borneo travel video

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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...

Asia & Pacific Adventures

• The Wilds of Borneo: Orangutans & Beyond

Videos & Webinars

Video | wilds of borneo, webinar | asian fusion: combining our south asia adventures, webinar | photographing borneo: tips for capturing the essence of an adventure, webinar | the wilds of borneo: what to know before you go.

Availability & Book Now

Download Trip Details

Ask a Question

Customize Your African Safari

Let our in-house safari experts create your perfect African adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on this safari or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917 .

Customize Your Trip

Let our in-house trip experts create your perfect adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on our ${tripName} or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917.

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Get our downloadable trip details in PDF format, a handy resource for your travel planning. Inside, you'll find all the info from our website—highlights of the trip, itinerary, accommodations, and full details on dates, prices and logistics—plus a few extras!

Thank you for your request! Click here to see your trip details PDF now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Fill out our form to receive additional information about our ${tripName}, or give us a call at 800-543-8917 .

We’ll be in touch soon with more details.

Send Me Travel Emails

Get the Inside Scoop on the

World of Nature Travel

Our weekly eNewsletters highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add [email protected] to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Request Your 2023 Catalog

Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly a hundred nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the magnificent places we visit and their wild inhabitants.

Get Weekly Updatess

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Send Us a Message

Have a question or comment? Use the form to the right to get in touch with us.

We’ll be in touch soon with a response.

Refer a Friend

Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.

We've received your friend's information.

View Our 2023 Digital Catalog

View Our 2024/2025

Digital Catalog

Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. Click here to view it now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Polar Bear Tours

African Safaris

Galapagos Tours

Alaska Adventures

U.S. National Parks Tours

Canada & the North

Europe Adventures

Mexico & Central America Tours

South America Adventures

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Adventure Cruises

Photography Expeditions

Women's Adventures

Family Adventures

New Adventures

Questions? Call 800-543-8917

Have a question or comment? Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us. Hours Mountain Time

• 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday
• 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday
• Closed on Sunday

©Thosapon.s/Shutterstock

It's a jungle out there! Borneo has some of the world's most wildlife-rich equatorial rainforests, incredible landscapes (above and below the waves) and rich indigenous culture.

Latest stories from Borneo

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Sustainable Travel

Feb 18, 2020 • 7 min read

Indonesia is set to build a new capital city from scratch. We ask experts what a city fit for the future would look like.

Sep 27, 2019 • 6 min read

Sep 3, 2019 • 2 min read

May 22, 2019 • 6 min read

Sep 13, 2017 • 6 min read

Apr 26, 2017 • 5 min read

Feb 19, 2014 • 6 min read

Mar 29, 2012 • 4 min read

Mar 28, 2012 • 4 min read

Mar 27, 2012 • 2 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Borneo

• Borneo Calling
• Mt Kinabalu Packages
• Via Ferrata Packages
• K. Kinabalu Day Tour
• Kinabatangan Tours
• Borneo Turtle Island
• Borneo Forest Reserve Tour
• Sepilok Orangutan
• Diving and Island
• Overland Tours
• About Via Ferrata
• Trail Information
• Packing Idea
• Climbing Tips
• Accommodation
• Mt Kinabalu FAQ
• Certificates
• Mt Kinabalu T&C
• Travel Blogs
• About Borneo Calling
• Customers’ Gallery
• Customers’ Reviews
• Reservation Form
• How To Book?
• Terms and Conditions
• Mount Kinabalu Climb Packages
• Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata
• Kota Kinabalu Day Tour
• Kinabatangan River Tours
• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
• Diving and Island Hopping
• Mount Kinabalu Trail Map
• Mount Kinabalu Trail Information
• Mount Kinabalu Packing Idea
• Mount Kinablu Climbing Tips
• Mount Kinabalu Accommodation
• Mount Kinabalu FAQ
• Mount Kinabalu Certificates
• Mount Kinabalu Terms & Conditions
• Travel Blog
• Customers’ Review

Borneo Calling Video

Borneo travel videos, mount kinabalu video.

Catch a glimpse of what Mount Kinabalu’s journey looks like through a camera lens. Informative videos can be found under our Mount Kinabalu Video section in order to help you out in planning your journey. Words alone cannot fully express the magnificent view of the 4,095m tall mountain. Along the way, you will witness its rich collection of wildlife species, these includes birds, mammals, insects, flora and fauna alike. Due to this fact, Mount Kinabalu has been presented with the UNESCO World Heritage status, reminding us that we all hold an important role in preserving this place which carries such cultural, historical and scientific importance to the people of Malaysia.

Be prepare for your journey visually and make travel planning easier. Through these videos, you will be able to achieve better understanding on what to prepare . Not only does these videos give viewers a clearer picture, they will also get to understand better as the presenter in the video will share about their personal experience and some tips during the climb. Their sharing will engaged viewers on a more personal level and hopefully will guide them while they are preparing physically and mentally in what to expect. Some people will say that Mount Kinabalu is a tough mountain to climb while others might say that it is not as hard as they expected it to be. These all come down to each person’ fitness level and endurance.

Moreover, behold the captivating view of Mount Kinabalu and take note of the trail highlights so that you won’t miss out on a thing. If watching a video is not enough, try to find out more details on our Mount Kinabalu Climbing Packages to know more. There are also different locations made readily available for you to explore throughout our website.

The Best Documentary of MOUNT KINABALU Climbing Journey – Day 1

The Best Documentary of MOUNT KINABALU Climbing Journey – Day 2

Mount Kinabalu – How & Who to Book With?

