These books about Borneo show one of the world’s most captivating destinations. Known as the third-largest island on Earth, it spans across Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Indonesia (Kalimantan), and Brunei.
With its lush jungles, towering mountains, and rich indigenous cultures, Borneo attracts travelers, writers, and explorers alike.
Books About Borneo – The Island of Wonders
But Borneo is more than a travel destination—it’s a place of layered history, breathtaking biodiversity, and fascinating people. The best way to understand its complexities before (or after) a trip is by diving into books about Borneo. From gripping adventure travelogues to moving accounts of conservation, from colonial history to wildlife photography, there’s a book to suit you.
Naturlly, there are other books about Borneo to read, but this is a good start.
Note: The images of the books here are used under fair usage terms to discuss the books.
1. Into the Heart of Borneo
When people think of travel books about Borneo, Redmond O’Hanlon’s Into the Heart of Borneo is usually the first to come to mind. This witty, adventurous travelogue recounts his journey into the island’s interior with poet James Fenton.
Full of humor, cultural encounters, and vivid descriptions of the rainforest, the book blends adventure, natural history, and anthropology. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to understand the rugged beauty and challenges of traveling in Borneo’s wild heart.
2. Reflections of Eden: My Years with the Orangutans of Borneo
Reflections of Eden: My Years with the Orangutans of Borneo by Biruté Mary Galdikas is a moving memoir that blends scientific discovery with deep personal experience. In the book, Galdikas recounts her decades of work studying and rehabilitating orangutans in the rainforests of Borneo, giving rare insights into the intelligence, behavior, and emotional depth of these endangered primates.
She describes not only the challenges of conducting long-term research in remote and often harsh conditions, but also the joy and fulfillment that came from forming bonds with the orangutans and witnessing their resilience. At the same time, her reflections highlight the urgent environmental threats facing Borneo’s rainforests, including deforestation and habitat destruction.
3. Borneo (Bradt Travel Guides)
Ok, this is a travel website that I am running here, so having some practical advice, along with detailed insights into Borneo, should be done, and Bradt Travel Guides is my favourite guidebook company.
Borneo by Bradt Travel Guides provides in-depth information on the region’s rich biodiversity, from orangutans and proboscis monkeys to coral reefs, alongside cultural insights into indigenous communities, longhouses, and local traditions.
With detailed maps, suggested itineraries, and tips on everything from trekking and wildlife spotting to river journeys and city life, the guide is designed for adventurous travelers seeking both practical advice and a deeper understanding of Borneo’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
4. Finding Eden
Robin Hanbury-Tenison combines adventure writing with a plea for conservation in Finding Eden. He documents the island’s beauty while sounding the alarm about threats like deforestation and palm oil expansion.
This book emphasizes both the breathtaking biodiversity and the urgent need to protect Borneo’s rainforests and indigenous communities.
5. Stranger in the Forest: On Foot Across Borneo
Few books capture the spirit of adventure like Eric Hansen’s Stranger in the Forest. Hansen walked across Borneo twice, covering thousands of kilometers on foot, and lived with indigenous communities such as the Penan.
His story combines survival, cultural exchange, and respect for indigenous traditions, making it one of the most gripping travel books about Borneo.
6. Wild Borneo: The Wildlife and Scenery of Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan
Wild Borneo is a stunning photography book that showcases Borneo’s wildlife and landscapes. From orangutans and proboscis monkeys to coral reefs and mountains, the book captures the essence of the island’s natural beauty.
It also includes informative text about Borneo’s ecosystems and conservation efforts, making it both visually inspiring and educational.
7. The Last Wild Men of Borneo
The Last Wild Men of Borneo by Carl Hoffman tells the parallel stories of Bruno Manser, a Swiss activist who lived with the Penan people and fought to protect their rainforest, and Michael Palmieri, an American art dealer fascinated by tribal artifacts.
Through their contrasting paths, Hoffman explores themes of idealism, exploitation, and the West’s complex relationship with indigenous cultures and the wild landscapes of Borneo.
8. Birds of Borneo (Helm Field Guides)
One for the birdwatchers out there, or anyone who just loves wildlife in general. Birds of Borneo is a comprehensive reference book that serves as an essential companion for birdwatchers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts exploring the rich avian diversity of Borneo.
The guide provides detailed descriptions of over 600 species, including many rare and endemic birds found only on the island, accompanied by high-quality illustrations that make identification easier in the field. With clear notes on distribution, habitat, and key identification features, it is both practical for field use and informative for those studying Borneo’s unique ecosystems.
9. The Headhunters of Borneo
Published in the late 1800s, The Headhunters of Borneo reflects the fascination Europeans had with Borneo’s headhunting tribes. While written from a colonial perspective and often exaggerated, it remains a historical document of how outsiders viewed the island.
Today, it should be read critically, but it still offers insight into the myths and realities of Borneo’s indigenous cultures.
10. White Rajah: A Biography of Sir James Brooke
For those fascinated by the history of Sarawak, Nigel Barley’s biography of James Brooke is essential reading. Brooke, an English adventurer, became the first “White Rajah” of Sarawak in the 19th century. His rule—and that of his family for over a century—forever changed the region.
This biography paints a nuanced picture of a man who was seen both as a reformer and a controversial colonial ruler. It offers valuable insight into the colonial history of Borneo.
Discover Borneo Through Its Best Books
Borneo is a place of adventure, history, and natural wonder. These 10 best books about Borneo will take you into the heart of the island’s jungles, along its rivers, and deep into its cultural and historical layers.
Whether you’re preparing for a trip, researching the island’s past, or simply dreaming of the rainforest, these titles will enrich your understanding. From adventure travel books like “Stranger in the Forest” to conservation works like “Paradise Under Siege” and photography books like “Wild Borneo,” each offers a unique lens on the island.
So, before you pack your bag for Sabah, Sarawak, or Kalimantan, add one of these books to your reading list. They’ll not only entertain and educate you but also give you a deeper appreciation for one of the world’s most extraordinary islands.
For more on Borneo, have a look at my backpacking in Borneo travel guide.
Share this article about the best books about Borneo:
