indonesia borneo travel

Top Destinations in Malaysian Borneo

Sarawak vs. Sabah

Guide to Kuching

Visiting Kalimantan

Guide to the Derawan Islands

Brunei Travel Guide

Top Things to Do in Malaysian Borneo

Museums to Visit

Best Beaches

Where to Go Scuba Diving

Best Hiking in Borneo

National Parks

Where to See Orangutans

Events & Festivals

Food to Try

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in Borneo

Best Hotels in Borneo

Staying at an Iban Longhouse

Driving in Borneo

One Week in Borneo

One Week in Borneo: The Ultimate Itinerary

Ben Queenborough / Getty Images

Welcome to the third largest island in the world. With only one week in Borneo , you’ll have to move quickly while taking advantage of regional flights, as overland journeys are too long and arduous in the rugged interior. The effort will be rewarded, however, with memorable people, places, and walks through rainforests teeming with biodiversity.

Seeing everything is obviously impossible, so this one-week itinerary for Borneo brings you to the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak along with a bonus visit to Brunei. Although Kalimantan, the Indonesian side of Borneo , makes up 73 percent of the island and is blessed with many tempting places, traveling there can be time consuming. Irregular flight schedules and frequent transportation delays often make short work of an itinerary without enough buffer days built in.

Day 1: Sandakan, Sabah

Kuching and Kota Kinabalu seem the most obvious choices, but travelers with a short amount of time in Borneo should consider starting their adventure in Sandakan, a city on the west coast of Sabah. The three-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur can be as inexpensive as $50 .

Numerous guesthouses, cafés, and eateries are clustered along the edge of the rainforest just west of Sandakan. For convenience, choose one of the eco-hotels near Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre ; Sepilok Nature Resort (3-star) and Sepilok Jungle Resort (2-star) are two popular places to stay within walking distance.

Begin your first day by walking to Sepilok (5 minutes); get there by 10 a.m. to catch the morning feeding, when fruit left on a platform by rangers sometimes lures shy, semi-wild orangutans within camera range. These orangutans are free to roam but are still being rehabilitated back into their native habitat after becoming orphaned or rescued from captivity. Watch the short film at Sepilok and learn all you can about earth’s most intelligent primate; sadly, they are critically endangered, and wild orangutans can only be found in Borneo and Sumatra.

Next, stop in at the Rainforest Discovery Centre next door. The RDC will prep you for what exciting plants and creatures you’ll see the rest of the trip. Climb up to the canopy walk suspended 82 feet above ground to look for colorful birds before checking out orchids and carnivorous plants in the Discovery Garden.

Enjoy a quick dinner nearby, then book a Grab rideshare (or request a driver at reception ) to one of the lodges in Sukau, a small village around 2.5 hours away. If you arrive in time, you can join one of the night excursions along the muddy Kinabatangan River to look for saltwater crocodiles.

Day 2: The Kinabatangan River and Sandakan, Sabah

John W Banagan / Getty Images

Wake up early to float silently along Malaysia’s second longest river, where long-nosed proboscis monkeys and other exciting wildlife live along the swampy banks. The Kinabatangan River Sanctuary is also home to pygmy elephants and rhinoceros, but seeing them requires a lot of luck.

Have a light lunch at your lodge then head back toward Sandakan by car. You'll be flying to Kota Kinabalu later in the day, so depending on the time of your flight, you have the option of stopping at the Gomantong Caves along the way. Visitors can explore the Black Cave by a network of boardwalks in this impressive cave system, which is a primary source for edible swiftlet nests (an expensive and controversial delicacy in Asia). Lots of scavengers live in the guano below; give the caves a miss if you’re creepie-crawlie adverse!

Sandakan isn’t large, so no need to spend too much time waiting at the airport. Instead, visit the war memorial park just 10 minutes away. The garden commemorates the thousands of POWs who died during the infamous WWII death marches in Borneo. Afterward, call into the English Tea House & Restaurant for a drink with nice views of Sandakan and the coast. For a proper meal, head over to Sim Sim Seafood or one of the many other seafood restaurants built on stilts along the coast.

Fly onward to Kota Kinabalu and spend the night there.

Day 3: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

EvgenyBuzov / Getty Images

Kota Kinabalu , Sabah’s capital city, has plenty of charms. But you’ll want some beach time, and leaving Borneo without experiencing the marine life would be a crime. Since getting to the Derawan Islands in Kalimantan —one of the top places in the world for marine biodiversity and nesting sea turtles—with only one week in Borneo isn't practical, head out to the conveniently located Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park instead. Hop among the five islands by speedboat, and relax on the white-sand beaches in between snorkeling or diving . Be on the lookout for whale sharks, which pass through in the spring months.

After a day of sun, return to Kota Kinabalu for some shopping and sightseeing. Go enjoy sunset and the evening street performers at Tanjung Aru , the park and beach at the southern end of town. Strolling Gaya Street and the waterfront is a good way to sample the vibe and delicious street food in Kota Kinabalu , especially on Sundays when there's a large market.

Day 4: Kinabalu Park

Nora Carol Photography / Getty Images

You won’t have the two fulls days and a night to get a permit and climb Mount Kinabalu , Malaysia’s tallest mountain (13,435 feet), but you can still enjoy the national park on the slopes. The best way to take advantage is to book one of the popular day trips that include transportation (two hours) each way.

The flora and fauna in Kinabalu Park earned it UNESCO World Heritage status  . At least 800 species of orchids have been documented around Mount Kinabalu, and you’ll get to see carnivorous pitcher plants as well. Ask a ranger if there are any known Rafflesia flowers in bloom; it’s one of the largest and strangest flowers in the world. You can also watch for some of Kinabalu’s 326 documented species of birds, including hornbills, while enjoying the canopy walk.

Many tours involve a trip to the Poring Hot Springs, another hour of driving beyond the entrance to Kinabalu Park. Although going further to get boiled on an already hot day doesn't sound appealing, Poring has numerous other attractions, including a bat cave, butterfly farm, and canopy walk. If you prefer more time at the national park, ask about foregoing the hot springs.

Return to Kota Kinabalu after a long day and indulge in Malay or Indian food—choices for tempting eateries seem limitless—then pack up and prepare to fly to Brunei in the morning.

Day 5: Brunei Darussalam

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Brunei, the smallest country of three sharing Borneo , isn’t often on tourists’ radar. The oil-rich sultanate is barely larger than the U.S. state of Delaware, but the residents enjoy a relatively high standard of living. The infrastructure in Brunei is excellent; travelers won’t have any trouble popping in for a day to explore Bandar Seri Begawan , the interesting capital. Royal Brunei Airlines offers inexpensive, 45-minute flights to Bandar Seri Begawan from Kota Kinabalu.

Bandar Seri Begawan Airport is right in the city, and after checking into your hotel, go explore! You can opt for a tour, but the capital is compact enough to grab a map and walk or take taxis as needed. Keep in mind that Brunei is considered the most observant of Islamic countries in Southeast Asia—you’ll need to dress modestly to enter museums and mosques.

The mosques around Bandar Seri Begawan are impressively photogenic. Check out a couple before seeing Kampong Ayer, a sprawling water village that’s home to more than 10,000 people. For a glimpse of how one of the richest men in the world lives, stop in at the Royal Regalia Museum. The museum contains gifts from world leaders to the Sultan of Brunei along with other gold-covered artifacts from his eclectic life. Entrance is free.

After a day of sightseeing, sample some of Brunei’s delicious roti and curry dishes. Prepare to fly to Sarawak (two hours) in the morning.

Day 6: Kuching, Sarawak

Imaad Wahid / EyeEm / Getty Images

Arrive in Kuching, the pleasant capital of Sarawak that’s often a favorite for many travelers. The airport is located only 15 minutes south of town.

Kuching means "cat" in Malay; that’s why statues of cats adorn roundabouts. The city is boasted as one of the cleanest in Asia, and the waterfront esplanade is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Borneo. The few touts are friendly, and hassle is generally low in Kuching. If your visit coincides with the annual Rainforest World Music Festival held there every summer, watch out—it’s going to be busy!

After flying to Kuching, head 45 minutes north by car to the Sarawak Cultural Village . With only a week to spend in Borneo, you won’t have time to stay in a difficult-to-reach Iban longhouse in the jungle; fortunately, the Sarawak Cultural Village is a living museum spread over 17 beautiful acres with demonstration longhouses from the various Indigenous peoples. Spend the day learning about the Dayak tribes and their way of life in the rainforest. The daily cultural shows take place at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; the grounds close at 5 p.m.

Return to Kuching and enjoy an inexpensive seafood feast at Top Spot Food Court or one of the other nearby restaurants. We said hassle is low in Kuching, but Top Spot may be the exception as touts shout to lure you with menus. Choose a stall then order midin —a crunchy rainforest fern—as a healthy side dish; this may be your only chance to try it, as finding it outside of Sarawak is nearly impossible. If the squirming seafood at Top Spot makes you squeamish, consider trying Sarawak’s unique version of laksa , a spicy noodle soup (note: it contains shrimp).

Day 7: Bako National Park

Grant Dixon / Getty Images

If you haven’t yet managed to see an orangutan while in Borneo —nothing is guaranteed when wildlife is concerned—this may be your last chance! Go 30 minutes south of town to the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre ; feeding times are at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Much like Sepilok in Sabah, Semenggoh is home to free-roaming orangutans learning how to manage themselves in the wild again.

Otherwise, begin early before the heat of the day and head north to Bako National Park, Sarawak’s oldest and most accessible national park. Other than the Kinabatangan River, Bako is your best opportunity to see an endangered proboscis monkey in the wild. You’ll enter the park by small boat then walk the trail network to see all sorts of monkeys, bearded pigs, pythons, and other park residents. Don't worry: You don't have to trek far to see wildlife. Watch for hornbills and giant butterflies, but beware of the bold macaques that like to steal things from visitors.

If the weather on your last day is too rainy to enjoy outside adventures, go see the cluster of four interesting museums near Reservoir Park; entrance fees are $1.50 or less. The Sarawak Museum has an exhibit of human skulls taken by headhunters!

Enjoy one last, shameless seafood experience then stroll along the waterfront knowing your one week in Borneo was well spent.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. "Kinabulu Park." 2000.

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Your Trip to Borneo: The Complete Guide

A Guide to Airports in Borneo

Where to Go in Malaysian Borneo: Sarawak or Sabah?

How to Find Cheap Flights to Borneo

The Top 9 Museums to Visit in Borneo

9 Top Destinations in Malaysian Borneo

The Top 8 Things to Do in Malaysian Borneo

The 11 Best Hotels in Borneo

Guide to Sandakan, Malaysia's Gateway to Nature

5 Places to See Orangutans in Borneo

The Top 12 National Parks in Malaysia

The 10 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Borneo

The 12 Best National Parks in Borneo

The 10 Best Hikes in Borneo

The perfect Borneo itinerary for 2 weeks

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: March 11, 2023

What’s the best Borneo itinerary for first-time visitors?

Borneo is the world’s third-largest island and is shared by three countries. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

We traveled for 2 weeks through Malaysia and The Malaysian part of Borneo and discovered beautiful nature, a mix of religions and cultures, and very friendly people.

In this Borneo travel blog post, we share a complete Borneo itinerary with the main attractions and highlights of our trip. Perfect for first-time Borneo visitors.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

A Borneo itinerary for 2 weeks

Day 1-2 kuala lumpur (kl).

We started our Borneo 2-week itinerary in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and an interesting city to spend a few days.

Although this city is not located in Borneo, it would be a shame not to take the opportunity to discover this city before we continued our journey to Borneo.

How to get from the airport to Kuala Lumpur city center

There are several ways to get from the airport to Kuala Lumpur (and vice versa).

The quickest way probably is the  KLIA Express,   this train brings you in 28 minutes from the airport to Kuala Lumpur central train station ( KL Sentral ).

From KL Sentral you can continue your journey to your hotel by metro, bus or taxi. The taxi rates at this station are fixed and you arrange your taxi at the counter.

To get a quote you need to give the name of your hotel and the preferred model of the taxi.

Beware that small cabs have small trunks and your bags may not fit.

The difference in the different taxi models is normally shown at the counter.

They will give you a ticket at the counter.  This ticket also contains the address where you’re going so you just need to show it to the taxi driver and you’ll be taken to your destination.

Another option to get from the airport to Kuala Lumpur is by taxi. It is the most comfortable way to get from the city center to the airport and back as it takes you directly door to door.

Depending on the number of passengers the taxi can be cheaper than the train.

The taxi will take approximately 45 minutes to get to the city.  It all depends on traffic and where your hotel is located.

The taxis use the same ticket system at the airport so you will also need to get a ticket at the ticket counter before you head to the taxi line.

The Cheapest way to travel between the airport and Kuala Lumpur city center is to board one of the buses that drive between the airport and KL Sentral.

Airport Coach is one of them.

They charge around RM18 to bring you to KLIA.

Places of interest in Kuala Lumpur

You can see the western influence very clearly throughout the city. You might as well be in Singapore or Hong Kong.

You can explore the highlights of this city in three days.

The main highlights are of course the Petronas Tower and Kuala Lumpur Tower – the two landmarks of this city. At 452 meters, the Petronas Towers are still the highest twin towers in the world.

You have a fantastic panoramic view of the city from here.

An absolute must-do when you’re in Kuala Lumpur.

Skip the line and buy your tickets here: Tickets Petronas Tower

This, however, is the modern Kuala Lumpur.

For a more authentic experience, have a wander around the typical Indian and Chinese areas.

And be sure to have a bite to eat in Jalan Alor, the top destination for tasty street food.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

Many of Kuala Lumpur’s major attractions are located in a relatively compact part of the city.

That’s why the hotels we share are all located near the city center of Kuala Lumpur. 

Luxury hotel: JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur

The JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur lies very central, close to all the main tourist attractions. The hotel is a wonderful oasis for those looking for a place to relax in luxury after exploring Kuala Lumpur during the day. Very welcoming staff and excellent service.

Click here for reviews and the latest prices:

Booking.com

Premium Comfortable hotel : Impiana KLCC Hotel

The Impiana KLCC Hotel is a very comfortable location for sightseeing. Spacious and well-designed rooms. Very friendly staff. You can see the twin towers while swimming in the pool.

Comfortable hotel: Holiday Express Kuala Lumpur City Center

The Holiday Inn is a good hotel right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur close to the towers. Clean and well-kept rooms. Good value for the price.

They have several room types. Choose The big one with a sofa bed, even if you don’t need the sofa, because the room is much better.

Day 3-4 Kuching

Our first stop in our two weeks Borneo itinerary was Kuching.

Kuching itself is not one of the highlights of Borneo, there is not much to do in the city, but the many side attractions we can do from Kuching will keep us busy for these 2 days.

Points of interest to do in Kuching

We stopped here mainly to visit   Bako National Park .

We contemplated spending the night in the park but didn’t in the end as we found too many negative reviews about the accommodation.

It didn’t look too bad once we were there, but it was too late by then.

We had a beautiful hike and our day flew by.

Purchase here your organized day tour to Bako National Park: Bako Day Tour

The buildings in the park are beautiful, but we didn’t get a lot of information about them. The staff simply didn’t have enough knowledge of English, and that was a pity.

The cultural show, on the other hand, was definitely worth it.

As animal lovers, one of the highlights was, of course, our visit to the Semenggoh orangutan rehabilitation center .

They tell you about the animals, and you can observe them at a (relatively) close distance when they are fed.

Where to stay in Kuching

There are plenty of options to stay in Kuching. Here we share three of the best hotels.

Luxury hotel : Hilton Kuching hotel

Hilton Kuching is a very centrally located hotel with a beautiful view over the Sarawak river. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the morning. After a busy day, you can relax at the wonderful pool.

Check prices and availability: Booking.com

Premium Comfortable hotel : Imperial Hotel Kuching

The Imperial hotel is a modern hotel with very comfortable rooms and a big bathroom. The staff are super friendly and speak very well English.

It’s a bit out of the center of Kuching, however, it is barely a 10 rm ($3) roundtrip fee for a Grabcar ride and there are always cars available.

Comfortable hotel : Harbour View Hotel

The Harbour View Hotel is newly renovated and located in the middle of town. Spacious and clean rooms. Comfortable beds. Very helpful and friendly staff.

Book a high floor room that’s facing the Waterfront.

Day 5-7 Mulu

From Kuching, we continued our two weeks in Borneo to Mulu.

We chose to fly, which is the quickest, and surest option.

Sometimes you can take a boat down the river, but that is not an option if the water is too low.

We flew MASwings, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines. They offered 3 direct flights a week straight from Kuching to Mulu a few years ago but seem to offer daily direct flights at this point.

Check available flights here: MASwings

Things to do in Mulu

The reason for us, like many other tourists, to visit Mulu was the Mulu National Park . Historically, the area was very popular for hunting, so a lot of animals can unfortunately no longer be spotted here as they were killed, or have fled.

But there are lots of insects like dragonflies and butterflies, and the real stars of the park are the bats.

A visit to the caves in the park is absolutely worthwhile, and you can watch the bats take flight at dusk.

This was the ultimate highlight of our trip around Borneo.

Read our detailed post about Mulu here

Where to stay in Mulu

Accommodation in Mulu is very limited.  You basically have three choices.

Accommodation outside the park in rather basic hotels or homestays.  (dorms or very basic rooms with cold showers or no showers at all and electricity available 2 to 4 hours/day) : +/- 20-35MYR/pp

The Mulu national park accommodation  is more expensive at 200-250 MYR/night.  The hotel rooms in the park are more luxurious. They offer electricity all day, hot showers and comfortable beds.  We loved our room!

Mulu Marriott

Mulu Marriott  is a good option if you are looking for a luxurious treat and want to spoil yourself. The hotel has a swimming pool and a spa. Breakfast and dinner are served buffet style. The hotel is 10 minutes outside the park but has a free shuttle that takes you to the entrance. If we would go back,  Mulu Mariott  would be our first choice.

Check prices and availability: MARRIOTT

Day 8-10 Kota Kinabalu

We continued our Malaysian Borneo itinerary in Kota Kinabalu.

We were looking forward to snorkeling in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park .

This is a collection of five islands, mainly visited for their beautiful underwater world.

We were really looking forward to this after numerous fantastic snorkeling trips in Thailand, but it was very disappointing.

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

During our 2 weeks in Borneo, we visited two islands In Tunku Abdul Rahman Park , Sapi, and Mamutik. On the way there we already sailed through a lot of rubbish (bottles, life jackets…) and the islands were full of rubbish too. A terrible shame really.

The water is shallow, and so a lot of the coral is broken because people damage it while snorkeling.

And because there are so many people, you bump into each other or you don’t see anything because of all the splashing.

The Rafflesia , a giant carnivorous flower with a diameter of up to 106cm, is the symbol of Sabah, the state of which Kota Kinabalu is the capital. Pictures of the flower looked amazing so we decided we had to see this flower while we were here.

I would suggest, however, that you go view it elsewhere if possible.

The flower is nice, but the trip we took into the Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve was quite expensive and felt like a rip-off.

You can also see it in the Gunung Gading National Park or during a climb of Mount Kinabalu, but we couldn’t fit either of those into our itinerary.

Read our detailed Kota Kinabalu post here.

Would you like to discover the exotic flora and fauna of the first UNESCO World Heritage Site of Malaysia, and relax afterward in a nice hot water spring? Book this trip to the Kinabalu National Park, and don’t forget your swimwear. Booking.com

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Luxury hotel : le meridien kota kinabalu.

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu lies right opposite the markets and just a short walk away from the riverside promenade. Spacious and Comfortable rooms. Beautiful pool.

Watch the sunset from the pool area.

Premium Comfortable hotel: Mercure Kota Kinabalu city centre

The Mercure Kota Kinabalu lies in a great location close to the Baywalk area with lots of stores and restaurants. Small but comfortable rooms. The hotel has a small swimming pool on the roof, with a great city and sea view. You can also enjoy a beautiful sunset from here.

Comfortable hotel: The Klagan Hotel

The Klagan hotel lies in a wonderful location. There are lots of restaurants and shopping within walking distance. Modern and comfortable rooms.Good buffet breakfast.  You can enjoy the sea view while having breakfast.

Day 11-14 Kinabatangan

From Kuching, we flew to Sandakan. This flight was once more with Air Asia.

Our Kinabatangan river cruise

The Kinabatangan river is an area with tropical lowland rainforest vegetation and unique ecosystems.

We booked a stay in the Borneo Nature lodge including an extra tour on the way to the lodge, and once again when leaving the lodge.

Our guide was waiting for us at the airport and brought us to the hotel with a stop at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre .

Compared to Semenggoh, the information was better and more plentiful, so if you only want to visit one center, I would suggest you choose Sepilok.

We took boat trips twice a day, leaving our lodge early in the mornings and again at four in the afternoon.

We spotted lots of animals like orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and of course many beautiful birds.

If you’re like us and get excited seeing animals in their natural habitat, then this is a place you certainly have to put on your Borneo itinerary.

We also did a night cruise, or technically an after-sunset cruise.

The advantage of such a cruise is that you can take beautiful photographs of the animals as you can get much closer. And it is exciting to go canoeing in the dark too.

Here you can read more about our Kinabatangan river cruise.

On the way back from our lodge we visited the Gomatong Caves. This is where they harvest the edible bird’s nests which are a delicacy in China.

Well, after being here, I don’t think I’ll ever try those as the cave was full of cockroaches, beetles, and other bugs, and in the middle was an enormous mountain of bat poo.