The World’s HIGHEST Via Ferrata on Mount Kinabalu Borneo Calling

Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata Low’s Peak Circuit 2020 – What to Expect? (Prepare/Packing/Process)

Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata – Asia’s First and World’s Highest Via Ferrata: Low’s Peak Circuit

SABAH TOURISM'S TRAVEL VIDEO

Sabah Malaysian Borneo 2020

Top 30 Places to visit in Sabah – Sabah Rural Tourism

Enchanting Sabah 2020

Enchanted Underwater Sabah

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

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! […]

[…] if you can find the SAME item used online.  While looking for a larger 50L bag for my Borneo trip, I ended up searching on my local classified website to see if I could save money on my pricey […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Travel to the Netherlands
• New York Travel
• France Travel
• Belgium Travel
• Asia Travel
• Budget Travel
• European Travel
• Couples Travel
• Adventure Travel
• Local Guides
• France Expat
• Netherlands Expat
• Moving Abroad
• Work With Me
• Disclosure and Privacy Policy

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

TreasureHunter USA Inc. 251 Little Falls Drive Wilmington, Delaware 19808 +1 (915) 4632387 EIN 88-2174128

www.wanderlustingk.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also participate in other affiliate programs

www.wanderlustingk.com all rights reserved © 2023 | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy |

Trending Destinations

Trending articles.

10 of the UK’s best stargazing escapes

10 of the best new wildlife trips for 2024

Where is Dune: Part Two filmed?

Destinations.

Sorry but no search results were found, please try again.

Your full Wanderlust guide to

Straddling the equator and dominated by luxuriant rainforests, Borneo is the world’s third biggest island. Its territory is apportioned unevenly between the countries of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. The two East Malaysian states Sabah and Sarawak lie in the north, surrounding Brunei, while the Indonesian state of Kalimantan occupies most of central and southern Borneo.

For most travellers, the chance of spying orangutans in the wild is the island’s greatest allure, but there’s so much more wildlife to behold: pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, sun bears, clouded leopards and giant flying squirrels all call this vast jungle home. You can even spot a huge bat exodus in one of the largest cave systems in the world at Gunung Mulu National Park. But while Borneo is a wildlife haven, it’s not its only drawcard. You can climb up its loftiest peak, Mount Kinabalu, see where colonial, Malay and Chinese history mix in Kuching and stay in a tribal longhouse with Borneo’s Iban people. There are few places that feel as remote and blissfully disconnected from modern life as Borneo does.

You can’t miss

Jungle booked: 5 of the wildest hotels in sabah, borneo.

Latest Borneo articles

The best things to do in spectacular Sabah, Malaysia

Step into Sarawak

Where Dame Judi Dench visited on her Wild Borneo Adventure

How to climb Mount Kinabalu in a day

7 things you must do in Borneo

5 best places to see orangutans in the wild

5 of Borneo’s best-kept wildlife secrets

International airports

Malaysian Borneo has two international airports: Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Sabah and Kuching International Airport in Sarawak. For Indonesian Borneo, there’s Sepinggan International Airport in Balikpapan and Supadio Airport in Pontianak, while Brunei’s main airport is Syamsudin Noor Airport in Barjarmasin.

When to go in Borneo.

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

The monsoon period should not deter visitors to the region as it brings respite from the tropical heat, though the wet season can be more encumbering for active and adventure holidays. Heavy rains may cause cancellation of flights and riverboat trips into remote regions, so the dry season is best for activities.

Getting around Borneo

Domestic flights link all the regions of Borneo including Sabah, Sarawak, Balikpapan, Bajarmasin and Pontianak. MASWings, AirAsia and Batavia Air provide regular services between the different areas of Borneo. On the ground, air-conditioned express buses are the economical way to travel long distances within, and sometimes between, Borneo’s different states.

Ferry links between Labuan Island, Brunei, Kota Kinabalu, Limbang and East Kalimantan are also an efficient way of exploring the Borneo states. Use the public express boats for fascinating journeys to coastal and inland towns such as along Rejang River or from Kuching East to Sibu.

Where to stay in Borneo.

Borneo has a full range of accommodation, from treetop lodges, budget hostels and small guesthouses, to luxury on-the-beach hotels. More intriguing options include Borneo’s ecolodge stays with the chance to see as many as nine primate species including crocodiles, butterflies and rare birds such as the Storms stork. Borneo has limited availability, especially in its extremely remote regions, so it’s advised to book before you travel.

What to eat in Borneo.

Bornean food comprises three world-class cuisines – Malay, Indonesian and Indian – with regional twists. Hawker markets offer opportunities to try a variety of dishes from the numerous stalls ranged around a central eating area – order enticing-looking treats from any stalls, take them to your table and tuck in.

Health & safety

Consult your GP or a travel health clinic for advice on inoculations and anti-malarial prophylaxis. Various biting bugs, leeches, parasites and venomous snakes are found in Borneo – particularly the jungles – so wear insect repellent, don’t walk barefoot and take sensible precautions to avoid bites and stings. Food hygiene is generally good and crime levels relatively low, but do take do take the usual common-sense precautions.

Related guides

Sign up to our newsletter for free with the Wanderlust Club, full of travel inspiration, quizzes, events and more

The Ultimate 2-Week Borneo Itinerary (Malaysian Borneo)

Last Updated: May 28 2024

With its incredible biodiversity, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, Borneo is a must for any Asia backpacking route. It’s one of the best places in the world to spot wildlife, especially the elusive orangutan, which can only be found in two of the world’s islands ( Sumatra is the other one).

