Borneo Consists of 932 Islands
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| One snapshot of the heart of Borneo in the Krayan Highlands, North Kalimantan. Photo documentation by Formadat. |
BORNEOTRAVEL - PONTIANAK: Borneo, known as Kalimantan in Indonesia, is often perceived as a single colossal island. However, this vast landmass spans 743,330 square kilometers and is more intricate than it appears.
The island's sheer size contributes to its reputation, but the true complexity lies in its geography.
Borneo is actually an archipelago of thousands of smaller islands
Borneo is actually an archipelago of thousands of smaller islands and islets scattered around the main island. This network of smaller islands adds depth to its landscape and influences its diverse ecosystems.
Each island supports unique habitats and contributes to the overall biodiversity of the region.
The intricate arrangement of these smaller islands affects not only the local wildlife but also the climate and weather patterns of the area. Thus, Borneo's true character is defined by both its enormous expanse and the complex array of islands that surround it.
These islands are surrounded by major seas and straits: the South China Sea to the west and northwest, the Sulu Sea to the northeast, the Sulawesi Sea and Makassar Strait to the east, and the Java Sea and Karimata Strait to the south. Among these, the smallest is Simping Island, located near Singkawang in West Kalimantan.
Borneo is situated in Southeast Asia and is divided among three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. Within Indonesia, Kalimantan is divided into five provinces:
- West Kalimantan: Home to 243 islands.
- South Kalimanta: Known for its 172 islands.
- Central Kalimantan: Includes 64 islands.
- East Kalimantan: The province with the most islands, totaling 419.
- North Kalimantan: Contains 34 islands.
The total number of islands in Borneo
As of 2017, the total number of islands in Borneo was recorded at 932. The Indonesian portion of Kalimantan alone covers 544,150 square kilometers, but including the parts controlled by Malaysia and Brunei, the total area reaches 743,330 square kilometers.
In 2020, the population of the five Indonesian provinces on the island was approximately 13,787,831.
Geographically, Borneo is notable for its extensive tropical rainforests and rich biodiversity. The highest peak on the island is Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia, standing at about 4,095 meters above sea level, making it one of the most prominent mountains in Southeast Asia.
The name Borneo is used in English, while Kalimantan comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “island surrounded by the sea.”
With its unique divisions, array of islands, and natural wealth, Borneo remains a significant area in both ecological and geographical terms in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
-- Thabut Perjanjian
