The jungle here feels truly untamed and untouched — because it really is — and there’s no better way to appreciate the unmatched beauty than to immerse yourself in it completely. There are 30 national parks in the state of Sarawak alone. Daring types shouldn’t look past a canopy walk through the treetops at Poring hot springs, while the acrophobic might prefer the more leisurely pace of a guided wander through Sepilok’s renowned Rainforest Discovery Centre. Whatever your pleasure, be it caves or coastlines, it’s all here.

Borneo is one of only two places in the world to witness these wondrous apes in the wild. Sadly, these capable creatures are now critically endangered due to the mass destruction of lowland forests in Borneo and Sumatra. Both Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre and the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre offer visitors the unique chance to watch these amazingly intelligent tree-dwellers in their natural habitat and work hard to protect and preserve their future.

Sarawak’s capital is a time-capsule of a town, immune to the skyscrapers and shopping malls that characterise the modern Southeast Asian metropolis. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of laneways, markets and colonial shopfronts. Visit Fort Margherita and The Astana for an insight into the city’s development under the rule of the White Rajahs. Marvel at the gilded domes atop the pastel pink Kuching Mosque and the spaceship-like eaves of the State Legislative Assembly Building. And finish with a stroll along the historic waterfront, into the sunset.

Sipadan perpetually tops the bucket list for scuba divers the world over, famed for optimal conditions and unparalleled biodiversity. Considered a “piece of art” by none other than Jacques Cousteau, the treasured depths offer sudden drops, mystical caves and the rare opportunity to get seriously close to hawksbill turtles, schools of barracuda and trevally, as well as manta rays and the odd humphead wrasse — to name just a few. Only 120 permits a day are issued to ensure preservation remains a top priority.

Make no mistake, scaling all 4,095 metres of Malaysia’s tallest mountain is not for the faint of heart. On the plus side, the two-day climb requires no technical equipment. Even at this altitude, the landscape abounds with flora and fauna, from the thousand-plus blossoming orchid varieties to the five-cent-piece-sized frogs that call the cliffs home. The rope-assisted final ascent isn’t easy, but seeing the sun rise above the clouds at the summit is a worthy reward.

20 minutes by speedboat is all it takes to reach this veritable paradise from Kota Kinabalu. Make like a tourist and spend the day visiting all five small islands contained within this 4,929-hectare marine wonderland, or avoid the crowds at Pulau Manakan by carving out some time and getting comfortable. Set up camp on Pulau Sapi or the more secluded Pulau Mamutik, perhaps, or let others do the heavy lifting while you kick back in five-star style at Gaya Island Resort.

Much of Borneo’s indigenous population live in historic longhouses, stilted communal homes with thatched roofs that house dozens of families. An overnight stay might include an intimate performance of traditional song and dance, as well as a home-cooked meal and local rice whiskey, along with some work in the garden or a nature walk. Longhouses in close proximity to the city boast Western creature comforts like toilets and running water, while others, reached only by boat, reveal an uninterrupted way of life. The Sarawak Tourism Board or a local agency can help with arrangements.