tour 
SAAR SPE For sale until 15 July 2008. 
Go See Touring, Borneo travel special- 
ists, have engaged Wayne Harris, Senior 
Botanist and one of the world’s leading 
authorities on orchids, to host the Orchid 
Lovers Tour of Sabah from 26 September 
to 6 October, 2009. For information con- 
tact Go See Touring on 1300 551 997 or 
visit Www.goseetouring.com | 
}#”ROYAL BRUNEI 
32 
The Australian Orchid Review, June/July 2009 
