About the Book
The Bradt guide to Borneo is the only guide dedicated to Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. In this new edition from expert author Tamara Thiessen, a full update has been undertaken, with particular attention paid to ensuring all practical information in the guide is up-to-date. Also revised are the deforestation and conservation sections, along with government and politics in light of changes in the national (Malaysian/Brunei) and state (Sabah, Sarawak) situation. Maps have been rechecked and updated where required, and new 'expert voices' comment boxes have been added. Also included is fully updated insider information for touring the island including regional capitals, rural outposts and National Parks. Straddling the Equator and swept by four seas and several straits, Borneo retains much of its mesmerizing aura of a remote Southeast Asian island of headhunters and wild jungle adventure. Borneo is the only island in the world to house states and a country belonging to three different nations- the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Indonesian Kalimantan and the oil-rich sultanate of Brunei. This guide is dedicated to Brunei and the Malaysian states.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, History, Government and politics, Judiciary and law , Economy , People, Language, Religion and spirituality, Culture
Chapter 2 Natural History and Conservation
Biodiversity, Geology, Ecosystems and flora, Fauna, Deforestation, Conservation
Chapter 3 Practical Information
When to visit , What kind of holiday?, Highlights , Suggested itineraries, Tourist information, Tour operators, Red tape, Embassies and consulates, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Disabled travellers, Families, Single travellers, Gay and lesbian travellers, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Getting your bearings, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Sports and other activities, Photography, Media and communications, Business, Living in Borneo, Studying in Borneo, Cultural etiquette, Travelling
positively
PART TWO BRUNEI
Chapter 4 Brunei Darussalam
History, Getting there and away, Local tour operators, Bandar Seri Begawan, Excursions from Bandar Seri Begawan
PART THREE SABAH
Chapter Kota Kinabalu
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Festivals and events, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Excursions from Kota Kinabalu
Chapter 6 West Coast Sabah
Kota Belud and Kudat Peninsula, Gunung Kinabalu National Park, Kundasang and Ranau, Poring Hot Springs, Tambunan to Tenom, Beaufort - Klias Peninsula, West-Coast islands
Chapter 7 Northeast Sabah
Sandakan, Excursions from Sandakan
Chapter 8 Southeast Sabah
Tawau, Excursions from Tawau, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Excursions from Lahad Datu
PART FOUR SARAWAK
Chapter 9 Kuching
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Festivals, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Excursions from Kuching
Chapter 10 Southern Sarawak
North of Kuching, Bako National Park, West of Kuching, South of Kuching, Southeast of Kuching
Chapter 11 Central Sarawak
Sibu, Excursions from Sibu
Chapter 12 Northern Sarawak
Bintulu, Excursion from Bintulu, Niah National Park, Miri, Excursions from Miri, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kelabit Highlands, Limbang and Lawas
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Further Information
Index
About the Author :
Tamara Thiessen is a freelance journalist and photographer, specializing in travel and culture. She has a Masters Degree in Journalism and 20 years international reporting experience in print and broadcast media. Based loosely between Australia and France, Malaysia has been her mid-way home since the late 1990s. The publications she writes for are as globetrotting as herself: newspapers in Australia, Asia and the United States; in-flight magazines in Brussels, Bangkok, Korea and Saudi Arabia; travel and lifestyle magazines in Hong Kong, London and Dubai; and American hotel and hospitality industry titles. She loves Borneo as much as her home island of Tasmania.
Review :
'Invaluable.'
The Independent