We still shudder thinking about it.

We finished our trip with lunch in the English Tea House, a colonial-style building from where we had beautiful views over the sea and could forget the horrors of the Gomantong Caves.

Kinabatangan riverside lodges

The price of your Kinabatangan river cruise package depends on many elements.  The level of comfort of the accommodation will make a difference but there will also be differences in what’s included in your package.

Some Kinabatangan river lodges offer all-inclusive packages (typically including all meals and 2 daily Kinabatangan River Cruises) but some only include your accommodation.

We advise taking an all-inclusive package. 

You will have nothing to worry about because your tours and your meals will be included.

As you are in the jungle there are no other restaurants around.

If you are just like us a big nature fan, opt for a 4 days/3 nights package so you can enjoy 3 full days in the Malaysian wilderness.

You will have more chances to see the orangutans and pygmy elephants. We saw different animals on each river cruise.

There’re many Kinabatangan river accommodations. Remember that you are in the jungle and that these river accommodations may not offer all the amenities that you are used to.

Here we share 3 comfortable hotels with air conditioning that offer all-inclusive packages.

Borneo nature lodge

We stayed in the  Borneo Nature Lodge one of the more comfortable Kinabatangan riverside lodges. It’s the only lodge in Kinabatangan rated 2 stars.  The manager took really good care of us and we were treated to delicious meals after every river safari.  We comfortably enjoyed the pleasures of the jungle :-).

Nature Lodge Kinabatangan

Click here for reviews and the latest prices: Booking.com

The Nature Lodge Kinabatangan offers basic clean rooms with air conditioning.  Incredibly friendly staff. The tours are good and the group sizes are considerably smaller than other tours.

The Bilit Rainforest Lodge

The  Bilit Rainforest lodge  offers spacious rooms with air conditioning.  They offer a reasonable selection of well-prepared food, Very friendly and helpful staff. The river safaris are excellent and the guides are good at spotting wildlife.

Borneo essentials

Here we answer the most frequent FAQ’s for Borneo.

What’s the best time to visit Borneo

The average temperature in Borneo lies between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Borneo has a fairly humid climate, and it rains regularly.

The best time to visit Borneo is between April and September . The busiest months are from May to September.

We visited Borneo in July, and it was mostly dry, apart from the occasional shower.

Going independent or joining an organized tour

We found it easy and straightforward to create our own travel itinerary.  It was also fairly easy to travel through Borneo independently.

We traveled with our suitcases but Borneo is also a great backpacker’s destination. Here you will find a complete list of the best backpacking gear when you are planning on backpacking in Borneo.

But if you want the company of a group, don’t have the time to create your own itinerary, or just don’t want to go independent, you could also join an organized tour. TourRadar  is a trustworthy company where you can book an organized tour to Japan to make it easy on yourself.

Here you can find all organized tours to Borneo: Organized Tours Borneo

How to get to Borneo

Wondering how to get to Borneo? Since there are almost no international flights directly to Borneo our journey started with a flight to Kuala Lumpur before taking our Air Asia flight to Kuching, a route many other travelers use.

How to find cheap tickets to Kuala Lumpur

If you want to score  cheap flights  to Kuala Lumpur we advise you to have a look at  Momondo  and  Skyscanner. 

Momondo and Skyscanner are both very good at finding good deals, of the two, Momondo is probably the one with the most intuitive user interface.

our full review about 10 booking sites here.

How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo

Air Asia is a low-cost airline, and as with all budget airlines, it means they are very strict when it comes to luggage and you have to pay for all extras.

Those are things I would rather avoid but if we ignore those typical low-cost aspects I must say their service was good and we had an enjoyable flight.

We had an hour’s delay on this flight and were spontaneously handed a discount voucher for a future flight. I still prefer to fly with the major carriers, but would consider Air Asia for another flight.

Air Asia operates 9 flights daily. Their flight to Kuching leaves from the low-cost terminal of KL airport .  (LCCT) Note that the low-cost terminal is far apart from the regular terminal. The low-cost terminal can be reached by taxi.

Another way is by KLIA Transit. There is a stop at Salak Tinggi station where special busses depart to LCCT.

There are also buses that transport passengers between the two terminals; though they are very cheap it also takes quite some time.

If you rather don’t fly with Air Asia you can choose Malaysia airlines. Malaysia Airlines offer more than 10 flights a day.

The flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo is around 1h40 minutes.

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo are often very cheap.  The prices fluctuate depending on seasons but with four entry-point options, you can always get into Borneo somewhere for under $50.

Do I need travel insurance for Borneo?

We do not recommend traveling without travel insurance. Besides medical expenses, it covers lots more.

You can turn to your travel insurance if your camera, notebook, or smartphone gets damaged or stolen. Travel insurance will reimburse you if you can’t leave on your trip because of an emergency at home or if you need to end your trip early.

Drawing up a travel insurance policy may seem expensive at first but it can potentially save you a significant sum, significantly more than the small insurance fee.

Good travel insurance, such as the one from HeyMondo and SafetyWing, covers the things we mentioned above and even more.

Check prices and availability:

We think this is a fairly complete 2-week itinerary for  Borneo.

But as always, you have to make choices, and that’s what we did for this Borneo itinerary.

As nature lovers, we loved Mulu and our Kinabatangan river cruise the most.

This was absolutely the highlight of our Borneo itinerary.

If you have less time and aren’t going to climb Mount Kinabalu, we would suggest skipping Kota Kinabalu.

If you are looking for a 10 days Borneo itinerary and like snorkeling or diving,  we would advise adding Lankayan Island . It’s easy to reach with a private boat transfer from Sandakan. We didn’t do it ourselves because we went to the Perhentians. But we heard from other people that it is an amazing island.

If you are convinced of Borneo but are looking for a tropical destination, our Kerala in India might be something for you.

If you are wondering what to pack for Borneo, check out this Borneo packing list.

If you want to stay online while you are in Malaysia, check out this post about the best Malaysia tourist SIM card. 

Have you visited Malaysian Borneo, what were the highlights for you?  Would you change something in our itinerary?

Tuesday 9th of July 2019

"Well, after being here, I don’t think I’ll ever try those as the cave was full of cockroaches, beetles, and other bugs, and in the middle was an enormous mountain of bat poo."

"If you are just like us a big nature fan"

Clearly ;) Bat poo in the cave, who would've expected...

This was absolutely the most disgusting cave we ever visited. Can you imagine people are staying here for the night...

Borneo Travel Guide

Hands down one of our favorite adventure destinations on the planet is Malaysian Borneo . 

The Legendary Rainforests of Borneo bring to mind images of towering trees, abundant wildlife and wild foreboding rain forests filled with raging rivers.

Only great explorers would dare to go there, it was home to the Headhunter after all.

This Borneo  travel guide  will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular Guides

• Things to do in Borneo
• The Pinnacles of Borneo

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Borneo

• Borneo power voltage is 230/240 V 50 Hz; Power sockets G.
• The island itself is divided among three countries:  Malaysia  and  Brunei  in the north, and  Indonesia  to the south.
• The Borneo currency is the Malaysian Ringett (MYR) and is around 4 MYR to 1 USD. In Brunei the Brunei Dollar and Singapore Dollar (notes only) are readily accepted. In the south the currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and is around 13,000 IDR  for 1 USD.
• Air-conditioned  express buses  are the economical way to travel long distances within, and sometimes between, Borneo’s different states
• Borneo is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world – around 130 million years old.
• Brunei is a ‘dry’ country – alcohol cannot be purchased, however you are allowed an alcohol allowance to be brought in for personal consumption.

Things to See and Do in Borneo

• Hike Mount Kinabalu  – This 4095 metre mammoth is a 2-hour bus ride from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo’s northern province.
• Trek the Pinnacles of Gunung Mulu  – a stone forest of white and grey limestone, jutting 45 metres out of the earth in razor sharp formations.
• Go on a Jungle Safari  – Take a boat up the The Sungai (river) Kinabatangan right into the heart of the jungle of Borneo, and stay in a rustic camp for a few days with  Uncle Tan Wildlife Adventures . 
• Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre –  They are orangutans that have either been injured, rescued or orphaned that have been nursed back to health and let back into the jungle.  To make their transition easier, they can come back any time they want for a feast.

Borneo Travel Guides

• Great Things to do in Borneo – Malaysia’s Wild Jungle Island
• The Pinnacles of Borneo – Amazing Wonder of Gunung Mulu
• Mount Kinabalu – What it’s Really Like to Climb Borneo’s Highest Peak

Accommodation

Budget:  You can stay at budget hotels in Borneo for as low as $10 US per night. They may include free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and have air conditioning.

Mid Range:  There are mid-range hotels available in Borneo for around $30 US. They often include complimentary breakfast, are found in the city center, and have laundry service.

High End:  High-end hotels in Borneo start around $60 per night. They may include family suites, indoor and outdoor pools, and offer airport transfers.

Here are some of the foods you may find in Borneo:

Hinava –  A common dish found in Sabah with mackerel, spices, lime, and onion.

Clay pot soup  – A soup with a variety of ingredients including tofu, prawns, squid, noodles, and vegetables that are cooked over a high temperature.

Pinasakan sada –  A flavorful dish commonly found at restaurants with fruit, fish, salt, and turmeric.

The Best Ways to Get Around Borneo

Getting to borneo:.

Getting to Borneo:  There are no direct flights from Borneo from Europe or North America, so you’ll have to connect at an Asian city such as Singapore or Hong Kong.

You can check for the best flights to Borneo on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : You can take buses within the city as well as across the country starting at B$18.

Taxis:   Taxis are found in the major cities, but you’ll always want to confirm if the driver is using the meter or not so you know the price in advance.

Car Rental:  Car rentals in Borneo begin at B$60 a day. Check for prices and availability here.

When to go To Borneo

• March through October is the best time to visit Borneo, as this is when the weather is the most pleasant and driest. You also have the best chance of seeing wildlife during these months.

Where to Stay in Borneo

Seven Boutique Hotel  – This hotel is a great choice to stay at when you’re in Putatan. It’s only 3 miles away from the airport and the hotel offers a free airport shuttle service. They also are a few minute’s walk away from restaurants, bars, and a grocery store.

The Pacific Sutera Hotel   – This beautiful hotel in Sabah has stunning views of the water while being close to shopping, so there’s something everyone can enjoy. They also offer a pool, fitness center, and a private balcony.

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa  – This resort is a great place to relax when you’re in Sabah. You have access to the beach, diving, and babysitters.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation in Canada.

What to Pack for Borneo

Borneo is hot and humid with a typically  tropical climate . Sarawak receives an abundance of rainfall during the  monsoon  season which falls between November and February of each year, whereas the dry season generally occurs from May to October. 

Heavy rains may cause cancellation of flights and riverboat trips into remote regions, so the dry season is best for activities.

• The protection basics  – Travellers should stock up on the essentials: sun block, mosquito/insect repellant containing DEET or a pyrethroid insecticide, sunglasses and a hat. If you will be spending time in national parks or upriver areas (e.g. Batang Ai & Nanga Sumpa), make sure to bring a strong mosquito repellent that contains 30-50% DEET.  Use this in the jungle and interior and bring it from home as it might be hard to find in Borneo.
• Pack for Humidity  – for humid weather it is best to pack fabrics that breathe as much as possible and natural fabrics, like cotton, linen or rayon (avoiding silk, wool and polyester). Clothing should be loose and comfortable to encourage the flow of air and allow moisture to evaporate.
• Sarongs  – From protecting yourself from the hot island sun, covering up at religious sites or keeping warm on a cool night, sarongs are a must-have.
• Raincoat / Jacket –  rain gear is always a good idea, as is a light jacket for the cooler temperatures at Mt Kinabalu.
• Water bottle –  Water is not potable in Borneo – do not drink or even brush your teeth with tap water.

Borneo Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Borneo Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Borneo  click here.

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Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Kalimantan – the expansive Indonesian part of Borneo – is an adventure in every sense of the word. Remote jungle, snaking rivers and interior mountains serve up endless opportunities for epic rainforest hiking, while its cities are low-key and little visited by Indonesian standards. You can travel here for weeks without meeting another foreigner, and at least some knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia is recommended.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Samboja Lestari

A Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation project, Samboja Lestari houses more than 150 orang-utans on a series of islands, along with a separate sun bear…

Islamic Center

The western skyline of Samarinda is dominated by this must-see complex containing an ornate and colourful mosque with adjacent observation tower. The…

St Joseph's Cathedral

Pontianak's dramatic domed cathedral was opened in 2015, replacing the earlier 1908 church deemed not large enough to accommodate the city's Catholic…

Orang-utan Feedings

Tanjung Puting National Park

Orang-utan feedings at Tanjung Puting National Park are part of an ongoing rehabilitation process, but also allow visitors a near-guaranteed opportunity…

Pasar Terapung Lok Baintan

The more authentic of Banjarmasin's floating markets is about one hour by boat northeast of the centre on the Martapura River.

KWPLH Sun Bear Conservation Center

This informative sun bear conservation centre is surprisingly straight to the point about the heartbreaking plight of all of Kalimantan's animals. Seven…

Goa Beloyot

Indiana Jones would feel right at home ascending to this alcove in a limestone cliff above the forest, 5km from Merabu village, where travellers left…

Cempaka Diamond Fields

Wooden sluices filter muck from pits where men stand chest deep blasting away at the sediment with water cannons. Mining at Kalimantan's largest diamond…

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Wildlife & Nature

Mar 29, 2012 • 4 min read

With a new international terminal at Kalimantan’s Berau airport in Indonesian Borneo opening in April 2012, newly proposed routes from Kuala Lumpur and…

Nov 11, 2010 • 6 min read

Kalimantan and beyond

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Two weeks in Borneo: Your adventurous Borneo itinerary for the best things to do in Borneo

March 1, 2018 by Karen Turner 9 Comments

Visiting Borneo was a dream of mine ever since I was a child watching National Geographic video series about the biodiversity in Borneo.  Planning my trip to Borneo took quite a bit of time as Borneo is one of the world’s largest islands with three countries.

As I only had two weeks for Borneo, I had to choose carefully what to do in Borneo.  This was my itinerary for two weeks in Borneo, focusing on Malaysia and Brunei.  I tried to include the best things to do in Borneo, which makes it easy to stretch this Borneo itinerary to four weeks in Borneo depending on your interests.

• 1 A note on choosing Malaysia and Brunei instead of Indonesia for my Borneo itinerary
• 2.1.1 Optional trip from Sandakan or Kota Kinabulu: Sipadan for diving (1-3 days)
• 2.2 Optional 2-7 days side trip: Danum Valley
• 2.3 Kota Kinabalu: Three Days, including Kota Kinabalu National Park
• 2.4 Optional day trip from Kota Kinabalu: Paragliding in Ranau
• 2.5 Optional trip from Kota Kinabalu: Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata (1-3 days)
• 3.0.1 Bandar Seri Begawan (3 days)
• 3.0.2 Ulu Temburong National Park (1-2 days)
• 3.1.1 Optional side trip from Miri: Gunung Mulu National Park (2-5 days)
• 3.1.2 Optional day trip from Miri: Gua Pari fairy caves and wind caves (1 day)
• 3.1.3 Optional side trip from Miri: Kelabit Highlands / Bario (2-3 days)
• 4.1 Optional half day trip from Kuching: Sarawak Cultural Village
• 4.2.1 Day trip from Kuching (if you’re lucky enough) (1-2 days)
• 5.1 …And that’s it for my two week itinerary for Borneo!  
• 5.2 Have you been to Borneo? 

A note on choosing Malaysia and Brunei instead of Indonesia for my Borneo itinerary

I’m so excited to visit Indonesia, however I found that flights to/from the Indonesian part of Borneo were pricey.  SImilarly, I didn’t have the time to take slow boats around.

My friend Cherene had a fantastic experience after flying into Kalimantan seeing wild orangutans in Indonesia .  My aunt was able to take an in-depth tour to Kalimantan to learn about traditional weaving in the region and we met one person who had done some intensive jungle trekking in Indonesia. However, the Indonesian side has less infrastructure, which makes it more difficult to get around Borneo without a lot of time.

Borneo in two weeks itinerary

This itinerary can be easily flipped depending on where you fly into Borneo.  For me, it was cheaper to fly to Kuala Lumpur to start off my trip prior to taking an AirAsia flight to Sandakan rather than to fly into Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, or Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei).

You’ll find international flights to/from Europe and Australia into BSB (Brunei) although you’ll also find flights into Kota Kinabalu with a transfer.  I leave this part of your Borneo itinerary up to you, but this was how I organized my personal trip to Borneo to minimize backtracking as well as flights.  You can read my packing list for Borneo . This itinerary is not strictly for two weeks in Borneo, so I hope it inspires your holiday to Borneo no matter the length.

I’ve included a bit of side trips that are easy to do from different cities, so depending on your interests, you should be able to add/cut different things.  It might not be avoidable to go to certain cities if you want to do specific activities.  I was very interested in a number of these side trips, but I ran out of time.

I hope that this information about Borneo helps anyone planning their trip to Borneo by highlighting the best things to do in the Malaysian and Bruneian parts of Borneo!  You could easily expand this itinerary for four weeks in Borneo, focused on travel in Sabah and Sarawak.

Beginning of your Borneo trip: Sandakan & the Kinabatangan Valley (3 days)

You can fly into Sandakan from Kuala Lumpur for as low as $20 USD.  After doing my research into where best to see wildlife in Borneo, I realized that the Kinabatangan region would be the best option given my limited time in Borneo. I was hoping to see wild pygmy elephants, but unfortunately we didn’t get lucky.

Most wildlife safaris that are mid-range to luxury will pick you up from the Sandakan airport as part of their package price.  I paid ~$300 (per person) for my three day two night excursion in the Kinabatangan region.

During this time, we saw hundreds of wild monkeys [including silver leaf and proboscis monkeys], spotted THREE wild orangutans, jungle trekked, and cruised along the river.

The whole experience was out of a dream and why I came to Borneo.  Some people stay longer, however I felt three days in the Kinabatangan Valley was enough time.   You can read more about my time in the Kinabatangan Valley, including where I stayed here.

Optional trip from Sandakan or Kota Kinabulu: Sipadan for diving (1-3 days)

I still don’t know how to dive, however diving in Sipadan is a must for divers.  Sipadan is routinely rated as one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving.

Be aware that they strictly limit the number of divers that can visit Sipadan each day, so you must apply in advance for a diving permit (they go quickly).  You can take a six hour bus to Somporna from Sandakan or fly from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.   You might need to reorder your trip depending on whether you choose to take the bus to Sipadan or fly.

A related note: I skipped Sipadan as I do not know how to dive and depending on pirate activity, you might want to stay up to date on what’s going off the eastern coast of Borneo if you’ll be spending extra time in this region.

Optional 2-7 days side trip: Danum Valley

I did not include Danum Valley  in this Borneo itinerary as the prices were so exorbitant that I couldn’t justify paying it.  I heard incredible things about spending 3 days to a week hiking in Danum Valley, but it wasn’t in my budget unfortunately.  You can fly from Kota Kinabalu to Danum Valley.

Kota Kinabalu: Three Days, including Kota Kinabalu National Park

Kota Kinabalu is the largest city on Borneo and it has a lot to offer.  To see the main city sights, visit the spectacular Kota Kinabalu national park (which has its own ecosystem), learn about local culture, and snorkel/dive on Gaya Island, you’ll need about three days.

A must is going around the Kota Kinabalu night market, which is a great place to try local specialities, although I must say that I am taken with laksa.  You can read a good itinerary for three days in Kota Kinabalu here.

Optional day trip from Kota Kinabalu: Paragliding in Ranau

We spent a day going on a day trip to Ranau, which has a lot of tragic history from World War II relating to prisoners-of-war, with a day trip that we booked once we were in Kota Kinabalu.

I highly recommend stopping along the way to try fresh fruit and local indigenous specialities in the region.  Be sure to visit the memorial prior to going paragliding in the hills of Ranau.

Paragliding is one of those once in a lifetime experiences that I recommend that anyone should try out.  You’ll understand how it feels to soar in the air like a bird!

Optional trip from Kota Kinabalu: Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata (1-3 days)

If you’re considering climbing Mount Kinabalu to do the via ferrata , you’ll need at least 2-3 day extra days and quite a bit of cash as it’s a fairly pricey activity.

I chose not to climb Kinabalu due to the cost, but it’s recommended that you take a 3D2N trip to Mount Kinabalu as your trip might be cancelled if the weather is not right and you’ll have an extra night to summit to the top if the weather is not great the first day.  Not going is a big regret of mine.

At minimum, consider visiting Kota Kinabalu National Park as a day trip. 

Brunei Darussalam (3-5 days total)

There’s a good flight connection between BSB Brunei and Kota Kinabalu as well as Kuala Lumpur. We flew Royal Brunei Airways.

I’m always shocked to hear that people spend so little time in Brunei when I found Brunei one of the most fascinating places that I’ve visited in the world.

Brunei is a great place for cultural travel as Brunei as they have their own rich culture and history in addition to a water village that deserves UNESCO recognition  The mosques are pretty spectacular too !    You can read travel tips for Brunei here.

Bandar Seri Begawan (3 days)

A lot of people rush through their time in Bandar Seri Begawan as they find it boring . (I disagree.) The capital city of Brunei Darussalam has free attractions, a UNESCO-worthy water village that is living history, friendly people, lively night markets, and delicious food .

