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10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Traveling to Borneo

From what to expect on your wildlife excursions to the one thing you shouldn’t leave home without—here’s what you need to know before going to the jungles of borneo..

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Borneo boasts beautiful islands and thriving cities, but most travelers are drawn here for its jungles and rare animals.

Photo by Maggie Fuller; design by Emily Blevins

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, but even seasoned travelers may need a minute or two to find it on a map. Hint: It’s in Southeast Asia, just east of the Malaysian Peninsula. Geography experts or no, people from all over the world journey to this jungle destination in hopes of glimpsing rare, critically endangered, or threatened animals such as orangutans, pangolins, rhinoceros hornbills, and Borneo pygmy elephants.

But the island is so much more than rain forest creatures: It also encompasses parts of three different countries, hundreds of cultures, and one of the most biodiverse environments on the planet.

I recently returned from an 11-day trip to some of the island’s rivers and jungles with the luxury travel company GeoEx . And while I’d thoroughly prepared by reading the provided packing lists and travel information, I was still in for some surprises. Here are a few facts and travel tips that I (and a few of my fellow travelers) wish I’d known before arriving in Borneo.

These critters are hard to spot

And not just because they’re good at camouflage. Because natural diversity is one of Borneo’s biggest draws, I was initially frustrated when our wildlife-watching excursions lacked drama. Besides macaques and proboscis monkeys, which were everywhere, the jungle didn’t exactly seem to teem with life. But then I picked up a brochure at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and read a sentence that clued me in: “Borneo is species diverse, not species abundant.” That is, there are many kinds of animals—some 200 mammals, 420 birds, 100 amphibians, and 400 fish —but the populations of most are small. (Insects, on the other hand, are everywhere.)

Do not forget to pack binoculars.

Courtesy of Amazon; design by Emily Blevins

A trip to Borneo, then, is about patience and the thrill of the chase: When you do spot a civet or pygmy elephant, the experience is all the more special because you earned it.

Don’t let a long flight drag you down

Most itineraries will bring you to Sarawak and Sabah, two Malaysian states in the northern part of the island that are filled with national parks and conservation areas. If you’re flying from Europe or the United States, your flight will take anywhere from 18 to 28 hours and will likely include a layover in Taipei, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. If you’ve got a foolproof method for avoiding jet lag , now’s the time to use it. Otherwise, consider padding your journey with a day or two in your layover city to help your body adjust to the new time zone and climate.

There’s more to Borneo than animals

That long flight is a great opportunity to catch up on your pretrip reading. Once you’ve paged through the guidebooks to learn more about how Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Kingdom of Brunei share space on the island, you may want to dive in to more specific aspects of this complicated place.

The Three White Rajahs by Sylvia Brooke is an interesting introduction to Sarawak’s unusual colonial history, as written by the wife of one of the three Englishmen who ruled as rajahs with local support during the late 1800s. (Be sure to visit the Sarawak Museum when you land in Kuching for local perspectives on the area’s much longer history.) Or open Orchid Fever: A Horticultural Tale of Love, Lust, and Lunacy by Eric Hansen to dive into the obsessive world of botanists who comb the far reaches of Borneo’s jungles in search of rare plants.

Prepare to get wet because yes, it does rain in the rain forest.

You’ll see evidence of the island’s constantly evolving relationship with palm oil on drives into the jungle, so get some background with the New York Times ’s eye-opening piece on the industry’s catastrophic impact on the environment and “ Palm oil is unavoidable. Can it be sustainable? ” from National Geographic , which explores its complex effects on the local communities and economies.

It rains in the rain forest . . . even during the dry season

Until a few years ago, the difference between the wet season and the dry one was much more marked—or so the locals told me. March through October are still the driest months, but it rained for part of almost every day of our trip in early June. And it was always hot (around 80 degrees) and humid. Skip the plastic poncho and bring a breathable rain jacket . You’ll be wearing it a lot.

In fact, all your activewear for jungle hiking should be breathable and quick drying—not only because you’ll be more comfortable but also because you’re going to get muddy. My clothes often appreciated a post-hike rinse in the bathroom sink. But know too that in that humidity, even quick-dry fabric didn’t dry very quickly, so you may want to pack more hiking togs than planned.

And if you’re a photographer, think about rain protection for your camera; don’t let a passing storm force you to stow it away.

Socks matter

For hiking, opt for lightweight, quick-drying socks. Heavy, wool socks are just plain uncomfortable in this climate and could even cause heat rash.

I liked having a pair of clean socks in the evenings. I’m a mosquito magnet, and as much as I love my Mohinders slides for traveling, I quickly discovered that the pests were able to get in between the bits of woven leather. (Luckily, the shoes look great with a fun pair of striped socks.)

The writer, modeling a pair of oh-so-fashionable leech socks.

Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuller; design by Emily Blevins

In wetter regions, such as the Danum Valley, you’ll also need leech socks. If you haven’t heard of them (I hadn’t) leech socks are essentially large cloth foot bags that tie up at the knee, keeping the bloodsuckers out of your shoes and pant legs. They’re available on Amazon for about $40, but many places in Borneo sell pairs that are just as effective for about $5.

Map out your anti-mosquito strategy ahead of time

Both malaria and dengue are a concern in parts of Borneo. The only way to avoid dengue is to use bug repellant, but there are a variety of drugs to prevent malaria. Some tablets are taken weekly, some daily; some you start two to three days prior to your trip, others start a week or two before. People react differently to all the drugs, so discuss your options with your doctor.

I skipped the drugs and chose instead to be vigilant. I wore long sleeves, long pants, and socks most of the time and used repellent with high levels of DEET. I avoided both diseases, but all that clothing made for some sweaty evenings.

A note on chemicals: My GeoEx packing list recommended using repellent that was 25 percent DEET; the Ultrathon repellent I ended up using is 34 percent DEET. There are DEET-free alternatives too, such as Natrapel , which uses Picaridin. Whatever you choose, buy it before you leave. I found that the repellents in Bornean pharmacies were usually around only 12 percent DEET.

It takes a long time to get around

The Malaysian parts of Borneo—Sabah and Sarawak—take up about 77,000 square miles and together form about a quarter of the island. They’re also separated by the entire country of Brunei. So to get from one state to the other, or often from place to another, you’ll need to take a short flight. Once you land, you’ll travel deeper into the jungle by car or by boat. In other words, prepare for small planes, lots of travel time, and plenty of unpacking and repacking.

Borneo is a wonderland for wildlife photographers, so be sure to pack your zoom lens.

Plan on unplugging

Often, even remote outposts in the jungle claim to have Wi-Fi. However, I found that signal was neither strong nor consistent. With patience, I was usually able to load emails—but not always able to respond to them—and to maybe post to Instagram. But don’t expect to catch up on your Netflix queue; this is really more of an off-the-grid situation.

BYOB—Bring your own binoculars

The one item I regretted leaving home without was binoculars. Borneo’s star animals are hard to find, and when we did finally spot a retreating mouse deer or a diving stork-billed kingfisher, the sight was fleeting. You’ll want the ability to zoom in on these creatures before they’re gone, rather than waiting for a neighbor or guide to kindly lend you a pair of binoculars. I’m now looking at Bushnell’s Legend L-Series as an entry-level option.

Speaking of magnification: Photographers, this is your chance to break out the big zoom lenses. Because most jungle critters hang out high in the trees, are small, or stay a safe distance away from intruding humans, a point-and-shoot camera simply won’t cut it.

“Always say yes”

During an overnight at Bako National Park, a number of people in my group opted out of the evening walk. The hike we had done that day in 90 percent humidity was draining, and a torrential downpour during dinner further dampened excitement. But one fellow traveler told me: “Always say yes on a trip like this. You’re here, aren’t you?”

Red leaf monkeys are endemic to Borneo and only found deep in the jungles.

The jaunt was worth it—those who joined found a hard-to spot emerald pit viper as well as a host of giant, creepy forest bugs. Then, as we turned to head back to our rooms, our guide asked if we wanted to keep going. “Yes,” we chorused. He led us down to a boat dock where the trees lining the silvery water were filled with thousands of blinking orange lightning bugs that looked like fairy lights strung intentionally in the branches. Standing there in the warm evening air and taking it all in ended up being one of my favorite memories from the trip.

Of course, there are good reasons to opt out of activities on a trip like this. When you’re staying at enchanting places like Sukau Rainforest Lodge or the Borneo Rainforest Lodge , you’ll want to cool off in the pools, relax with a book on your private balcony, or chat with the local bartender while enjoying a fresh-fruit cocktail in the well-appointed bars. And because of the climate, it’s important to rest regularly. But before you decide to stay in, remember that Borneo is full of surprises, and you never quite know what you might encounter.

>>Next: 17 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Going on a Galápagos Cruise

Top Destinations in Malaysian Borneo

Sarawak vs. Sabah

Guide to Kuching

Visiting Kalimantan

Guide to the Derawan Islands

Brunei Travel Guide

Top Things to Do in Malaysian Borneo

Museums to Visit

Best Beaches

Where to Go Scuba Diving

Best Hiking in Borneo

National Parks

Where to See Orangutans

Events & Festivals

Food to Try

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in Borneo

Best Hotels in Borneo

Staying at an Iban Longhouse

Driving in Borneo

One Week in Borneo

One Week in Borneo: The Ultimate Itinerary

Ben Queenborough / Getty Images

Welcome to the third largest island in the world. With only one week in Borneo , you’ll have to move quickly while taking advantage of regional flights, as overland journeys are too long and arduous in the rugged interior. The effort will be rewarded, however, with memorable people, places, and walks through rainforests teeming with biodiversity.

