The Ultimate Malaysian Borneo Travel Guide: Planning Your Trip!

Borneo is one of the world’s largest islands and is famous for its incredible biodiversity and lush rainforests. Not to mention, Borneo is home to the elusive orangutan (the only other place to find them is Sumatra).

We spent two weeks exploring everything this tropical destination has to offer and it’s one of our favourite destinations! From hiking in lush rainforests to taking river cruises through the jungle, there’s so much on offer.

This Borneo travel guide will cover everything you need to know about Malaysian Borneo. This includes the best places to visit, where to stay, and how to get around, among other top tips!

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Where Is Borneo?

The island of Borneo is in the Malay archipelago, within Southeast Asia. It’s one of the Greater Sunda Islands and is found north of Java, east of Sumatra, and west of Sulawesi.

The equator also passes directly through Borneo. In fact, Pontianak (West Kalimantan’s capital) is the world’s only city that sits right along the equator.

Although this Borneo travel guide focuses on Malaysian Borneo, the island is politically divided across three countries; Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The majority of the island is Indonesia (around 72%), while Malaysia makes up around 26% of Borneo. Brunei covers the smallest area of the island.

What To Know About Malaysian Borneo

To ensure you have the best time exploring this world-famous destination, we’re going to cover a lot of information in this Borneo travel guide. First, here’s a quick overview of the basics!

• Size: The total area of Borneo as a whole is 743,330 sq km (287,000 sq miles)

• Language: Malay is the official language but there are dozens of other languages spoken here

• Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

• Population: 4 million (Sarawak and Sabah)

• Traditional Foods: Laksa Sarawak, Ambuyat, Kek Lapis Sarawak, Tuaran Mee, and Bambangan.

Helpful Information For Visiting Borneo, Malaysia

How To Get To Borneo

This Borneo travel guide only covers Malaysian Borneo, so that’s the area we’ll be covering in this section!

The main way to get here is by air, although there aren’t many direct flight routes, especially for those flying from further afield. Be prepared to change once or twice if you’re coming from Europe (possibly even three times for those travelling from the United States).

You’ll likely need to travel to one of Asia’s main flight hubs, with Kuala Lumpur and Singapore being great options. We flew from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching (Sarawak) with Air Asia and the journey took just under two hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah.

Airlines serving routes to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu include Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines. For the best deals, check out Skyscanner. It’s also possible to travel overland from Indonesian Borneo, but expect long journey times!

How To Get Around Borneo

Getting around Borneo is easy, despite many popular locations being very remote. For the best use of time, you’ll want to consider travelling by air between some destinations as this will save you spending hours on public transport. For example, we took a flight between Kuching (Sarawak) and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah).

There are also plenty of public buses running throughout Borneo. Whether you’re looking to travel locally or long-distance, there are lots of convenient routes to choose from and tickets are very affordable. There’s also the Sabah State Railway, Borneo’s only rail transport system.

For shorter distances, you can opt to take a taxi. Alternatively, there are lots of Borneo tours available. However, we highly recommend exploring Borneo independently, as it’s a fantastic experience!

If you have a high budget, you can also opt for a private driver to take you around. Of course, there’s also the option of hiring a car too.

The Best Time To Visit Borneo

Borneo’s dry season takes place between March and October. The peak season falls between May and September and is the most popular time to visit. However, you may find prices to be more expensive and jungle lodges can get booked out quickly As such, it’s a good idea to organise accommodation in advance.

The wet season falls between November to February, although you can expect rainfall throughout the year. This is due to the island’s location along the equator. Temperatures here are constant throughout the year, ranging from 27°C (80.6°F) – 32°C (89.6°F). No matter when you visit, you can expect high levels of humidity too!

We travelled through Borneo in February, at the end of the wet season. Although we experienced rainfall, this didn’t put a dampener on our experience. We got to see a wealth of wildlife and had no issues finding accommodation. Prices were very affordable too!

The Best Places To Visit In Borneo

1. The Kinabatangan River, Sabah

Visiting the Kinabangan River is one of the best things to do in Borneo! At 560 km (348 miles) long, it’s the second-largest river in Malaysia and offers some fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities.

As the Kinabatangan River passes through various habitats including mangroves, the area is very biodiverse. You can spot a wealth of wildlife in this area, including the elusive orangutan, proboscis monkeys, Bornean pygmy elephants, gibbons, and crocodiles. Irrawaddy dolphins can also be spotted in the river.

For the best experience, head out on a river cruise to explore. Jungle treks are another popular activity, with night walks also being available!

2. Kuching, Sarawak

Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak and is the largest city in the province. Known as the ‘City of Cats’, Kuching is located along the Sarawak River and you’ll find plenty of attractions here.

