From orangutan encounters to cave exploration, Borneo is the place to take a walk on the wild side! The third-largest island in the world is split between three countries – Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia. The latter is the most easily navigable, though overland travel still leaves a lot to be desired!
The Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak are hugely popular with tourists visiting Borneo. Not only are there countless natural wonders and exotic wildlife, but each region also has its own unique culture.
With so much to see and do, arranging your trip to Malaysian Borneo can be a nightmare – but that’s where we come in! This Borneo itinerary is all you need to travel through Eastern Malaysia. Kickstart your route planning today!
Related: (opens in new tab)
Getting Around Malaysian Borneo 🚗
While Malaysian Borneo is far more developed than its Indonesian counterpart, it still has significantly less established infrastructure than Peninsuala Malaysia. Less developed and less populated, a visit to Malaysian Borneo requires a bit more planning – especially when it comes to getting around!
Many of the top places to see are relatively remote and aren’t as easy to get to as those in other, busier Southeast Asian countries, but this makes it even more worthwhile when you get there!
When travelling around Sabah and Sarawak, expect to take internal flights, spend a lot of time on buses and maybe even hire a car to get off the beaten track! Luckily transport is cheap (especially flights) and however you choose to get around, it will be an adventure!
If you choose to hire a car, you can easily do this from the larger airports, such as Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan or Kuching, but bear in mind that the roads throughout Borneo are not the best! We’ve included a few ways to get from A to B throughout this itinerary so that you can decide which is best for your trip.
“Renting a car and driving in Borneo makes getting around much easier. The freedom of not being tied to a complicated and often unintuitive public transport system is well worth the extra cost. Generally, the roads are in reasonable condition and driving standards are pretty good. As always when driving in a foreign country, it’s worth looking up the road rules and taking things slow!”
Tim, Writer at South East Asia Backpacker
Public transport is available to most of the main destinations, however, you may need to use taxis or ride-hailing apps to get you to individual attractions. Luckily, this is not costly in Borneo and with a lot of English-speaking drivers, you can pick up a few tips for your travels along the way!
Borneo Itinerary – 3 Weeks 📅
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We always write our articles before checking if affiliate links are available.
Begin your journey at either Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Sabah) or Kuching International Airport (Sarawak). Flights to these airports from Kuala Lumpur are frequent and cheap. It is best to fly into one and out of the other because you can travel from one end of Borneo to the other using mostly overland transport! For this itinerary, we’ll be starting in Kota Kinabalu, but this Borneo backpacking route can easily be reversed if you’d prefer to start in Kuching!
Day 1-2: Kota Kinabalu
Recommended accommodation: Toojou
On day one, arrive in Kota Kinabalu (KK) and let your Borneo adventure begin! This bustling city is a great place to explore. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, head to the Gaya Street Market for an interesting look into local life and the opportunity to pick up some cheap and tasty local fare.
Spend the first day wandering around the city, visiting places like the beautiful Masjid Bandaraya City Mosque and taking in the views from the Signal Hill Observatory. Despite being the capital of Sabah, the city feels pretty small.
Don’t forget to make time to escape the hustle and hop on a boat over to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park – the beaches there are stunning! If you’re hoping to squeeze in a few dives while you’re in Borneo, this is one place you can do it!
Renting a Car in Borneo 🚗
We recommend renting a car from Kota Kinabalu for the next four days. With your own transport, you can visit Kundasang first and then make your way to Kudat and the Tip of Borneo, without needing to return to KK as you would if you were catching public transport. The Tip of Borneo and the surrounding area are very difficult to navigate using public transport and will likely result in frustration and time-wasting.
If you don’t want to hire a car, it is worth skipping the Tip of Borneo (days 5 and 6) and instead spending longer in KK or Kundasang. You can travel onward to Sepilok via the bus that passes through Kundasang town, via the cabbage roundabout. You’ll need to tell the driver that you are heading to Sepilok and they will drop you off at the right turning. You can then use Grab to order a ride to your next destination.
Day 3-4: Kundasang
Recommended accommodation: Amazing Grace
After some time spent feeling the sand between your toes, make your way onwards and upwards to Kundasang. The roads on this journey are winding but the views are incredible. Look out for the looming pinnacles of Mt Kinabalu, and keep your camera handy – you won’t regret a stop in these high-altitude villages!
While the most popular thing to do in this area is climb Mount Kinabalu, you’ll need to carve out a few extra days in this Borneo itinerary to make space for it. It is sometimes possible to book guided treks when you’re there (you are not allowed to summit independently), but it is far better to reserve your spot with a trekking agency in advance.
- 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
All climbers must have permits and these can take a little time to arrange – not to mention, the hike is very popular and can book up months in advance! For more information about summiting Kinabalu Mountain, check out this article, written by someone who has already taken on the challenge!
If you don’t fancy taking on the climb to Mt Kinabalu, there is still plenty of great stuff for you to do in the vicinity. Kinabalu National Park is home to some great walking trails which showcase a range of local flora. Alternatively, you can take a dip in the Poring Hot Springs or visit waterfalls such as Kipungit and Langanan.