Seeing everything is obviously impossible, so this one-week itinerary for Borneo brings you to the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak along with a bonus visit to Brunei. Although Kalimantan, the Indonesian side of Borneo , makes up 73 percent of the island and is blessed with many tempting places, traveling there can be time consuming. Irregular flight schedules and frequent transportation delays often make short work of an itinerary without enough buffer days built in.

Day 1: Sandakan, Sabah

Kuching and Kota Kinabalu seem the most obvious choices, but travelers with a short amount of time in Borneo should consider starting their adventure in Sandakan, a city on the west coast of Sabah. The three-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur can be as inexpensive as $50 .

Numerous guesthouses, cafés, and eateries are clustered along the edge of the rainforest just west of Sandakan. For convenience, choose one of the eco-hotels near Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre ; Sepilok Nature Resort (3-star) and Sepilok Jungle Resort (2-star) are two popular places to stay within walking distance.

Begin your first day by walking to Sepilok (5 minutes); get there by 10 a.m. to catch the morning feeding, when fruit left on a platform by rangers sometimes lures shy, semi-wild orangutans within camera range. These orangutans are free to roam but are still being rehabilitated back into their native habitat after becoming orphaned or rescued from captivity. Watch the short film at Sepilok and learn all you can about earth’s most intelligent primate; sadly, they are critically endangered, and wild orangutans can only be found in Borneo and Sumatra.

Next, stop in at the Rainforest Discovery Centre next door. The RDC will prep you for what exciting plants and creatures you’ll see the rest of the trip. Climb up to the canopy walk suspended 82 feet above ground to look for colorful birds before checking out orchids and carnivorous plants in the Discovery Garden.

Enjoy a quick dinner nearby, then book a Grab rideshare (or request a driver at reception ) to one of the lodges in Sukau, a small village around 2.5 hours away. If you arrive in time, you can join one of the night excursions along the muddy Kinabatangan River to look for saltwater crocodiles.

Day 2: The Kinabatangan River and Sandakan, Sabah

John W Banagan / Getty Images

Wake up early to float silently along Malaysia’s second longest river, where long-nosed proboscis monkeys and other exciting wildlife live along the swampy banks. The Kinabatangan River Sanctuary is also home to pygmy elephants and rhinoceros, but seeing them requires a lot of luck.

Have a light lunch at your lodge then head back toward Sandakan by car. You'll be flying to Kota Kinabalu later in the day, so depending on the time of your flight, you have the option of stopping at the Gomantong Caves along the way. Visitors can explore the Black Cave by a network of boardwalks in this impressive cave system, which is a primary source for edible swiftlet nests (an expensive and controversial delicacy in Asia). Lots of scavengers live in the guano below; give the caves a miss if you’re creepie-crawlie adverse!

Sandakan isn’t large, so no need to spend too much time waiting at the airport. Instead, visit the war memorial park just 10 minutes away. The garden commemorates the thousands of POWs who died during the infamous WWII death marches in Borneo. Afterward, call into the English Tea House & Restaurant for a drink with nice views of Sandakan and the coast. For a proper meal, head over to Sim Sim Seafood or one of the many other seafood restaurants built on stilts along the coast.

Fly onward to Kota Kinabalu and spend the night there.

Day 3: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

EvgenyBuzov / Getty Images

Kota Kinabalu , Sabah’s capital city, has plenty of charms. But you’ll want some beach time, and leaving Borneo without experiencing the marine life would be a crime. Since getting to the Derawan Islands in Kalimantan —one of the top places in the world for marine biodiversity and nesting sea turtles—with only one week in Borneo isn't practical, head out to the conveniently located Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park instead. Hop among the five islands by speedboat, and relax on the white-sand beaches in between snorkeling or diving . Be on the lookout for whale sharks, which pass through in the spring months.

After a day of sun, return to Kota Kinabalu for some shopping and sightseeing. Go enjoy sunset and the evening street performers at Tanjung Aru , the park and beach at the southern end of town. Strolling Gaya Street and the waterfront is a good way to sample the vibe and delicious street food in Kota Kinabalu , especially on Sundays when there's a large market.

Day 4: Kinabalu Park

Nora Carol Photography / Getty Images

You won’t have the two fulls days and a night to get a permit and climb Mount Kinabalu , Malaysia’s tallest mountain (13,435 feet), but you can still enjoy the national park on the slopes. The best way to take advantage is to book one of the popular day trips that include transportation (two hours) each way.

The flora and fauna in Kinabalu Park earned it UNESCO World Heritage status  . At least 800 species of orchids have been documented around Mount Kinabalu, and you’ll get to see carnivorous pitcher plants as well. Ask a ranger if there are any known Rafflesia flowers in bloom; it’s one of the largest and strangest flowers in the world. You can also watch for some of Kinabalu’s 326 documented species of birds, including hornbills, while enjoying the canopy walk.

Many tours involve a trip to the Poring Hot Springs, another hour of driving beyond the entrance to Kinabalu Park. Although going further to get boiled on an already hot day doesn't sound appealing, Poring has numerous other attractions, including a bat cave, butterfly farm, and canopy walk. If you prefer more time at the national park, ask about foregoing the hot springs.

Return to Kota Kinabalu after a long day and indulge in Malay or Indian food—choices for tempting eateries seem limitless—then pack up and prepare to fly to Brunei in the morning.

Day 5: Brunei Darussalam

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Brunei, the smallest country of three sharing Borneo , isn’t often on tourists’ radar. The oil-rich sultanate is barely larger than the U.S. state of Delaware, but the residents enjoy a relatively high standard of living. The infrastructure in Brunei is excellent; travelers won’t have any trouble popping in for a day to explore Bandar Seri Begawan , the interesting capital. Royal Brunei Airlines offers inexpensive, 45-minute flights to Bandar Seri Begawan from Kota Kinabalu.

Bandar Seri Begawan Airport is right in the city, and after checking into your hotel, go explore! You can opt for a tour, but the capital is compact enough to grab a map and walk or take taxis as needed. Keep in mind that Brunei is considered the most observant of Islamic countries in Southeast Asia—you’ll need to dress modestly to enter museums and mosques.

The mosques around Bandar Seri Begawan are impressively photogenic. Check out a couple before seeing Kampong Ayer, a sprawling water village that’s home to more than 10,000 people. For a glimpse of how one of the richest men in the world lives, stop in at the Royal Regalia Museum. The museum contains gifts from world leaders to the Sultan of Brunei along with other gold-covered artifacts from his eclectic life. Entrance is free.

After a day of sightseeing, sample some of Brunei’s delicious roti and curry dishes. Prepare to fly to Sarawak (two hours) in the morning.

Day 6: Kuching, Sarawak

Imaad Wahid / EyeEm / Getty Images

Arrive in Kuching, the pleasant capital of Sarawak that’s often a favorite for many travelers. The airport is located only 15 minutes south of town.

Kuching means "cat" in Malay; that’s why statues of cats adorn roundabouts. The city is boasted as one of the cleanest in Asia, and the waterfront esplanade is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Borneo. The few touts are friendly, and hassle is generally low in Kuching. If your visit coincides with the annual Rainforest World Music Festival held there every summer, watch out—it’s going to be busy!

After flying to Kuching, head 45 minutes north by car to the Sarawak Cultural Village . With only a week to spend in Borneo, you won’t have time to stay in a difficult-to-reach Iban longhouse in the jungle; fortunately, the Sarawak Cultural Village is a living museum spread over 17 beautiful acres with demonstration longhouses from the various Indigenous peoples. Spend the day learning about the Dayak tribes and their way of life in the rainforest. The daily cultural shows take place at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; the grounds close at 5 p.m.

Return to Kuching and enjoy an inexpensive seafood feast at Top Spot Food Court or one of the other nearby restaurants. We said hassle is low in Kuching, but Top Spot may be the exception as touts shout to lure you with menus. Choose a stall then order midin —a crunchy rainforest fern—as a healthy side dish; this may be your only chance to try it, as finding it outside of Sarawak is nearly impossible. If the squirming seafood at Top Spot makes you squeamish, consider trying Sarawak’s unique version of laksa , a spicy noodle soup (note: it contains shrimp).

Day 7: Bako National Park

Grant Dixon / Getty Images

If you haven’t yet managed to see an orangutan while in Borneo —nothing is guaranteed when wildlife is concerned—this may be your last chance! Go 30 minutes south of town to the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre ; feeding times are at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Much like Sepilok in Sabah, Semenggoh is home to free-roaming orangutans learning how to manage themselves in the wild again.

Otherwise, begin early before the heat of the day and head north to Bako National Park, Sarawak’s oldest and most accessible national park. Other than the Kinabatangan River, Bako is your best opportunity to see an endangered proboscis monkey in the wild. You’ll enter the park by small boat then walk the trail network to see all sorts of monkeys, bearded pigs, pythons, and other park residents. Don't worry: You don't have to trek far to see wildlife. Watch for hornbills and giant butterflies, but beware of the bold macaques that like to steal things from visitors.

If the weather on your last day is too rainy to enjoy outside adventures, go see the cluster of four interesting museums near Reservoir Park; entrance fees are $1.50 or less. The Sarawak Museum has an exhibit of human skulls taken by headhunters!

