Malaysian Borneo makes up roughly a quarter of Borneo’s landmass. The remaining area lies mostly within Indonesia, with the small, oil-rich nation of Brunei forming the final segment. Borneo has long been a nature lovers paradise and travellers flock to the island to see endemic wildlife firsthand, from orangutans to pygmy elephants.
After spending a month in Malaysian Borneo, I’ve learnt a thing or two about getting around. Despite boasting the best tourism infrastructure on the island, travelling around even the most established areas can prove tricky. Therefore, knowledge is power when it comes to arranging the logistics of your Malaysian Borneo trip. Luckily for you, I’m here to help!
Malaysian Borneo Map & Resources
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Planning Your Trip to Malaysian Borneo
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See our Malaysian Borneo Travel Guides (Listed A-Z) – Opens in a new window
Bako National Park | Kelabit Highlands | Kinabalu National Park | Kota Kinabalu | Kuching | Kundasang | Miri | Mulu | Sabah | Sandakan | Sarawak | Sepilok | The Tip of Borneo (Kudat)
Best Time to Visit Malaysian Borneo
The best time to visit Borneo is during the dry season which falls from April to September. The weather should be less wet at this time of year but you can still expect hot and humid temperatures. Owing to its tropical climate, you should always be prepared for rain, even if you visit Borneo during the dry season!
This is the best time to see wildlife as the dry days encourage them out of the forest and towards water sources, making them easier to spot. If you are visiting Malaysian Borneo to see orangutans in the wild, visit during June or July. This is fruiting season, although that makes it less likely that you’ll see them in places like Sepilok or Semmengogh conservation centres.
Although visiting Borneo during the rainy season can bring downpours, there are perks to visiting at this time of year, including lower tour prices, fewer people and less competition for well-rated accommodation.
READ: Best Time to Visit Borneo 🌧️
Where to Go in Malaysian Borneo
How Long Should I Spend in Malaysian Borneo? 🤔
To get the most out of Malaysian Borneo’s wonders, it is worth staying at least two weeks, but you could easily fill three or even four if you choose to travel all over! If you have less time, it is best to pick either Sabah or Sarawak and spend your time in that one state. Travel infrastructure is limited across Borneo so if you overcomplicate your itinerary, you’ll spend more time getting from A to B than actually enjoying what the region has to offer! Read our suggested Sabah travel routes and Sarawak itineraries for more inspiration.
Below, you’ll find some of the most popular destinations in Malaysian Borneo. This is by no means an exhaustive list of places to go but does cover the ‘bucket list’ destinations!
Kota Kinabalu
Recommended accommodation:
- Homy Seafront Hostel ($)
- Toojou ($$)
- Le Meridien ($$$)
Most people’s entry point to Malaysian Borneo, Kota Kinabalu (KK) is the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state. While the city itself offers a fascinating blend of metropolitan meets jungle, many people use it as a base for other exciting adventures.
KK is a popular jumping-off point for Kinabalu National Park, home to the mighty Mount Kinabalu. Summiting the mountain is an adventure of epic proportions and a truly unforgettable experience! If this is a challenge you fancy taking on, be aware that you’ll need to reserve a space with a travel agency far in advance – guides are mandatory and you’ll need a permit.
- Summit Malaysia's Famous Peak Safely with Expert Guides
- Tackle the World's Highest Via Ferrata at 3,776 Metres!
- All-Inclusive Stress-Free Package: Transport, Food, Permits, Guide, Mountain Insurance & Certificate of Achievement Included
Sandakan
Recommended accommodation:
- Sandakan Backpackers ($)
- Elopura Hotel ($$)
- Sepilok Nature Lodge ($$$)
Sandakan is the base for all of Sabah’s best wildlife trips. The city grants easy access to the jungle town of Sepilok, where visitors can witness semi-wild orangutans at the world-leading rehabilitation centre. As well as our furry cousins, there is also the chance to see Bornean sun bears nearby and much more at the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Trips to Turtle Island (Pulau Selingan) depart from Sandakan and offer visitors the chance to see important turtle conservation work happening in real-time. Guests get the opportunity to witness turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs before new hatchlings are released into the sea – it’s a unique experience.
Boat cruises along the Kinabatangan River are the most popular tours in the whole of Borneo and countless companies offer trips in partnership with the riverside lodges.
It is possible to do a flying visit (half-day or full-day trip), however, it is far better to spend a few nights at a lodge. A longer program means more river cruises which enhances your chance of seeing rare wildlife. During a trip, it is possible for the lucky to spot ‘Borneo’s Big Five’ – orangutans, rhinoceros hornbills, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and pygmy elephants.
- Embark upon a thrilling 3-day, 2-night adventure.
- Exciting river cruises, fascinating jungle walks & delicious Bornean cuisine.
- Spot rare wildlife with experienced local guides: Pygmy elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys & more!
Lahad Datu
Recommended accommodation:
- Bike and Tours B&B ($)
- TAR Homestay ($$)
- SDC Suite Home ($$$)
If you’ve not yet had your fill of exciting wildlife expeditions, you can continue the adventure by heading to Lahad Datu. A number of important conservation areas are based nearby, including the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Danum Valley and Deramakot Forest Reserve.
Trips to these areas offer the benefit of being much less touristy, meaning you’ll likely share the experience with fewer people. Accommodation varies depending on which area you visit. Danum Valley offers both no-frills and premium accommodation but some of the other reserves have limited options for those on a tight budget.
Kuching
Recommended accommodation:
- Marco Polo Hostel ($)
- The LimeTree Hotel ($$)
- Hilton Kuching Hotel ($$$)
Kuching is the capital of Sarawak and a great base for adventures in southern Malaysian Borneo. It is easily possible to spend a week or more based in Kuching while taking day trips and overnight visits to the many attractions nearby.
Perhaps the easiest excursion to do independently is Bako National Park. Buses leave the city daily and drop travellers close to the boat terminal. Accommodation can be booked in advance on the Sarawak Forestry website for rock-bottom prices – just don’t expect luxury… This national park is a great place to see wildlife and there are a range of residents, from wild pigs to silver langurs.
Close to Kuching, you’ll also find the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and Nature Reserve, one of the best places to see orangutans in Malaysia. Much like its Sabah counterpart, it provides refuge to rescued orangutans, allowing them to live in their natural environment. It is well worth timing a visit here to coincide with one of the scheduled feeding times.
If you are looking for a more off-the-beaten-track destination easily accessible from Kuching, head to the Kuching Wetlands. This is one of the only places in Southeast Asia where it is possible to see rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
Miri
Recommended accommodation:
- Walk Inn ($)
- Mercure Miri City Centre ($$)
- Miri Marriott Resort and Spa ($$$)
While the oil city of Miri doesn’t have much to offer in its own right, it acts as a gateway to some world-class destinations. Niah Caves has recently been awarded UNESCO status and is located around 1.5 hours from the city. This impressive cave network is an important prehistoric site where human remains dating back 40,000 years were found!
In the same vein, Mulu National Park (accessible only by flight), is another jaw-dropping cave network. The park is a hiking paradise, made famous by its impressive limestone pinnacles. While a visit here isn’t the easiest to arrange, the effort is well worth it.
If cave adventures are not for you, Miri is a great entry point into another of Borneo’s countries; Brunei. The second smallest nation in Southeast Asia is surrounded by Malaysian Borneo and just a short hop over the border will see you exploring everything that the Sultanate has to offer. Since the pandemic, public bus routes into the country from Miri have been terminated, however, it is still possible to hire a private driver to take you over the border.
Good to Know! 📸
Many of Borneo’s most popular attractions, including the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah charge camera fees. The fee is usually small but it’s something to bear in mind. Camera fees will not always cover drone usage, check out this post to learn more about flying a drone in Malaysia.
Getting Around Malaysian Borneo
Flights
Unfortunately, the transport infrastructure in Borneo leaves a lot to be desired. If your trip to the country is more extensive than just one or two destinations, chances are that you’ll take a flight at some point during your visit.
Domestic flights offer pretty good value for money if booked in advance and can be a useful way of travelling between Sabah and Sarawak. There are some destinations in Malaysian Borneo, such as Gunung Mulu, which are only accessible by flight. Flights leave the big cities such as KK and Kuching multiple times a day. Flights to more off-the-beaten-track destinations may take place on propeller planes.
Domestic flights are operated by AirAsia, Malaysian Airlines and Malindo Air. Make sure to shop around for the best deals and make sure you check the baggage allowance prior to booking. Sometimes, even if you are travelling with only a backpack, your luggage may be too large to fly hand-baggage only on a budget airline!
Bus/Minibus
Bus is the cheapest way to travel around the region. Most of the popular destinations in Sabah and Sarawak are linked by road and have decent public transport connections.
Be aware that it is not always possible to book buses in advance in Malaysian Borneo and you may have to reserve your tickets in person at the bus station. This can be a bit of a pain when you consider the terminals are often not in the city centre! The buses in Borneo are pretty basic and often have the air conditioning set to freezing – make sure you bring a warm jacket!
Minibuses service some of the popular tourist routes and usually depart from selected areas in the middle of the major cities. For the most up-to-date routes and schedules, it is advisable to ask at your accommodation.
Car Rental
If you’re looking to get a little off the beaten track, renting a car is a great way to get around Malaysian Borneo. Compared to other parts of Southeast Asia, driving standards are generally pretty high in Malaysia and they drive on the left (a relief for UK and Aussie readers)! You should make a point of looking up some of the common Malaysian road signs before setting off as these are not always in English.
Hiring a car is generally not too expensive, especially if you are reserving a vehicle for several days at a time. You can often haggle for a better deal with longer reservations. Unlike elsewhere in SEA, motorcycles are an uncommon form of transport for travellers in Borneo and far more people will hire a car.
If this is something you are considering, make sure you have arranged an International Driving Permit before you travel. While it is unlikely to be checked by the rental company, it may be needed in case of an insurance claim.
As with hiring a vehicle anywhere, you should inspect the car for damage before you agree to rent it. Take photos of any scuffs (there are likely to be a few – rental cars in Borneo are not kept in the best condition) just in case a dispute is raised when you return the vehicle.
Ride Hailing
The Uber alternative Grab is used in Malaysia, including in Borneo. However, if you are trying to hail a ride outside of the major cities like Kuching or Kota Kinabalu, you can expect fewer drivers and therefore longer wait times. Still, this is a good way to get around in cities, particularly if you are travelling with all your baggage.
Boat
One of the region’s best wildlife spotting trips takes place on board a boat which cruises down the Kinabatangan River. These experiences are impossible to do independently so you’ll need to find yourself a guide. The best way to do a Kinabatangan River Cruise is as part of a group tour. You can see all our Kinabatangan river cruises available to book here.
How to Get to Malaysian Borneo
As Borneo is an island, the only way to get there is to fly. The most popular routes will go via Kuala Lumpur, however, it is also possible to find routes that transfer in Singapore and Hong Kong. A range of airlines service flights to the island, including Malaysian Airlines, MASwings, AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia and Royal Brunei Airlines.
READ 👉 A Guide to Kota Kinabalu Airport
Where to Go Next:
Kuala Lumpur: The capital of Malaysia and just a short hop from both Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, Kuala Lumpur is serviced by all the main airlines. Head here for vibrant gastronomy, starbrushing skyscrapers and cosmopolitan living.
Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei): Although accessible overland from the city of Miri, it is far easier to fly directly into Bandar Seri Begawan from Malaysian Borneo’s major airports. The capital of Brunei offers plenty for intrepid explorers, from mangrove forests to opulent palaces and some of the friendliest people in the region.
Bali (Indonesia): The jewel in Indonesia’s crown, Bali has long attracted flocks of tourists, from long-haired hippies to spa seekers. Accessible in just a couple of hours via a direct flight from KK, head here for a few days of sun, sea and surf!
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South East Asia Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks. In recent years, Sheree has also taken on the role of editor at South East Asia Backpacker.