Day 5-6: Kudat and The Tip of Borneo
Recommended accommodation: Tampat do Aman
For a really wild experience, head to northern Borneo. This area is largely untouched by big development (although expect to see plenty of palm plantations). While a popular spot with Malaysian tourists, it is still largely off the radar for international visitors – despite being home to some of Borneo’s best beaches!
If you’ve already rented a car, you can continue onwards towards the Tip of Borneo and its surroundings. Navigating this area by public transport is extremely challenging but if you want to try it, you’ll need to return to KK and pick up transport connections from there. Bus schedules to Kudat and the surrounds change frequently and up-to-date information can be hard to find online so it is best to ask at your accommodation for the latest timetables.
Accommodation Tip! 🏨
Kudat is the main town up here and there are many options for accommodation, however, the city itself is not particularly appealing. The best things to do and see in this part of Borneo are north Kudat. Consider staying outside of town for a more enjoyable off-the-beaten-track experience (but make sure you book in advance)!
If you’ve rented a car, head back to Kota Kinabalu to drop it off – we’re returning to public transport now!
Day 7-8: Sepilok
Recommended accommodation: Nature Lodge Sepilok
It’s time to head back down mountain roads towards Sepilok for some animal encounters! Sepilok is located close to Sandakan, a popular jumping-off point for wild adventures and somewhere you’ll be visiting later on in the trip. Here you can get up close to orangutans at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – a definite highlight of a visit to the region.
You’ll need to get the Sandakan-bound bus from Kota Kinabalu. Tell your driver you’re going to Sepilok, so they can drop you at the right turning.
While in Sepilok, take a trip to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (just across the road from the orangutans) and the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can wander around the canopy! As you’ll be staying overnight in Sepilok, make sure you book the night walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. You might get lucky and see creatures such as tarsiers and civet cats!
Day 9-11: Kinabatangan
You can explore the Kinabatangan area in two ways: visit independently by staying in a guesthouse and booking transport, river cruises and jungle walks through them, or book a package in advance that includes all of the above. The latter offers the best bang for your buck and helps you get more out of your time in Borneo, as return transport can be logistically challenging to organise in this part of the country.
“Visiting the Kinabatangan River was a highlight from my time in Borneo. I got super lucky and saw orangutans in the wild, something that has been on my travel bucket list ever since I was a little kid. I couldn’t rate it highly enough.”
Sheree, Editor at South East Asia Backpacker
From Sepilok, you’ll get picked up by your tour company of choice to cruise the mighty Kinabatangan River – an incredible natural hotspot and one of the best places to see orangutans in Malaysia! A multi-day cruise is easily the best way to see this amazing region and there are plenty of options to suit all budgets. We recommend at least a 3D/2N visit to give yourself the maximum opportunity to see Borneo’s Big Five – rhinoceros hornbills, orangutans, 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!
If you’re short on time, it’s possible to visit the Kinabatangan River with these half-day and full-day trips!
Day 12: Sandakan
Recommended accommodation: Sabah Hotel
If you can pull yourself away from the tranquillity of the riverside, head back to Sandakan ready to fly on to Sarawak the next day. Whilst there, check out the history of the city on the heritage walk or simply enjoy some fresh sea air.
More time on your hands? Take a trip to Pulau Selingan, otherwise known as Turtle Island! It may be a little pricey, but here you can get the chance to watch endangered turtles lay their eggs and see the hatchlings take their first steps into to sea, a wonderful experience.
👉 Also Read: Sabah Itineraries – 1 Week and 2 Weeks
Day 13-18: Danum Valley
A choice awaits you after you finish your Kinabatangan River tour! Either head onto the oil city of Miri and then Gunung Mulu for a few action-packed days of trekking (see below) or continue wildlife spotting.
The Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA) is home to one of Malaysia’s most important research conservation centres and invaluable work happens here to preserve the rainforest surrounding it. While it is our redheaded cousins that draw most visitors in, you can see a range of exotic wildlife at the Danum Valley and unlike a Kinabatangan River cruise, visitors can go much further into the jungle.
Most tours also include 4WD safaris, either to enjoy the sunrise or spot nocturnal animals. Tours vary in length but it is recommended to stay for at least 3 nights – the rainforest can be just that (wet!) so a multi-day trip affords you more opportunities to see wildlife in case of bad weather.
Tours usually only include the transfer from Lahad Datu to the DVCA (and it is impossible to visit without a tour booked). This means that all travellers wanting to visit will need to get to Lahad Datu. Flights depart from Kuching, Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu. It is also possible to catch a bus from the latter two.
If you choose to visit the Danum Valley, you must make your way back to Sandakan after the tour, where you’ll pick up a flight to Kuching. You can then proceed to day 19 of this Borneo itinerary!
Or Day 13: Sandakan – Miri
Recommended accommodation: Mercure Miri City Centre
When you arrive, spend the afternoon and evening wandering around Malaysia’s premier oil city, Miri. Head to the waterfront area Coco Cabana (a favourite spot among urbexers) or one of the nearby beaches to watch the sunset.