Enjoy one last, shameless seafood experience then stroll along the waterfront knowing your one week in Borneo was well spent.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. "Kinabulu Park." 2000.

A Guide to Airports in Borneo

Where to Go in Malaysian Borneo: Sarawak or Sabah?

How to Find Cheap Flights to Borneo

The Top 8 Things to Do in Malaysian Borneo

9 Top Destinations in Malaysian Borneo

The 11 Best Hotels in Borneo

Your Trip to Borneo: The Complete Guide

5 Places to See Orangutans in Borneo

The 10 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Borneo

The 12 Best National Parks in Borneo

7 Attractions and Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

Guide to Sandakan, Malaysia's Gateway to Nature

Top 8 Places to Scuba Dive in Sabah, Borneo

The Top 12 National Parks in Malaysia

The 10 Best Hikes in Borneo

Borneo Travel Guide

Hands down one of our favorite adventure destinations on the planet is Malaysian Borneo . 

The Legendary Rainforests of Borneo bring to mind images of towering trees, abundant wildlife and wild foreboding rain forests filled with raging rivers.

Only great explorers would dare to go there, it was home to the Headhunter after all.

This Borneo  travel guide  will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular Guides

• Things to do in Borneo
• The Pinnacles of Borneo

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Borneo

• Borneo power voltage is 230/240 V 50 Hz; Power sockets G.
• The island itself is divided among three countries:  Malaysia  and  Brunei  in the north, and  Indonesia  to the south.
• The Borneo currency is the Malaysian Ringett (MYR) and is around 4 MYR to 1 USD. In Brunei the Brunei Dollar and Singapore Dollar (notes only) are readily accepted. In the south the currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and is around 13,000 IDR  for 1 USD.
• Air-conditioned  express buses  are the economical way to travel long distances within, and sometimes between, Borneo’s different states
• Borneo is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world – around 130 million years old.
• Brunei is a ‘dry’ country – alcohol cannot be purchased, however you are allowed an alcohol allowance to be brought in for personal consumption.

Things to See and Do in Borneo

• Hike Mount Kinabalu  – This 4095 metre mammoth is a 2-hour bus ride from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo’s northern province.
• Trek the Pinnacles of Gunung Mulu  – a stone forest of white and grey limestone, jutting 45 metres out of the earth in razor sharp formations.
• Go on a Jungle Safari  – Take a boat up the The Sungai (river) Kinabatangan right into the heart of the jungle of Borneo, and stay in a rustic camp for a few days with  Uncle Tan Wildlife Adventures . 
• Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre –  They are orangutans that have either been injured, rescued or orphaned that have been nursed back to health and let back into the jungle.  To make their transition easier, they can come back any time they want for a feast.

Borneo Travel Guides

• Great Things to do in Borneo – Malaysia’s Wild Jungle Island
• The Pinnacles of Borneo – Amazing Wonder of Gunung Mulu
• Mount Kinabalu – What it’s Really Like to Climb Borneo’s Highest Peak

Accommodation

Budget:  You can stay at budget hotels in Borneo for as low as $10 US per night. They may include free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and have air conditioning.

Mid Range:  There are mid-range hotels available in Borneo for around $30 US. They often include complimentary breakfast, are found in the city center, and have laundry service.

High End:  High-end hotels in Borneo start around $60 per night. They may include family suites, indoor and outdoor pools, and offer airport transfers.

Here are some of the foods you may find in Borneo:

Hinava –  A common dish found in Sabah with mackerel, spices, lime, and onion.

Clay pot soup  – A soup with a variety of ingredients including tofu, prawns, squid, noodles, and vegetables that are cooked over a high temperature.

Pinasakan sada –  A flavorful dish commonly found at restaurants with fruit, fish, salt, and turmeric.

The Best Ways to Get Around Borneo

Getting to borneo:.

Getting to Borneo:  There are no direct flights from Borneo from Europe or North America, so you’ll have to connect at an Asian city such as Singapore or Hong Kong.

You can check for the best flights to Borneo on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : You can take buses within the city as well as across the country starting at B$18.

Taxis:   Taxis are found in the major cities, but you’ll always want to confirm if the driver is using the meter or not so you know the price in advance.

Car Rental:  Car rentals in Borneo begin at B$60 a day. Check for prices and availability here.

When to go To Borneo

• March through October is the best time to visit Borneo, as this is when the weather is the most pleasant and driest. You also have the best chance of seeing wildlife during these months.

Where to Stay in Borneo

Seven Boutique Hotel  – This hotel is a great choice to stay at when you’re in Putatan. It’s only 3 miles away from the airport and the hotel offers a free airport shuttle service. They also are a few minute’s walk away from restaurants, bars, and a grocery store.

The Pacific Sutera Hotel   – This beautiful hotel in Sabah has stunning views of the water while being close to shopping, so there’s something everyone can enjoy. They also offer a pool, fitness center, and a private balcony.

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa  – This resort is a great place to relax when you’re in Sabah. You have access to the beach, diving, and babysitters.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation in Canada.

What to Pack for Borneo

Borneo is hot and humid with a typically  tropical climate . Sarawak receives an abundance of rainfall during the  monsoon  season which falls between November and February of each year, whereas the dry season generally occurs from May to October. 

Heavy rains may cause cancellation of flights and riverboat trips into remote regions, so the dry season is best for activities.

• The protection basics  – Travellers should stock up on the essentials: sun block, mosquito/insect repellant containing DEET or a pyrethroid insecticide, sunglasses and a hat. If you will be spending time in national parks or upriver areas (e.g. Batang Ai & Nanga Sumpa), make sure to bring a strong mosquito repellent that contains 30-50% DEET.  Use this in the jungle and interior and bring it from home as it might be hard to find in Borneo.
• Pack for Humidity  – for humid weather it is best to pack fabrics that breathe as much as possible and natural fabrics, like cotton, linen or rayon (avoiding silk, wool and polyester). Clothing should be loose and comfortable to encourage the flow of air and allow moisture to evaporate.
• Sarongs  – From protecting yourself from the hot island sun, covering up at religious sites or keeping warm on a cool night, sarongs are a must-have.
• Raincoat / Jacket –  rain gear is always a good idea, as is a light jacket for the cooler temperatures at Mt Kinabalu.
• Water bottle –  Water is not potable in Borneo – do not drink or even brush your teeth with tap water.

Borneo Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Borneo Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Borneo  click here.

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Drifting Pretty

A travel and lifestyle blog dedicated to the jet-setting, wander-lusting, road-trippin’ life

Borneo Itinerary: The Perfect 2 Week Adventure Guide

January 20, 2021

By Simone Shomaker.

I don’t know about you, but the social distancing and time spent home on the couch has me daydreaming about past travel, and feeling hopeful about travel in the future. In light of that, I wanted to write a blog post about one of my favorite trips I have taken to date…Borneo, Malaysia. Keep reading for my full Borneo itinerary, the ultimate 2 week adventure guide!

From the reefs to the jungles…

Sepilok orangutan conservation center & bornean sun bear conservation center, borneo, malaysia.

You can imagine how excited I was when my fiancé Jacob said he wanted to take a big trip to celebrate finishing his PhD and officially becoming a doctor! After lots of research, we landed on Borneo, a rugged island in Asia boasting immediate access to remote nature. Borneo is the largest island in Asia and the third largest world wide, spanning across three nations: Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. Borneo is often featured on “Planet Earth” and is known for its pristine beaches, the oldest rainforests on the planet, extensive underground cave systems, and rare wildlife. It is home to rare species such as clouded leopards, pygmy elephants, orangutans and many more…. 

Borneo Travel Tips

Before I dive into the fun part, here are a few quick things to note about traveling to Borneo. This is not a trip I would recommend to anyone if you want luxury resorts or a “sipping tropical cocktails by the pool” vacation, this is very much a remote adventure travel destination…

SHOP OUR SUITCASE

1- You can not drink the water here. Bring a water filter or buy bottled water.

2- Bring insect repellent, and lots of it! Malaria and Dengue are a concern here, we stocked up on anti malarial prophylactics as a preventative measure.

3- Be careful what you eat, as with other countries lacking water purification capabilities, the food can also transmit waterborne bacteria, especially fresh fruit and vegetables. We recommend eating cooked veggies and fruit that has to be peeled.

4- People speak some English, but not everyone does and communication can be a bit tricky, especially if you are going off the grid as we did. 

5- Bring a rain jacket and tall socks to help prevent leeches when hiking in the rainforest. 

6- Time to unplug! Wifi is spotty. It does the soul good to disconnect for a while.

7- Borneo is a really huge island, traveling around takes time. Flights are the quickest way as buses can take 6+ hours or more in some cases. Also we were not able to make it to some of the places we wanted to because flights/boats/shuttles were only offered once a week. Plan accordingly!

9- Bring binoculars so you can see all the amazing wildlife- you will be happy you did!

Borneo Itinerary

While we were on Borneo we hopped around quite a bit. Here is our itinerary:

-Arrive at Tawau Airport, drive to Semporna, Sabah (1 hour drive)

-Go from Semporna to the water house by boat (30 min boat ride)

-Return to Tawau Airport and fly to Sandakan (spend 1-2 days in Sandakan)

-Sandakan to Kinabatangan Rainforest (stop along the way at Orangutan & Sun Bear Sanctuary)

-Kinabatangan River, in Bilit, spend 3-4 days

-Kinabatangan to Sandakan

-Sandakan to Selingan Turtle Island by boat (3 hour boat ride)

-Selingan Turtle Island Conservation Center, spend 2 days here

-Return from Turtle Island to Sandakan

-Sandakan to Mainland Malaysia stay tuned for another blog post about this!