Whether you’re looking to hike through the rainforest, photograph wildlife, or visit local museums, this amazing destination has something for everyone!

To ensure you see the best of this incredible destination, we’ve put together the ultimate Borneo itinerary! We’ll cover the very best places to visit, how to get around, where to stay, and other travel tips so you know exactly how to plan the perfect trip.

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you buy or book something through these links, we earn a small commission, but at no extra cost to you! If you want to learn more, you can take a look at our privacy policy!

Table of Contents

The Ultimate 2-Week Borneo Itinerary

There are so many amazing things to do in Borneo . You could easily spend a month here and still not visit all of its magical places, but two weeks will cover the top spots.

This itinerary will take you through the island’s most popular destinations and will see you visit the two states of Malaysian Borneo; Sabah and Sarawak. You’ll start in Kuching, then fly to Kota Kinabalu. Afterwards, this backpacking route will see you visit Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River.

So let’s take a look at this awesome Borneo itinerary!

Days 1-6: Kuching, Sarawak

Kuching, Sarawak’s capital city is the first stop on our Borneo itinerary! This charming city is located along the Sarawak River and is where you’ll base yourself for your time in Sarawak. It’s easy to reach too, with direct flights coming in from the Malaysian mainland and other destinations in Asia, such as Singapore .

The great thing about Kuching is that there are a wide variety of things to do in and around the city. Not only that, but you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to day trip opportunities.

There are also accommodation options for every budget in this city making it a great backpacking destination. Not to mention, there are tons of little restaurants where you can try the local cuisine (we’d suggest the roti canai).

Things to do in Kuching

You can easily visit Semenggoh Nature Reserve on a day trip from Kuching. Under a 30-minute drive away, this place is the largest Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sarawak, making it a must for any Borneo itinerary!

Semenggoh was established in 1975 and is home to semi-wild orangutans who have been rescued from being kept as illegal pets or those who have been injured or orphaned. As the orangutans aren’t completely wild they come back to the feeding platforms when food is scarce.

Here are some other things to do in Kuching:

• Head on a day trip to Bako National Park
• Visit Sarawak Cultural Village – This day tour from Kuching includes transport and your entrance ticket.
• Explore Kuching Wetlands National Park
• Visit the local museums
• Take a day trip to Gunung Gading National Park

Where to stay in Kuching

Budget: QuiikCat

QuiikCat is one of the most affordable accommodation options in Kuching. This quirky hostel offers both dorm beds and private rooms, some of which sleep up to 4 people making them a great option for families. There’s a shared bathroom too.

This hostel is in a central location as you’ll be staying close to the Sungai Santubong riverfront, Chinatown, and the Sarawak Museum. QuiikCat also offers an airport shuttle service so you’ll have no issues travelling from the airport.

Mid-range: Meritin Hotel

The Meritin Hotel is a fantastic option if you’re looking for something mid-range. Here, there are a variety of rooms and suites on offer, all of which offer a private bathroom, seating area, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV.

The great thing about staying at this hotel is that you’ll have access to various facilities including a tour desk, restaurant, shared lounge, snack bar, and a business centre. You’ll also find plenty of local eateries nearby too.

Luxury: The Waterfront Hotel Kuching

If you’re after a luxurious option, check out The Waterfront Hotel Kuching. You’ll find this hotel set atop Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre, just a short walk away from the waterfront and the Sarawak Museum.

This 5* hotel offers excellent facilities, making it the perfect option for a luxury getaway. These include an outdoor infinity pool, bar, fitness centre, and two restaurants. Better yet, many of the rooms offer a bathtub and striking city views.

How to get around Kuching

Kuching is a small city so you’ll have no issues getting around. We found the majority of tourist attractions to be close together, so decided to explore on foot. Plus, Kuching is a very scenic city to walk around as you can wander along the waterfront.

Of course, there are plenty of fantastic day trip opportunities from Kuching. Luckily, there are plenty of bus routes that service the surrounding area (these are run by City Public Link) or you can use the taxi app GRAB which is very affordable.

Alternatively, some fantastic day tours run from Kuching!

Days 7-8: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

The next stop in this Borneo itinerary is Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. You’ll fly here from Kuching, with flights taking around 1.5 hours. However, you won’t need too much time in the city as Sabah has plenty of other fantastic places to visit.

Although Kota Kinabalu (also known as KK) was originally a small fishing village, it’s become one of the largest cities in Borneo. The city is known for its historical landmarks and colonial architecture, and there are plenty of awesome attractions to visit too. Of course, there’s also the scenic Tanjung Aru Beach so Kota Kinabalu really does have everything!

If you do find yourself with some extra time, then there are also some great day trip opportunities from KK.

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Tanjung Aru Beach is around a 10-minute drive from the centre of Kota Kinabalu. Although very touristy, this beach is a must-visit as it’s a fantastic place to watch the sunset, with skies often turning a crimson red.

Tanjung Aru is a popular spot with locals and you’ll find various food stalls in this area, making it a great place to try the local cuisine. You can also pick up a quirky souvenir or two.

Here are some other things to do in Kota Kinabalu:

• Visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – This snorkelling tour includes all equipment, lunch, fees, and taxes.
• Head to the Sabah State Museum
• Take a day trip to Kinabalu National Park (home to Mount Kinabalu) – This full-day tour is a popular option.
• Admire Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu
• Visit Atkinson Clock Tower

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Budget: Vibrant Hostel

Vibrant Hostel is one of Kota Kinabalu’s cheapest accommodation options. There are both dormitory-style and private rooms available, some of which sleep up to four people. If you stay here, you’ll also have free WiFi.