Some of the top things to do in Kuching include visiting the Sarawak Museum, exploring Fort Margherita, and admiring the Kuching City Mosque. There’s also the city’s Orchid Garden, or you can simply wander along the waterfront. Not to mention, there are plenty of foodie spots to choose from!

There are some awesome day trip opportunities too, including Semenggoh Nature Reserve, Bako National Park, and Matang Wildlife Centre.

3. Bako National Park, Sarawak

In our opinion, Bako National Park is one of the best national parks in Asia. Boasting lush jungle, secluded beaches, and stunning waterfalls, this place has so much to offer nature lovers.

Bako National Park is home to a variety of wildlife including Bornean bearded pigs, macaques, otters, monitor lizards, and mouse deer. However, it’s most famous for its proboscis monkeys. These unique primates are famous for their pot bellies and large noses!

You can either stay in Bako National Park or you can visit on a day trip from Kuching. We did the latter, and it was a simple journey (you can take a public bus).

4. Sepilok, Sabah

No Borneo travel guide would be complete without the charming town of Sepilok. Here, you’ll find some fantastic attractions including the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is perhaps the most popular attraction. This is a fantastic place to visit for those short of time, as semi-wild orangutans often come back here to feed (there are between 60-80 orangutans living independently in the reserve).

There are some fantastic accommodation options here, or you can stay in Sandakan, which is just a 20-minute drive away.

5. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Kota Kinabalu (often referred to as KK) is the capital of Sabah. As there’s an international airport located here, you’ll likely fly into the city if you’re planning to explore this state.

Originally starting out as a small fishing village, Kota Kinabalu is now thriving and there’s a lot to do. There are some historical landmarks found in the city including the Atkinson Clock Tower, as well as cultural attractions such as the Sabah State Museum and Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu.

Another reason to visit Kota Kinabalu is the beaches, with Tanjung Aru Beach and UMS ODEC Beach both being found nearby. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park can also be accessed from the city.

6. Semenggoh Nature Reserve, Sarawak

Semenggoh Nature Reserve is another must for your Borneo itinerary. Established back in 1975, it’s the largest Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sarawak and can easily be accessed from Kuching (we’d suggest using the taxi app GRAB to get here).

This centre acts as a sanctuary for orangutans who have been kept as illegal pets, injured, or orphaned. Today, these semi-wild creatures live out their days peacefully in the reserve and often come back to feed.

Semenggoh has two feeding times; one in the morning (9 am – 10 am) and one in the afternoon (3 pm – 4 pm). Just be aware that if you’re visiting during the forest fruiting season, the chances of spotting the orangutans may be lower!

7. Gunung Gading National Park, Sarawak

Gunung Gading National Park is another popular spot in Borneo. It’s home to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, which can grow to over (0.9 metres) 3 feet in diameter. This flower can also weigh up to 20 pounds!

Also known as the ‘Corpse Flower’, the Rafflesia gives off an unpleasant smell while it’s in bloom. It’s also very unique, consisting of a single flower and five fleshy petals which are red and covered in light-coloured spots.

Unfortunately, it’s quite rare to see, as the plant only stays in bloom for 4-6 days. There’s also no specific blooming period, so checking with a local guide in advance may be your best bet.

8. Kinabalu National Park, Sabah

Kinabalu National Park was the first national park to be established in the state of Sabah. It can be visited independently or with a guide, as day tours from Kota Kinabalu are popular.

Hiking in the jungle is a popular activity as there’s a network of trails to choose from! These will allow you to explore the cloud forest, where you can spot a wealth of wildlife and birds. If you’ve got binoculars, you’ll certainly want to bring them along.

This national park is also home to Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s highest mountains. At 4,095 meters (13,435 feet) high, you can expect a challenge if you want to hike to the summit.

9. Sipadan, Sabah

Sipadan is the perfect destination to visit if you’re a keen diver. This incredible island is of volcanic origin, as there’s a prehistoric volcano rising 600 metres (1,968 feet) from the ocean floor.

As one of the top diving sites in the world, you can expect to find plenty of marine life here. As well as thousands of fish species, manta rays, turtles, and hammerhead sharks also call this area home. Whale sharks can also be spotted around Sipadan!

Some of the top diving sites include The Drop-Off, Barracuda Point, the Hanging Gardens, and South Point. Just be aware there’s a limited amount of diving permits issued per day.

10. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah

Danum Valley is considered one of the best places to see orangutans in Borneo! This area is home to an ancient rainforest, which dates back around 130 million years, so you’ll get to explore one of the island’s oldest rainforests.

As well as orangutans, Danum Valley is home to Bornean pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, and bantengs. The lucky few may also spot a clouded leopard. Of course, you’ll want to keep an eye on the air too, as you can see hornbills flying above.