Where to Stay in Semporna, Sabah, Borneo

Semporna was the highlight of our trip. We ventured off the beaten path and stayed in a traditional water house. This was a really unique experience, which I highly recommend to anyone who loves the ocean. You can see the water below your room through the cracks in the wood floor, and hear/feel the ocean rock you to sleep. The houses are built on stilts over the water off shore. Fair warning, it is a bit rugged, but you can’t beat jumping off your porch straight into the ocean on the middle of a beautiful coral reef. To get here, we were picked up by boat from the docks of Semporna by our  Airbnb host. It was about a 20 minute boat ride along the coast and out to the reef. We found this amazing Airbnb Maglami Lami Waterhouse which is owned by a lovely family who live there as well.  They cook three delicious meals a day for you which is included in the accommodation cost. They also can arrange to charter a boat for you for fun day trips! 

What to Do in Semporna, Borneo

Visit the bajau laut, sea gypsy community.

Each day we got picked up by boat  for various day trips. One of our highlights was getting to see the Bajau Laut, sometimes known as the sea gypsies or sea nomads. This was an amazing and humbling experience. These people are nomadic and live solely off of the ocean. They live in huts over the sea and have no connection to the modern world. They are highly skilled free divers who forage for their food underwater. The ocean is their sole source of food. Scientific studies have even shown that they have evolved larger spleens to help them more efficiently carry oxygen and hold their breath. They are said to potentially be the last generation of sea gypsies because of climate change, pollution and overfishing threatening their daily existence. Getting a glimpse of their world is a very touching reminder that our impacts span far across the globe to places and people most don’t even realize exist.

Bohey Dulang Hike

From the Bajau Laut, we took a short boat ride to the famous and picturesque Bohey Dulang hike. This was one of the views we looked forward to seeing the most. When we got there we were disappointed to see an overwhelming number of boats carrying tourists. The hike itself was extremely overcrowded and regimented, each group had a guide and it was a single file line all the way up. Despite the overcrowding, the views were absolutely insane and it is still worth a visit. After the hike, enjoy the day snorkeling and freediving around the beautiful island to cool off!

Island Hopping near Semporna, Borneo

Off the coast of Semporna, Sabah has no shortage of beautiful islands and great snorkeling/freediving. We highly recommend visiting as many as possible including Mataking Island, Pom Pom Island, Mabul Island, and our next favorite, Sipadan Island.

Scuba Diving in Sipadan Island

Widely touted as one of the top dives of the world, we had to go check it out. A little about me, I love scuba diving and my fiancé is a marine ecologist. We have dove all over the world, and have been lucky enough to dive at many highly regarded sites. Sipadan definitely lived up to the hype! You have to get a lottery permit to dive here, and the government only issues a limited number of permits per day. They do this in order to preserve the marine ecosystem. We were lucky enough to score a day-of permit at the last minute, but I recommend trying to book one well in advance through one of the local dive shops in Semporna, or on Mabul Island . It is a several hour boat ride from Semporna to get to Sipadan, however it was well worth it and you won’t be disappointed. It was a dive filled to the brim with huge megafauna! For those of you without a marine biology background, think of giant bumphead parrotfish, huge green sea turtles, underwater tornadoes of giant barracuda, and reef sharks galore, what a treat! In between dives we got to relax and explore the beautiful island above water. I recommend bringing your own dive computer if you have one, the resort has a very small supply!

What to Do in Sandakan, Sabah, Borneo

Sandakan is the second largest city in the state of Sabah, and is full of history. I recommend stopping over here for one full day to take in some of the sights. It is also the gateway to get to the Kinabatangan River and Selingan Turtle Island. This was not my favorite stop of the trip, but there are some worthwhile things to see and do, and the cutest street puppies live here! We hired a driver for the day through our Airbnb host who took us all around town. This was very convenient because there are many quick stops worth seeing, and we got a local tour! We stayed right in the downtown area along the river at a no frills Airbnb which was convenient to walk to restaurants and check out some of the vegetable and seafood local markets.

Visit the Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Center and Gomantong Cave

We visited the Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Center and Gomantong Cave. The cave was very breathtaking from the outside, but if you are anything like me (and are terrified of roaches) you won’t want to venture too far inside. We were lucky enough to spot wild Orangutans on the walk to the cave which was absolutely magical.

Sandakan Memorial Park

There is a lot of history from Word War II in Sandakan. Take a walk through the beautiful and eerie Sandakan Memorial Park, this is one of the locations where the infamous death marches took place when the Japanese invaded Sandakan. Nearby, is a historical house built before the war that has been converted into a museum, and after you stroll through there you can go visit the English Tea House and Restaurant for a lovely scone and the cutest street puppies roaming the grounds (I almost brought one home with me!). 

Sam Sing Kung Temple, Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple and the Buli Sim Sim Water Village

Our next stops on our Sandakan day tour were two temples that our guide recommended: Sam Sing Kung Temple and my personal favorite of the two, the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple. Both temples are beautiful and worth seeing. Sing Kung is a small local temple with rustic charm, compared to Puu Jih Shih Temple, which is perfectly landscaped and quite extensive. There is a large Chinese population in Sandakan, and they live in the Buli Sim Sim water village which is built on stilts over the water. This was very interesting to visit, but hard to see in some ways due to the pollution they were living in. They have a famous Sim Sim Seafood Restaurant here that is popular with tourists from Asia because of the rare items on the menu. I felt quite uncomfortable inside this restaurant to be honest but it was eye opening to see some of the seafood that was being served and considered to be a delicacy.

Have a Drink at Balin Roof Garden

After our full day of adventuring, we found a wonderful rooftop bar called Balin Roof Garden , they also double as a pizza restaurant (a welcome change up after having noodles for every meal!). The bar turned out to be my favorite one of the whole trip and they had incredible espresso martinis in the cutest atmosphere!

On the way to the Kinabatangan River, we stopped at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center . The Sepilok Orangutan Center was a wonderful experience. You can sit and watch orangutans up close and personal as they go about their daily life. We even got to see some wild ones out in the park as we walked around. Be sure to catch feeding time while you are there, it was quite a sight! Conveniently located across the street is the Sun Bear Conservation Center. The sun bear is the smallest bear on the planet, and quite adorable! They are the size of a large dog, and get their name for their love of lounging in the sun. Definitely a must see!

Kinabatangan River Cruise

Next up, we scheduled a multi day trip into the rainforest in search of monkeys, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards and crocodiles. We chose Bilit Rainforest Lodge for our accommodation, which was rustic and jungly but oh so cool, and built on stilts on the edge of the river (due to the high amount of rain/flooding the area experiences). It takes about 2 hours to get here from Sandakan by car, and then you cross the river by boat. The river is massive! Each day we went on several river cruises and even a nighttime cruise. As you boat down the river, your guide will point out all the magical wildlife. We never caught a glimpse of the rare pygmy elephant, but were blown away by so many different kinds of monkeys (orangutans & proboscis to name a few), crocodiles, pythons, many species of birds, and lush riverside landscapes. Be sure to pack your mossie repellent for this spot! During your down time there are many places to take a jungle stroll (don’t forget the leech socks!), or read a book while you sit in your private hammock!  

Selingan Turtle Island

This was one of my most favorite parts of the whole trip. We opted for a conservation based experience for our last few days on Borneo. This was quite fitting being that Jacob is a marine biologist/ecologist and my college degree was a Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology. The Selingan Turtle Island has been fully dedicated to turtle conservation. They offer packages for people to come learn about sea turtles and be a part of the conservation experience. While there, you can lounge on the beach while looking across the ocean at the neighboring islands of the Philippines. At night you are taken on guided and monitored missions to watch mama turtles lay their eggs using red lights that don’t disturb them. You then watch the process as they collect the eggs and take them to a protected hatchery. They have a guard who watches over the nursery 24/7 to make sure that no one poaches the eggs, and that no critters eat the eggs. When it’s time, they hatch into the cutest little babies and are released back into the wild. With all the threats that turtles face as a species, it was great to be a part of this and see locals who are so dedicated and invested in saving them.

Borneo Conservation

That concludes our wonderful time in Borneo. It was truly one of the coolest trips I have taken, so rugged, raw, and filled with rare wildlife. I hope that you get a chance to visit here someday! I want to take a moment to mention that deforestation is a huge concern here, and has decimated fifty percent of these ancient and biodiverse rainforests. Palm oil plantations and illegal logging are some of the biggest culprits. If you want to learn more and donate to the cause, check out World Wildlife Fund . Also consider donating to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center . I can only imagine how much these facilities are hurting with the lack of tourism from COVID-19. Thank you and stay tuned for my next post on mainland Malaysia!

I wanted to also thank my love Jacob Eurich @jacobeurich for all of the amazing photos he is always taking for me. If you are interested in marine conservation and photography give him a follow and check out his website https://www.jacobeurich.com/ . He is doing amazing things to change the world!

Have you been to Borneo and have any additional recommendations for us? Comment below!

Danielle and Simone

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Two weeks in Borneo: Your adventurous Borneo itinerary for the best things to do in Borneo

March 1, 2018 by Karen Turner 9 Comments

Visiting Borneo was a dream of mine ever since I was a child watching National Geographic video series about the biodiversity in Borneo.  Planning my trip to Borneo took quite a bit of time as Borneo is one of the world’s largest islands with three countries.

As I only had two weeks for Borneo, I had to choose carefully what to do in Borneo.  This was my itinerary for two weeks in Borneo, focusing on Malaysia and Brunei.  I tried to include the best things to do in Borneo, which makes it easy to stretch this Borneo itinerary to four weeks in Borneo depending on your interests.

• 1 A note on choosing Malaysia and Brunei instead of Indonesia for my Borneo itinerary
• 2.1.1 Optional trip from Sandakan or Kota Kinabulu: Sipadan for diving (1-3 days)
• 2.2 Optional 2-7 days side trip: Danum Valley
• 2.3 Kota Kinabalu: Three Days, including Kota Kinabalu National Park
• 2.4 Optional day trip from Kota Kinabalu: Paragliding in Ranau
• 2.5 Optional trip from Kota Kinabalu: Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata (1-3 days)
• 3.0.1 Bandar Seri Begawan (3 days)
• 3.0.2 Ulu Temburong National Park (1-2 days)
• 3.1.1 Optional side trip from Miri: Gunung Mulu National Park (2-5 days)
• 3.1.2 Optional day trip from Miri: Gua Pari fairy caves and wind caves (1 day)
• 3.1.3 Optional side trip from Miri: Kelabit Highlands / Bario (2-3 days)
• 4.1 Optional half day trip from Kuching: Sarawak Cultural Village
• 4.2.1 Day trip from Kuching (if you’re lucky enough) (1-2 days)
• 5.1 …And that’s it for my two week itinerary for Borneo!  
• 5.2 Have you been to Borneo? 

A note on choosing Malaysia and Brunei instead of Indonesia for my Borneo itinerary

I’m so excited to visit Indonesia, however I found that flights to/from the Indonesian part of Borneo were pricey.  SImilarly, I didn’t have the time to take slow boats around.

My friend Cherene had a fantastic experience after flying into Kalimantan seeing wild orangutans in Indonesia .  My aunt was able to take an in-depth tour to Kalimantan to learn about traditional weaving in the region and we met one person who had done some intensive jungle trekking in Indonesia. However, the Indonesian side has less infrastructure, which makes it more difficult to get around Borneo without a lot of time.

Borneo in two weeks itinerary

This itinerary can be easily flipped depending on where you fly into Borneo.  For me, it was cheaper to fly to Kuala Lumpur to start off my trip prior to taking an AirAsia flight to Sandakan rather than to fly into Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, or Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei).

You’ll find international flights to/from Europe and Australia into BSB (Brunei) although you’ll also find flights into Kota Kinabalu with a transfer.  I leave this part of your Borneo itinerary up to you, but this was how I organized my personal trip to Borneo to minimize backtracking as well as flights.  You can read my packing list for Borneo . This itinerary is not strictly for two weeks in Borneo, so I hope it inspires your holiday to Borneo no matter the length.

I’ve included a bit of side trips that are easy to do from different cities, so depending on your interests, you should be able to add/cut different things.  It might not be avoidable to go to certain cities if you want to do specific activities.  I was very interested in a number of these side trips, but I ran out of time.

I hope that this information about Borneo helps anyone planning their trip to Borneo by highlighting the best things to do in the Malaysian and Bruneian parts of Borneo!  You could easily expand this itinerary for four weeks in Borneo, focused on travel in Sabah and Sarawak.

Beginning of your Borneo trip: Sandakan & the Kinabatangan Valley (3 days)

You can fly into Sandakan from Kuala Lumpur for as low as $20 USD.  After doing my research into where best to see wildlife in Borneo, I realized that the Kinabatangan region would be the best option given my limited time in Borneo. I was hoping to see wild pygmy elephants, but unfortunately we didn’t get lucky.

Most wildlife safaris that are mid-range to luxury will pick you up from the Sandakan airport as part of their package price.  I paid ~$300 (per person) for my three day two night excursion in the Kinabatangan region.

During this time, we saw hundreds of wild monkeys [including silver leaf and proboscis monkeys], spotted THREE wild orangutans, jungle trekked, and cruised along the river.

The whole experience was out of a dream and why I came to Borneo.  Some people stay longer, however I felt three days in the Kinabatangan Valley was enough time.   You can read more about my time in the Kinabatangan Valley, including where I stayed here.

Optional trip from Sandakan or Kota Kinabulu: Sipadan for diving (1-3 days)

I still don’t know how to dive, however diving in Sipadan is a must for divers.  Sipadan is routinely rated as one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving.

Be aware that they strictly limit the number of divers that can visit Sipadan each day, so you must apply in advance for a diving permit (they go quickly).  You can take a six hour bus to Somporna from Sandakan or fly from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.   You might need to reorder your trip depending on whether you choose to take the bus to Sipadan or fly.

A related note: I skipped Sipadan as I do not know how to dive and depending on pirate activity, you might want to stay up to date on what’s going off the eastern coast of Borneo if you’ll be spending extra time in this region.

Optional 2-7 days side trip: Danum Valley

I did not include Danum Valley  in this Borneo itinerary as the prices were so exorbitant that I couldn’t justify paying it.  I heard incredible things about spending 3 days to a week hiking in Danum Valley, but it wasn’t in my budget unfortunately.  You can fly from Kota Kinabalu to Danum Valley.

Kota Kinabalu: Three Days, including Kota Kinabalu National Park

Kota Kinabalu is the largest city on Borneo and it has a lot to offer.  To see the main city sights, visit the spectacular Kota Kinabalu national park (which has its own ecosystem), learn about local culture, and snorkel/dive on Gaya Island, you’ll need about three days.

A must is going around the Kota Kinabalu night market, which is a great place to try local specialities, although I must say that I am taken with laksa.  You can read a good itinerary for three days in Kota Kinabalu here.

Optional day trip from Kota Kinabalu: Paragliding in Ranau

We spent a day going on a day trip to Ranau, which has a lot of tragic history from World War II relating to prisoners-of-war, with a day trip that we booked once we were in Kota Kinabalu.

I highly recommend stopping along the way to try fresh fruit and local indigenous specialities in the region.  Be sure to visit the memorial prior to going paragliding in the hills of Ranau.

Paragliding is one of those once in a lifetime experiences that I recommend that anyone should try out.  You’ll understand how it feels to soar in the air like a bird!

Optional trip from Kota Kinabalu: Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata (1-3 days)

If you’re considering climbing Mount Kinabalu to do the via ferrata , you’ll need at least 2-3 day extra days and quite a bit of cash as it’s a fairly pricey activity.

I chose not to climb Kinabalu due to the cost, but it’s recommended that you take a 3D2N trip to Mount Kinabalu as your trip might be cancelled if the weather is not right and you’ll have an extra night to summit to the top if the weather is not great the first day.  Not going is a big regret of mine.

At minimum, consider visiting Kota Kinabalu National Park as a day trip. 

Brunei Darussalam (3-5 days total)

There’s a good flight connection between BSB Brunei and Kota Kinabalu as well as Kuala Lumpur. We flew Royal Brunei Airways.

I’m always shocked to hear that people spend so little time in Brunei when I found Brunei one of the most fascinating places that I’ve visited in the world.

Brunei is a great place for cultural travel as Brunei as they have their own rich culture and history in addition to a water village that deserves UNESCO recognition  The mosques are pretty spectacular too !    You can read travel tips for Brunei here.

Bandar Seri Begawan (3 days)

A lot of people rush through their time in Bandar Seri Begawan as they find it boring . (I disagree.) The capital city of Brunei Darussalam has free attractions, a UNESCO-worthy water village that is living history, friendly people, lively night markets, and delicious food .

You may not find alcohol in BSB, but Brunei is perfect for the traveler ready to immerse themselves in a different culture.   You can read the best things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan here .

Ulu Temburong National Park (1-2 days)

You’ll need to book an excursion from Bandar Seri Begawan to get to Ulu Temburong National Park, one of the most well-maintained virgin rainforests  in the world .

In order to get to Ulu Temburong National Park, you’ll take a stunning ferry ride through the rainforest prior to taking a traditional longboat.  The area around the park is home to the Iban people, who have their own culture and history.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Iban people, I recommend spending more than a day here as a day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park means that you won’t have time to properly learn about Iban culture!  Be sure to visit in time for the Harvest festival if possible.   You can read tips for visiting Ulu Temburong National Park here.

Miri (1 day)

You can take a bus from Brunei to Miri.  You’ll find the bus departing daily in the mornings.  Ask any tourist information desk for bus departure information or book your tickets online.

Thanks to Ying Ying for the fantastic tour of Miri.  I was lucky enough to have a local guide to Miri, which is where Shell was founded.  Oil is a key industry in Miri still and Shell still has a very strong presence in this city (as well as a private beach club).

Miri isn’t too large although a car is essential as the bus from Brunei comes in at an inconvenient place. Miri is a great base for various trips around Sarawak and a great place to try Sarawak laksa in case you haven’t yet…

Miri is one of the only places in the world where you can try the Bario pineapple outside of Bario as well as Kelabit food.  You’ll need to visit  The Summit Cafe  to try Kelabit food.