This hostel offers some great facilities, including a shared kitchen and shared lounge, making it a great place to meet other travellers. Luggage storage is also available if you have a late flight or bus journey.

Mid-range: Signel Poshtel, The Rare Gem Of North Borneo

Signel Poshtel offers private and dormitory-style rooms so there’s something for everyone. Many of the rooms offer city views, along with plenty of amenities including air conditioning, a kettle, a tea/coffee maker, and a flat-screen TV.

There are some great facilities on-site too, including a 24-hour front desk, shared kitchen, shared lounge, and free WiFi. Not to mention, you’ll be in a fantastic location, with Signal Hill Observatory and the Atkinson Clock Tower being nearby.

Luxury: Shangri-La Tanjung Aru

If you want a luxurious getaway, check out Shangri-La Tanjung Aru. This gorgeous 5* hotel is located near Tanjung Aru Beach, offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding area. Many of the suites also feature a private balcony and striking sea views.

The highlight of staying at this hotel is the facilities. Here, you can enjoy a spa and wellness centre, golf course, fitness centre, and watersports activities. There are also several restaurants and bars on-site, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

How to get around Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is one of the largest cities in Borneo, yet it’s very easy to get around. Many of the tourist attractions are located close together, so you can get around parts of the city on foot. Just be mindful of traffic, especially when you’re crossing the road.

For longer distances, you can opt for public buses/mini-buses which travel to different areas of Kota Kinabalu. Tickets are cheap too, making it a great option for backpackers. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi and there are tons of them throughout the city. Typically, rates are very affordable although you may need to negotiate with some drivers.

Days 9-11: Sepilok, Sabah

When backpacking Borneo, you need to visit Sepilok. To get here, you can either fly to Sandakan Airport and then catch a bus or taxi to Sepilok. Some hotels also offer an airport shuttle, or you can take the bus from Kota Kinabalu.

Although small, there are so many awesome things to do in Sepilok . You can visit conservation centres, hike in the jungle, and explore local caves. Not to mention, there are some fantastic day trip opportunities including the Kinabatangan River (although we recommend that you spend longer here).

The great thing about Sepilok is that the three main attractions (Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, BSBCC, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre) are all located close together. You’ll also have plenty of hotels and guesthouses to choose from!

Things to do in Sepilok

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a highlight of any Borneo itinerary! Established in 1964, it was the world’s first centre for rehabilitating orangutans, with around 60-80 of these great apes living independently in the reserve today.

To make the most of your visit, you’ll want to head here during feeding times. Feeding occurs twice a day (typically at 10 am and 3 pm) and offers the best chance of spotting semi-wild orangutans.

Here are some other things to do in Sepilok:

• Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)
• Spend time at the Rainforest Discovery Centre – This popular tour includes a visit to all of Sepilok’s main attractions.
• Take a day trip to Sandakan
• Head to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary – Check out this awesome small-group tour .
• Explore Gomantong Caves

Where to stay in Sepilok

Budget: Sepilok B&B

If you’re backpacking through Borneo and are on a budget, Sepilok B&B is a great option. This B&B offers both private and dormitory rooms, and some sleep up to 7 people, so are a perfect option for families.

On-site, there’s a shared lounge, in-house restaurant, and garden area. The property also offers a paid airport shuttle service, and you can play darts and table tennis during your stay. This B&B can also provide packed lunches upon request.

Mid-range: Sepilok Nature Lodge

Sepilok Nature Lodge is set in a stunning location along the river, close to the orangutan and sun bear rehabilitation centres. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to connect with nature, and there’s a tour desk and restaurant on-site.

Another reason to choose this lodge is that many of the rooms offer a balcony, overlooking the jungle. Not to mention you’ll have complimentary WiFi and an airport shuttle service can be requested.

Luxury: Sepilok Forest Edge Resort

Sepilok Forest Edge Resort is one of the most luxurious options in this area of Borneo. It boasts excellent facilities including a plunge pool, bar, restaurant, and in-room dining. Jungle treks and tour excursions can also be booked here.

There are various rooms, chalets and glamping villas to choose from, each one offering plenty of amenities. Dormitory rooms are also available for those on a budget. Not to mention there’s a great restaurant on-site serving Bornean contemporary cuisine.

How to get around Sepilok

Sepilok is a really small place so you can easily get around on foot, especially as BSBCC and the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre are next door to each other. The Rainforest Discovery Centre is within walking distance too.

If you aren’t very mobile, then you can always opt for a taxi or explore Sepilok by tour. This full-day tour is a popular option as it includes a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre.

If you plan to explore the surrounding area, then a taxi or tour is the best option!

Days 12-14: The Kinabatangan River

The highlight of our 2-week Borneo itinerary had to be visiting the Kinabatangan River! It’s Sabah’s longest river at an impressive 560 km (348 miles) long and is one of the best places to spot orangutans in Borneo .

This area is incredibly biodiverse, and you can spot other wildlife here too. This includes Bornean pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, crocodiles, hornbills, and more. You can also spot Irrawaddy dolphins and freshwater sharks if you’re lucky!

There are some fantastic jungle lodges in this area (for every price point) so it doesn’t matter what budget you’re on. Many of these will offer various excursions and outdoor activities, such as river cruises, jungle trekking, and night walks. This makes it the perfect destination for nature lovers.

Things to do along the Kinabatangan River

We highly recommend taking a Kinabatangan River cruise to make the most of your time here. Heading out on a boat ride is the best way to appreciate the area’s wildlife, and they typically run three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening).