You may not find alcohol in BSB, but Brunei is perfect for the traveler ready to immerse themselves in a different culture.   You can read the best things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan here .

Ulu Temburong National Park (1-2 days)

You’ll need to book an excursion from Bandar Seri Begawan to get to Ulu Temburong National Park, one of the most well-maintained virgin rainforests  in the world .

In order to get to Ulu Temburong National Park, you’ll take a stunning ferry ride through the rainforest prior to taking a traditional longboat.  The area around the park is home to the Iban people, who have their own culture and history.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Iban people, I recommend spending more than a day here as a day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park means that you won’t have time to properly learn about Iban culture!  Be sure to visit in time for the Harvest festival if possible.   You can read tips for visiting Ulu Temburong National Park here.

Miri (1 day)

You can take a bus from Brunei to Miri.  You’ll find the bus departing daily in the mornings.  Ask any tourist information desk for bus departure information or book your tickets online.

Thanks to Ying Ying for the fantastic tour of Miri.  I was lucky enough to have a local guide to Miri, which is where Shell was founded.  Oil is a key industry in Miri still and Shell still has a very strong presence in this city (as well as a private beach club).

Miri isn’t too large although a car is essential as the bus from Brunei comes in at an inconvenient place. Miri is a great base for various trips around Sarawak and a great place to try Sarawak laksa in case you haven’t yet…

Miri is one of the only places in the world where you can try the Bario pineapple outside of Bario as well as Kelabit food.  You’ll need to visit  The Summit Cafe  to try Kelabit food.

Optional side trip from Miri: Gunung Mulu National Park (2-5 days)

Although the flight from Miri to Mulu National Park is only thirty minutes, this flight is often canceled and delayed due to visibility.  As a result, you need at least 1-2 days built into your Borneo itinerary to ensure that you have enough time to visit Mulu with taking into account possible flight delays.  (Flights are inexpensive.) Be sure to bring enough cash to cover food and tours.

Gunung Mulu National Park is one of Borneo’s gems without question although you need to have a more flexible schedule to visit this national park.

Gunung Mulu National Park is most famous for its pinnacles, which can be seen via three days/two night trek.  Similarly, each night, you can see the bat migration out of the caves of over three million bats.

It should be noted that most of the tours require at least two people.  If you’re into caving, you must do one of the adventurous cave tours at Gunung Mulu National Park, which can be booked online in advance.  There’s also trekking that can be done from the park headquarters as well as a canopy walk.

Optional day trip from Miri: Gua Pari fairy caves and wind caves (1 day)

The Gua Pari fairy caves and the wind caves are an easy day trip from Miri. Many tours will include both caves on a day trip from Miri.   Be sure to wear good footwear as the caves have many bats (which usually means bat poop) as well as many steps. It’s possible to visit both caves independently.

Optional side trip from Miri: Kelabit Highlands / Bario (2-3 days)

For those interested in cultural travel, Bario needs to be on your list.  I was lucky enough to try Bario pineapple and rice while I was in Miri.

Bario is a remote community that can be reached by plane from Miri.  It is the main settlement for the Kelabit tribe.   It’s a great base for adventure travel if you’re interested in cultural travel as well as trekking.

We heard amazing things about Bario and I want to go to Bario on my next trip, not just for the pineapple (which was pretty delicious).  I tried Kelabit food while in Miri and it was delicious as well as quite different than what I was used to. Bario recently got electricity.

Kuching (2 days)

I was entranced by Kuching, which has a mix of ethnic groups.  I loved the blend of cultures, the architecture, the cats ( Kuching means cat in Malay ), and the food .

Kuching is the gateway to Sarawak and anyone interested in learning about the many indigenous tribes of Malaysia will be fascinated by Kuching.  You’ll also find a lot of fantastic food in Kuching!

If you intend to visit Bako National Park, you’re better off staying in the city of Kuching prior to your departure. Kuching is perfect for 1-2 days of relaxing, non-stop eating, and admiring the city’s adorable shops.

Although I’m not a fan of Uber, it was very easy getting around Kuching via Uber with lots of friendly drivers.  Take the shuttle bus to Bako National Park from Kuching!   You can easily find budget flights from Miri to Kuching.

Optional half day trip from Kuching: Sarawak Cultural Village

Sarawak Cultural Village, very close to Taman Negara Santubong, is a “living museum” where you can see traditional architecture via seven traditional houses and learn about life in the longhouses.  It’s certainly a must-see if you’re interested in cultural travel as it’s a great introduction to the rich culture and history of the region’s ethnic groups.

Optional trip from Kuching: Taman Negara Santubong (2-3 days)

We stayed outside of Kuching.  The mountain and rainforest close to Kuching (Santubong National Park) is relatively untouched and great for trekking (you need a guide), however it’s best noted that it’s expensive getting from this area to Bako National Park without a taxi.

It’s possible to hire a boat to take you from Taman Negara Santubong to Bako National Park via most of the resorts, but this is not a cheap option.   I’d recommend doing this as a day trip from Kuching instead of staying overnight.

Day trip from Kuching (if you’re lucky enough) (1-2 days)

In  Gunung Gading National Park , you can see one of the world’s largest and rarest flowers in bloom.  We were told that you need to need to ask around carefully beforehand to ensure that the rafflesia is in bloom prior to going there.  You don’t have that much time to see them if they’re in bloom, so keep an eye out.

Bako National Park (3 days)

Bako National Park is one of the gems of Borneo and you must put Bako on your Borneo itinerary.  A lot of people come here as part of a day trip from Kuching, however if you don’t stay overnight, you’ll miss out on the most incredible experience of all: 10 ringgit ($2.50 USD) wildlife night walks with the experienced rangers who will help you spot flying lemurs and other creatures of the night.

The trekking in Bako National Park is fantastic, so even if you have limited time (and can only do a day trip to Bako National Park), be sure to go hiking.

The more remote parts of the island and longest hikes on Bako National Park require taking a boat with one of the rangers to the starting point of the hikes, so be sure to bring extra money for the boat ride to/from the park as well as any additional boat rides that you intend to take.

I think that Bako National Park is one of the easiest ways to experience nature in Borneo even if you’re not a big hiker as some of the trails are easy enough (boardwalk only ) that even non-hikers can enjoy some of the unique ecosystems on the island.

Within Bako National Park, you’ll find seven distinct ecosystems, remote beaches, amazing views, and  not that many people considering that this is one of Borneo’s most famous national parks.

It’s still rainforest, but I loved that the park had such drastically different ecosystems compared to other parts of Borneo that I visited during my trip.   After visiting Bako National Park, it’s easy to fly to a number of cities in Malaysia from Kuching via AirAsia as well as continue your trip deeper into Sarawak. 

You can read my tips for visiting Bako National Park here.

…And that’s it for my two week itinerary for Borneo!  

• Click for my tips on a realistic guide to pack for Borneo.
• Tips for visiting Brunei

Have you been to Borneo? 

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

March 10, 2018 at 10:44 am

Such an extensive list and research. I’m definitely saving this later. As I live in Thailand, I might actually be able to execute this in the not too distant future.

March 10, 2018 at 6:39 pm

Borneo looks incredible! Your photos capture the colors and vibe perfectly! Thanks for sharing.

March 10, 2018 at 6:50 pm

Borneo is so high on our bucket list! Dying to get there. Bako National Park looks insanely good – and the night walk sounds like a totally unique experience. Thanks for sharing!

March 10, 2018 at 11:30 pm

What an amazing collection of experiences, especially all the time with nature and animals. And the cultural village sounds like a great way to learn more about local history and perspectives. What an incredible way to explore Borneo!

[…] Click for tips on things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan, visiting Ulu Temburong National Park, my complete Borneo itinerary, or an insider’s guide to […]

[…] in mind that my itinerary for Borneo was a diverse one, including a mix of cities as well as trekking.  I’d say that I spent most of […]

[…] in Brunei? Click for general tips on travel in Brunei (including what to wear in Brunei), my itinerary for Borneo, and non-boring guide to things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei with a unique […]

[…] Click for my complete itinerary for Borneo! […]

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Drifting Pretty

A travel and lifestyle blog dedicated to the jet-setting, wander-lusting, road-trippin’ life

Borneo Itinerary: The Perfect 2 Week Adventure Guide

January 20, 2021

By Simone Shomaker.

I don’t know about you, but the social distancing and time spent home on the couch has me daydreaming about past travel, and feeling hopeful about travel in the future. In light of that, I wanted to write a blog post about one of my favorite trips I have taken to date…Borneo, Malaysia. Keep reading for my full Borneo itinerary, the ultimate 2 week adventure guide!

From the reefs to the jungles…

Sepilok orangutan conservation center & bornean sun bear conservation center, borneo, malaysia.

You can imagine how excited I was when my fiancé Jacob said he wanted to take a big trip to celebrate finishing his PhD and officially becoming a doctor! After lots of research, we landed on Borneo, a rugged island in Asia boasting immediate access to remote nature. Borneo is the largest island in Asia and the third largest world wide, spanning across three nations: Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. Borneo is often featured on “Planet Earth” and is known for its pristine beaches, the oldest rainforests on the planet, extensive underground cave systems, and rare wildlife. It is home to rare species such as clouded leopards, pygmy elephants, orangutans and many more…. 

Borneo Travel Tips

Before I dive into the fun part, here are a few quick things to note about traveling to Borneo. This is not a trip I would recommend to anyone if you want luxury resorts or a “sipping tropical cocktails by the pool” vacation, this is very much a remote adventure travel destination…

SHOP OUR SUITCASE

1- You can not drink the water here. Bring a water filter or buy bottled water.

2- Bring insect repellent, and lots of it! Malaria and Dengue are a concern here, we stocked up on anti malarial prophylactics as a preventative measure.

3- Be careful what you eat, as with other countries lacking water purification capabilities, the food can also transmit waterborne bacteria, especially fresh fruit and vegetables. We recommend eating cooked veggies and fruit that has to be peeled.

4- People speak some English, but not everyone does and communication can be a bit tricky, especially if you are going off the grid as we did. 

5- Bring a rain jacket and tall socks to help prevent leeches when hiking in the rainforest. 

6- Time to unplug! Wifi is spotty. It does the soul good to disconnect for a while.

7- Borneo is a really huge island, traveling around takes time. Flights are the quickest way as buses can take 6+ hours or more in some cases. Also we were not able to make it to some of the places we wanted to because flights/boats/shuttles were only offered once a week. Plan accordingly!

9- Bring binoculars so you can see all the amazing wildlife- you will be happy you did!

Borneo Itinerary

While we were on Borneo we hopped around quite a bit. Here is our itinerary:

-Arrive at Tawau Airport, drive to Semporna, Sabah (1 hour drive)

-Go from Semporna to the water house by boat (30 min boat ride)

-Return to Tawau Airport and fly to Sandakan (spend 1-2 days in Sandakan)

-Sandakan to Kinabatangan Rainforest (stop along the way at Orangutan & Sun Bear Sanctuary)

-Kinabatangan River, in Bilit, spend 3-4 days

-Kinabatangan to Sandakan

-Sandakan to Selingan Turtle Island by boat (3 hour boat ride)

-Selingan Turtle Island Conservation Center, spend 2 days here

-Return from Turtle Island to Sandakan

-Sandakan to Mainland Malaysia stay tuned for another blog post about this!

Where to Stay in Semporna, Sabah, Borneo

Semporna was the highlight of our trip. We ventured off the beaten path and stayed in a traditional water house. This was a really unique experience, which I highly recommend to anyone who loves the ocean. You can see the water below your room through the cracks in the wood floor, and hear/feel the ocean rock you to sleep. The houses are built on stilts over the water off shore. Fair warning, it is a bit rugged, but you can’t beat jumping off your porch straight into the ocean on the middle of a beautiful coral reef. To get here, we were picked up by boat from the docks of Semporna by our  Airbnb host. It was about a 20 minute boat ride along the coast and out to the reef. We found this amazing Airbnb Maglami Lami Waterhouse which is owned by a lovely family who live there as well.  They cook three delicious meals a day for you which is included in the accommodation cost. They also can arrange to charter a boat for you for fun day trips! 

What to Do in Semporna, Borneo

Visit the bajau laut, sea gypsy community.

Each day we got picked up by boat  for various day trips. One of our highlights was getting to see the Bajau Laut, sometimes known as the sea gypsies or sea nomads. This was an amazing and humbling experience. These people are nomadic and live solely off of the ocean. They live in huts over the sea and have no connection to the modern world. They are highly skilled free divers who forage for their food underwater. The ocean is their sole source of food. Scientific studies have even shown that they have evolved larger spleens to help them more efficiently carry oxygen and hold their breath. They are said to potentially be the last generation of sea gypsies because of climate change, pollution and overfishing threatening their daily existence. Getting a glimpse of their world is a very touching reminder that our impacts span far across the globe to places and people most don’t even realize exist.

Bohey Dulang Hike

From the Bajau Laut, we took a short boat ride to the famous and picturesque Bohey Dulang hike. This was one of the views we looked forward to seeing the most. When we got there we were disappointed to see an overwhelming number of boats carrying tourists. The hike itself was extremely overcrowded and regimented, each group had a guide and it was a single file line all the way up. Despite the overcrowding, the views were absolutely insane and it is still worth a visit. After the hike, enjoy the day snorkeling and freediving around the beautiful island to cool off!

Island Hopping near Semporna, Borneo

Off the coast of Semporna, Sabah has no shortage of beautiful islands and great snorkeling/freediving. We highly recommend visiting as many as possible including Mataking Island, Pom Pom Island, Mabul Island, and our next favorite, Sipadan Island.

Scuba Diving in Sipadan Island

Widely touted as one of the top dives of the world, we had to go check it out. A little about me, I love scuba diving and my fiancé is a marine ecologist. We have dove all over the world, and have been lucky enough to dive at many highly regarded sites. Sipadan definitely lived up to the hype! You have to get a lottery permit to dive here, and the government only issues a limited number of permits per day. They do this in order to preserve the marine ecosystem. We were lucky enough to score a day-of permit at the last minute, but I recommend trying to book one well in advance through one of the local dive shops in Semporna, or on Mabul Island . It is a several hour boat ride from Semporna to get to Sipadan, however it was well worth it and you won’t be disappointed. It was a dive filled to the brim with huge megafauna! For those of you without a marine biology background, think of giant bumphead parrotfish, huge green sea turtles, underwater tornadoes of giant barracuda, and reef sharks galore, what a treat! In between dives we got to relax and explore the beautiful island above water. I recommend bringing your own dive computer if you have one, the resort has a very small supply!

What to Do in Sandakan, Sabah, Borneo

Sandakan is the second largest city in the state of Sabah, and is full of history. I recommend stopping over here for one full day to take in some of the sights. It is also the gateway to get to the Kinabatangan River and Selingan Turtle Island. This was not my favorite stop of the trip, but there are some worthwhile things to see and do, and the cutest street puppies live here! We hired a driver for the day through our Airbnb host who took us all around town. This was very convenient because there are many quick stops worth seeing, and we got a local tour! We stayed right in the downtown area along the river at a no frills Airbnb which was convenient to walk to restaurants and check out some of the vegetable and seafood local markets.

Visit the Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Center and Gomantong Cave

We visited the Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Center and Gomantong Cave. The cave was very breathtaking from the outside, but if you are anything like me (and are terrified of roaches) you won’t want to venture too far inside. We were lucky enough to spot wild Orangutans on the walk to the cave which was absolutely magical.

Sandakan Memorial Park

There is a lot of history from Word War II in Sandakan. Take a walk through the beautiful and eerie Sandakan Memorial Park, this is one of the locations where the infamous death marches took place when the Japanese invaded Sandakan. Nearby, is a historical house built before the war that has been converted into a museum, and after you stroll through there you can go visit the English Tea House and Restaurant for a lovely scone and the cutest street puppies roaming the grounds (I almost brought one home with me!). 

Sam Sing Kung Temple, Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple and the Buli Sim Sim Water Village

Our next stops on our Sandakan day tour were two temples that our guide recommended: Sam Sing Kung Temple and my personal favorite of the two, the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple. Both temples are beautiful and worth seeing. Sing Kung is a small local temple with rustic charm, compared to Puu Jih Shih Temple, which is perfectly landscaped and quite extensive. There is a large Chinese population in Sandakan, and they live in the Buli Sim Sim water village which is built on stilts over the water. This was very interesting to visit, but hard to see in some ways due to the pollution they were living in. They have a famous Sim Sim Seafood Restaurant here that is popular with tourists from Asia because of the rare items on the menu. I felt quite uncomfortable inside this restaurant to be honest but it was eye opening to see some of the seafood that was being served and considered to be a delicacy.

Have a Drink at Balin Roof Garden

After our full day of adventuring, we found a wonderful rooftop bar called Balin Roof Garden , they also double as a pizza restaurant (a welcome change up after having noodles for every meal!). The bar turned out to be my favorite one of the whole trip and they had incredible espresso martinis in the cutest atmosphere!

On the way to the Kinabatangan River, we stopped at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center . The Sepilok Orangutan Center was a wonderful experience. You can sit and watch orangutans up close and personal as they go about their daily life. We even got to see some wild ones out in the park as we walked around. Be sure to catch feeding time while you are there, it was quite a sight! Conveniently located across the street is the Sun Bear Conservation Center. The sun bear is the smallest bear on the planet, and quite adorable! They are the size of a large dog, and get their name for their love of lounging in the sun. Definitely a must see!

Kinabatangan River Cruise

Next up, we scheduled a multi day trip into the rainforest in search of monkeys, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards and crocodiles. We chose Bilit Rainforest Lodge for our accommodation, which was rustic and jungly but oh so cool, and built on stilts on the edge of the river (due to the high amount of rain/flooding the area experiences). It takes about 2 hours to get here from Sandakan by car, and then you cross the river by boat. The river is massive! Each day we went on several river cruises and even a nighttime cruise. As you boat down the river, your guide will point out all the magical wildlife. We never caught a glimpse of the rare pygmy elephant, but were blown away by so many different kinds of monkeys (orangutans & proboscis to name a few), crocodiles, pythons, many species of birds, and lush riverside landscapes. Be sure to pack your mossie repellent for this spot! During your down time there are many places to take a jungle stroll (don’t forget the leech socks!), or read a book while you sit in your private hammock!  

Selingan Turtle Island

This was one of my most favorite parts of the whole trip. We opted for a conservation based experience for our last few days on Borneo. This was quite fitting being that Jacob is a marine biologist/ecologist and my college degree was a Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology. The Selingan Turtle Island has been fully dedicated to turtle conservation. They offer packages for people to come learn about sea turtles and be a part of the conservation experience. While there, you can lounge on the beach while looking across the ocean at the neighboring islands of the Philippines. At night you are taken on guided and monitored missions to watch mama turtles lay their eggs using red lights that don’t disturb them. You then watch the process as they collect the eggs and take them to a protected hatchery. They have a guard who watches over the nursery 24/7 to make sure that no one poaches the eggs, and that no critters eat the eggs. When it’s time, they hatch into the cutest little babies and are released back into the wild. With all the threats that turtles face as a species, it was great to be a part of this and see locals who are so dedicated and invested in saving them.

Borneo Conservation

That concludes our wonderful time in Borneo. It was truly one of the coolest trips I have taken, so rugged, raw, and filled with rare wildlife. I hope that you get a chance to visit here someday! I want to take a moment to mention that deforestation is a huge concern here, and has decimated fifty percent of these ancient and biodiverse rainforests. Palm oil plantations and illegal logging are some of the biggest culprits. If you want to learn more and donate to the cause, check out World Wildlife Fund . Also consider donating to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center . I can only imagine how much these facilities are hurting with the lack of tourism from COVID-19. Thank you and stay tuned for my next post on mainland Malaysia!

I wanted to also thank my love Jacob Eurich @jacobeurich for all of the amazing photos he is always taking for me. If you are interested in marine conservation and photography give him a follow and check out his website https://www.jacobeurich.com/ . He is doing amazing things to change the world!

Have you been to Borneo and have any additional recommendations for us? Comment below!

Danielle and Simone

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3 Weeks in Borneo Itinerary

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Borneo is the largest island in Asia and the third largest island in the world and is divided into three countries: Indonesia , Malaysia, and Brunei. Borneo is a top destination in Southeast Asia because of its rich wildlife, various bodies of water, and fine sand.

With over 15,000 varieties of plant species, Borneo is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Borneo is also home to Southeast Asia’s tallest mountain, the largest flower, and the unique Orangutan species that can only be found in the rainforests here.

Since it is filled with rivers and jungles, there are tons of exceptional accommodations that you would surely enjoy. Since this region has so much to offer, 3 weeks in Borneo is ideal for exploring this area.

TIP: If you want to explore mainland Malaysia only check our 3 weeks in Malaysia itinerary

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO BORNEO

When planning and writin g your travel itinerary, you might find yourself with some questions on basic things such as the best time to visit Borneo, a budget range, and what to pack. To help you with that, I answered some of the most basic yet vital questions below.

When is the best time to go to Borneo

Borneo experiences rain throughout the year, so the dry season depends on the area you want to visit. Sabah is driest between January to May, Sarawak from March to September, and Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, and Derawan Islands receive less rain from July to October.

The general typhoon season for Borneo is from September to February and must be avoided, not only because it’s dangerous but also because most attractions will be closed anyway. Borneo’s peak season is during one of its hottest months, August.