More Time in Miri? ⏳
If you have more flexibility in your schedule, explore the nearby Niah Caves and Lambir Hills National Park! With expansive caves, jungle treks and breathtaking flora and fauna, you’ll see a side of Sarawak that few international tourists explore. Note that it is difficult to reach these spots independently without hiring a car.
Day 14-17: Gunung Mulu National Park
Recommended accommodation: Mulu Village
Miri acts as the gateway to the next trip destination – Gunung Mulu National Park! A visit here does require a bit of planning as bookings are essential in peak season. Only accessible by plane, flights depart regularly from Miri and are pretty budget-friendly when booked in advance.
Gunung Mulu’s rainforest is 60 million years old and is home to awe-inspiring caves and iconic limestone pinnacles. Although the park pass is for visits up to five days, two or three days is a great amount of time to trek through the jungle and explore the ‘show caves’. If that is not enough adventure for you, you can even take on some more extreme caving with a guide!
Day 18: Miri – Kuching
Recommended accommodation: The Culvert
After enjoying a few days in the Bornean wilderness, you’ll need to make your way to Kuching. There are some direct flights to Kuching from Mulu but cheaper routes change in Miri. Make sure you book these flights at least a week in advance to avoid paying the highest prices.
Overland Travel: Miri→Kuching 🚙
If you’ve got more time, fly back to Miri and pay a visit to the Kelabit Highlands or take the 15-hour bus between Miri and Kuching, with a stop off in Sibu – the gateway to the Upper Rajang River – to break up the journey.
Day 19-21: Kuching
Recommended accommodation: The Culvert
Kuching is your final stop in Borneo and a great place to end your trip! This riverside city has plenty to offer – with everything from ancient culture, to amazing food and even more incredible flora and fauna.
Kuching has a unique personality, so spend your time here exploring as much as you can before leaving! Visit the weird yet wonderful Cat Museum, stroll along the waterfront and check out the many Chinese temples within the city. While you’re in the city, don’t miss the opportunity to sample some authentic Sarawakian cuisine – don’t miss the local laksa and umai!
Kuching is also a great base for exploring other spots in Sarawak. Some of the best trips you can take from the city include the Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary and Bako National Park for trekking, wildlife and stunning views!
Once your time in Kuching comes to an end, make your way to the well-serviced international airport where you can catch an onward flight to your next destination. Be aware that most Europe-bound flights will transfer via Kuala Lumpur.
👉 Also Read: Sarawak Itinerary
Borneo Itinerary – 2 Weeks 🗓️
Got less time? This two-week Borneo itinerary follows a similar route to the above but focuses on the highlights, allowing you to see just the top attractions!
- BEGIN → Kota Kinabalu – 3 Days
- Kundasang – 2 Days
- Sepilok – 2 Days
- Kinabatagan – 3 Days (return to Sandakan and fly to Kuching)
- Kuching – 1 Day
- Bako National Park – 2 Days
- FINISH → Kuching – 1 Day
More Time in Malaysian Borneo? ⏰
Borneo has a lot to offer, and there’s so much more to explore if you’ve got more than two or three weeks! Some of these have been briefly mentioned already, but here they are once again…
Sipidan is one of the world’s top dive spots. This is the place to go if you want to dive and have some island time in Borneo! There are daily limits to the number of people who can visit Sipadan – find out all you need to know about Sipidan dive permits here.
Turtle Island is otherwise known as Pulau Selingan. Take a trip here from Sandakan for the chance to watch baby turtles hatching! Independent travel is not possible and all visits must include an overnight stay. There is one accommodation option on the island so make sure you reserve your place in advance to avoid missing out!
Sibu is a good stop-off between Miri and Kuching if you want to break the journey up. Here you can embark on multi-day riverboat trips and learn about the local indigenous people.
A breathtakingly beautiful and remote wilderness, the Kelabit Highlands is worth a visit if you want to get off the beaten track in Sarawak!
Welcome to the other tip of Borneo! Take a boat to Tanjung Datu National Park from Sematan (about 2.5 hours from Kuching) or join an organised tour. For more information, visit the Sarawak Tourism’s website.
Don’t want to leave Borneo yet? Why not head south to the Indonesian side? If you thought Malaysian Borneo was wild, wait until you check out Kalimantan!
An easy hop from both Sabah and Sarawak, visit the tiny Muslim country of Brunei for mosques, museums and plenty of royal regalia!
Contributors: 🙏
South East Asia Backpacker is a ‘travel diary for everyone’. This article has been written with the help of backpackers and local experts. We would like to thank…
- 🙏 Sheree | Editor at South East Asia Backpacker
- 🙏 Tim | Writer at South East Asia Backpacker
- 🙏 Olivia | Borneo Encounter
- 🙏 Deliah | Paradesa Borneo
- 🙏 Louis | South East Asia Backpacker Contributor
Will & Ellie | Tapp and Bear Travel
Will and Ellie are the UK travel bloggers behind Tapp and Bear Travel. Originally from Devon and The Cotswolds, they both graduated from Falmouth University with degrees in Marine and Natural History Photography and set off on the adventure of a lifetime!