The cruises last for around 1.5-2 hours and prices are very affordable. For the best experience, we’d recommend going on a couple of boat trips, as this will give you a better chance of spotting wildlife, especially the elusive orangutan.

Here are some other things to do:

• Stay in a jungle lodge
• Head on a jungle trek
• Go on a night walk
• Photograph wildlife
• Indulge in local cuisine along the river

Where to stay along the Kinabatangan River

Budget: Sukau Backpackers B&B

Sukau Backpackers B&B is one of the best options in this area for those on a budget. It’s where we stayed during our time along the Kinabatagan River, and we woke up every morning to blissful jungle sounds, including loud gibbon calls.

The rooms at this B&B are basic, but they have everything you need. This includes a private bathroom, balcony, and outdoor seating where you can relax. You can also book excursions here including river cruises.

Mid-range: Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge

In Bilit, you’ll find the Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge. This property is just a short walk from the river and offers various accommodation options, including dorm beds and private rooms, some of which sleep up to three people.

Prices at this lodge are still affordable, and you’ll have free WiFi and breakfast included in your stay. You can book excursions and activities here, and the guides are very knowledgeable.

Luxury: Bilit Adventure Lodge

Bilit Adventure Lodge is one of the luxurious options along the Kinabatangan River. Set within the jungle, this lodge offers traditional wooden lodges set on stilts. These feature an ensuite bathroom with a hot shower.

On-site there’s a restaurant serving local cuisine, as well as a tour desk where you can book various excursions and activities. Luggage storage and WiFi are also available at this property.

How to get around

There are two main areas along the Kinabatangan River; Sukau and Bilit. This is where the majority of jungle lodges are found, but the two villages are located on either side of the river.

As the area is so remote, road access is limited. The best way to get around is by taking a river cruise, and you can book these through various lodges and tour operators. Alternatively, you can explore via jungle trekking.

Just keep in mind that you’ll need to set aside money for excursions. Unless you plan on heading out along the river or exploring the jungle, there’s not much to do in the area.

Only Have A Week In Borneo?

If you only have 7 days in Borneo, you’ll need to condense this itinerary. So you’re not rushing around, we’d recommend visiting just one state (either Sabah or Sarawak), rather than trying to squeeze in both of them.

Both states offer you the chance to see orangutans in the wild as well as experience different cultures. Personally, we’d recommend Sabah as there are some fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities in this part of Borneo.

For those who only have a week in Borneo, below are two example itineraries:

Sarawak – Base yourself in Kuching for the full seven days and take day trips from the city.

Sabah – Spend two nights in Kota Kinabalu, two nights in Sepilok, and three nights along the Kinabatangan River.

Where else should you visit in Borneo?

If you’re putting together a three-week Borneo itinerary (or perhaps even longer), there are plenty of other incredible places to visit. Just make sure you don’t cram too much in as you don’t want to spend all your time travelling around.

Here are some of your other options!

Gunung Mulu National Park

If you have some additional time on your Borneo itinerary, head to Gunung Mulu National Park . This incredible Unesco World Heritage Site can be accessed by taking a flight to Mulu and it’s well worth the visit.

Gunung Mulu National Park covers around 528 sq km (204 sq miles) and is home to the second-highest mountain in Sarawak, Mount Mulu. It’s most famous for its cave systems, which include the Sarawak Chamber (the world’s largest underground chamber), Deer Cave, and Clearwater Cave.

The Mulu Canopy Walk is also found here, and hiking is a popular activity, with Gunung Mulu Summit Trek being a highlight.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Tabin Wildlife Reserve is another great place to find orangutans in the wild. This reserve is located in Sabah and covers over 120,000 hectares. In 1984 it was declared a protected area due to its variety of wildlife, and it’s not hard to see why!

Here, you can spot various species including the orangutan, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Banteng, and Bornean gibbon among others. Clouded leopards can also be spotted but sightings are rare.

As well as 4×4 safaris, there are several hiking trails in Tabin Wildlife Reserve. You’ll also find some fantastic lodges in this reserve where you can stay overnight.

Danum Valley

If you’re planning to spend longer than 2 weeks in Borneo, you should add Danum Valley to your itinerary. This conservation area covers 438 sq km (169 sq miles) and boasts ancient rainforest, dating back 130 million years.

Not only is Danum Valley home to some of the highest trees in the tropics (up to 100 metres/328 feet tall) but there’s a wealth of wildlife to be spotted too. This includes orangutans, clouded leopards, Bornean pygmy elephants, and Bornean gibbons. You can even check sightings online before your visit.

The jungle treks offer great wildlife-watching opportunities but you’ll also want to check out the canopy walks!

Semprona is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia, with its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and dive sites. This makes it an excellent addition to any Borneo itinerary!

Located around a 2-hour drive from Lahad Datu, Semporna acts as the gateway to Tun Sakaran Marine Park. This marine park covers over 240 sq km (92 sq miles) and is made up of eight islands, and their surrounding coral reefs.

As such, it’s no surprise to hear that Semporna is known across the world for its diving scene. Here, you can spot a variety of marine life including turtles, manta rays, eagle rays, and plenty of tropical fish.

How to get to Borneo

Borneo is made up of three different countries; Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia. However, this guide only covers Malaysian Borneo, so this is the area we’ll be detailing in this section.

The main way to reach Malaysian Borneo is by air, although there aren’t many direct routes. You’ll first need to catch a flight to one of Asia’s main flight hubs, with both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur being very convenient.