Are 3 weeks enough for Borneo

There are tons of natural wonders to explore in this country, such as caves, jungles and diverse species, so you wouldn’t run out of things to do even if you stay for 20 days in Borneo. However, planning your trip might be tricky as it is less developed than the Western Peninsular. That’s why I came up with an itinerary perfect for a 3-week vacation.

What to pack

Many activities in Borneo include hiking in dense forests, visiting historical and cultural sites, and spending time on the beach. If these things are in your itinerary, here are some things that you must bring yourself instead of buying when you arrive in Borneo:

• mosquito repellent – deet-free can be hard to find in Borneo
• waterproof hiking shoes
• hiking clothes
• waterproof hiking backpack
• prescribed medications

Malaysian, Brunei, and Indonesia have a significant population practicing Islam. Many areas will require you to dress modestly, such as covering your shoulders, head, and lower body. Make sure to bring long trousers, a long shirt, and a lightweight scarf for situations like this.

We have a packing list for a 3-week trip that might help you with your checklist. You can also check our collection of different packing lists depending on the season – these are all suitable for a 20-day vacation.

How to get around

Aside from planes, other modes of transportation in Borneo include buses, taxis, boats, and ojek or Grab’s motorcycle taxis. The bus is the cheapest and the most widely used mode of transport here, but if you are in a rush and have more budget, taxis are generally faster. There are pickup and dropoff points in various establishments, and you could also hail taxis online through local e-hailing services.

Language and currency

Borneo’s most commonly used language is Bahasa Malaysia. Other widely spoken languages include Chinese, Tamil, and English.

The currencies in Borneo are the Indonesian Rupiah, Malaysian Ringgit, and Brunei Dollar. Credit cards are accepted in most cafes and major hotels, and restaurants. However, it is more advisable to bring cash as some local establishments only accept cash.

American Express isn’t widely used if you’re planning to pay via credit card, as Visa and Mastercard are Borneo’s most commonly used credit cards.

Average travel cost for 3 weeks in Borneo

Borneo is an affordable destination. This means that your travel budget for this trip can go a long way. The flight to Borneo can be expensive, especially if you’re coming from the Americas, Africa, and Europe.

But once you get here, a budget of $1,400 per person for a 3-week trip is ideal. You can enjoy a private room, guided tours, and a comfortable mode of transportation. If you’re on a backpacker budget, you can bring that number down to $800, but it means you have to sleep on a bunk bed in a dorm room.

If you have the means to go on a luxury trip, $2,000 is an ideal number. This will allow you to stay in luxury resorts and dine at nicer restaurants. Keep in mind, though, that these numbers don’t include your flights to and from Borneo, travel insurance, and travel gear.

For this trip, you will be visiting three countries since Borneo Island is shared by these governments: Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. So, you should look at visa policies for each country. But don’t worry, it’s quite easy.

For Malaysia (Sabah, the northern region of Brunei) , pretty much all foreign visitors can enter and travel from 14 days up to 90 days, depending on your passport. China and countries in South Asia must get an evisa or can receive a visa on arrival , which is valid for 14 days.

The few countries that require a visa from a Malaysian Embassy or Consulate are Colombia, Afghanistan, and most countries in Central and West Africa.

For Brunei, it’s a little more challenging . Foreign travellers with passports from the US, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, the EU, ASEAN, Oman, Peru, Suriname, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea can enjoy visa-free entry to Brunei from 14 days to 90 days.

China can receive a visa on arrival for 14 days, while Australia and Saudi Arabia’s visa-on-arrival is for 30 days. The rest must get a visa from an Embassy or Consulate of Brunei.

Finally, for Indonesia (Sarawak), it’s also easy . If your nationality is from North America, Latin America, the EU, Australia, New Zealand, West Morrocco, Southeast Africa, India, Russia, Central Asia, China, Japan, and South Korea, you can get an eVOA or a regular visa upon arrival. It is valid for 30 days.

ASEAN members can enjoy 30 days visa-free . Travellers from Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, parts of the Caribbean, most parts of the Gulf countries, Mongolia, and most parts of Africa, you have to apply for a visa from an Indonesian Embassy or Consulate near ou.

Other travel tips

Although tourists do not run over Borneo, arranging your travel plans in advance is still recommended, especially if you wish to go during peak season. Here’s a list of my favourite travel sites to look for the best accommodations, tours, and transportation. Many offer a free cancellation which is great if your plans are yet to be finalised.

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN BORNEO

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN BORNEO ITINERARY

Northern Borneo offers heritage sites, natural sites, museums, mosques, and natural wonders featuring many endangered species under the government’s care. You can follow the itinerary as is or do it in reverse, as there’s also a flight between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur.

>> ALSO CHECK: 3 weeks in the Philippines and 3 weeks in Thailand

Sandakan for 4 days

Sandakan is a less prominent place compared to other places on this list. However, it is perfect as a starting point for your trip as there’s a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan, which is very convenient for locals and tourists alike. Sandakan is perfect for those who love outdoor adventures, as you can do tons of activities here, such as hiking and water activities.

Aside from that, it offers many historical sites if you are a history buff. There are also day trips from Sandakan if you have extra time.

Things to do in Sandakan

• Sandakan Heritage Trail walking tour
• Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Center
• Kinabatangan River – book a 3D2N stay
• Rainforest Discovery Center
• Sandakan Memorial Park
• Sandakan Heritage Museum
• Sam Sing Kung Temple
• English Tea House
• Puh Ji Shih Temple
• See all Sandakan tours

Accommodations in Sandakan

• Affordable to Mid-range: AeCOTEL or Sabah Hotel or The Elopura Hotel

Kota Kinabalu/Sabah for 4 days

Kota Kinabalu is the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia. It is a significant tourist destination and gateway to Borneo and Sabah. It is one of the industrial and commercial centres in East Malaysia, and it’s also where one of Southeast Asia’s tallest mountains, Mount Kinabalu, can be found.

Aside from that, this area is also filled with rainforests, hiking trails, and scenic beaches.

The fastest way to get to Kota Kinabalu is by flying, which takes more than an hour. The distance between Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu is 222 km. Other alternative options are driving or riding the bus.

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

• Kota Kinabalu City Park – book a city tour or this park tour with hot spring
• Green Connection Aquarium
• Mount Kinabalu – read the reviews on this mountain farm day tour
• Atkinson Tower
• Bongawan Mangrove River – there’s a river cruise with a fireflies tour you can book
• Tanjung Aru Beach
• Kokol Hill Elf – check the tour price first
• Signal Hill Observatory Platform
• Go snorkelling – check this tour
• Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
• Mari Mari Village – visit a cultural village with a tour guide along Klias River
• Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
• Seusup Mangrove – go kayaking for sunset or sunrise

Accommodations in Kota Kinabalu

• Affordable: AC Residence or A Residence or CJ Residence
• Mid-range: Jesselton Quay or Hilton Kota Kinabalu or Maison life 小居屋 The Loft Imago
• Luxury: Hyatt Centric or Le Meridien or The Aru Hotel at Aru Suites

Labuan Island for 4 days

Labuan, also known as Pearl of Borneo, is a low-lying and well-cultivated island with an extensive road network and a large airfield. This place is well-known by the locals but not among the foreign visitors, which makes it a perfect destination for those who want lesser crowds. It is also a haven for scuba divers.

Flying is the easiest way to reach Labuan from Kota Kinabalu, with an approximate flying time of 40 minutes. Other alternative options are taking the ferry or driving.

Things to do in Labuan Island

• Scuba Diving
• Labuan Marine Museum
• Labuan Clock Tower
• Ramsey Point
• Labuan Botanical Garden
• Labuan Bird Park
• The Water Village
• Pohon Batu Beach

Accommodations in Labuan Island

• Affordable to Mid-range: Mariner Hotel or Hotel Labuan Point or Labuan Avenue Hotel

Brunei for 4 days

Brunei is a country located on the north coast of the island of Borneo. It is the third-largest oil producer and is considered to be the most observant Islamic nation in Southeast Asia. There are also about 35 plant species that can only be found here.

You’ll be able to reach the port of Serasa in Brunei if you’re coming from Labuan Island via ferry. Before going to Brunei, ensure you obtain Brunei Dollars, as this is an entirely different country.

Things to do in Brunei

• Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien
• Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum – explore with a half-day city tour in Bandar Seri Begawan
• Kampong Ayer
• Ulu Temburong
• Proboscis Monkey – go on a tour to see these incredible monkeys
• Wreck and Macro diving
• Jerudong Park
• Water Villages – join a water village tour, see the price first
• Nurul Istana Royal Palace
• Try out their local ambuyat dish

Accommodations in Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan)

• Affordable:

Kuching/Sarawak for 3 days

Kuching is the capital and the most populous city in Sarawak. It is a major food destination and is a member of UNESCO’s creative cities network under gastronomy. It is also the main gateway for people travelling to Borneo and Sarawak. This city is filled with biodiversity and is unique because it has many museums, historical sights, and national parks.

The most recommended mode of transportation from Brunei to Kuching is flying. The flight from Miri to Kuching lasts more than an hour and covers 513 km. Other options include riding the bus or driving.

Things to do in Kuching/Sarawak

• Astana Negeri
• Bako National Park – visit with a stop at Sea Stack Rock Formation, read the tour reviews or this one with night safari walk
• Kuching City Mosque
• Semeggoh Wildlife Centre – join a half-day trip from Kuching to see orangutans
• Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple
• Sarawak Cultural Village – check this tour or this one with a dolphin mangrove cruise
• Old Courthouse
• Rainforest World Music Festival
• Satang Island – there’s a dolphin-watching boat tour
• Fort Margherita
• Annah Rais Longhouse – book a tour for this visit with a local guide
• Ganung Gading Naational Park

Accommodations in Kuching

• Affordable to Mid-range: Imperial Hotel Kuching or Raia Hotel & Convention Centre or DeHome Boutique Hotel

Bonus Places To See

We’ve already covered many places to add to your three-week itinerary in Borneo. However, if you prefer places with fewer crowds or just want to modify some of the sites included in the itinerary above, I added a couple more areas you could explore.

Miri is a small city near the Southern border of Brunei. It is the leading tourist destination for a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also home to numerous national parks, secret diving spots, and magical beaches that look picture-perfect because of bioluminescent planktons.

Things to do in Miri

• Grand Old Lady
• Miri City Fan Recreation Park
• Pantai Tanjung Lobang
• Tua Pek Kong Temple
• Saberkas Weekend Market
• Mulu National Park
• Lambir Hills National Park

Accommodations in Miri

• Affordable to Mid-range: Amigo Hotel or Kingwood Boutique Hotel or Pullman Miri Waterfront

Bintulu is a coastal town on the island of Borneo. Its port is the busiest in Sarawak, and the town is connected to Samalajau Industrial Park. This laidback industrial town between Sibu and Miri is well-known for producing most of Malaysia’s liquified natural gas supply.

Things to do in Bintulu

• Tanjung Batu Beach
• Taman Tumbina
• Bintulu Night Market
• Jepak Village
• Borneo International Kite Festival
• Council Negeri Memorial Bintulu

Accommodations in Bintulu

• Affordable to Mid-range: Amigo Hotel or Inn86 or The Velton Inn

Sibu is a landlocked city in the Sarawak region. It is approximately 60 km from the South China Sea and 191.5 km from Kuching. Sibu is famous for its riverine towns and Iban and Orang Ulu longhouses. The tallest building and one of the longest river bridges in Sarawak can also be found here.

Things to do in Sibu

• Wisma Sanyan
• Lanang Bridge
• Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum
• Sibu Heritage Center
• Jade Dragon Temple
• Bukit Lima Forest Park
• Borneo Cultural Festival
• Sibu International Dance Festival
• Affordable to Mid-range: Starlink Hotel or OTEL Hotel Suite or Win Hotel

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN BORNEO ITINERARY

Borneo is one of Asia’s natural gems that a traveller shouldn’t miss. It has sandy beaches, dramatic mountain peaks, jungles densely covered with diverse plants and trees, and rainforests rumoured to be around 130 million years old.

Aside from enchanting natural wonders, they also have many preserved historical sites, activities, and festivals that you surely wouldn’t want to miss throughout the year. With everything this country offers, one must stay 3 weeks in Borneo.

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Home » Travel Guides » Malaysia » 25 Best Things to Do in Borneo

25 Best Things to Do in Borneo

Borneo is the planet’s third largest island (after Greenland and New Guinea).

More than 15,000 species of plants live in the 130-million-year-old rainforests. Hundreds of mammals including both orangutans and proboscis monkeys thrive in the dense jungles.

Add dozens of tropical islands, thousands of kilometers of beaches and Malaysia’s tallest mountain.

Borneo splits between three countries.

Malaysian Sabah and Sarawak covers approximately one-quarter. Indonesian Kalimantan spreads across most of the rest. Brunei Darussalam, one of the world’s least visited countries, is sandwiched between Sarawak.

Crazy Tourist identifies the 25 best things to do in Borneo for jungles, mountain climbing and scuba diving.

1. Scale Borneo’s tallest mountain (Sabah)

Mount Kinabalu is the highest point between New Guinea and the Himalayas.

At 4,095 meters (13,435 feet), the granite giant dominates Sabah’s skyline.

Scaling this mountain usually features on travel itineraries to Malaysian Borneo. Hikers complete a two-day expedition to the summit and stay overnight in a mountainside hostel.

Next morning, hikers wake at 2:00am and climb to the top in time for the sunrise.

Only a limited number of travelers can hike each day and places usually fill up months in advance.

Mount Kinabalu offers more than just the challenge and spectacular views.

Sabah’s indigenous peoples have deep cultural ties to this mountain. Kadazan-Dusun communities once believed their ancestors rest on Kinabalu after death.

2. Danum Valley: Borneo’s biodiversity hotspot (Sabah)

The name Borneo elicits images of rainforests, wildlife and biodiversity.

Nothing meets these expectations more than Danum Valley in eastern Sabah.

The 130-million-year-old jungle has changed little in its long lifetime.

Flourishing environments provide habitats for almost half the world’s animals and plants. This includes orangutans, pygmy elephants and meat-eating pitcher plants.

Danum Valley is two hours along logging roads from the nearest town.

The center combines a cutting-edge research facility with an ecotourism destination.

Travelers can go jungle trekking with some of Borneo’s most experienced guides. Or search for wildlife on a night safari.

3. Proboscis monkeys on the Kinabatangan River (Sabah)

The Kinabatangan River meanders 560 kilometers (348 miles) through the jungle in eastern Sabah.

Millions of animals and plants live in the verdant landscapes surrounding the muddy flow of water.

Small communities of endemic proboscis monkeys live in certain channels. Estimates suggest only 7,000 of the pot-bellied and long-nosed primates remain on the planet.

The most convenient way to reach the Kinabatangan River is from Sandakan. Spend the night in the riverside bungalows.

River cruises take passengers to see primates, crocodiles and tropical birds.

4. Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital, shares its coastline with five tropical islands.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a favorite day trip.

Most of the hundreds of daily tourists head to Manukan for its beaches and crystal clear water.

More adventurous ones travel to Gaya, the marine park’s largest island. Visitors can explore a floating village, hike along trails and climb hills for panoramic views of the mini-archipelago.

Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug offer empty beaches, clear water for snorkeling and fewer people.

Regular ferries leave Kota Kinabalu’s Jesselton Point to each island. Or go island-hopping and visit all five in a single day.

5. Spend the night on an (almost) desert island (Sabah)

Sabah’s Pulau Tiga, translating to Three Islands, hosted Season One of reality TV show Survivor.

Flash forward from 2000 to the present.

Rather than a deserted island fit only for survivalists, Pulau Tiga has embraced its global fame.

Day-trippers visit from nearby Kota Kinabalu. Tourists can explore the beaches featured on Survivor and discover rare mud volcanoes.

Almost every tourist disappears in the late afternoon leaving only a handful of people on the island.

This is when the real magic begins. You really feel like you’re on a desert island.

Splash out and spend the night in the ultra-luxurious Pulau Tiga Resort.

Ferries leave from Jesselton Point.

6. Sepilok’s Baby Orangutans (Sabah)

Sabah’s lucrative timber industry leads to widespread deforestation. Orangutans lose their habitats.

Malicious business owners view these critically endangered primates as pests and actively hunt them.

This leaves the young and vulnerable without their parents or the skills to survive alone.

Sepilok rehabilitation center adopts and cares for orphaned orangutans.

Approximately 80 live inside the semi-wild enclosure.

Visit during feeding time (10:00am and 3:00pm) and watch the little orange haired monkeys swing in the branches.

Sepilok invests all its funds to caring for the orangutans.

7. Sabah’s metropolitan capital on the sea (Sabah)

Kota Kinabalu, or KK for short, sits on the South China Sea in west Sabah.

KK provides convenient access to Mount Kinabalu, tropical islands and Sabah’s highlands.

The city itself is microscopic compared to Kuala Lumpur. Nature surrounds the open spaces a few minutes from the city center.

Likas Bay’s Floating Mosque is the capital’s most majestic attraction. An artificial lagoon surrounds the blue and white structure giving the illusion that it’s floating.

Tanjung Aru, the city’s best beach, is a prime spot to watch the famous Bornean sunset.

Head to Gaya Street for food and entertainment.

8. Borneo’s best diving on Sipidan Island (Sabah)

Diving enthusiasts around the globe know about Sabah’s Sipidan Island.

The limestone pinnacle off the eastern coast ranks as one of the planet’s best places for diving.

PADI-certified scubas submerge into a marine world unlike any other in Southeast Asia.

Sprawling coral reefs thrive in the unpolluted and undisturbed waters. Schools of barracuda swarm while curious parrotfish swim nearby.

Turtles swim on the surface while basking in the warm tropical waters.

Sipadan issues 120 diving permits per day, which usually sell out several months before the allocated time.

Take the ferry (one hour) from Semporna in East Sabah to Sipadan Island.

9. Sabah’s secret lagoon (Sabah)

According to tourists, Bohey Dulang is among the most spectacular parts of Borneo.

A prehistoric volcanic eruption formed the mountainous island in east Sabah’s Celebes Sea. This created the spectacular lagoon known as Bohey Dulang.

Cross the small channel separating the lagoon from Bodgaya Island.

Follow the trails to the peak at 353 meters (1,158) feet. Marvel at the sapphire-blue lagoon below.

Other paths lead to natural pools, waterfalls and pristine stretches of coastline.

Bajau Laut, often called the Sea Nomads, live in the nearby stilted village.

10. Borneo’s most mysterious national park (Sarawak)

Gunung Mulu (Mount Mulu) has Sarawak’s most unusual (and spooky) landscapes.

Jagged limestone pinnacles point skywards next to towering mountains. Eerie trees tangle and intertwine to guard entrances into deep caves.

Gunung Mulu National Park ticks all the criteria for the adventurous ecotourist.

Jungle trails lead towards the mountaintops. Or follow the paths through the never-ending cave systems. Photographers revel in the contrasts.

Inside the caves, Sarawak Chamber is the world’s largest known cavity.

The protected region is far from civilization and human interference.

Travelers need to take a short chartered flight from nearby Miri. Otherwise the journey takes two days through the forest and along rivers.

Accommodation is available at Gunung Mulu.

11. Sarawak’s most accessible caves (Sarawak)

Sarawak has a nationwide reputation for caves.

The state has thousands of kilometers of passageways which traverse through the limestone cliffs.

Niah Caves near Miri is both the most accessible and tourist-friendly ones to visit in Sarawak.

Check out both Moon Cave and Great Cave. Guided tours will take you to both.

Or see some of Malaysia’s oldest cave paintings inside the not-so-creatively named Painted Cave.

Malaysia’s oldest human skeleton (40,000 years old) was discovered here too.

Spend the night in Miri. Rent a car and drive 85 kilometers (53 miles) south of Miri. Or join an organized tour.

12. Unusual rock formations at Tusan Cliff (Sarawak)

Tusan Cliff Beach sits along the South China Sea. A magnificent stretch of (almost) empty coastline is a canvas for the weird rock formations in the distance.

Sugar-like golden sand stretches against the almost vertical yellow sandstone cliffs. Gentle waves roll in from the azure-blue sea.

Gaze down the coast and (with a bit of imagination) you’ll see the ‘horse’s head’. This rock looks like a horse drinking from the sea.

The beach is about 39 kilometers (24.2 miles) to the south of Miri.

13. Proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park (Sarawak)

Bako National Park showcases the best of Sarawak’s jungle.

The relatively small protected area is approximately one hour north of capital Kuching.

Apart from countless hiking trails, Bako has beaches, cliffs and waterfalls.

Mangroves creep inland between the sea and lush rainforests. Boat tours cruises through these eerie labyrinths.

A small population of Proboscis monkeys live in the forest near Park HQ. Travelers have a high chance of seeing these rare and unusual primates.

Bako National Park is Sarawak’s most accessible rainforest.

14. Kuching: The colonial city of cats (Sarawak)

Capital Kuching in western Sarawak has an uncanny affiliation with felines.

The name itself phonetically resembles the Malay word for cat (Kucing). Dozens of cat statues and tabby-friendly cafés fill the city.

Aside from this quirky connection, Kuching is Sarawak’s colonial gem.

The exotic-sounding White Rajahs, a British dynasty lasting just over 100 years, made Kuching their capital.

This legacy manifests in the Astana (Palace) and Fort Margherita.

Stroll along the Sarawak River, visit colorful Buddhist Temples and explore floating villages.

15. Mount Santubong: Sarawak’s Sacred Mountain (Sarawak)

Mount Santubong is Sarawak’s version of Mount Kinabalu.

