Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Brunei
MASwings
(
www.maswings.com.my
)
Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) to KK and Kuching.
Kalimantan
Kalimantan has a comprehensive network of air links.
Batavia Air
(
www.batavia-air.co.id
)
Balikpapan to Banjarmasin and Berau.
Kal-Star
(
www.kalstaronline.com
)
Has an extensive network of intra-Kalimantan flights.
Trigana Air
(
www.trigana-air.com
)
Intra-Borneo flights (eg to/from Berau and
Pangkalan Bun).
Bicycle
Road and all-terrain cycling have recently taken off in the Kuching area, but it's unlikely
that Borneo will become a popular bike-touring destination anytime soon. Few roads have
shoulders/verges, many are in varying states of disrepair and heavy lorries often drive
quite fast. There's also the climate - Borneo straddles the equator and the combination of
heat, humidity, torrential rains and sun can be merciless. If you choose to ride, take ex-
treme caution with traffic; drivers are not used to seeing bicycles and will give you pre-
cious little leeway. Remember to bring a helmet, a reflective vest, high-power lights and a
wealth of inner tubes and spare parts.
Boat
Until the advent of aeroplanes and roads, boats were the only way to cover long distances
in Borneo, both along the coast and in the interior. Rivers still play a major transport role,
and in some trackless areas - such as Sarawak's Batang Rejang and much of Kalimantan -
they're the only ride in town.
On wider rivers, 'flying coffins' - long, narrow express boats with about 60 seats - are
the norm. Way upstream, the only craft that can make headway against the rapids and
dodge submerged rocks are motorised wooden longboats, expertly manoeuvred by local
boatmen and boatwomen.
