If you are asking what to do in Borneo, the short answer is: look for wildlife, climb or hike, explore caves and dive. Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and is shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. It has some of the oldest rainforests on earth and is home to orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants. Here is a guide to the main experiences.
Choose your part of Borneo
- Sabah (Malaysia): Mount Kinabalu, Sepilok, the Kinabatangan River and world-class diving.
- Sarawak (Malaysia): Kuching, Bako, Semenggoh and Mulu caves.
- Kalimantan (Indonesia): Tanjung Puting and river trips to see orangutans.
- Brunei: A small sultanate with the Kampong Ayer water village and the Ulu Temburong forest.
Distances are large, and getting between areas often means flights, so most travellers focus on one or two regions.
What to do in Borneo for wildlife
See orangutans
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre near Kuching help orangutans that have been orphaned or displaced. In Indonesian Borneo, boat trips in Tanjung Puting National Park offer encounters with orangutans in more natural surroundings. Feeding times and rules differ, so check official sources for details, and keep a safe distance.
Cruise the Kinabatangan River
The Kinabatangan River in Sabah is one of the best places in Southeast Asia for wildlife viewing from a boat. Visitors often see proboscis monkeys, hornbills, macaques and, with luck, pygmy elephants. Early morning and dusk are the best times.
Walk Bako National Park
Bako near Kuching is compact and easy to reach. Its trails lead through mangroves and forest to beaches, and proboscis monkeys can often be seen. It works as a day trip or overnight stay.
Mountains and caves
Borneo’s interior is rugged, and the highlands feel very different from the coast.
Mount Kinabalu, in Sabah, is the highest peak in Malaysia, and the climb is a well-known challenge. Permits are limited and typically need to be reserved well ahead, so plan early and check official information. For those who prefer lower trails, the foothills of Kinabalu Park offer shorter walks and cooler air.
Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak is a UNESCO site known for huge cave systems and razor-sharp limestone pinnacles. Access is by small plane or an adventurous river journey, so budget time and money for it. Guided cave visits are the main activity, with the evening bat exodus a highlight in good conditions.
Beaches and diving
Sabah’s islands offer excellent diving and snorkelling. Sipadan is world famous, but permits are strictly limited and sell out, so look to nearby Mabul, Kapalai and the islands around Kota Kinabalu such as those in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park for easier alternatives. Conditions and regulations change, so verify with dive operators.
Cities and culture
Kuching is a charming riverside city with a waterfront, old shophouses, markets and good food, including Sarawak laksa. From there you can visit longhouse communities, where hosts share local customs and crafts. Choose respectful, community-led visits. In Sabah, Kota Kinabalu has seafood markets and a lively waterfront. In Brunei, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is an impressive landmark.
Practical tips
- Pack light, quick-drying clothing, rain gear and insect repellent.
- Book popular permits, lodges and boat trips early.
- Expect humidity and heat all year. The wetter months bring heavy showers, but travel is still possible.
- Check visa and health requirements for each country.
- Choose operators that follow responsible wildlife guidelines.
Sample itineraries
Because internal flights and transfers take time, avoid trying to do too much. A slower plan with fewer bases lets you see more wildlife and feel less rushed, and it usually costs less too.
One week in Sabah: Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park, Sepilok and Kinabatangan. One week in Sarawak: Kuching, Semenggoh, Bako, then Mulu by air. Two weeks: combine both, with flights between Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
FAQ
Is Borneo suitable for beginners?
Yes. Many lodges and tours are set up for first-time visitors.
How many days do I need?
A week lets you see one region well, and two weeks suit a broader trip.
For more region ideas, visit our travel guides. General background is on Wikipedia’s Borneo page. However you plan it, what to do in Borneo comes down to wild nature and slow, memorable travel.