Optional side trip from Miri: Gunung Mulu National Park (2-5 days)

Although the flight from Miri to Mulu National Park is only thirty minutes, this flight is often canceled and delayed due to visibility.  As a result, you need at least 1-2 days built into your Borneo itinerary to ensure that you have enough time to visit Mulu with taking into account possible flight delays.  (Flights are inexpensive.) Be sure to bring enough cash to cover food and tours.

Gunung Mulu National Park is one of Borneo’s gems without question although you need to have a more flexible schedule to visit this national park.

Gunung Mulu National Park is most famous for its pinnacles, which can be seen via three days/two night trek.  Similarly, each night, you can see the bat migration out of the caves of over three million bats.

It should be noted that most of the tours require at least two people.  If you’re into caving, you must do one of the adventurous cave tours at Gunung Mulu National Park, which can be booked online in advance.  There’s also trekking that can be done from the park headquarters as well as a canopy walk.

Optional day trip from Miri: Gua Pari fairy caves and wind caves (1 day)

The Gua Pari fairy caves and the wind caves are an easy day trip from Miri. Many tours will include both caves on a day trip from Miri.   Be sure to wear good footwear as the caves have many bats (which usually means bat poop) as well as many steps. It’s possible to visit both caves independently.

Optional side trip from Miri: Kelabit Highlands / Bario (2-3 days)

For those interested in cultural travel, Bario needs to be on your list.  I was lucky enough to try Bario pineapple and rice while I was in Miri.

Bario is a remote community that can be reached by plane from Miri.  It is the main settlement for the Kelabit tribe.   It’s a great base for adventure travel if you’re interested in cultural travel as well as trekking.

We heard amazing things about Bario and I want to go to Bario on my next trip, not just for the pineapple (which was pretty delicious).  I tried Kelabit food while in Miri and it was delicious as well as quite different than what I was used to. Bario recently got electricity.

Kuching (2 days)

I was entranced by Kuching, which has a mix of ethnic groups.  I loved the blend of cultures, the architecture, the cats ( Kuching means cat in Malay ), and the food .

Kuching is the gateway to Sarawak and anyone interested in learning about the many indigenous tribes of Malaysia will be fascinated by Kuching.  You’ll also find a lot of fantastic food in Kuching!

If you intend to visit Bako National Park, you’re better off staying in the city of Kuching prior to your departure. Kuching is perfect for 1-2 days of relaxing, non-stop eating, and admiring the city’s adorable shops.

Although I’m not a fan of Uber, it was very easy getting around Kuching via Uber with lots of friendly drivers.  Take the shuttle bus to Bako National Park from Kuching!   You can easily find budget flights from Miri to Kuching.

Optional half day trip from Kuching: Sarawak Cultural Village

Sarawak Cultural Village, very close to Taman Negara Santubong, is a “living museum” where you can see traditional architecture via seven traditional houses and learn about life in the longhouses.  It’s certainly a must-see if you’re interested in cultural travel as it’s a great introduction to the rich culture and history of the region’s ethnic groups.

Optional trip from Kuching: Taman Negara Santubong (2-3 days)

We stayed outside of Kuching.  The mountain and rainforest close to Kuching (Santubong National Park) is relatively untouched and great for trekking (you need a guide), however it’s best noted that it’s expensive getting from this area to Bako National Park without a taxi.

It’s possible to hire a boat to take you from Taman Negara Santubong to Bako National Park via most of the resorts, but this is not a cheap option.   I’d recommend doing this as a day trip from Kuching instead of staying overnight.

Day trip from Kuching (if you’re lucky enough) (1-2 days)

In  Gunung Gading National Park , you can see one of the world’s largest and rarest flowers in bloom.  We were told that you need to need to ask around carefully beforehand to ensure that the rafflesia is in bloom prior to going there.  You don’t have that much time to see them if they’re in bloom, so keep an eye out.

Bako National Park (3 days)

Bako National Park is one of the gems of Borneo and you must put Bako on your Borneo itinerary.  A lot of people come here as part of a day trip from Kuching, however if you don’t stay overnight, you’ll miss out on the most incredible experience of all: 10 ringgit ($2.50 USD) wildlife night walks with the experienced rangers who will help you spot flying lemurs and other creatures of the night.

The trekking in Bako National Park is fantastic, so even if you have limited time (and can only do a day trip to Bako National Park), be sure to go hiking.

The more remote parts of the island and longest hikes on Bako National Park require taking a boat with one of the rangers to the starting point of the hikes, so be sure to bring extra money for the boat ride to/from the park as well as any additional boat rides that you intend to take.

I think that Bako National Park is one of the easiest ways to experience nature in Borneo even if you’re not a big hiker as some of the trails are easy enough (boardwalk only ) that even non-hikers can enjoy some of the unique ecosystems on the island.

Within Bako National Park, you’ll find seven distinct ecosystems, remote beaches, amazing views, and  not that many people considering that this is one of Borneo’s most famous national parks.

It’s still rainforest, but I loved that the park had such drastically different ecosystems compared to other parts of Borneo that I visited during my trip.   After visiting Bako National Park, it’s easy to fly to a number of cities in Malaysia from Kuching via AirAsia as well as continue your trip deeper into Sarawak. 

You can read my tips for visiting Bako National Park here.

…And that’s it for my two week itinerary for Borneo!  

• Click for my tips on a realistic guide to pack for Borneo.
• Tips for visiting Brunei

Have you been to Borneo? 

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

March 10, 2018 at 10:44 am

Such an extensive list and research. I’m definitely saving this later. As I live in Thailand, I might actually be able to execute this in the not too distant future.

March 10, 2018 at 6:39 pm

Borneo looks incredible! Your photos capture the colors and vibe perfectly! Thanks for sharing.

March 10, 2018 at 6:50 pm

Borneo is so high on our bucket list! Dying to get there. Bako National Park looks insanely good – and the night walk sounds like a totally unique experience. Thanks for sharing!

March 10, 2018 at 11:30 pm

What an amazing collection of experiences, especially all the time with nature and animals. And the cultural village sounds like a great way to learn more about local history and perspectives. What an incredible way to explore Borneo!

[…] Click for tips on things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan, visiting Ulu Temburong National Park, my complete Borneo itinerary, or an insider’s guide to […]

[…] in mind that my itinerary for Borneo was a diverse one, including a mix of cities as well as trekking.  I’d say that I spent most of […]

[…] in Brunei? Click for general tips on travel in Brunei (including what to wear in Brunei), my itinerary for Borneo, and non-boring guide to things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei with a unique […]

[…] Click for my complete itinerary for Borneo! […]

[…] if you can find the SAME item used online.  While looking for a larger 50L bag for my Borneo trip, I ended up searching on my local classified website to see if I could save money on my pricey […]

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Borneo lights up titan travel's 2020 travel trends.

Borneo has surged into escorted tourist specialist Titan Travel’s top 20 destinations for 2020, according to the operator’s latest travel trends report.

The south-east Asian country makes Titan’s top 20 for the first time, while there were also significant gains for Uzbekistan, Costa Rica and a resurgent Egypt.

Maintaining the top spot in the list was the US, followed by Canada, which traded places with Italy. India remains fourth and South Africa fifth.

Austria has surged into sixth spot with the country set to play host next year to the traditional Oberammergau passion play, staged every 10 years.

Vietnam rose from ninth to seventh, while both Japan and China slipped back, Japan from sixth to eighth and China from eighth to ninth. Australia maintained its spot in 10th.

Uzbekistan moved up from 15th to 11th thanks to growing demand for Silk Road tours, the ancient trading route highlighted by Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure , while Egypt rose from 16th to 12th with the $1 billion Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza finally set to open late next year.

Titan’s trends report, its second, is based on booking data and feedback from its in-house experts, travel journalists and Titan’s clients.

Key trends set to shape the travel sector include increases in solo touring and multigenerational bookings, while Titan believes travel for events and festivals are influencing destination choices “more than ever” said managing director Andy Squirrel.

Squirrel added escorted touring continued to prove a popular way to travel, and stressed he was “intrigued” to see whether trends such as flying VIP transfers would take off.

His key reflection though was on Brexit: “It’s definitely influenced a lot these past couple of years, but for us, thankfully it’s not had the impact we thought it might have,” said Squirrel. “Europe remains one of our leading regions for 2020, showing that demand for favourites like Italy and Spain is strong despite Brexit uncertainties.

“That said, exchange rates still look to be a big factor in decision-making, so we’re seeing a surge for long-haul and non-euro destinations where rates are more favourable.”

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Titan offers an industry-leading VIP door-to-door travel service with no mileage restrictions. We also offer a price promise that means if we reduce the cost of your client's holiday, we refund them the money in cash.

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Borneo Eco Tours

Borneo EcoTours With Wildlife Experts

The rainforest of Borneo is 130 million years old, making it the oldest in the world. The Borneo rainforest is also disappearing faster than any other rainforest on earth, so it's at the very top of our "see it while you can" list of Eco Tours. Borneo is the center of evolution for many rare and endemic species, and one of the only remaining natural habitats for endangered orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and Sumatran rhinoceros. Like the Galapagos, many species on Borneo evolved in unique ways. A prime example of this is Borneo's incredible "gliders" — a group of mammals, reptiles and amphibians that have evolved to "fly" amongst the ancient trees.