We flew to Kuching (Sarawak) with Air Asia from Kuala Lumpur. The journey took us just under two hours and there are typically several departures daily, either with Air Asia or Malaysia Airlines. Alternatively, you can fly to Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and do this itinerary the other way around.

How to get around Borneo

To make the most of your Borneo itinerary, we’d suggest travelling by air (at least between some of the destinations). This will give you more time to explore rather than spending hours on public transport.

During our time in Borneo, we caught a flight between Kuching (Sarawak) and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah). The flight took us around 1.5 hours and we found prices to be affordable. It’s also the most convenient option, otherwise, you’ll need to take a bus to Brunei first and then changeover.

Other airports in Malaysian Borneo include Sandakan, Tawau, and Miri, so you can easily get around by air. Although prices will be more expensive than catching the bus you’ll certainly save yourself a lot of time!

Airlines serving Borneo include Air Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and Batik Air Malaysia. For the best prices, we’d suggest checking out Skyscanner.

Other Ways To Get Around Borneo Include:

• By bus – There are plenty of public buses running throughout Borneo and they are very affordable. These can be taken locally or there are long-distance options, such as from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.
• By taxi – For shorter distances, you can opt for a taxi. We’d suggest downloading the GRAB taxi app, as prices are cheap and you’ll know exactly what you’re paying upfront.
• By tour – Although we recommend exploring Borneo independently, multi-day tours are available. There are some fantastic day trip options available too for those who are short of time!
• By private car – If you don’t mind spending a bit more money, hiring a private car and driver is very convenient. For those travelling as a family or group, you can split the cost too.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Borneo

The dry season in Borneo takes place between March and October, with the peak season falling between May and September. Although this is the most popular time to visit, prices may be more expensive and you’ll find that lodges can get booked up quickly. As such, you’ll need to book accommodation in advance.

November to February is the wet season, but thanks to Borneo’s location along the equator, you can expect rainfall throughout the year. No matter when you visit, you’re likely to encounter high levels of humidity too!

Temperatures remain constant throughout the year and range from 27°C (80.6°F) – 32°C (89.6°F).

We headed to Borneo at the end of the wet season, in February. The rain didn’t put a dampener on our experience and we spotted a wealth of wildlife, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and hornbills. We had no issues booking accommodation and prices were very reasonable too!

Frequently asked questions about Borneo

How long do I need in Borneo?

We’d recommend spending at least two weeks in Borneo for the best experience. This will give you enough time to visit the island’s major cities, hike through rainforests, visit conservation centres, and enjoy some exhilarating outdoor activities.

If you only have one week in Borneo, then it may be wise to choose one state (either Sabah or Sarawak) and base yourself there. In our opinion, Sabah is the best option if you’re looking to watch wildlife, especially orangutans.

What is a good budget for Borneo?

When backpacking Borneo, you’ll find everything to be very affordable. We’d suggest a budget of around £25-£35 per person per day, which will be enough for cheap accommodation, local cuisine, and transport.

The thing to keep in mind with Borneo is that you’ll want to allow for activity and tour expenses. The majority of activities such as river cruises and jungle hikes are affordable but some will be more costly so consider this when working out your budget.

How expensive is Borneo?

Although some people find Borneo to be more expensive than other destinations in Southeast Asia, we found it to be very affordable. You can pick up a double room for as little as £10 a night and the local dishes are very cheap!

Of course, you’ll want to keep in mind the cost of excursions and activities in Borneo. Not to mention, you’ll be looking at a much higher cost if you opt for a package deal rather than just organising everything yourself.

Is Borneo safe for a holiday?

As with the majority of Malaysia, Borneo is considered a safe destination to visit with relatively low crime rates. However, like you would anywhere, you’ll want to take the usual precautions such as not being alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight.

Due to Borneo’s proximity to the Philippines, there’s the issue of piracy to consider. Unfortunately, in recent years there have been tourist kidnappings along the East coast of Sabah so just stay up to date with government travel advice.

Final Thoughts On This Borneo Itinerary

If you only have 2 weeks in Borneo, then you’ll really want to make the most of your time on this island. There are so many amazing places to visit, but at the same time, you don’t want to rush your trip.

Hopefully, this guide has given you an idea of where to visit and what Borneo has to offer. For many, the highlight of visiting this incredible place is the wildlife, but of course, the vibrant culture is a big draw for travellers too.

If you have further questions about this Borneo backpacking itinerary then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

Here are some other guides you may find helpful:

• Where To Stay In Borneo
• Visiting Matang Wildlife Centre In Borneo
• The Ultimate Malaysian Borneo Travel Guide

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Abbie Bevan

I breathe all things travel and nature, with my favourite place being the great outdoors! After exploring 3 continents, I’ve discovered my passion for travelling on a budget, and I want to help you all do the same. I honestly believe travel broadens the mind which is why I want to share all of our adventures!

Similar Posts

Climbing pidurangala rock in sigiriya (the best view in sri lanka).

Last Updated: March 1 2021 Sri Lanka is a country full of wonder, incredible wildlife and the most beautiful…

3 Days In Stockholm: The Ultimate Stockholm Itinerary

Last Updated: March 12 2024 Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and one of the most beautiful cities in…

How To Get To Kefalonia – By Air or Sea?