The great thing about visiting this conservation area is that the website posts recent wildlife sightings.

Planning Your Borneo Itinerary

Putting together a Borneo travel itinerary can feel overwhelming. As there are two Malaysian states to choose from (Sabah and Sarawak), it can be difficult to choose where to visit, especially for those short of time.

To help you have the ultimate trip, we’ve put together an example itinerary based on our own experience! The below itinerary will see you spend 2 weeks in Borneo, and you’ll explore both Sabah and Sarawak.

Days 1-6: Kuching, Sarawak

Days 7-8: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Days 9-11: Sepilok, Sabah

Days 12-14: The Kinabatangan River, Sabah

If you can, allow an additional day to fly out of Borneo.

Where To Stay In Malaysian Borneo

There are so many fantastic places to stay in Malaysian Borneo. Whether you’re travelling on a budget or you’d prefer something more luxurious, there’s something for everyone. Not to mention, there are some awesome jungle lodges to choose from!

In the next section of this Borneo travel guide, we’ll take you through some of our accommodation recommendations:

Kuching

• Budget: QuiikCat
• Mid-range: Meritin Hotel
• Luxury: The Waterfront Hotel Kuching

Kota Kinabalu

• Budget: Vibrant Hostel
• Mid-range: Signel Poshtel, The Rare Gem Of North Borneo
• Luxury: Shangri-La Tanjung Aru

Sepilok

• Budget: Sepilok B&B
• Mid-range: Sepilok Nature Lodge
• Luxury: Sepilok Forest Edge Resort

The Kinabatangan River

• Budget: Sukau Backpackers B&B
• Mid-range: Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge
• Luxury: Bilit Adventure Lodge

Tips For Visiting Malaysian Borneo

Malaysian Borneo is one of our favourite destinations but there are a few things you should know. In this Borneo travel guide, we’ll outline some of our top travel tips for this island.

• If you only have one week in Malaysian Borneo, we’d suggest basing yourself in one state (either Sabah or Sarawak). Otherwise, you’re going to end up rushing around and not having much time to actually explore.

• The Kinabatangan River is one of the best places in Borneo to spot orangutans. If you’re short of time, we’d suggest including this destination on your itinerary, thanks to the wealth of wildlife found here.

• To spot wildlife in Borneo, we’d suggest packing a pair of binoculars as some species can be especially hard to see. You’ll also want to invest in a good-quality zoom lens to photograph the various species here.

• Be aware that in many areas of Borneo, you won’t have a strong or consistent phone signal. You may also struggle with WiFi, even if some lodges claim to have it. However, this is just a great opportunity to unplug!

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Borneo

How many days do you need in Borneo?

For the best experience, we’d recommend spending 2 weeks in Borneo. This will give you enough time to visit both states (Sabah and Sarawak), without having to rush.

In two weeks, you can visit some of Borneo’s national parks, rainforests, and cities. For those who have a week or less, you’ll want to base yourself in the one state. In terms of wildlife, Sabah would be our top pick!

What is a good budget for Borneo?

Although Borneo is more expensive than many countries in Southeast Asia, it’s still very affordable. £25-£35 per day is enough for those eating local cuisine, staying in cheap accommodation, and using public transport.

The one thing you’ll need to keep in mind is tour and activity expenses. Many activities such as river cruises are inexpensive, but others can be costly. As such, it’s best to consider this when working out your budget.

Is Borneo safe?

Malaysian Borneo is generally a very safe destination to visit with relatively low crime rates. However, there have been issues along the east coast of Sabah in the past so keep up to date with government travel advice.

As with anywhere you visit, you’ll want to take the usual precautions. This includes keeping valuables out of sight, not walking around alone at night, and being aware of your surroundings!

Is it worth going to Borneo?

Malaysian Borneo absolutely stole our hearts! This incredible destination should be on every bucket list, with its incredible biodiversity, jaw-dropping jungles, and diverse culture.

Not only is it one of the only places to see orangutans in the world, but there are so many fantastic natural attractions to visit. It’s also a great destination for budget backpackers as everything is very affordable.

Final Thoughts On This Borneo Travel Guide

Borneo is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia, especially for nature lovers! Whether you’re looking to explore national parks, hike through the jungle, or learn about the local culture, there’s something for every kind of traveller.

Our main piece of advice for those visiting Borneo is to not rush your time here! There are so many fantastic places to visit and it can be tempting to cram in as much as possible, but we’d advise you to just take your time.

If you have any questions about this Borneo travel guide, please contact us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!

Here are some other Asia travel guides you may find useful:

• The Ultimate 10-Day Sumatra Itinerary
• Visiting Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra
• The Best Things To Do In Sumatra, Indonesia