The Ultimate "Weird and Wonderful Wildlife" Safari

Our Weird & Wonderful Wildlife program starts with a visit to an Orangutan sanctuary, and includes the best opportunities available in Borneo to track these most human of all primates in the wild throughout the trip. A combination of rainforest hiking and eco-responsible river cruises in electric boats allows you to get up close to the Orangutans, and also offer prime sightings of many of Borneo's most exciting wildlife, including Bornean gibbons, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, clouded leopards, marble cats and more.

Special expeditions — a signature of Wild Planet Adventures — include excursions to see Borneo's famous flying lemurs, gliding frogs and lizards, and nocturnal hikes to see slow loris and tarsiers, two of the world's smallest — and cutest — primates. Relax on a tropical island bungalow in the turquoise-blue waters of the Celebes Sea — one of the top 5 dive & snorkel sites in the world — at the end of your trip. No other Borneo itinerary offers more wildlife or more natural wonder!

Borneo Orangutan & Wildlife EcoTours - Select Your Adventure from our Safaris Below:

Borneo Tours - Weird & Wonderful Wildlife + "Lost World" - 16-day Adventure

In addition to everything our 12-day itinerary includes—encounters with truly wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants, and exclusive expeditions to see Borneo’s endemic flying & gliding mammals and reptiles, and tiny tarsiers and slow loris—our 16-day itinerary also features an overnight on Selingan "Turtle Island." Our 16-day Borneo vacation also takes you on the world’s first wildlife eco-tours in the remote Maliau Basin, also known as the fabled “Lost World” of Borneo. Only recently discovered, the Lost World is so pristine and untouched, if you step off the trail it is likely that no other human will have ever set foot where you are standing! Learn More>

2024 - $9,998 2012 - $4,398 2013 - $4,598 -->

Borneo Tours - Weird & Wonderful Wildlife 12-Day Adventure

We've combined several unusual and remote eco-systems with exclusive activities, fun environmental education and high-end local naturalist guides to create the absolute best possible wildlife experience currently available in the country. This Borneo tour provides unforgettable encounters with orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants, plus special expeditions to see Borneo's endemic flying & gliding mammals and reptiles, as well as special nocturnal expeditions to see tarsiers and slow loris - two of the world's smallest and cutest primates - a Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive! Learn More>

2024 - $7,898 2012 - $4,398 2013 - $4,598 -->

Borneo Trips - Travel on Your Own

Choose your destinations, go whenever - and wherever - you want. With this Borneo trip, you can choose from any destination in the country and we can put your trip together for you. Gain access to our local, full-service office and our expert wildlife guides, vehicles, logistical support, and intimate knowledge of local accommodations, activities, and destination value. Allow us to customize a trip to Borneo that meets your heart's desires! Learn More>

2012 - $4,398 2013 - $4,598 -->

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Featured guide.

The perfect Borneo itinerary for 2 weeks

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: March 11, 2023

What’s the best Borneo itinerary for first-time visitors?

Borneo is the world’s third-largest island and is shared by three countries. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

We traveled for 2 weeks through Malaysia and The Malaysian part of Borneo and discovered beautiful nature, a mix of religions and cultures, and very friendly people.

In this Borneo travel blog post, we share a complete Borneo itinerary with the main attractions and highlights of our trip. Perfect for first-time Borneo visitors.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

A Borneo itinerary for 2 weeks

Day 1-2 kuala lumpur (kl).

We started our Borneo 2-week itinerary in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and an interesting city to spend a few days.

Although this city is not located in Borneo, it would be a shame not to take the opportunity to discover this city before we continued our journey to Borneo.

How to get from the airport to Kuala Lumpur city center

There are several ways to get from the airport to Kuala Lumpur (and vice versa).

The quickest way probably is the  KLIA Express,   this train brings you in 28 minutes from the airport to Kuala Lumpur central train station ( KL Sentral ).

From KL Sentral you can continue your journey to your hotel by metro, bus or taxi. The taxi rates at this station are fixed and you arrange your taxi at the counter.

To get a quote you need to give the name of your hotel and the preferred model of the taxi.

Beware that small cabs have small trunks and your bags may not fit.

The difference in the different taxi models is normally shown at the counter.

They will give you a ticket at the counter.  This ticket also contains the address where you’re going so you just need to show it to the taxi driver and you’ll be taken to your destination.

Another option to get from the airport to Kuala Lumpur is by taxi. It is the most comfortable way to get from the city center to the airport and back as it takes you directly door to door.

Depending on the number of passengers the taxi can be cheaper than the train.

The taxi will take approximately 45 minutes to get to the city.  It all depends on traffic and where your hotel is located.

The taxis use the same ticket system at the airport so you will also need to get a ticket at the ticket counter before you head to the taxi line.

The Cheapest way to travel between the airport and Kuala Lumpur city center is to board one of the buses that drive between the airport and KL Sentral.

Airport Coach is one of them.

They charge around RM18 to bring you to KLIA.

Places of interest in Kuala Lumpur

You can see the western influence very clearly throughout the city. You might as well be in Singapore or Hong Kong.

You can explore the highlights of this city in three days.

The main highlights are of course the Petronas Tower and Kuala Lumpur Tower – the two landmarks of this city. At 452 meters, the Petronas Towers are still the highest twin towers in the world.

You have a fantastic panoramic view of the city from here.

An absolute must-do when you’re in Kuala Lumpur.

Skip the line and buy your tickets here: Tickets Petronas Tower

This, however, is the modern Kuala Lumpur.

For a more authentic experience, have a wander around the typical Indian and Chinese areas.

And be sure to have a bite to eat in Jalan Alor, the top destination for tasty street food.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

Many of Kuala Lumpur’s major attractions are located in a relatively compact part of the city.

That’s why the hotels we share are all located near the city center of Kuala Lumpur. 

Luxury hotel: JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur

The JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur lies very central, close to all the main tourist attractions. The hotel is a wonderful oasis for those looking for a place to relax in luxury after exploring Kuala Lumpur during the day. Very welcoming staff and excellent service.

Click here for reviews and the latest prices:

Booking.com

Premium Comfortable hotel : Impiana KLCC Hotel

The Impiana KLCC Hotel is a very comfortable location for sightseeing. Spacious and well-designed rooms. Very friendly staff. You can see the twin towers while swimming in the pool.

Comfortable hotel: Holiday Express Kuala Lumpur City Center

The Holiday Inn is a good hotel right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur close to the towers. Clean and well-kept rooms. Good value for the price.

They have several room types. Choose The big one with a sofa bed, even if you don’t need the sofa, because the room is much better.

Day 3-4 Kuching

Our first stop in our two weeks Borneo itinerary was Kuching.

Kuching itself is not one of the highlights of Borneo, there is not much to do in the city, but the many side attractions we can do from Kuching will keep us busy for these 2 days.

Points of interest to do in Kuching

We stopped here mainly to visit   Bako National Park .

We contemplated spending the night in the park but didn’t in the end as we found too many negative reviews about the accommodation.

It didn’t look too bad once we were there, but it was too late by then.

We had a beautiful hike and our day flew by.

Purchase here your organized day tour to Bako National Park: Bako Day Tour

The buildings in the park are beautiful, but we didn’t get a lot of information about them. The staff simply didn’t have enough knowledge of English, and that was a pity.

The cultural show, on the other hand, was definitely worth it.

As animal lovers, one of the highlights was, of course, our visit to the Semenggoh orangutan rehabilitation center .

They tell you about the animals, and you can observe them at a (relatively) close distance when they are fed.

Where to stay in Kuching

There are plenty of options to stay in Kuching. Here we share three of the best hotels.

Luxury hotel : Hilton Kuching hotel

Hilton Kuching is a very centrally located hotel with a beautiful view over the Sarawak river. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the morning. After a busy day, you can relax at the wonderful pool.

Check prices and availability: Booking.com

Premium Comfortable hotel : Imperial Hotel Kuching

The Imperial hotel is a modern hotel with very comfortable rooms and a big bathroom. The staff are super friendly and speak very well English.

It’s a bit out of the center of Kuching, however, it is barely a 10 rm ($3) roundtrip fee for a Grabcar ride and there are always cars available.

Comfortable hotel : Harbour View Hotel

The Harbour View Hotel is newly renovated and located in the middle of town. Spacious and clean rooms. Comfortable beds. Very helpful and friendly staff.

Book a high floor room that’s facing the Waterfront.

Day 5-7 Mulu

From Kuching, we continued our two weeks in Borneo to Mulu.

We chose to fly, which is the quickest, and surest option.

Sometimes you can take a boat down the river, but that is not an option if the water is too low.

We flew MASwings, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines. They offered 3 direct flights a week straight from Kuching to Mulu a few years ago but seem to offer daily direct flights at this point.

Check available flights here: MASwings

Things to do in Mulu

The reason for us, like many other tourists, to visit Mulu was the Mulu National Park . Historically, the area was very popular for hunting, so a lot of animals can unfortunately no longer be spotted here as they were killed, or have fled.

But there are lots of insects like dragonflies and butterflies, and the real stars of the park are the bats.

A visit to the caves in the park is absolutely worthwhile, and you can watch the bats take flight at dusk.

This was the ultimate highlight of our trip around Borneo.

Read our detailed post about Mulu here

Where to stay in Mulu

Accommodation in Mulu is very limited.  You basically have three choices.

Accommodation outside the park in rather basic hotels or homestays.  (dorms or very basic rooms with cold showers or no showers at all and electricity available 2 to 4 hours/day) : +/- 20-35MYR/pp

The Mulu national park accommodation  is more expensive at 200-250 MYR/night.  The hotel rooms in the park are more luxurious. They offer electricity all day, hot showers and comfortable beds.  We loved our room!