Last Updated: May 5 2024 Kefalonia is one of the most beautiful destinations in Greece. As the largest of…

Chuncho Lodge Review: Where To Stay In Tambopata National Reserve

Last Updated: January 13 2024 In our opinion, no trip to Peru is complete without visiting the Amazon Jungle,…

The Best Photogenic Spots In Cambodia

Last Updated: November 26 2020 There are so many incredible places to see in Cambodia, and so many awesome…

Asia Backpacking Route (23 Destinations For The Best Asia Itinerary)

Last Updated: July 26 2021 Travelling around Asia is something else, and we would go back in a heartbeat. We…

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

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

The Top 8 Things to Do in Malaysian Borneo

Anup Shah / Getty Images

Borneo is one of those rare places where you can sense the adventure in the air, along with the fresh air from thousands of square miles of rainforest just waiting to be explored. The third-largest island in the world is a virtual paradise for anyone who has a love for plants, wildlife, and adventure.

The island of Borneo is divided among Malaysia, Indonesia, and the small, independent nation of Brunei . The Indonesian part of Borneo, known as Kalimantan, covers about 73 percent of the island, while Malaysian Borneo occupies the rest along the northern edge, along with tiny Brunei.

Malaysian Borneo has two states, Sarawak and Sabah , that are separated by Brunei. Sarawak's capital of Kuching and Sabah's capital of Kota Kinabalu are the usual entry points, with the two cities acting as bases for exploring Borneo's wild attractions.

Trek Your Way Through a Rainforest

From monkey encounters and poisonous snake sightings to waterfalls and hidden beaches, trekking in Borneo is the real deal. Most of Sarawak's national parks can be explored without a permit or mandatory guide, while others will require you to hire a guide. Camping is available in most places, as are simple longhouses that offer accommodations while you take day hikes and explore the area.

Visit Bako National Park for an almost guaranteed chance to spot wildlife like monkeys (silver leaf and macaque species are quite commonly seen here), monitor lizards, squirrels, and wild boar. Birding is also popular, with a variety of Kingfishers and Bluebirds, among other species calling the area home. See if you can spot Borneo's elusive proboscis monkey; visit the Telok Paku or Telok Delima trails or the Telok Assam mangroves early in the morning or in the late afternoon and be as quiet as you can.

Pay Your Respects at Sandakan Memorial Park

John W Banagan / Getty Images

History buffs and those interested in WWII history should visit Sandakan Memorial Park , which honors the more than 2,300 Allied prisoners of war, mostly Australian and British, who were captured by Japanese forces and perished in a series of death marches in 1945 toward the end of the war.

The park is located just outside the Sandakan POW camp's former site in the Taman Rimba neighborhood. Stop by to learn more about the area's WWII history and to pay your respects, especially if you're visiting during anniversary events on August 15 or happen to be there on ANZAC Day, an Australian day of remembrance, held each year on April 25.

See Orangutans in the Wild

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Borneo is one of two places on Earth ( Sumatra is the other) where endangered orangutans can still be seen in the wild . Orangutans are among the smartest primates; they make medicine, craft tools, and even exchange gifts. Unfortunately, because of habitat loss caused by massive palm oil plantations, their numbers are dwindling; now is the time to see them while you still can.

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in East Sabah is the most popular place to view orangutans in Borneo. A better option is the cheaper and less crowded Semenggoh Nature Reserve located just outside Kuching. While there are never guarantees, you'll have a pretty good chance of seeing semi-wild orangutans at both refuges during feeding times.

Alternatively, you can chance a real orangutan encounter in the wild by taking a river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, mentioned below.

See Exotic Wildlife Along the Kinabatangan River

Although the name is a mouthful, the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in Sabah, which can be reached via minibus from the city of Sandakan, is often the favorite highlight for visitors to Malaysian Borneo.

Lodges along the tiny, single-path village of Sukau offer accommodations and guides who take people up the muddy river by small boat. A quiet approach by boat allows visitors the opportunity to spot highly endangered proboscis monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, pythons, and elephants when they are in season.

Go Scuba Diving

Not all of Malaysian Borneo's natural attractions are found on land. Sabah boasts some of the world's premier scuba diving sites. Compared to diving in places such as Malaysia's Perhentian Islands , diving in Borneo is indeed not cheap. But since you'll get to see turtles and macro life, along with hammerhead and whale sharks, it's worth the extra money.

The diving in Sipidan is so famous that conservationists only issue 120 permits per day to preserve the fragile reefs, so make sure you organize your diving trip well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Mabul, a nearby alternative to Sipadan, offers arguably some of the best muck diving in the world and is considered to be the best dive site for underwater macro photography.

Climb Mount Kinabalu

At 13,435 feet tall, Mount Kinabalu in Sabah is the tallest mountain in Malaysia and one of the highest peaks in the region that can be climbed without technical equipment.

Reaching the summit of Mount Kinabalu requires only the stamina and heart to do so. About 40,000 people per year come to try the grueling, two-day ascent; many don't make it to the top. The last part of the climb requires a rope-assisted scramble through the clouds to the peak.

Aside from one impressive mountain, 300-square-mile Kinabalu National Park has a mind-boggling amount of flora and fauna. Meeting international biologists and botanists who have come to study the estimated 4,500 plant species is an everyday occurrence on the trails.

Chill Out at a Beautiful Beach

Malaysian Borneo is not at all just about sweating and swatting insects in the jungle . Miles of pristine and wild beaches will give you plenty of opportunities to unwind after a few days of trekking.

Tiny Mamutik Island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Par k, only 20 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu, allows camping directly on the beach. Alternatively, pay a visit to Tanjung Aru, which has more of a local's beach scene with very few tourists, just a few minutes south of Kota Kinabalu.