Located in western Sarawak near Kuching, Santubong soars 810 meters (2,657 feet) above sea level.

The mountain dominates the coastline and forms the backdrop to the classy Damai Beach Resort.

Several habitats and ecological zones cover the mountain including mangroves and rainforests.

Irrawaddy dolphins live in the muddy coastal waters. Lucky travelers often report sightings.

The Rainforest Music Festival held every July takes place at the foothills of Santubong’s in Sarawak Cultural Village too.

16. Discover the enigmatic Sea Nomads (Sabah)

Borneo’s Bajau are often called ‘Sea Nomads’ or ‘Sea Gypsies’

After centuries of a seafaring lifestyle, today’s Bajau live in stilted villages above the sea. Some in western Sabah have developed horse-riding skills and now live on the land.

Travelers can discover these mysterious people and their ancient traditions. This includes their ability to dive for 13 minutes without equipment.

Semporna in east Sabah has one of Borneo’s largest Bajau floating villages.

17. Learn about Borneo’s indigenous (Borneo)

Borneo has more than 200 ethnic groups who have lived in the jungle, coastal regions and along the rivers for millennia.

Dayak is the umbrella term used to refer to the diverse indigenous peoples living in Borneo.

A century ago, Sabah and Sarawak were notorious for their fierce headhunters.

Monsopiad Cultural Village near Kota Kinabalu presents Sabah’s headhunting past. Or discover Sarawak’s heritage at Sarawak Cultural Village.

Kaamatan, Sabah’s Harvest Festival in May, showcases the best of the state’s ethnic diversity. Gawai is Sarawak’s Harvest Festival.

In Brunei, Malay Technology Museum is the nation’s most extensive ethnographic museum. This is a short drive from capital Bandar Seri Begawan.

18. Diving in duty-free Labuan (Labuan)

Labuan Island sits between Brunei and Sabah.

Labuan itself consists of seven islands, some more developed than others.

Malaysia’s government transformed the once unknown island into a financial center. Today it hosts thousands of off-shore companies and has a duty free status.

Despite its reputation for business, Labuan is a haven for diving.

Dozens of little-explored sites lie a few kilometers from the coast. Scuba-enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to visit four shipwrecks.

Labuan is also a gateway to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei.

19. Celebrate Borneo’s religious diversity (Borneo)

Borneo is a Southeast Asian multicultural melting pot.

Almost every religion is represented in Malaysian Borneo, Brunei and Kalimantan.

Discover Asia’s most stunning mosques in Brunei. Or embrace the colorful atmosphere inside grand Buddhist temples.

Before mainstream religion, many of Borneo’s inhabitants were pagans. Some of the older residents in Malaysian Borneo can still remember their parents performing these mysterious pagan rituals.

Relics of this bygone era still exist in the more rural communities.

20. The world’s largest floating village (Brunei)

Almost every resident in Brunei’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan once lived in Kampong Ayer.

The stilted village stands above the Brunei River like it has for centuries.

Approximately 13,000 people still live in their traditional houses.

Rather than roads and cars, water taxis take residents from one place to the next. Rickety boardwalks replace sidewalks connecting 42 mini-neighborhoods.

Take a water taxi from the Waterfront and discover this world above the river.

Kampong Ayer is practically self-sufficient with schools, mosques and shops.

21. Green Jewel of Brunei (Brunei)

Ulu Temburong National Park in Brunei is a prime example of state-sponsored conservation.

Unlike their neighbors, Brunei doesn’t suffer from rampant deforestation for logging or palm oil plantations.

Brunei’s oil has directly contributed to the jungle’s conservation. Ulu Temburong has received an enormous state investment.

Both scientists and conservationists study the rare ecological habitats. Several types of new species, such as an unusual exploding ant, are regularly discovered inside the national park.

Travelers can visit this spectacular primary rainforest from Bandar Seri Begawan.

The journey to reach this remote region involves two boat trips and a long drive along dirt roads.

Inside, you’ll find hiking trails, waterfalls and Brunei’s best examples of biodiversity.

You need to join a tour to visit.

22. Brunei’s largest lake (Brunei)

Lake Merimbum, Brunei’s largest lake, is in central Brunei.

From above with a smattering of imagination, the lake looks like the letter ‘S’.

Bright green lilies float on its deep blue surface surrounded by lush forests. Wooden bridges pass over the water to viewing platforms.

Travelers can follow the boardwalks to most parts of the lake. Boats offer short trips out onto the water.

Lake Merimbun is about one hour from Bandar Seri Begawan by car.

23. Outdoor adventures in Tapin Bini (Kalimantan)

Tapin Bini has challenging hikes, river rafting and countless indigenous communities.

Apart from a few Indonesian tourists, the area in Central Kalimantan is far off the tourist trail. Only a handful of international travelers have ever set foot here.

Hike up Bukit Bolau (Bolau Hill) along impossibly steep trails. Or make the most of the river – go white water rafting, swimming or simply relax on the banks.

After a day of adventure activities, travelers can have a cultural experience with a local family in a homestay.

24. Borneo’s most biodiverse lake (Kalimantan)

Lake Sentarum National Park is among the planet’s most biodiverse lakes.

More than 200 species of fish and birds call the environment home. So do 150 types of mammals including both orangutans and proboscis monkeys.

The national park covers a mind-blowing 1,329 square kilometers in northern Kalimantan.

Kalimantan’s indigenous people live inside remote villages. Isolated Malay fishing villages line the coast.

But this remoteness is both a blessing and hindrance.

Getting to Lake Sentarum is a challenge. Travelers first need to reach West Kalimantan’s capital Pontianak. From here, it’s seven hours by boat to the lake.

25. Kalimantan’s most beautiful islands (Kalimantan)

A total of 31 tropical islands make up the Derawan Archipelago in Eastern Kalimantan.

The islands have picture-perfect beaches, gorgeous coastlines and overwater bungalows.

Travelers either come for a luxurious island break. Or embrace the marine wonderland beneath the waves.

Over 460 types of coral thrive along their coastline in the Sulawesi Sea. Almost 900 species of fish live in the corals including protected sea turtles.

Sangalaki, Kakaban and Derawan are the most accessible islands in the archipelago.

25 Best Things to Do in Borneo:

• Scale Borneo’s tallest mountain (Sabah)
• Danum Valley: Borneo’s biodiversity hotspot (Sabah)
• Proboscis monkeys on the Kinabatangan River (Sabah)
• Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)
• Spend the night on an (almost) desert island (Sabah)
• Sepilok’s Baby Orangutans (Sabah)
• Sabah’s metropolitan capital on the sea (Sabah)
• Borneo’s best diving on Sipidan Island (Sabah)
• Sabah’s secret lagoon (Sabah)
• Borneo’s most mysterious national park (Sarawak)
• Sarawak’s most accessible caves (Sarawak)
• Unusual rock formations at Tusan Cliff (Sarawak)
• Proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park (Sarawak)
• Kuching: The colonial city of cats (Sarawak)
• Mount Santubong: Sarawak’s Sacred Mountain (Sarawak)
• Discover the enigmatic Sea Nomads (Sabah)
• Learn about Borneo’s indigenous (Borneo)
• Diving in duty-free Labuan (Labuan)
• Celebrate Borneo’s religious diversity (Borneo)
• The world’s largest floating village (Brunei)
• Green Jewel of Brunei (Brunei)
• Brunei’s largest lake (Brunei)
• Outdoor adventures in Tapin Bini (Kalimantan)
• Borneo’s most biodiverse lake (Kalimantan)
• Kalimantan’s most beautiful islands (Kalimantan)

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Visit Borneo is a global Borneo portal, focusing on orangutans and other endangered species , unique wildlife and nature, sustainable development, conservation projects, responsible travel and sustainable tourism information, holidays, sports and leisure activities.

Here are some of the most popular tourist destinations on the island of Borneo.

• Mulu Caves in Malaysia – These limestone caves are located in the Gunung Mulu National Park and are a popular destination for adventure-seekers. The park offers a variety of cave-related activities, including the famous “Headhunter’s Trail,” a challenging hike that takes visitors through a series of dark and narrow limestone caves.  
• Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia – This park is dedicated to the memory of the prisoners of war who were held in Sandakan during World War II. The park features a museum and a number of monuments, including a replica of the original Sandakan camp. It is a place of historical significance and a powerful reminder of the atrocities of war.  
• Ulu Temburong National Park in Brunei – This park is known for its untouched rainforest and offers visitors the chance to explore the rainforest canopy via a system of elevated walkways. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Proboscis monkey, which is native to Borneo.  
• Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Indonesia – This center is located in the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation and is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the endangered orangutan population. Visitors can observe the orangutans being rehabilitated and learn about the work being done to protect these amazing animals.  
• Tanjung Puting National Park in Indonesia – This park is located in the heart of Borneo and is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Bornean elephant, the Bornean orangutan, and the clouded leopard. Visitors can take a traditional “Klotok” boat trip along the Sekonyer River to explore the park and see the wildlife up close.  

Wildlife and Nature

The island of Borneo is home to many unique and endangered species, such as the orang utan, proboscis monkey, the Borneo Rhino, the Pygmy Elephant, as well as the Green and Hawsbill Turtle. More wildlife is discovered by the scientists who live and conduct research in the many national parks, rainforests, mountains and remote regions on the island. Several conservation projects have been set up in Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak, and Kalimantan in collaboration with local governments, the WWF, research institutions, nature and other wildlife and nature and environmental not for profit organisations.

Borneo Travel and Tourism

Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan are easily reachable by plane from abroad. Borneo has several international airports. More distant travel within Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan, or Brunei mostly takes place by plane or boat. There is a wide selection of hotels, resorts, inns, guest houses and backpackers available to cater for tourists, business travellers and expatriates alike.

Borneo Holidays

Borneo has become a very popular holiday destination in recent years. Polular Borneo holidays include adventure holidays, jungle trekking holidays, beach holidays, orang utan and wildlife safaries, bird watching, and diving. Many visitors spend their honeymoon, Chinese New Year, Easter or Christmas at one of the many top resort hotels. Many popular tourist hotels and resorts are located only a few miles outside Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, as well as outside Kuching or Miri in Sarawak, which are great starting points for many Borneo tours to its wildlife, nature and cultural attractions.

Sports and Outdoor Activities

Borneo offers great opportunities for scuba diving, particularly off East Sarawak and off the islands of Sabah, mountain climbing, caving, golf, fishing, and rafting. Borneo tour operators may be able to help in arranging a sports holidays, particularly diving, fishing, golf and adventure treks.

Conservation and Sustainability

Visit Borneo also provides resources for expats and people relocating to Sabah and Sarawak on Malaysian Borneo , Kalimantan on the Indonesian Borneo , and Brunei Darussalam.

Borneo Tours & Vacations

Anthropologists, adventure-seekers and animal lovers alike are drawn to Borneo’s steamy jungles, blissful mountains, balmy beaches and peaceful villages.

These tropical shores have a glorious diversity. Float down the Kinabatangan River, the most biologically diverse rainforest in the world; see the sun rise over Mt Kinabalu; meet mischievous orangutans in Sepilok; chow down on a tasty laksa or take in the incredible underwater scenery snorkeling in Tunku Abdul National Marine Park.  Borneo’s  wild bounty awaits.  

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Borneo at a glance

Capital city.

Malaysia: Kota Kinabalu (Sarawak) and Kuching (Sabeh), Indonesia: Pontianak (Kalimantan), Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan

23.7 million

Malaysian Ringgit (RM), Brunei Dollar (B$), Indonesian Rupiah (Rp)

Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Chinese dialects, Dayak languages

(GMT+08:00)

CALLING CODE

Indonesia: +62, Malaysia: +60, Brunei: +673

ELECTRICITY

Malaysia and Brunei: Type G (Irish/British 3-pin), Indonesia: Type C (European 2-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Borneo

Best time to visit borneo.

Borneo's climate is typical for a tropical region - generally hot and humid all year-round.

Temperatures are usually in the low 70F ° s for most of the year, dropping back to the high 60F ° s at night.

Rainfall tends to be in short, heavy bursts followed by sunshine. The 'wet season' runs from November through to February but it does rain throughout the year, although our itineraries are rarely affected.

The state of Sabah is known as the 'land below the wind' as it's below the monsoon belt.

Culture and customs

The cultures across Borneo can vary depending on what border you’re closest to – divided into Malaysian, Indonesia and Brunei regions.

Borneo’s population is largely made up of Malay with the predominant religion being Muslim. The remainder of Borneo’s population is Chinese, Indian or belong to indigenous populations.

You may hear the word ‘Dayak’ used by locals as a general term referring to the riverine and hill-dwelling ethnic subgroups in Borneo.

Historically, most indigenous communities in regional areas lived in longhouses, though many have moved for employment in urban areas. That being said, there is still a substantial number of Dayak tribes that maintain a strong spiritual tie to the rainforest and have retained their customs and speak local dialects.

Food and drink

Rice (nasi) and noodles (mee) are dietary staples across the island and accompany most meals. You’ll find varieties of white, red and brown rice grown throughout Borneo – prepared by steaming, frying, boiling into a breakfast porridge, or cooking with coconut milk in a hollowed bamboo stick to make lemang. 

Must-try foods in Borneo 

1. Sarawak laksa

This Malaysian-influenced staple is a spicy broth filled with vermicelli noodles, bean sprouts, chicken slices, shrimp and coriander. 

Skewers of meat (usually beef or chicken) are grilled to perfection over charcoal. 

3. Roti canai

Fried roti bread that is crispy, fluffy and soft all at the same time. It might be served with savory or sweet fillings (from eggs and sardines to coconut jam and bananas), dipped into curry and lentil sauces, or enjoyed on its own. 

4. Bamboo chicken

Chicken marinated in chilies, lemongrass, garlic and ginger is stuffed into a bamboo stick with rice, sealed with turmeric leaves and cooked over an open flame until all the flavors merge together. 

Geography and environment

The South-East Asian island of Borneo sits just south of the South China Sea, with the Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, Makassar Strait, Java Sea and Karimata Strait also surrounding the island.

Split up between three countries (Brunei, Indonesia , Malaysia ), the regions most visited by tourists (Sabah and Sarawak) belong to Malaysia.

Home to the oldest rainforest in the world, large cave and river systems and mountains, Borneo has an incredible range of biodiversity with hundreds of species of birds, bats, plants, flowers and insects living in this ecologically precious part of the world.

Sitting 4,095 m above sea level, Sabah's Mount Kinabalu is the third highest mountain in South-East Asia and a popular trekking spot for active travelers looking for a challenge.

History and government

Early history.

Early on, Borneo was used as a port for trade, with the Chinese and Indians stopping in on the coast as a part of their trade route from 500 to 1300 AD. The Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and British were soon to follow. Because of this, Borneo now has a rich diversity of international influences to draw upon from these years of trade and interaction with other cultures.

With most of coastal Borneo falling under the rule of the Javanese Majapahit kingdom in the 14th century, the Sultanate of Brunei extended its rule in the north from the 15th to 17th century. By the 19th century, both the British and the Dutch had colonial interests in the area, with a dynasty led by James Brooke ruling Sarawak for many years. Brooke's interest in the area stemmed from his attempts at trade in the Far East and connections to the Sultanate of Brunei. Brooke's rule was fraught with controversy and battles with the Sea Dayak people, who interrupted trade and were labeled as pirates. James Brook was succeeded by his nephew, Charles, and then his son, Vyner, in this rule known as the 'White Rajahs' of Sarawak.

Recent history

Japan took control of Borneo during World War II, resulting in a high number of deaths for the local population. During the war, many British and Australian prisoners of war were sent to Borneo, with the most notorious spots being Sandakan where thousands of Allied soldiers perished due to disease, malnutrition and exhaustion.

By the conclusion of the war in 1945, Borneo was freed from the Japanese yet only two decades later, Borneo was the site of more conflict, this time between Indonesia and Malaysia. This conflict arose from the union of Sabah and Sarawak with Malaya in the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. More recently, the Sultanate of Brunei became an independent nation (in 1984).

Palm oil plantations have spread rapidly throughout Borneo in the last ten years, mainly due to the decline in the rubber industry. While these plantations have provided jobs and helped the economy in the short term, their proliferation has led to wide-scale deforestation, which surmounts to devastating habitat loss for many of Borneo's endangered species and displacement of indigenous people who rely on the forests and jungles to sustain their hunter-gatherer lifestyles.

Top 10 nature spots of Borneo

1. mount kinabalu.

Seeing sunrise from the top of Mount Kinabalu is a fine payoff for making it to the top. The climb, while strenuous, is filled with beautiful flora, interesting animals and beautiful vistas - making this majestic mountain a true natural highlight of Borneo.

2. Poring Hot Springs

Located within the Kinabalu National Park, these steaming hot pools of water provide a relaxing place to unwind after trekking Mount Kinabalu. Sliding into the open air baths is a therapeutic way to soothe your muscles - a nice outdoor reward for completing such a climb! 

3. Bako National Park

The oldest national park in Sarawak may be small, but with isolated beaches, jungles, waterfalls, rock formations and walking trails, visitors will be delighted in the perfect panoramas to photograph and range of wildlife viewing opportunities on offer.

4. Turtle Island

Lying just north of Sandakan, Turtle Island Park is a haven for endangered green and hawksbill turtles. Witnessing turtles landing onshore at dusk, or baby turtles hatching, is one of life's most unforgettable moments.

5. Kinabatangan

This district of Sabah is know for its incredible array of wildlife and diversity of habitat, with limestone caves, swamps, rivers, lakes, forests and mountains all contributing to the ecological diversity of the area. Home to such rare species as the Asian elephant, the proboscis monkey and the Sumatran rhinoceros, a visit to the jungle here will guarantee some wildlife viewing thrills.

Meeting the gentle orangutans of Sepilok is a must-do for visitors to Borneo. These orange-tinged creatures are captivating, entertaining and cheeky - and watching them play, eat and interact in the jungle of Sepilok is a privilege not to be missed.

7. Headhunters' Trail

Walking in the footsteps of one of the world's most mysterious, feared and intriguing people may not be for everyone, but walking along the famed Headhunter's Trail reveals a little bit of local history as well as many wondrous natural sights.

8. Mulu National Park

Visitors should overlook Mulu National Park at their own peril. Not visiting this World Heritage-listed area would mean missing out on canopy walks and treks that reveal exotic creatures, spectacular caves and stunning limestone karst formations.

9. Danum Valley

This area of pristine lowland rainforest is arguably one of Borneo's premier wildlife hot spots. Walk the trails and spot exotic birdlife, interesting plants, flying squirrels, vocal frogs and active gibbons.

10. Gaya Island

Get away from it all and revel in the seclusion of Gaya Island, located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. See tropical fish swimming through colorful reefs, learn to scuba dive, laze on the uncrowded beaches or grab a kayak and go exploring this slice of tropical beauty.

While Borneo's wild landscapes and beautiful beaches are definitely the true highlight of any visit, there are still treasures to found in Borneo's markets.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Borneo

1. Ikat weaving 

​ This traditional weaving process results in colored, patterned textiles that can be used as clothing, wall hangings and home furnishings.

2. Wood carvings

Sarawak boasts a population of talented wood carvers -wooden bowls, charms, masks and figurines are all wonderful souvenir choices.

3. Ceramics 

Sarawak also has a wide range of good-quality ceramics and pottery thanks to the local populations of Chinese and Iban tribal potters, each group possessing their own distinctive style.

Festival and events

Rainforest world music festival.

The diversity of world music is celebrated over three days each July in the heart of the Borneo jungle. Hoards of eager festival-goers flock to Kuching, Sarawak (in Malaysian Borneo) for daytime music workshops, cultural and craft displays and evening concerts by indigenous performers from all over the globe. And like every good festival, there are always plenty of food stalls serving up yummy Malaysian and Asian foods. 

Borneo International Kite Festival

Each September, the seaside town of Bintulu shows us how cool kites can be. Kites of all shapes, colors and sizes fill the sky for stunning displays and kite flying competitions. Come and watch the others show off their skills, participate in a kite-making workshop or take in the cultural performances.

Gawai Dayak (Harvest Festival)

More than just a celebration of the rice harvest, Gawai Dayak is an important symbol of unity for the Dayak and is celebrated with gusto in cities and rural villages across Sarawak. Many longhouses open their doors to visitors, where they are treated to traditional costumes, ritual music and lots of locally brewed rice wine (tuak) and Dayak foods. Head to the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching for the liveliest celebrations, where parades and other festivities begin a week before the main event on May 31.

Borneo Cultural Festival

Hear, see and taste the best of Malay, Chinese and Dayak culture at this annual July festival. Lively music, traditional dances and other cultural performances take place on multiple stages over 10 days in the city of Sibu in Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo). Expect Dayak drums, Malay songs, Chinese dragon dances and lots of mouth-watering cultural eats.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Chinese New Year

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Adha

Islamic New Year

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Christmas Day

Since Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei all have claim to Borneo, different parts of the island celebrate different public holidays. The ones listed here are celebrated in all three nations. There are more public holidays in  Indonesia,   Malaysia  and  Brunei.

Further reading

Borneo travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to visit Borneo?

Visas are your responsibility. Entry requirements can change anytime, so you must check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you visit for detailed and up-to-date visa information about your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more details.

Is tipping customary in Borneo?

Tipping isn’t customary in Borneo, but leaving a small token of appreciation is always welcome if you feel the service has been particularly good.

What is internet access like in Borneo?

