#9. For Your Next Holiday, Visit Borneo

Jul 28, 2017
3 min read

A few years ago, I was told to boycott palm oil. I’m not sure where I originally heard the idea, whether it was the news, friends or social media campaigns and I didn’t really understand why. All I knew was that it was related to the decline in orangutan populations, and harmful to the environment.

From further research I drew the connection- palm oil plantations are grown where once orangutan habitat existed. So the boycott seemed simple, if there is less demand for palm oil, then less deforestation will occur and more orangutans will be saved from extinction. [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]But why would people wish to destroy habitat? The answer is that people need to make a living. As nations develop, they move into different economic structures, which is very evident in recently modernising South-East Asian regions. Malaysia and Indonesia produces about 90% of the world’s palm oil which is crucial to their growing economies and an expanding sector. At the same time however, the intensifying business requires more and more land, resulting in deforestation as well as other environmental fall-outs such as soil erosion and water pollution.

Above: The monoculture of palm oil plantations and pesticide use makes for a poor habitat for remaining species. Source: WWF.org

Palm oil is found in many products such as ice cream, shampoos, cookies and noodles, making a boycott difficult unless you are a religious ingredients reader. But this is where I offer you an alternative. Instead of boycotting palm oil (or doing a confusing and measly job like myself), provide an alternative to ways in which potential palm oil producers can feed and support their families. This will help diversify and strengthen national economies.

How? By going to Borneo.

Above: the author in transit from Sandakan to Semporna in Sabah, Malaysia

For your next holiday, consider a trip to Borneo. For $1600 (AUD) all inclusive (flights, accommodation, food and activities) you can support an alternative economy based on conservation tourism.

Above: Borneo is a large equatorial island in SE Asia and contains the entire nation of Brunei, East Malaysia and part of the Republic of Indonesian. Source: Google Maps

It wasn’t until I arrived in Borneo, that I discovered the extent of the palm oil plantations, as well as the amazing wildlife. Borneo is home to the largest palm oil plantations in the world as well as some of most unique animal species and amazing jungles rivaling the Amazon. If you go, you can eat like a king, explore jungles, enjoy the tropics in air conditioned accommodation and contribute to animal conservation. Saving not just orangutans from extinction (current status: critically endangered) but also proboscis monkeys (total population 7000), pygmy elephants (whose population is 1500) and many other endangered animals and plants endemic to Borneo.

Above: A female proboscis monkey with her child.

Alternatively, if you believe that these animals are doomed for extinction, you should still go to Borneo. You may be the last generation of people to see these animals. The craziest thing is, you will get to see these animals in the wild! I promise, money back guarantee because professional, local guides can take you. The more people who visit Borneo to see the wildlife results more locals becoming guides to make a living rather than logging their backyard forests for palm oil plantation. We all need money to feed our families, so rather than judging someone’s method, provide them with an alternative, and visit Borneo, you won’t regret it.