Borneo: Anthony Bourdain approved
There are travel shows that entertain, and then there are travel shows that have you mentally packing your bags and reaching for your passport before the show even ends. For me, that show was No Reservations, and that place was Borneo. The fact that Anthony Bourdain connected with the location and the people so deeply that he traveled there a second time after ten years, makes me want to go even more.
Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, is a land of dense jungles, wild rivers, and rich cultural traditions. It’s home to some of the world’s oldest rainforests, unique wildlife like orangutans and pygmy elephants, and indigenous communities that have lived off the land for centuries. Watching Bourdain immerse himself in this untamed paradise, it was clear that Borneo wasn’t just another stop on his itinerary—it was a place that spoke to him.
The People Who Bourdain connected with
On his visits, Bourdain spent time with the Iban people, a tribal group known for their longhouses and warrior heritage. The Iban were once feared headhunters, but today, they are known for their hospitality and deep connection to nature. In the No Reservations episode, Bourdain shared meals with them, drank tuak (rice wine), and embraced their way of life. The communal longhouse culture fascinated him, as did their ability to live harmoniously with the jungle around them.
One of the most memorable moments was when Bourdain reflected on why he felt drawn to places like this, saying, "I wanted adventures. I wanted to go up the Nung River to places unknown and sleep on floors and eat things that scared me." That sense of curiosity, of wanting to experience life far beyond his own, was infectious—and ever since seeing that episode I’ve been thinking about going on a similar adventure.
The Call of the Wild
Borneo looks like a dream for those who love the wild. From cruising along the Kinabatangan River, spotting proboscis monkeys in the trees, to trekking through steamy jungles in search of rare wildlife, every experience looks like stepping into a National Geographic documentary. The island’s biodiversity is staggering, and the sheer remoteness of it all makes it that much more intriguing to me.
But beyond the landscapes, I’m interested in the connection Bourdain found with the people. The way he sat cross-legged on wooden floors, listening to stories, sharing laughs, and embracing cultures so different from his own—it’s that human element that makes travel humbling and transformative. I don’t just want to visit Borneo; I want to experience it the way he did, with open arms and an empty plate, ready for whatever adventure comes next…even though there are a good handful of snack I would probably say no thank you to. Not the rice wine! Poor me another, please.
So, here I am, writing this, watching old clips, and dreaming of that first sip of tuak in a longhouse deep in the jungle. Bourdain found something special in Borneo, and if his instincts were right, I’m certain I will too. Maybe I’ll make it a group tour and you can join me! Or, reach out and I’ll plan something similar just for you!