Internet is easy to access in large cities and tourist areas, though it can be quite slow. Access is more limited in remote and rural areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Borneo?

Cell phone coverage is good in major cities, but there is little to no coverage in the mountains and in remote areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Borneo?

Squat toilets are common in Borneo, though some hotels and tourist areas have Western-style, flushable toilets. Carrying your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer is a good idea, as these are not always provided.

Can I drink the tap water in Borneo?

Tap water is not considered safe to drink in Borneo. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, pack a reusable bottle that can be filled with filtered water. Your leader can tell you where to find filtered water or pack your own purification tablets.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Borneo?

Most places only accept cash, especially small businesses, though you might be able to use your credit card at larger hotels, shops and restaurants in tourist areas.

What is ATM access like in Borneo?

You’ll find ATMs in Borneo’s large cities and urban areas, though they are less easy to find in rural and remote parts.

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Borneo?

No vaccines are required in order to enter Borneo but some are recommended for protection against disease. Always visit your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.

Is Borneo a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Discretion is highly advised for LGBTQIA+ travelers in Borneo. Homosexuality is illegal in both Malaysia and Brunei, where it can be punished with long prison sentences or even death. While homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, few people are openly out. Regardless of which part of Borneo you are visiting, discretion is strongly suggested.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

Does my trip support the intrepid foundation.

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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10 Things to See in Borneo

Indonesia has abundant and extensive natural resources. The country has a gift of natural beauty that is very beautiful and fascinating. One of them is in the Kalimantan Island which is also well known as the island of Borneo . The island is divided into five regions which are West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, North Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan.

Although not as popular as the island of Bali, Borneo has many unusual tourist attractions. Having a diverse landscape your vacation or journey to Kalimantan will not be bored. These tourist attractions in Kalimantan must go to your next visit list. Here are 10 things to see in Borneo.

1. Kapuas River

Credit: Kapuaskab

Kapuas is the longest river in Indonesia and one of tourist attractions in Borneo you should not miss. The river which is one of the arteries of Pontianak’s people’s lives has many roles. One of them is as a means of transportation that facilitates the mobility of local residents. You can also try down the Kapuas River and see its natural beauty.

2. Tanjung Puting National Park

Credit: Steppestravel

When it comes to tourist attractions on the island of Borneo, Tanjung Puting National Park should not be missed. This national park which is located in Central Kalimantan Province has become an icon of nature and wildlife reserves.

Traveling here you can enjoy the unique tropical forests of Borneo coupled with the presence of orangutans that are guarded in this national park. Besides being able to see orangutans from a short distance, if you are lucky, you can also see other animals such as bears, deer, proboscis monkeys and stray cats.

3. Tahai Lake

Credit: BackpackerJakarta

The beauty of Lake Tahai in Palangkaraya City must also be included in your tour list. This natural tourist attractions offers the beauty of an amazing lake. For those of you who like trekking can go around Lake Tahai and capture the moment with nature. If you are lucky, you can meet some typical animals such as monkeys that live around the Lake Tahai.

4. Kelam Hill

Credit: InaKoran

Bukit Kelam is a giant rock mountain located in West Kalimantan Island. Kelam Hill, which become an icon of tourist attractions in Sintang Regency, still holds various mysteries. This giant monolithic boulder is claimed to be the largest in the world.

This hilly region offers a panorama of breathtaking natural beauty. You can go trekking to the top of the hill to see the beauty of Sintang City. Visitors can comfortably do trekking here because ladders have been provided to make easier for climbers.

5. Lok Baintan Floating Market

Credit: InFlash

The Lok Baintan Floating Market has become an icon of tourist attractions that must be visited when visiting the South Kalimantan region. The market which is also commonly called the Martapura River Floating Market is a favorite place for tourists to get to know the traditions of the people of Kalimantan.

Apart from its uniqueness, this floating market can also be a cool photo spot. You can also interact directly with the local people here because shopping at a floating market is one of the traditions that is still maintained today. The buying and selling activity at Lok Baintan Floating Market starts from 6 am to 8 am.

6. White Sand Beaches of Derawan Islands

Credit: KelilingNusantara

Derawan Islands of Borneo is called the hidden paradise on the eastern tip of East Borneo. The charm of the clean white sand beaches has proven to attract many tourists. In Derawan Islands, you can explore several small islands using a boat. One of them is Gusung Island which is famous for its clean white sand. Here, visitors can get many unique spots to take pictures.

7. Haji Mangku Cave

Credit: Phinemo

Goa Haji Mangku, also known as Goa Biru (Blue Cave), has unmatched beauty. Lake with exotic blue water is still maintained its beauty. If you want to see the natural beauty of Goa Haji Mangku, visit Maratua Island, located in East Kalimantan.

The location of the cave is in the middle of a forest surrounded by lush trees. Starting with light trekking through a small forest, visitors must be extra careful in choosing a foothold because of its typical sharp-nosed path. Arriving at the location after about 10 minutes walking through the shady trees, then look to the bottom side. Visitors will be welcomed by the cave’s lips which form like an elongated natural pool with clear blue water.

8. Rian Mountain Waterfall

Credit: BatariTours

The national tourism of Mount Rian Waterfall is located in the area of Safari Rian Village, Sesayap Regency, North Kalimantan. The beauty of this exotic waterfall with a height of 90 meters attracts tourists to visit because it provides beautiful and natural scenery. To get here, you have to go through seven levels that are very steep. Curious?

9. Long Bawan

Credit: Genpi

The Long Bawan mountain area is located in Krayan Village, Nunukan Regency, North Borneo. This hidden village cannot be accessed by land, only through air. Hidden behind the mountains of wild Borneo makes this place has cool atmosphere.

Here, visitors can explore the forest, explore flora and fauna, enjoy views of rice fields and buffalo farms. Uniquely, visitors can also enjoy Parisanan and Bari Tubing dances played by the Lundaye (Dayak Tribe) who occupy this village.

10. Labuan Cermin Lake

Credit: BatasNegeri

This beautiful lake is located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. The Labuan Cermin Lake is one of tourist objects that is often visited by foreign and local tourists. It has a very clear blue water like a glass. The lake has two layers of water, the top layer has a fresh taste, and the bottom has a salty taste. Strangely, the taste of the two waters did not mix at all. This is why Labuan Cermin has also a nickname, Lake Dua Rasa (two tastes lake).

The color of the water is graded from dark blue, light blue, white as well as green in the outer area of the lake. You can also see the bottom of the lake clearly from above the surface of the water even though the depth of the lake is more than three meters. You can swim, dive or snorkeling in this place.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Fabulous Reasons To Visit The Beautiful Island Of Borneo

• Destinations

Borneo — known for its rainforests, orangutans, the famous dive site of Sipadan, and the soaring peak at Mount Kinabalu — is a wonder to visit for the curious traveler. Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and is surrounded by the Java Sea to the south, the Celebes Sea to the east, and the South China Sea to the north. It is made up of four political regions: Sabah and Sarawak, two Malaysian states; Kalimantan, which belongs to Indonesia; and the small sultan state of Brunei.

I have been to Borneo twice, visiting three of its four political regions. What drew me to this exotic island was possibility. Would I see pygmy elephants and orangutans in the wild? Would I connect to a land and culture so different from my own? 

I wasn’t expecting to fall so hard for Borneo, to create unforgettable memories, nor to come away with a solid determination never to use palm oil again.

1. Experience The Natural Wildlife On The Kinabatangan River 

Along the Kinabatangan River, in the Malaysian state of Sabah, is a small swath of protected natural rainforest providing an unforgettable opportunity to see orangutans, pygmy elephants, macaques, proboscis monkeys, and crocodiles in the wild. Ornithologists will be in heaven spotting kingfishers, rhinoceros hornbills, and plenty of other exotic bird species.

Taking a boat ride along the Kinabatangan River is the perfect way to soak up the sights and sounds of the Borneo rainforest. The highlight of both my trips to Borneo was seeing a herd of pygmy elephants, the smallest of the Asian elephants, swimming in the Kinabatangan River and silently watching from the boat as they took mud baths and trumpeted. The boat trips up and down the Kinabatangan River introduced me to new bird species and monkeys that I didn’t know existed. Watching monkeys leap from one bough to another and listening to their chatter never grows old.

I came away from my trips to the Kinabatangan River with a fierce determination to stop purchasing products that contain palm oil. When exploring the Kinabatangan River, sometimes the protected zone is so narrow that you can see the palm tree plantations. Riding the shuttle from Sandakan to the Kinabatangan River, the views are not as expected of the rainforest, instead, you’ll see row upon row of palm trees. This human impact on animal habitat left an indelible mark on me.

Getting To The Kinabatangan River

Fly to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu. Alternately, take a 7-hour bus trip. A shuttle from your booked accommodation will pick you up in Sandakan for a 2-hour drive to the river.

Where To Stay Near The Kinabatangan River

I stayed at the Nature Lodge Kinabatangan twice. The rooms are simple and the tours are top notch.

2. See Orangutans In Borneo

Orangutans , whose name means “forest man,” are only found in the wild on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Orangutans are endangered due to the loss of their natural habitat, poachers, and the illegal pet trade.

They should abound in the wild. This land is their natural home where they build nests in soaring trees and the mothers raise their offspring, often staying together for 10 years. But the reality is that most visitors to Borneo will see orangutans in a rehabilitation center.

Sepilok, the orangutan rehabilitation center in Sabah, is situated in a forest reserve where the land is protected. The rehabilitation center, which was started in 1964, protects orangutans in Borneo and teaches young orphans to survive in the wild. Visiting at feeding time is a remarkable experience. The primates swing from the treetops to the feeding station, grab some bananas, and find a spot to sit back and enjoy their meal. Silently watching these creatures interact, feed, and play is unforgettable.

Where To Stay Near Sepilok

At the Sepilok Forest Edge Reserve , return to your paradise in the jungle after a day of seeing orangutans.

3. See The World’s Largest Flower In Borneo

Endemic to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, the rafflesia arnoldii lily is a sight to see. Its bloom can grow up to 3 feet across and can weigh up to 15 pounds. This flower is parasitic as it has no visible leaves, roots, or stems and it is the world’s stinkiest flower. It is known as the “corpse flower” as it is pollinated by flies attracted to its emanating aroma of rotting flesh.

We heard through the grapevine at our lodging that there was a rafflesia blooming in Gunung Gading National Park, a conservation zone about 53 miles west of Kuching — Sarawak’s state capital. 

There is no time to waste if you are interested in seeing this unique reddish flower as it only stays in bloom for about 5 days.

Trekking through the heat, back and forth along the rugged jungle trails of Gunung Gading National Park, we finally spied (or smelt) the rafflesia in bloom. What a unique site!

4. Go Diving At Sipadan In Sabah

Situated in the Sulawesi Sea, Sipadan is a world-renowned destination for diving. Personally not a diver, I met plenty of travelers who raved about their dives at Sipadan. There are over 3,000 species of fish, hawksbill and green turtles, barracudas, manta rays, and sharks to be seen. Seeing photos from Sipadan divers is enough to encourage me to get certified to dive.

Starting in December 2020, Sipadan Island is closed to visitors every December to give the coral and marine life a quiet period. 

Pro Tip: It is no longer possible to stay on the island of Sipadan. Divers stay on one of the nearby islands and organize a day trip with one of the dive operators.

5. Walk The Canopy Walkway In Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei

The oil-rich sultan state of Brunei has had a no-cut policy in its rainforests since the 1990s. Today, the vast park of Ulu Temburong has a small area (one percent) that can be visited by the public.

Getting to the park involves two exhilarating boat rides through open bays and mangrove forests. One arrives by longboat at the park’s headquarters where you are greeted by a guide who will walk you deep into the virgin rainforest along trails and plankways to reach the canopy walkway. A series of steep stairways leads you to the canopy walkway which hovers at 164 feet over the forest floor. The views over the treetops of the rainforest are incredible.

Pro Tip: If you are afraid of heights, climbing all the stairs up to the top of the walkway is a bit nerve wracking. Even if you opt not to go all the way to the top, the trek through the forest is well worth the trip.

6. Visit Kinabalu Park And Mount Kinabalu In Sabah

Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park, is one of the most important biological sites in the world. It is a haven for 4,500 species of flora and fauna. Nature lovers will be in heaven. Mount Kinabalu, the superstar of the park, is the highest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia with an elevation of 13,435 feet. Avid hikers apply well in advance for a permit to hike the peak, a 2-day, one-night climb. Other adventurers may wish to explore Mount Kinabalu using the Via Ferrata, an alternative climbing route.

Kinabalu Park has nine hiking trails of various lengths which can be accessed from the park headquarters. Venture off on your own or with a guide. Bird lovers, bring your binoculars!

Where To Stay Near Kinabalu Park

Sutera Sanctuary Lodges is a great place to come back to and relax after spending a day exploring Kinabalu Park. 

7. Hike Bako National Park In Sarawak

When visiting Sarawak, spending a day at Bako National Park is a must. Arrive by boat and arrange with your driver for a pick up time and location. The superstar of Bako National Park, Sarawak’s oldest national park, is the proboscis monkey. Sitting on tree branches, these strange-looking, long-nosed, and round-bellied monkeys found only in Borneo will be watching you! Other wildlife to look for are macaques and silvered leaf monkeys with their wild grey hair framing their faces. Keep your eyes open for a splash of orange in the jungle. Baby silvered leaf monkeys are orange and may be seen clinging to their mother.

Bako National Park has 16 color-coded jungle hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties. There are steep cliffs, small bays, and sandy beaches for exploring. It is here that I had my first swim in the South China Sea.

Getting To Borneo

Decide where you want to start your explorations in Borneo. Daily direct flights from Kuala Lumpur arrive in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Malaysian province of Sabah; Kuching, the capital of Sarawak; and Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. There are also some direct flights to Borneo from Singapore.

Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are a must for any trip to Borneo. It’s hot and humid here. Make sure to venture out each day with plenty of drinking water. You may want to consider packing a change of clothes in your day pack.

For more adventures in and around Malaysia , check out these stories: 

• Desaru Coast: Malaysia’s Best-Kept Secret
• 9 Most Colorful Cities In Asia
• 7 Unique Places To Dine In Singapore

Alison Browne, a modern-day nomad, landed in Paris after exploring the world as a solo traveler. She shares her travel stories and best tips at Dreamer at Heart . Six years ago, she wrapped up her career as an elementary school teacher and set out to explore new destinations and connect with people of different cultures. Her curious spirit has led her to travel throughout Europe, Asia, South East Asia, and Central and South America. France kept calling her back and she listened. Now based in Paris, Alison spends her time exploring the City of Light and writing about her adventures. La vie est belle! Find her on Instagram!

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Borneo Itineraries

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Borneo in 1 week

Borneo and Indonesia in 2 weeks

Top Borneo Travel Packages

Borneo in 7-10 days, borneo in 1 week (for first-timers).

The best ways to see Borneo will take more than a week, but this one-week itinerary aims to introduce travelers to the many natural landmarks that Borneo is famous for.

Travelers should consider the lengths of travel when planning their trip, as it will impact the amount of time they can spend at sites and will limit their free-time.

Days 1-3 : Landing in Kota Kinabalu, travelers can immediately immerse themselves in Malaysian culture from the comfort of the city’s museums, mosques, and parkways. Travelers are encouraged to stay in this capital city for at least a day in order to acclimate to the temperature and humidity.

From there, travelers can head west to Mount Kinabalu National Park. If proper permits are received beforehand, lucky travelers can summit its peak. Otherwise, the Kinabalu Botanical Gardens or Poring Hot Springs are great ways to spend the next two days.

Days 4-6 : From Mount Kinabalu, travelers can move further west to Kinabatangan River, where cruises will speed travelers along one of the most famous waterways in Borneo. Known for the numerous pygmy elephants that thrive on its banks along with wreathed hornbills and other waterfowl, travelers will encounter animals of all sizes that come to the water for refreshment.

Watch the tree-lines, as orangutans and Proboscis monkeys love to hang from there! Once on land again, travelers can explore the Gomantong Caves near Sandakan, which is located just north of the Kinabatangan River.

Days 6-8 : After relaxing at a hotel or lodge in Sandakan, travelers can visit the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre that is also nearby. Permits are required, so booking guided tours of Borneo in advance ensures their availability. The orangutans may be viewed up-close, an opportunity rarely provided in the wild!

If there is time, travelers may opt to spend less time at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and instead fly back to Kota Kinabalu in order to visit Manukan Island. A large part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, coveted diving locations are found amongst a vibrant coral reef, which houses sea-turtles and other marine life. Arrangements back to home countries can be made once travelers end their journeys at Kota Kinabalu.

See all Borneo 1 Week trips  »

Two Weeks in Borneo and Indonesia

With two full weeks of time, travelers have the chance to see more than the classic tourist locations in Borneo’s rainforests and along its waterways. As the island is divided by three countries, travelers can also visit Indonesia through its Kalimantan region on Borneo and its mainland counterpart.

It is important to note that entrance visas must be acquired when applicable, as some take time to process and may not be available during the chosen guided tour.

Days 1-3 : Since Indonesia controls the vast majority of Borneo, the easiest way to access the Kalimantan region is from Indonesia’s mainland. By flying into Jakarta, travelers can not only experience one of the busiest cities in Indonesia, but also understand its history with reference to Borneo.

Flying from Jakarta out of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Pangkalanbun will finally bring travelers to Kalimantan. Once they are here, most guided tours opt to take travelers to Tanjung Puting National Park, one of the world’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. It is here that hornbills take to the skies while the elusive orangutans swing from trees along with pythons, pygmy deer, and sun bears.

Many endangered bird species make their nests along the waterways, some of which can only be found in this park. While there is more than one center for travelers to visit with the orangutans, Pondok Tanggui Camp is the most popular. Travelers can watch researchers feed and care for baby orangutans as well as interact with their larger family members. 

Days 4-6 : Leaving Tanjung Puting National Park may not be easy, but travelers must do so in order to take their next flight to Palangkaraya. From there, river cruises may be chartered to visit with the indigenous Dayak tribes.

A s these local people make their homes along the waters of the Kahayan River, travelers will immediately notice their “sandung” buildings, which are ornate final resting places for their people. Food may also be sampled, depending upon how much time ashore the guided tour allots for travelers. 

Days 7-9 : After disembarking, travelers will leave Central Kalimantan to head to South Kalimantan. The city of Banjarbaru is the next usual stop, as it is filled with lively marketplaces, local cuisine, and historical sites. Travelers may decide to visit the nearby diamond mines at Cempaka or stay in the city to see Amanah Borneo Park, a theme park that is known for its intricate landscaping.

Days 10-12 : Traveling further through South Kalimantan, travelers will encounter the small town of Negara. While it is known mostly for its swamps, it is the large herds of buffalo that populate these areas that bring the attention of international tourists. Further west is Loksado, where travelers can interact with other tribes of Dayak people who are known for their homes built on stilts.

Others can opt to fly to the city of Berau, a gateway location to the famous Maratua Island. Here, travelers can observe proboscis monkeys in mangrove trees or relax on the beaches. Still other travelers may decide to snorkel with stingless jellyfish that inhabit a small lake on the nearby Kakaban Island or see turtles make their nests at Payung Payung.

Days 13-14 : From Berau, travelers can charter flights back to Jakarta or take some time to rest. After all, exploring one of the largest islands in the world is no easy feat!

See all Borneo tours in 2 weeks  »

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Top Borneo Attractions

Mount Kinabalu

Mount Serapi

Sipadan Island

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Gunung Mulu National Park

Top Activities in Borneo

Witness the Garden of Eden in Gunung Mulu National Park.

Observe the “old men of the jungle,” orangutans, in their natural habits in sanctuaries.

Relax in the mineral water of Poring Hot Springs.

Interact with Proboscis monkeys as they live safely in their sanctuaries.

Hop between each of the five islands that make up Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

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From Beaches To The Komodo Dragon, These Are 10 Indonesian Islands Worth Visiting

• Komodo Island is home to the largest living lizard on Earth, the Komodo dragon. It is a popular destination for scuba diving and has a population of approximately 1,800.
• Java is the most populous island in Indonesia, housing over half of the country's population. It is known for its ancient temples, including the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
• Borneo is the third-largest island globally and is shared by Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia. It is renowned for its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife, making it a top destination for eco-tours.

Indonesia is one of the countries with the most islands in the world ; it is a massive island nation (with the fourth-largest population after the United States). The country has some of the largest islands on earth (although some of them are shared with other countries).

Only a few of its islands (such as Bali, which is famous for its beaches ) are popular tourist destinations leaving most of the country rarely visited by tourists. Here are some of the best Indonesian islands to visit across the vast archipelago.

Komodo Island

Komodo Island is a small island famous for being the home of the Komodo dragon - the largest living lizard on Earth. It is an example of evolutionary island gigantism (where isolated species can get very large).

Komodo Island is also one of the best islands in Indonesia to visit as a diver; it is a very popular destination for scuba - but the Komodo dragon is easily the top attraction.

• Population: Approx. 1,800
• Size: 150 sq miles or 291 sq km

Java is home to over half (around 56%) of the population of Indonesia and its main city, Jakarta, is one of the largest in the world. It was the center of powerful Hindu and Buddhist Empires, and there are many ancient temples to discover.

Take the time to see the largest Buddhist temple in the world in Java .

• Population: Over 150 million
• Size: 53,000 sq miles or 139,000 sq km

Sumatra is the massive long island of Indonesia stretching close to Singapore. It is the largest fully Indonesian island and is famous for its wildlife (some of which is endangered).

