The Ultimate 2-Week Borneo Itinerary (Malaysian Borneo)

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!

Semporna

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. Honestly, this destination is a must for any Asia bucket list.

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

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