Stay in a Longhouse

Visitors to Sarawak can stay in an Iban longhouse to see what it's like to live like the island's Indigenous peoples. While some longhouses are strictly tourist experiences, it is possible to visit authentic ones that are far removed from city life and only accessible by the river. You'll get to sample authentic food, see a traditional dance performance, and master the art of shooting a blowpipe gun.

7 Attractions and Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

One Week in Borneo: The Ultimate Itinerary

How to Find Cheap Flights to Borneo

Your Trip to Borneo: The Complete Guide

9 Top Destinations in Malaysian Borneo

A Guide to Airports in Borneo

Where to Go in Malaysian Borneo: Sarawak or Sabah?

The 12 Best National Parks in Borneo

The 10 Best Hikes in Borneo

The 10 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Borneo

5 Places to See Orangutans in Borneo

The Top 12 National Parks in Malaysia

Guide to Sandakan, Malaysia's Gateway to Nature

The Best Time to Visit Borneo

Weather in Borneo: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The Top 12 Things to Do in Malaysia

The Borneo Elephant, the World's Smallest Elephant, Is Now Endangered

There are believed to be fewer than 1,500 of these elephants left in the world.

Jun. 28 2024, Published 2:50 p.m. ET

Celebrations over a newly classified elephant subspecies were cut short in June 2024, when concerns were raised over the number of Bornean elephants — also known as the Borneo pygmy elephant — left living in the world. The elephants are native to the island of Borneo , where their population has continued to dwindle over the years.

Despite recently getting their confirmation as a subspecies of the Asian elephant, not much is known about smallest of the elephant species. Continue reading to learn more, including whether the Borneo elephant is endangered or not.

Is the Bornean elephant endangered?

Sadly, the Bornean elephant has been placed on the endangered species list, according to the Natural History Museum. The elephant is currently on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List , which experts hope will help bring more awareness and conservation efforts to the Bornean elephant's plight.

Bornean elephants are unique in the elephant world. With tails that can sometimes reach down to the ground, straighter tusks, and large ears, the Bornean elephant would definitely stand out when compared to their larger counterparts. In fact, the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) notes that island dwellers are significantly smaller than any of the elephants that would be found on the mainland, and they were likely estranged from their much larger ancestors some 300,000 years ago !

Standing between 8.2 and 9.8 feet in height, these miniature elephants typically reside in the forests of Borneo and Sumatra, where their once lush habitat has begun to shrink. The WWF points out that despite being very high up on the priority list when it comes to conservation efforts, there just isn't much known about the elephants.

But, the WWF hopes to change that, and in a first of its kind project, they have been following Bornean elephants since 2005 when they attached satellite trackers onto elephants from five different herds located in Sabah, Malaysia. Using the data they've gathered they've finally been able to pinpoint some of the dangers currently facing the Bornean elephants today.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by World Wildlife Fund (@world_wildlife)

Why is Borneo elephant endangered?

A frightfully familiar story is at the heart of the potential extinction of the Bornean elephant, and it involves increased contact with human beings . Because of deforestation and increased consumption of natural resources (including the increased building of palm oil plantations ), Bornean elephants are losing their habitat. This is pushing them into the plantations and settlements, where people are using illegal traps to capture or kill small game.

The WWF says that nearly 20 percent of the elephants currently being rehabilitated at the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary are there as a result of these very snares. As if that isn't sad enough, the loss of the forests where the elephants once freely roamed is hurting the Bornean elephants in another way as well: it's stealing their food sources.

All of this is creating the perfect storm for the newly classified animals, whose very survival hangs in the balance. That's why the WWF is pushing sustainable forest management options — to allow the elephants more access to natural forests for feeding and breeding. Not only will this help give them the shelter they need to survive, but it should reduce the amount of interaction they have with the humans, who are currently their biggest threat.

White Rhino Populations Are Declining Quickly — but How Many of Them Are There Left?

What Is Soil Conservation? Everything You Need to Know

Does Environmentally-Friendly Palm Oil Exist? What to Know

Latest Conservation News and Updates

• ABOUT Green Matters
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• CONNECT with Green Matters
• Link to Facebook
• Link to Instagram
• Contact us by Email

Opt-out of personalized ads

© Copyright 2024 Green Matters. Green Matters is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.

Change location

• Call us tomorrow from 10am
• 01993 838 925 01993 838 450 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

My travels in Borneo

Borneo specialist Hannah discovers elephants, proboscis monkeys and of course orangutans among other creatures on her trip to Borneo . 

Plan your trip to Borneo

Related videos

Introducing Borneo

Introducing Thailand

Laos: why you should go

Introducing Myanmar

Related links.

Jungles & beaches of Malaysia & Borneo

14 days from £3,550pp

Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo combine easily together. On this trip, you can take in some of Borneo's wildlife and culture and stay in a beautiful beach property on Tioman Island in Peninsular Malaysia.

Orangutans & islands of Borneo

15 days from £3,440pp

A great way to explore the Sarawak and Sabah regions of Borneo, taking in the best areas to experience colonial culture, jungle wildlife, tribal villages and a tropical island.

What to see in Borneo: our highlights guide

This guide features recommendations for things to do in Borneo. It focuses on the states of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, which offer a lot of variety in a smaller radius than Indonesian Borneo.

Seeing orangutan in Borneo: Malaysia or Indonesia?

Although Borneo is the place to see orangutans in the wild, its political separation as part Malaysia, part Indonesia does leave you with choices for where to plan your orangutan-spotting trip. Our expert Sophie helps you decide: Indonesian or Malaysian Borneo?