The island was once covered by lush tropical rainforests, although much of the island is now deforested. Notable wildlife include the Sumatran tiger, the Sumatran elephant, the Sumatran orangutan, and the Sumatran rhino.

• Population: 60 million
• Size: 182,000 sq miles or 475,000 sq km

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and is home to three countries - Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia (around 73% of the island belongs to Indonesia).

Much of the island remains covered in lush tropical rainforests, and it is a top destination for eco-tours to see the orangutans, Borneo elephants, and other tropical rainforest wildlife.

• Population: 22 million (total population)
• Size: 289,000 sq miles or 748,000 sq km

Related: Why This Borneo River Lodge Is The Best Place To Explore The Jungle & Its Wildlife

Bali is by far the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia - so much so that most people say they are going to 'Bali' and not say they are going to 'Indonesia'.

It is a Hindu-majority island (most of Indonesia is Muslim-majority). It is famous for its pristine beaches and enjoys a very developed tourism industry.

• Population: 4.4 million
• Size: 2,200 sq miles or 5,800 sq km

Lombok is another island popular for tourism. It is separated from Bali by the Lombok Strait and shares a number of similarities with Bali (such as cultural heritage).

But its wildlife is also different as the Lombok Strait is part of the Wallace Line that has proved a barrier to the migration of species from Asia.

• Population: 3.9 million
• Size: 1,800 sq miles or 4,700 sq km

Related: Heaven Besides Bali: 11 Islands In Lombok For An Amazing Scenic Vacation

Sulawesi is one of the most distinctively shaped islands in the world. It is the eleventh-largest island in the world and has four massive peninsulas.

Sulawesi is easily one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia to visit, and it offers the chance to get away from the large tourist crowds of Bali (and, to a lesser degree, Lombok) and explore a destination not spoiled by tourists.

• Population: 20 million
• Size: 72,000 sq miles or 186,000 sq km

Flores is best known for the 'Hobbit' scientifically Homo floresiensis - a diminutive species of archaic human. When the species was first discovered, it was a matter of contention whether the bones represented a strange new species or were an example of a diseased human.

New discoveries have shown it to be a new species of human 1.1 meters tall (3.7 feet). Flores is not popular for tourism but is a great place to visit to discover a different side of Indonesia.

• Population: 1.9 million
• Size: 6,000 sq mile or 15,500 sq km

Related: Indonesia's 10 Most Charming Cities That Every Tourist Must Visit In 2022

The island of Timor is best known for the independent country of East Timor on the eastern side of the island .

West Timor (the Indonesian part of the island) is another destination that very few international travelers bother to see. Explore both the East Timor and Indonesian side of the island while there.

• Population: 3.3 million (total)
• Size: 12,000 sq miles or 31,000 sq km

New Guinea is one of the most challenging places to visit (and one of the most unique destinations). It is the second-largest island in the world and one of divided into the independent country of Papua New Guinea in the west and the Indonesian west.

It has extremely poor infrastructure but is incredibly diverse - Papua New Guinea has the most languages of any nation on earth.

• Population: 15 million
• Size: 303,000 sq miles or 785,000 sq km

Borneo Indonesia Tours & Travel

• Philippines
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• Couple & Honeymoon
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Borneo (also known as Indonesia Kalimantan Island) is the paradise for improving your knowledge about the special and incredible animal Kalimantan orangutan. If you are the person who loves nature and adventure, the must things to do in this amazing island are spotting the awe-inspiring creatures in wildlife, discovering the mangroves and the lush rainforests, seeing Dayak Tribe and having river-tubing. Our Borneo Tours collection will offer you all!

Borneo Indonesia travel guide information

Borneo Indonesia Quick Facts

Indonesia Borneo Island (or Kalimantan Island) is a part of Borneo Island which possesses 73% of Borneo and the rest is made up of 2 other countries – Brunei and Malaysia

Kalimantan means “Burning Weather Island” since it is located relatively close to the equator which makes the weather is getting really hot

This island is the home to Dayak tribes, many lush rainforests and nature reserves, so this is the perfect destination for those who are wildlife lovers

Borneo is located on the east of Sulawesi Island, north of Bali and Java Islands and east of Sumatra Island

In 2017, Kalimantan has a population of approximately 15.9 million people in the total area of 544,150 square kilometres

Best time to visit Borneo Indonesia, indonesia

Kalimantan means “Burning Weather Island” since the temperature of this island ranges from 20 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius all year round. The wettest months are November, December and January; so the best time to visit Borneo or Kalimantan Island is during the dry season which runs from June to September to see the orangutans while from April to October is the ideal time for diving.

The Best Borneo Indonesia Private Tours For You

Get inspired with our Best Tailor-Made Private Borneo Indonesia Tours below All Borneo Indonesia Tours can be easily customized for free to your personal wishes & needs within 24h

• Bali Island
• Komodo Island
• Gili Trawangan
• Flores Island
• Java Island
• Sumba Island
• Borneo Indonesia
• 1 Day Tours
• 2 - 5 Day Tours
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• 11 - 16 Day Tours
• >16 Day Tours

Mahakam River and Orangutan Wild Life

Cruise up the Mahakam river to Tanjung Isuy by private motorized canoe

Admire exotic scenary at both sides of the Mahakam river

Visit Mancong village, homeland of Dayak people and their grand long houses

Go for a jungle trek around Camp Kakap to search the wild life of Orangutan

Observe the lifestyle of Kutai people in Muara Muntai

Orangutan Tanjung Putting Journey

Take an afternoon walk around the local town of Pangkalan Bun

Go for a klotok boat tour up to the Sekonyer river to Camp Leakey

Explore the Camp Leakey surrounding and see old rehabilitation orangutans at feeding time

Visit some other rehabilitation centres in the park for orangutans

Plant some trees to help regenerate the forest at Pesalat plantation

Cruise up the river to visit some local villages and see other wild animals

Free to visit the Yellow palace and local markets in Pangkalan Bun

Best of Borneo

Stay at a long house of Dayak people and learn more about their culture as well as lifestyle

Meet incredible orangutans in their natural habitat and in the center of Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation

Take a boat trip into the unique mangroves beside the Kahayan River

Enjoy some easy trekking in the forest behind Pilang village to explore the wildlife and local life

See the ancient Dayak painted sandungs and watch Dayak traditional dance

Explore Sebangau National Park by boating and trekking with many wildlife encounters

Visit Palangka Raya’s traditional market and Puntun village

The authentic & unique experiences in Borneo Indonesia you can expect

Take a pleasant tour around the city of pangkalan bun.

Pangkalan Bun is a charming city in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, serving as the gateway to the renowned Tanjung Puting National Park. Nestled along the Arut River, this city offers a blend of...

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Best Borneo Orangutan Tour (3D/2N)

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Get ready to immerse yourself in this Orangutan Tour and the authentic wildlife of the Borneo rainforests on this private two-night expedition in Tanjun Puting National Park.

On board a traditional boat that we call klotok and together with a local crew and your guide, you will explore the wildlife that lives on the banks of the river. In this Biosphere reserve you will feel closely the passage of the Orangutans in their natural habitat and you will see hundreds of endemic Borneo proboscis monkeys, macaques, gibbons, hornbills, wild boars and hopefully some crocodile near your boat.

In addition, you will be living this adventure in a sustainable way because our boats are all renovated following ecological patterns and totally hand in hand with nature. Let the adventure begin!

• Difficulty : Easy
• Pickup: Pangkalan Bun, Borneo ( PKN)

Itinerary Borneo Orangutan Tour

Day 1: pangkalan bun - kumai port - tanjung harapan      ▼.

Your Orangutan Tour begins upon arrival at   Pangkalan Bun Airport on the island of Borneo , better known by the Indonesians as Kalimantan. Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will be waiting for you. You will transfer to the port of Kumai in about 15-20 minutes by car, where you will embark on a great adventure! You arrive at our traditional wooden boat, called a ‘klotok’. Our guide will reconfirm to our crew that everything is ready to go, and the cruise upstream starts on the famous Sekonyer river abroad a klotok.

Tanjung Harapan

If your flight arrives early (before 12.00AM), you can arrive on time at the Tanjung Harapan rehabilitation center where at 3 in the afternoon, the orangutans are fed by the Rangers of the National Park and you can have the first close encounters with them. The meaning of ‘Tanjung Harapan’ is ‘Cape of Hope’. This first camp has more wetlands and therefore has more mosquitos in the afternoon, so make sure you put on enough mosquito repellent.

Here you also can do the reforestation, where you can be volunteers to plant a tree, and so take pride that you have contributed a grain of sand to conservation with your step over there.

Afternoon river cruise

After visiting this rangers camp, you will continue your journey upriver, resting on the boat while we look for animals in the nearness of the Sekonyer River.

In the afternoon it is very common to see groups of proboscis monkeys and macaques in the treetops, jumping from one tree branch to another, or to even see crocodiles or lizards in the shallow waters on the sides of the river.

Prepare for the sunset and enjoy the exquisite food prepared by our jungle crew . The boat is moored on the side of the river to spend the night. Tonight, you can take a walk through the jungle to look for nocturnal animals such as snakes, tarantulas or even if you are lucky, you can find luminescent mushrooms or tarsier monkeys.

Meals : Lunch – Dinner

Accommodation : Klotok boat

DAY 2: PONDOK TANGGUY - CAMP LEAKY      ▼

Today you will wake up with the sounds and the colours of the jungle. Without a doubt, you will never forget how you woke up on the river, surrounded by the overflowing nature.

Pondok Tanggui

After an extraordinary breakfast on board, you will arrive on time to visit the Pondok Tanggui Camp at the feeding time for animals (9AM). Little by little, you will see how the treetops begin to move and then you will see the silhouettes of the orangutans gradually reaching the feeding platform . Pondok Tanggui was a release camp for young orangutans that we rehabilitated- preventing the orangutans from moving away due to a lack of food and ending up outside the National Park , with the following risks of falling into traps of settlers or palm oil plantation fields.

After the orangutans begin to leave, you will return to the klotok to continue further upstream. You will witness how the colour of the river changes and you will have the opportunity to see crocodiles and large monitor lizards, along with Gibones and Narigudos monkeys. Off course, you will enjoy your lunch in this lovely setting.

You will arrive at Camp Leakey, the old orangutan rehabilitation centre. It was founded in 1971, when a student at UCLA University in Los Angeles, called Birutte Galdikas, began studying the orangutans there. The name Camp Leakey comes from Birutte’s own professor, paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey.

At least 200 orangutans have already been cured and returned to the jungle thanks to this centre. However, since 1995 the Indonesian government has banned the introduction of more orangutans into this camp, so the orangutans are increasingly adapting to freedom .

Today, this camp is used for behavioural and feeding research for orangutans. You can also visit the small museum founded by the scientist Dr. Birutte Galdikas.

Trekking back to klotok

After finishing the observing of orangutans in this camp, you will do a gentle trekking through the jungle back to the boat to search for free orangutans and other animals, if the weather conditions permit. You will have the opportunity to learn a lot about the jungle from our local guides , some of whom them were born in the jungle.

They’ll explain how to look for animals or plants, and you can listen to their experience of life in the jungle. The jungles of Borneo , that have given life and have been home to the shelters for million of years, are jungles that under the watch of their ancestors, are still capable of fulfilling every single individual’s needs.

Food, water, medicines, etc… But never throw anything in your mouth without your guide’s recommendation. In the afternoon, if it does not rain, the boat will be docked near a congregation of fireflies and you can enjoy the show of its luminescence.

Note: The Birate Galdikas Museum at Camp Leaky is currently closed for maintenance purposes. Regrettably, visits to this site will not be possible until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will keep you updated on the reopening of the museum.

Meals : Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

DAY 3: KUMAI PORT - PANGKALAN BUN      ▼

Today we end our stay in the jungles of Borneo. In the early morning you will have breakfast on the boat, go back to the port and return to the airport by transfer. The departure of the ship will be at last at 10am , but we adapt to your fight schedule in case that your flight leaves earlier in the morning.

If you decide to take a flight in the afternoon, we can take you at 10 directly to the airport. If you want a city tour in the town Arut to be transferred to the airport later, this can be organized at additional costs. Thank you for join us in this Borneo Orangutan Tour by Come2indonesia!

Meals : Breakfast

Accommodation : –

Photos Borneo Orangutan Tour

Price Includes

• 2 Nights accommodation based on private klotok (traditional wooden boat to cruise rivers with Bathroom)
• Transfers Pangkalan Bun Airport – Kumai Port – Pangkalan Bun Airport
• Transfers in land and river with English speaking guide.
• English speaking guide.
• 2-Days permission of the police, rangers and the national park
• Camera or video camera fees (personal use only)
• Water, Tea, Coffee, Cookies, Tropical Fruits
• Captain, captain assistant and cook
• All meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on the boat
• All meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner served on the boat
• 1x tree planting activity
• By coming with us, you are helping Borneo! For each client of ours, we donate 10 EUR to various projects within the Tanjung Putting National Park!
• A unique experience!

Price Excludes

• Domestic/international flights
• Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
• Alcohol, soft drinks, personal expenses
• Surcharge of IDR 100.000/person/day applicable for every Sunday and National Holiday, to be paid upon arrival.
• Extra expenses occurred due to causes beyond our control (force majeure) such as cancellations of flights, natural disasters, diseases, etc.
• Any extra-surcharge if the government suddenly raises the fee or adds new permits

Map Orangutan Tour

Borneo Travel Guides

All About Bornean Orangutans and Jungle Boat Trips

BORNEO Travel Guide: The Land of Orangutans and Dayak Tribes

When is the best time of the year to do this tour.

Our favourite time for travel in Indonesia is between April to October, although Indonesia is a great year-round destination, offering memorable experiences for all kinds of adventures. July to August are the peak summer months. In West to Central part of the weather is delightfully warm and it’s a popular time for travellers to visit for holidays, whilst if you wish to travel from October to April, the Eastern part Indonesia, like Banda and Raja Ampat, would be the best option.

If you wish to have a relaxing journey in Indonesia with less crowds, the shoulder months of April to June and September to October are ideal and slightly more economic. If you must travel in ‘high season’ but want to avoid the crowd, worry not, there are numbered of unbeaten track in Indonesia ready to be explored.

What should I bring?

The tropics is a warm and often sweaty place, especially if you have Borneo or Sulawesi included in your travel.  Check out our suggestion on What to Wear:

• Comfortable and light shirt and at least a pair of long sleeves
• Comfortable walking shoes or trekking shoes if your trip include some trekking
• Shorts and long pants
• Couple of pairs of socks
• Waterproof Jacket/Raincoat

Depends on the type of travel, you may also need these in your What to Bring list:

Underwater Trip:

• Dive Insurance
• Dive certificate
• Certificate of Nitrox (for those who are using Nitrox)
• Dive equipment except Tanks and Weights. Please consult your travel expert to find out if the equipment is inclusive or not in your booking
• Swimsuit/Dive suit
• Adaptor DIN or INT
• Sunscreen SPF +40
• Waterproof bags

Landtour and Trekking:

• Small backpack for daily important item
• Travel Insurance, which covers trekking and sport risk
• Trekking shoes (check with your travel expert if you need a Goretex or simply a walking shoes)
• Pullover (as in some area like Mt Bromo and some other places at high altitude, the temperature can get as low as 0 degree)
• Small flashlight or head flashlight
• Towel (preferably quick dry microfiber towel)
• Flight tickets (keep the soft copy in your mobile)
• Valid passport with Valid Visa (or check if you are eligible for Visa Free Entry)
• Travel/Dive Insurance
• Personal medication (include contact lenses)
• Waterproof bag to put all important documents
• All documents for your trip: vouchers, tickets, contact numbers
• Credit card (in some major cities, credit card are widely accepted in restaurants and shops. Small charge might be applied)
• Cash in Euro or USD (you may change into local currency Rupiah when you arrive here)
• Camera, Battery and Charger
• Adaptor (220V is used in Indonesia)
• Sunscreen and Sunglasses
• International driving license (if you plan to drive on your own)
• Mosquito Repellent with DEET
• Hygienic travel kits (mask, disinfectant or anti-virus spray, etc, etc)

How Do I Get to Pangkalan Bun?

To go to Pangkalan Bun there are 3 main options:

From Semarang airport (about 3.5 hours from Yogjakarta by car, we arrange this transfer by private car with AC from Jogjakarta to Semarang as well as vice versa) From Jakarta in direct flight. If you come from Jakarta, we offer you for the previous night, the transit hotel FM7 Resort, which includes transfers airport – hotel – airport and breakfast. From Surabaya in direct flight. If you come from Surabaya, here we offer Ibis Budget Surabaya Airport for the previous night, located within airport area and Standard Room (double/twin)

How Hard is Our Tour?

We have classified our tours in 3 different classes. Always check which one suitable for your condition. If you have any doubt, you may consult to our travel expert.

Easy: Suitable for most people in good health. These trips can include short walk for days with around 2–3 hours in good paths and at low altitudes.

Medium: A reasonable level of fitness or technique is required, as these trips can require sustained endurance levels as the trip may include longer days of approximately 5-6 hours of activity or/and in higher altitudes, or snorkelling in strong current.

Hard: These trips are physically demanding and best suited for people with a high endurance level, good level of fitness and exercise regularly. Days can be long around 7-8 hours of activity, often at high altitudes, in remote regions and sometimes without a support vehicle nearby. Travellers may be required to carry their backpack, trip with trekking overnights without access to normal toilets or accommodations.

Is there a shower on the boat?

Yes, the boat is equipped with a wooden bathroom that has a western toilet and a shower. The water drains directly into the river, so we will give you an organic soap to avoid contaminating it. We would appreciate it if you use it.

What time does the tour end?

The tour ends after breakfast usually around 10 am. If your flight leaves earlier, the crew will adapt to the schedule to drive you to the airport on time.

What about if my flight back is in the afternoon?

In this case, we can drop you off in the city so you can explore it on your own. But if you prefer, we can accompany you with a private car to take a walk around the Arut River (especially if you like photography) and then drop you off at the airport afterwards. This service has an extra cost.

• All the information you would like to know before travel to Indonesia.

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Top 14 Best Things To Do In Borneo [2024]

Planning your next trip and want to know the top things to do in Borneo? Or maybe you are wondering why visit Borneo? We will answer all of this below!

Borneo… Just the name of this big island in south east Asia’s Malay Archipelago sounds mysterious and adventurous. With thousands of square kilometres of rainforest and a long coastline, there are many Borneo points of interest just waiting to be explored.

The island of Borneo is divided by three nations – Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. Indonesia calls it Kalimantan and takes up the majority of the island. Malaysian Borneo is along the northern edge with the small nation of Brunei sitting on the northern coast, surrounded by Malaysia. Malaysia calls it East Malaysia, and it is home to the two states of Sabah and Sarawak.

You can visit Borneo things to do in all three countries, but the most common entry point and most Borneo must see places are in Malaysian Borneo. The capitals of the two Malaysian states, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, are the easiest access points and great bases from which to see the best of Borneo.

Borneo is not as well known as its peninsular Malaysian counterpart and you may not know much about what to do in Borneo. It’s most famous for its orangutans and we will cover the best places to see orangutans in Borneo. But we will also show you much more!

In this article, you will find the best places in Borneo to visit on your adventure as well as a handy map at the end of all the best places to go in Borneo!

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Top 14 Best Things To Do In Borneo

I asked for help creating this article so you’ll find some suggestions from me as well as some from other big Borneo fans.

You can also find our guide to Sarawak here and Sabah here.

Explore The Ancient Mulu Caves

Gunung Mulu National Park (also referred to as Mulu National Park, Mulu Caves or Mulu World Heritage Area) is one of the top places to visit in Borneo and for good reason. The millions-of-years-old caves, 60 million year old rainforest and unique flora and fauna are fascinating and easy to visit with a plane ticket and a tour package.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a typical national park. This 529 square kilometre national park is not connected by road to the rest of Malaysia. It has two mountains including Mulu Mountain (2376m), primary rainforest, geological formations like nowhere else and absolutely massive caves. It’s UNESCO World Heritage listed for a reason and, actually, it met all four criteria for listing when it only needs to meet one to be listed.

It took me far too many years of visiting Malaysia before I made it to Borneo Mulu National Park. That extra flight seemed like a flight too far, but that was crazy. Visiting Gunung Mulu National Park Malaysia should be on everyone’s bucket list! It’s easy to reach here by plane from Kota Kinabalu, Miri or Kuching.

There’s amazing rainforest to explore, four brilliant show caves that anyone can visit, and it’s all been made extra easy and accessible.

If you want an amazing natural experience in Borneo, this is one you shouldn’t miss

Click here to find our full guide to Mulu National Park with everything you need to know.

Live In A Longhouse At Kelabit Highlands

The Kelabit Highlands, located in the heart of Borneo, is a beautiful and remote mountainous region that is the perfect destination for travellers seeking adventure and a unique cultural experience. With its pristine rainforests, rolling hills and towering peaks, the Kelabit Highlands is a nature lover’s paradise with an abundance of opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and bird watching.

The Kelabit Highlands is also home to a vibrant indigenous culture with its residents known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage. This region is known as the “land of a hundred handshakes” thanks to the hospitality of its people.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the local way of life by staying with a Kelabit family, learning about traditional customs and crafts, and participating in traditional ceremonies. The region is also famous for its cuisine which features a variety of dishes made from local ingredients such as rice, sago and a variety of herbs and spices.

