Borneo is the third largest island in the world and the equator cuts almost through the middle of the island. Four different seas surround it - South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea and Java Sea. Its geographical  location largely accounts for the lush vegetation and rich wildlife that still have many scientists and explorers eager to uncover more undiscovered species.

Borneo is shared among three nations. Malaysian Sarawak and Sabah occupy the northern part with Brunei Darussalam partly separating the two largest Malaysian states. Indonesian Kalimantan  forms the remaining sector of the island.

All of the countries in Borneo are multi-cultural and have several large ethnic groups (King, 1993). The diverse communities practice different religions, cultures and traditions, and speak their own languages (which often comprise several dialects). Bahasa Malaysia is the national language in both Sarawak and Sabah, but English is widely spoken. 

Described as "Land of the Headhunters" and 'Land of the White Rajah", it has lately been described as "Asia's Best Kept Secret". These titles illustrate Sarawak's rich  and exotic cultural and ecological heritage. Southeast Asia's earliest inhabitants, Neolithic men who lived 40,000 years ago, have been discovered in Niah Caves. The 27 ethnic groups living in the world's richest and most diverse rainforest ecosystem are bound to create history, mystery, romance and exotic adventures.

In Sarawak, there are 25 ethnic communities, making up a population of 1.8 million. The majority of the population reside in a few large urban centres, but a significant percentage still live in longhouses and villages in the interior. The Ibans (Dayaks) -- the legendary headhunters of Borneo -- constitute the biggest ethnic group (29.6 %) in Sarawak. The Ibans are originally from Kalimantan, and so their culture and traditions as observed in Sarawak are very similar to the Dayaks in Kalimantan. 

CAPTION

The second biggest group is the Chinese (29.1%), followed by the Malays (20.7%). Other main ethnic groups are the Bidayuh, Melanau, Penan, Orang Ulu (with several sub-groups e.g. the Kayan, Kenyah, and Kelabit) and Indians.

From the 1991 census, the Sarawak population is growing at a rate of 4-5% per year and within a few years, the growing population will undoubtedly put additional pressure on coastal resources.

Both Sarawak and Brunei have much smaller population densities than Sabah, and have tighter immigration controls.

Dubbed "Land of the Orang Utan", Sabah has a rich ecological heritage that makes it a premier eco-adventure tourism destination. While Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, provides a temperate mountain backdrop, the world's largest Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok is a success story in wildlife conservation and Sipadan Island is one of the top divers' paradise in the world.

Sabah has the highest population density in Borneo. The Kadazan-Dusun are the largest ethnic group in Sabah, occupying most of the west coast and interior regions of the State. 

THREE KADAZAN-DUSUN LADIES IN TRADITIONAL DRESS. 

Other main tribes include the Murut, Rungus, and the Bajau. The Bajau are actually from the southern Philippines, and arrived in Sabah more than 200 years ago. There are still close cultural ties between Sabah and the people of the Philippines Mindanao province (in the Sulu Archipelago).

Officially, 1.8 million people share 73,620 sq. km but large number of illegal immigrants boost the real population to well over 2.5 million. Sabah attracts illegal immigrants with lower population densities, much better prospects for employment and better minimum wages (US$3 per day for illegal immigrants working in plantations) compared to that in the Philippines or Indonesia. Several of the problems associated with illegal immigrants include the marine version of shifting cultivation, with entire villages raiding reefs until little fauna is left, before moving on to another reef. 

AN ILLEGAL SQUATTER SETTLEMENT IN SABAH. A FISH PEN (TO KEEP CYANIDE-CAUGHT FISH) CAN BE SEEN IN THE FOREGROUND.

Additionally, enforcement of laws regarding marine products and fisheries invariably take a back seat to issues of citizenship, with the defendants invariably deported before facing trial on other matters. In actuality, enforcement is lacking due to the widespread nature of the reefs and marine habitats, and rarely are rules and regulations enforced. Under a recent amnesty for illegal immigrants, many have now received residence permits, and reside legally in the State. Environmental education now has a chance of building community concern and respect for the local environment.