The Kelabits are an Orang Ulu group (the collective name for the 27 tribal groups in the northeastern part of Sarawak). There are also Penan people here (a seminomadic group). It’s easy to visit traditional longhouses here, and even stay in one for a true cultural experience.

Special 9-person flights can take you here for a great price and it’s easy to arrange a homestay package with tours and more to really get to know the area and its people.

Click here to find our full guide to Kelabit Highlands with everything you need to know.

Enjoy A Sungai Kapur River Cruise

This recent tourism development near the town of Lahad Datu is an interesting exploration into one of Sabah’s most forgotten and pristine primary rainforest and wetland environments. The 3-days-2-nights Sungai Kapur River Cruise offers a chance to venture safely on Sabah’s easternmost coast, an area that was infamous and less-touristed since it was attacked in 2013 by pirates coming from the nearby Islamic Sultanate of Sulu.

Today the situation is under control, and the area offers chances to meander along the Kapur river and its small side streams, searching for elusive wildlife such as crocodiles, pygmy elephants, flying foxes and hundreds of species of birds. It’s also a perfect way to experience the life of Sabah’s last village, Kampung Meruap, inhabited by a mix of Malays and ethnic Sulu people, and change stereotypes about this once troubled region.

This one of the things to do in Malaysian Borneo is organised by Bike and Tours and Tabin Lodge (from RM2700 per person all inclusive) and leave from Lahad Datu town. Accommodation is in a comfortable ranger chalet on the edge of the rainforest, and meals include two delicious seafood feasts graciously offered by the locals at Kampung Meruap, who source their scrumptious prawns and giant grouper fish directly from the sea.

Contributed by Marco from Monkey Rock World .

See Orangutans In The Wild At The Danum Valley Conservation Area

Orangutans are synonymous with Borneo, and the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the best places on the island to see them. The Danum Valley is one of the few remaining pockets of virgin rainforest in Borneo, and, while seeing orangutans is not guaranteed, it is common to see them here. Even if you don’t see orangutans, spending time hiking in the primeval jungle surrounded by towering trees, thick buttresses and tangled vines is an incredible experience.

The only place to stay inside the Danum Valley Conservation Area is Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Your stay includes guided hikes with expert local hikes, a night walk and a night drive in the back of an open truck with a powerful spotlight to spy nocturnal creatures. The day hikes include a walk on their canopy walkway where you are high in the trees where orangutans often hang out.

The Danum Valley is in the Sabah region of Malaysian Borneo The nearest airport is Lahad Datu.  The lodge is all inclusive, and they have an office near the airport and take you into the Danum Valley.  There is a cheaper option, the Danum Valley Field Center.  It is just outside the conservation area, has basic accommodation and does not have all of the guided trekking and night safari that the lodge has, but is a great budget option.

The best time to go is between March and October, which is the driest time of the year  Avoid December and January as they are the worst months for viewing wildlife.

Contibuted by James at Travel Collecting

See The Pygmy Elephants On The Kinabatangan River

The pygmy elephants of Borneo are genetically different from other Asian elephants – they were isolated from the mainland elephants over 300,000 years ago. These are the smallest elephants in Asia and there are less than 1,500 of the Bornean elephants left. They’re found mainly here in Sabah.

Males grow to a size of 2.5 metres, and while these elephants are fully grown they look like babies. Their ears are more than a little oversized, and their tails drag on the ground sometimes as they’re so long.

You’ll find the Asian pygmy elephant along the banks of the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. You should come here as it’s the only place you can see these elephants. You can reach the lodges here at this one of the best places in Borneo by bus and boat transfer from Sandakan.

You can take a day tour here from Sandakan, but it’s far better to spend a few days and nights here. It’s gloriously peaceful, and you can combine your stay with night nature walks and more wildlife spotting.

This isn’t a protected area, so there is no national park fee, you’ll just have to pay the related tour fee, or splash out on a luxurious lodge stay. I highly recommend this Borneo must do.

Book your ultimate wildlife adventure in the jungles of Kinabatangan River here or find our full guide to Kinabatangan river cruises here.

Contributed by Sarah from ASocialNomad .

Read our full guide to the Kinabatangan River here.

Explore Gomantong Caves

Visiting Gomantong Caves is one of the things to do in Sabah Borneo because these caves are hundreds of years old. The Gomantong Caves system has 19 limestone caves and is the largest limestone cave system in Sabah.

Discovered in 1930, the two main caves are Simud Hitam (Black Cave) and Simud Putih (White Cave). The Black Cave is open to the public while the White Cave requires cave climbing experience.

The boardwalk in the Black Cave loops around the chamber and is suitable for families to visit. Besides learning about the geology and history of the caves, you’re likely to see cockroaches, lots of swiftlets and bats. The cave system is also home to giant centipedes, scorpions and mud crabs.

A unique thing about this where to visit in Borneo is that swallows have built their nests here for centuries and swallows nests are harvested and sold to produce bird’s nest soup. However, the collection of bird’s nests is controlled by the Sabah State Government’s Department of Wildlife and conducted twice a year only.

Gomantong is located 110 kilometres from Sandakan and 35 kilometres from the town of Kota Kinabatangan. The road from Kota Kinabatangan to Gomantong is paved and the turnoff to Gomantong is well signposted. You can get to the caves by hiring a car from Sandakan or on an organised tour.

The entry fee is RM30 and if you’re planning on taking photo with a camera other than your smartphones, there’s an additional camera fee of RM30.

Contributed by Christina from Travel2Next .

Learn About Marine Life In Turtle Island

Borneo is known for its amazing wildlife, and one of the Borneo best places to visit to learn about its marine life is Turtle Island (Pulau Selingan).

This tiny one of the best islands in Borneo lies just off the northern coast. Pulau Selingan is home to a marine park which deals with turtle conservation. Every night turtles come ashore to lay their eggs which are collected by the park staff. The eggs are carefully looked after until the newly hatched turtles can be released into the wild. During your stay on the island you’re able to learn about turtle conservation, and watch the rangers at work.

To get to Turtle Island you need to book yourself onto a tour here , which usually lasts for a day and a night.

The tours depart from Sandakan, where you jump on a speedboat that whisks you across the sea to the island in under an hour. Pulau Selingan has pristine white beaches where you can relax or snorkel until the evening.

Observing the turtles is strictly controlled – you have to stay in a waiting room until a ranger collects you to see the turtles laying eggs on the beach. The next day an early breakfast is served before you’re taken back to Sandakan.

Click here to buy discounted tour tickets now or read our full guide to visiting Turtle Island here.

Contributed by Emily from Kids And Compass.

Learn About Orangutans At Sepilok

If you’re heading to Borneo, the chances are you’re there to see orangutans, and there’s nowhere easier than at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah. Located about 45 minutes by bus from Sandakan, this is maybe the best place to see orangutans in Borneo.

Established in 1964, Sepilok was the first orphaned orangutan rehabilitation centre in the world, and today is home to about 80 individuals, some in nurseries and others free in the protected forest reserve.

Visits begin with a short lecture and film about the conservation process, followed by exploration of the forest using designated wooden walkways. From here, you can watch some of the orangutans as they come down to the feeding platforms, swinging from high ropes and sometimes squabbling with the macaques who like parading along the handrails, munching on stolen bananas. It’s the easiest and best way to see orangutans in Borneo.

There are two feeding times each day, and it’s recommended that you arrive at 8:45am or 1:45pm so you don’t miss out. You can also watch some of the young orangutans in the outdoor nursery as they complete their final stage of rehabilitation.

Entrance is RM30 which allows you to attend both feedings if you wish, and there’s a further RM10 camera fee for those wanting to take photos. Just be aware that the centre is closed for lunch between 12 and 2pm. Many visitors like to visit to the nearby Rainforest Discover Centre over lunch whilst Sepilok is closed.

Click here to buy discounted tour ticket including transport now.

Contributed by Heather from Conversant Traveller .

Visit The Famous Handicraft Villages

It is often a good idea to buy souvenirs from locals while traveling, and in Kudat they’ve made it easy for you to do just that.

At this option of the Borneo what to see, you will find three tribal villages that have dedicated themselves to making just one product, like traditional gongs in the village of Kampung Sumangkap. Many of the houses had a gong workshop underneath the living quarters, and since gongs are the most important instrument in local festivals and ceremonies, it was interesting to see how they were made.

The village charges each visitor a RM5 fee to park, wander around the village, talk to the various artisans, and ultimately to buy one of their products. Most of the artists spoke at least some English, and after talking to a few, we really got to see how the traditional gong was made, completely by hand.

The Kudat area is located only about three hours from Kota Kinabalu, and you can either drive there yourself or take a pre-arranged tour. The other two villages have a honey business and a traditional longhouse to experience. Visiting these handicraft villages is a perfect way to give back and help the local economy, and it will provide the best souvenir from the region. It’s perfect with travelling solo or on a Borneo family holiday.

Contributed by Corinne from Reflections Enroute .

Go Hiking At Mount Kinabalu

For anyone with even a slight interest in hiking, Mt Kinabalu is a must-visit for the best treks in Borneo.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the highest mountain in Malaysia (4,095 meters) and is part of a national park of the same name. So even if you don’t want to hike up the mountain, it is worth the visit.

For those of you that want to hike the mountain you can do it in two days. There is one main route for most of the way, and then you can choose from two different routes to make the final summit. The standard package starts at RM1990 for a group of foreigners. It gets more expensive if you have less than 7 people.

There is also a 3 day 2 night option. Packages for this start at RM2280 for a group of foreigners.

Booking ahead is absolutely necessary if you want to climb the mountain because they only allow 185 climb permits a day. It is a popular activity, so giving it a 6-month lead time is a good idea.

The best way to get to Mt Kinabalu is by mini-van. Catch one from the long-distance bus station in the city (near the night market). It will drop you right at Kinabalu Park main office. The fare is RM15 and it takes about 2 hours.

If you would like to experience the park without hiking up the mountain, click here to book a great camping experience in Mount Kinabalu.

Contributed by Bert from Survival Fitness Plan .

Explore The Rainforest In Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei

Brunei is a fantastic side trip when looking for where to go in Borneo and Ulu Temburong National Park is one of the best Borneo places to visit if you want to experience virgin rainforest and have an easy rainforest adventure. Ulu Temburong is home to a huge range of wildlife and vegetation although much of the wildlife will probably stay hidden.

Easily accessible from the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, on day or longer tours, getting here is half the fun. The journey starts with a 40-minute speed boat ride to Bangar Town and then an overland drive before taking the last part of the journey by long boat. It’s possible to visit traditional long houses on the way.

Visitors can only enter certain parts of the park as Brunei is serious about its conservation, but in these parts you can do quite a lot. There are rainforest walks with over seven kilometres of boardwalks as well as a canopy walkway 50 metres in the air as pictured above. You will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere (but that nowhere is very spectacular). It all adds up to one of the top Borneo tourist attractions.

There is also rainforest worth visiting just outside the park. We visited a waterfall where we could wade in and they had those fish they have in shopping centres that eat the dead skin off your feet!

Day tours for this Borneo top 12 start at about RM300 but I recommend staying overnight. It’s hot and humid so take spare clothes, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water. Make sure you add it to your list of best places to visit in Borneo.

Contributed by Sharon from Simply Soraya Skincare.

Encounter Wildlife In Bako National Park

Bako National Park is a haven for avid birders and wildlife enthusiasts close to Kuching city in Sarawak and deserves its place on this list of top places to go in Borneo. Tourists and nature lovers flock from across the globe for the prime park attraction – the long nosed Proboscis monkey.

However, that’s not the only pull for naturalists. Bako boasts a vast array of flora and fauna – from the bearded pigs to flying lemurs, tarantulas to hermit crabs, there is just so much on offer here.

Bako is just a 35-minute drive from Kuching city and then a 15 minute boat ride. It is advisable to stay for at least two days inside the park to enjoy several hiking trails and boat rides. If I had more time, I could happily spend a week in the dense rainforests and mangroves of Bako.

The entry fee ranges from RM10 for Malaysians to RM20 for foreign adults. Cost of boats and stay is additional (based on the forest lodge you pick). All hikes are free of cost and marked properly. You can even opt for a day trip to Bako though it is not recommended as the guided night walk was one of the highlights of my time there.

Click here to buy discounted tour tickets now or read our full guide to visiting Bako here.

Contributed by Jo from Wonder With Jo .

Learn Culture And Traditions In Sarawak Cultural Village

Sarawak Cultural Village is not only the best thing to do in Borneo with kids, but it’s also the perfect place to start your first visit to Borneo.

The village provides a fascinating introduction to the diversity of human life on the island. Here you learn about all seven ethnic groups of Borneo by visiting real wooden houses, some very big.

You see and join in with traditional village life alongside staff who role play different activities at this things to see in Borneo. Learning here about local trades and observing everyday village culture is fun for the kids and adults too.

Twice a day there is a show of tribal dance. We were all fascinated by that. It’s best to go for the early show (11am) as a cultural primer for your visits to the different houses.

Sarawak Cultural Village is 50-60 minutes from Kuching. You can get there by taxi or by a van shuttle from Grand Margherita Hotel, Kuching departing 9:15am, 12:15pm and 2:15pm.

Currently, entry costs RM50 adults and RM25 for kids if purchased in advance from the website.

Contributed by Ania from The Travelling Twins .

Visit Camp Leakey, Indonesia

My very best of the things to do in Borneo, Indonesia is to visit to Camp Leakey. Located in the Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Borneo, a visit to this remote location involves a 2 day journey by river on board a traditional Klotok boat where you will be hosted by Indonesian locals, enjoy traditional food and sleep under the stars on the deck!

Camp Leakey was established by Dr. Biruté Galdikas in 1971 as the pioneer research centre for the study of orangutans. To this day it remains an active research facility where visitors can observe orangutans from a safe distance.

Named after the legendary paleo-anthropologist, Louis Leakey, who was both mentor and an inspiration to Dr. Galdikas as well as Doctors Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey. Aside from it’s focus on orangutan research and conservation, Cape Leakey also provides researches and visitors the opportunity to observe proboscis monkey and gibbons in the wild jungles of Borneo.

The easiest way to get to Camp Leakey is to fly to Pangkalan Bun with Kalstar or Trigana airways from Surabaya and Jakarta. Flights leave daily and will take about one hour. If you wish to visit Camp Leakey, it is best to do so with an approved orangutan trekking company who will arrange the klotok and tour details. This is the perfect answer to what to do in Borneo, Indonesia.

Contributed by Kathryn from Becoming You .

Map Of What To Do In Borneo

Have you been to Borneo? What are your suggestions for what to see in Borneo?

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Boren here. You can find more things to do in Sibu here and all the best Kota Kinabalu tours here . Alternatively, click here for a list of the best resorts in Malaysia or here for more planning resources.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

a small Borneo Travel guide

Know Borneo – Know Travel

Cities galore.

Amazingly diverse cities and places to visit

Activities & Sights

There is something for everyone to explore and enjoy

We wanted to bring you this small Borneo travel guide to give you a little idea of what you can see when travelling to Borneo – this amazingly diverse island.

People often don’t think of Borneo as being an island, let alone that it is made up of many different places and nations.  Here is a small travel guide that we hope will make things a little clearer when preparing your holiday!  Feel free to get in contact with us here at Borneo Travel if you require any further information or want to discuss your travel itinerary wishes.  We hope you find this Borneo travel guide useful and we will be adding more to it in the near future.

Borneo Cities

Kota kinabalu – sabah.

A city in Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah in the northern part of Borneo.  Some people call this KK.  It is partly surrounded with rainforests which makes this an exciting and wondrous place to visit as well as being a coastal city.  It has some great markets and beaches as well as being home to the Kota Kinabalu Mosque which is on the waterfront.  IT is home to Kinabalu National Park and, of course, Mount Kinablau which is part of our man Borneo Treks.

Kuching – Sarawak

Capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, Kuching is a divers city that is full of old colonial architecture and is along the Sarawak River waterfront.  It is a bustling city with some great food, shopping and historical landmarks such as the former Rajahs palace and Fort Margherita.

Bandar Seri Begawan – Brunei

The Capital of the small nation of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan as an amazing Mosque called the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, with amazing architecture, chandeliers and Italian marble.  To see and visit is the late sultan Bolkiah and Sharif Ali tombs in Kota Batu as well as The Royal Cereminal Hall (Lapau) in Jala Kianggeh which is used for traditional ceremonies.  There is also the Royal Mausoleum away from the Brunie River banks.  There is shopping around the amazing local markets and as well many other museums and places of interest.

Pontianak – West Kalimantan

The capital of the Indonesian province of West Kalimantan, Potianak is the 5 th largest city on the island of Borneo.  There are some great places to eat and visit, including Randayan Island and Temajo Island, as well as the city itself.  There is also the Equatorial City Monument of interest to visitors to this city too.

Banjarmasin – South Kalimantan

Capital of the province of South Kalimantan, Banjarmasin has a great nickname “The City of a Thousand Rivers” thanks to its many canals.  This busy city gives and visitor to Borneo the opportunity to take in its peoples culture.  It has amazing floating markets to see such as the Muara floating market on the Barito river.  It has the Mascots Park where you can see the proboscis monkeys as well as the plants in its fabulous greenhouses.  There are plenty of museums to visit too, leaving nothing to the imagination but plenty to remember.

Balikpapan – East Kalimantan

The Indonesian province of East Kalimantan, Balikpapan is a seaport city on the east coast of Borneo.  This is one place where people from ll over Indonesia visit and live with the locals.  It was the precious stones market and and mazing beaches, namely Kemala, Manggar and Segari Sari.  The Wain river Protected Forest covers a large area of habitat and is home to a number of endangered animals, such as the honey bear (sun bear), Orangutans and Proboscis monkeys.

Activities and Sights

There are, of course, plenty of activities for all ages and experiences here on Borneo such as:

• Mountain trekking
• Cycling Tours
• Wildlife Tours (including Orangutans)
• Sandakan Death March Tour
• New for 2019 – Rundum Trek

Here at Borneo Travel guides are real locals and this is something that we are very proud of.  Please do get in contact to discuss you Borneo travel itinerary with us and we will make sure your trip os one to remember!

For more Borneo travel guides on travelling in and around Borneo please do see our other pages:

• Borneo Travel Tips

Borneo Travel Information

• January 2020
• December 2019
• January 2019
• December 2018
• Borneo Travel News
• Bird Watching Borneo
• Borneo Holidays Travel Information
• Borneo Luxury Honeymoons
• Borneo Travel Gaim Heritage Route
• Borneo Travel Guide – for all travellers to Borneo
• Borneo Travel Home
• Borneo Travel Motorbike Tour Sabah
• Exclusive Borneo Travel Cycling Tours
• Generic Risk Assessment

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Rendang is Indonesia’s culinary masterpiece. 11 of the best places to get it in L.A.

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Growing up, the moment I caught the aroma of ground chiles, garlic, ginger, galangal and other spices sizzling in hot oil, I knew my mother was making rendang. Preparing this fragrant Indonesian dish is no easy feat, requiring a melange of ingredients to create a rich, full-bodied dry curry. It’s steeped in coconut milk and slow-cooked for hours until the oil from the milk separates to caramelize the meat, rendering it unbelievably tender and enveloping each succulent piece in a spicy, unctuous paste. The flavor is intense, complex, unforgettable — no wonder there were never any leftovers when my mom made it.

“Eating rendang is like enjoying a rich sake where there’s distinct top notes, a robust body and a lingering aftertaste,” says Eric Tjahyadi, owner of Bone Kettle restaurant in Pasadena. “That’s really the best type of rendang — one that takes you to places.”

Originally a method to preserve meat in Indonesia’s tropical climate, it’s also a dish that you can take with you. “Due to its dry nature and natural preservatives like turmeric and coconut, traditional rendang can be stored for several days at room temperature,” says Cobi Marsh, owner of Cobi’s restaurant in Santa Monica.

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The extended shelf life of rendang was vital for the Minangkabau people indigenous to West Sumatra who created the dish. In this matrilineal society where wealth and property passed from mother to daughter, young men were encouraged to leave the tribe in a rite of passage known as merantau, or wandering. They’d bring rendang with them on their journeys — both for nourishment and a taste of home as they sought knowledge, fortune and new experiences.

To the Minangkabau, rendang is more than a dish or cooking method; it’s part of their cultural identity, a labor of love symbolizing wisdom, patience and perseverance. Despite its widespread availability today, rendang remains a culinary tradition with ceremonial importance. Raised in Surabaya in a Chinese Christian family before moving to Jakarta, my mother recalls visiting neighbors during Lebaran (the Indonesian name for two Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha). These gatherings in this predominantly Muslim country saw people of different faiths, both Christians and Muslims, coming together to share in celebration — and rendang was always an important part of the feast.

My mom brought the tradition of rendang with her when she came to California, just as Tjahyadi’s family did when they immigrated. “On holidays in the U.S., we wouldn’t have turkey or ham,” says Tjahyadi. “We’d have rendang. It was our own version of holiday meat.”

With the rise of Indonesian and Southeast Asian restaurants in L.A., I’ve embarked on my own merantau of sorts with my mom, exploring rendang across the city. Just as every region in Indonesia has its own unique style of rendang, each restaurant here offers its own twist. Here’s a guide to some of our favorites — from those honoring tradition to others reimagining it in their own distinct way.

Bone Kettle

Borneo Eatery

Cobi's

Dapoer Bunda

Medan Kitchen

Simpang Asia

Singapore’s Banana Leaf

Eat your way across L.A.

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