Mulu Marriott

Mulu Marriott  is a good option if you are looking for a luxurious treat and want to spoil yourself. The hotel has a swimming pool and a spa. Breakfast and dinner are served buffet style. The hotel is 10 minutes outside the park but has a free shuttle that takes you to the entrance. If we would go back,  Mulu Mariott  would be our first choice.

Check prices and availability: MARRIOTT

Day 8-10 Kota Kinabalu

We continued our Malaysian Borneo itinerary in Kota Kinabalu.

We were looking forward to snorkeling in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park .

This is a collection of five islands, mainly visited for their beautiful underwater world.

We were really looking forward to this after numerous fantastic snorkeling trips in Thailand, but it was very disappointing.

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

During our 2 weeks in Borneo, we visited two islands In Tunku Abdul Rahman Park , Sapi, and Mamutik. On the way there we already sailed through a lot of rubbish (bottles, life jackets…) and the islands were full of rubbish too. A terrible shame really.

The water is shallow, and so a lot of the coral is broken because people damage it while snorkeling.

And because there are so many people, you bump into each other or you don’t see anything because of all the splashing.

The Rafflesia , a giant carnivorous flower with a diameter of up to 106cm, is the symbol of Sabah, the state of which Kota Kinabalu is the capital. Pictures of the flower looked amazing so we decided we had to see this flower while we were here.

I would suggest, however, that you go view it elsewhere if possible.

The flower is nice, but the trip we took into the Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve was quite expensive and felt like a rip-off.

You can also see it in the Gunung Gading National Park or during a climb of Mount Kinabalu, but we couldn’t fit either of those into our itinerary.

Read our detailed Kota Kinabalu post here.

Would you like to discover the exotic flora and fauna of the first UNESCO World Heritage Site of Malaysia, and relax afterward in a nice hot water spring? Book this trip to the Kinabalu National Park, and don’t forget your swimwear. Booking.com

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Luxury hotel : le meridien kota kinabalu.

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu lies right opposite the markets and just a short walk away from the riverside promenade. Spacious and Comfortable rooms. Beautiful pool.

Watch the sunset from the pool area.

Premium Comfortable hotel: Mercure Kota Kinabalu city centre

The Mercure Kota Kinabalu lies in a great location close to the Baywalk area with lots of stores and restaurants. Small but comfortable rooms. The hotel has a small swimming pool on the roof, with a great city and sea view. You can also enjoy a beautiful sunset from here.

Comfortable hotel: The Klagan Hotel

The Klagan hotel lies in a wonderful location. There are lots of restaurants and shopping within walking distance. Modern and comfortable rooms.Good buffet breakfast.  You can enjoy the sea view while having breakfast.

Day 11-14 Kinabatangan

From Kuching, we flew to Sandakan. This flight was once more with Air Asia.

Our Kinabatangan river cruise

The Kinabatangan river is an area with tropical lowland rainforest vegetation and unique ecosystems.

We booked a stay in the Borneo Nature lodge including an extra tour on the way to the lodge, and once again when leaving the lodge.

Our guide was waiting for us at the airport and brought us to the hotel with a stop at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre .

Compared to Semenggoh, the information was better and more plentiful, so if you only want to visit one center, I would suggest you choose Sepilok.

We took boat trips twice a day, leaving our lodge early in the mornings and again at four in the afternoon.

We spotted lots of animals like orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and of course many beautiful birds.

If you’re like us and get excited seeing animals in their natural habitat, then this is a place you certainly have to put on your Borneo itinerary.

We also did a night cruise, or technically an after-sunset cruise.

The advantage of such a cruise is that you can take beautiful photographs of the animals as you can get much closer. And it is exciting to go canoeing in the dark too.

Here you can read more about our Kinabatangan river cruise.

On the way back from our lodge we visited the Gomatong Caves. This is where they harvest the edible bird’s nests which are a delicacy in China.

Well, after being here, I don’t think I’ll ever try those as the cave was full of cockroaches, beetles, and other bugs, and in the middle was an enormous mountain of bat poo.

We still shudder thinking about it.

We finished our trip with lunch in the English Tea House, a colonial-style building from where we had beautiful views over the sea and could forget the horrors of the Gomantong Caves.

Kinabatangan riverside lodges

The price of your Kinabatangan river cruise package depends on many elements.  The level of comfort of the accommodation will make a difference but there will also be differences in what’s included in your package.

Some Kinabatangan river lodges offer all-inclusive packages (typically including all meals and 2 daily Kinabatangan River Cruises) but some only include your accommodation.

We advise taking an all-inclusive package. 

You will have nothing to worry about because your tours and your meals will be included.

As you are in the jungle there are no other restaurants around.

If you are just like us a big nature fan, opt for a 4 days/3 nights package so you can enjoy 3 full days in the Malaysian wilderness.

You will have more chances to see the orangutans and pygmy elephants. We saw different animals on each river cruise.

There’re many Kinabatangan river accommodations. Remember that you are in the jungle and that these river accommodations may not offer all the amenities that you are used to.

Here we share 3 comfortable hotels with air conditioning that offer all-inclusive packages.

Borneo nature lodge

We stayed in the  Borneo Nature Lodge one of the more comfortable Kinabatangan riverside lodges. It’s the only lodge in Kinabatangan rated 2 stars.  The manager took really good care of us and we were treated to delicious meals after every river safari.  We comfortably enjoyed the pleasures of the jungle :-).

Nature Lodge Kinabatangan

Click here for reviews and the latest prices: Booking.com

The Nature Lodge Kinabatangan offers basic clean rooms with air conditioning.  Incredibly friendly staff. The tours are good and the group sizes are considerably smaller than other tours.

The Bilit Rainforest Lodge

The  Bilit Rainforest lodge  offers spacious rooms with air conditioning.  They offer a reasonable selection of well-prepared food, Very friendly and helpful staff. The river safaris are excellent and the guides are good at spotting wildlife.

Borneo essentials

Here we answer the most frequent FAQ’s for Borneo.

What’s the best time to visit Borneo

The average temperature in Borneo lies between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Borneo has a fairly humid climate, and it rains regularly.

The best time to visit Borneo is between April and September . The busiest months are from May to September.

We visited Borneo in July, and it was mostly dry, apart from the occasional shower.

Going independent or joining an organized tour

We found it easy and straightforward to create our own travel itinerary.  It was also fairly easy to travel through Borneo independently.

We traveled with our suitcases but Borneo is also a great backpacker’s destination. Here you will find a complete list of the best backpacking gear when you are planning on backpacking in Borneo.

But if you want the company of a group, don’t have the time to create your own itinerary, or just don’t want to go independent, you could also join an organized tour. TourRadar  is a trustworthy company where you can book an organized tour to Japan to make it easy on yourself.

Here you can find all organized tours to Borneo: Organized Tours Borneo

How to get to Borneo

Wondering how to get to Borneo? Since there are almost no international flights directly to Borneo our journey started with a flight to Kuala Lumpur before taking our Air Asia flight to Kuching, a route many other travelers use.

How to find cheap tickets to Kuala Lumpur

If you want to score  cheap flights  to Kuala Lumpur we advise you to have a look at  Momondo  and  Skyscanner. 

Momondo and Skyscanner are both very good at finding good deals, of the two, Momondo is probably the one with the most intuitive user interface.

our full review about 10 booking sites here.

How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo

Air Asia is a low-cost airline, and as with all budget airlines, it means they are very strict when it comes to luggage and you have to pay for all extras.

Those are things I would rather avoid but if we ignore those typical low-cost aspects I must say their service was good and we had an enjoyable flight.

We had an hour’s delay on this flight and were spontaneously handed a discount voucher for a future flight. I still prefer to fly with the major carriers, but would consider Air Asia for another flight.

Air Asia operates 9 flights daily. Their flight to Kuching leaves from the low-cost terminal of KL airport .  (LCCT) Note that the low-cost terminal is far apart from the regular terminal. The low-cost terminal can be reached by taxi.

Another way is by KLIA Transit. There is a stop at Salak Tinggi station where special busses depart to LCCT.

There are also buses that transport passengers between the two terminals; though they are very cheap it also takes quite some time.

If you rather don’t fly with Air Asia you can choose Malaysia airlines. Malaysia Airlines offer more than 10 flights a day.

The flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo is around 1h40 minutes.

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo are often very cheap.  The prices fluctuate depending on seasons but with four entry-point options, you can always get into Borneo somewhere for under $50.

Do I need travel insurance for Borneo?

We do not recommend traveling without travel insurance. Besides medical expenses, it covers lots more.

You can turn to your travel insurance if your camera, notebook, or smartphone gets damaged or stolen. Travel insurance will reimburse you if you can’t leave on your trip because of an emergency at home or if you need to end your trip early.

Drawing up a travel insurance policy may seem expensive at first but it can potentially save you a significant sum, significantly more than the small insurance fee.

Good travel insurance, such as the one from HeyMondo and SafetyWing, covers the things we mentioned above and even more.

Check prices and availability:

We think this is a fairly complete 2-week itinerary for  Borneo.

But as always, you have to make choices, and that’s what we did for this Borneo itinerary.

As nature lovers, we loved Mulu and our Kinabatangan river cruise the most.

This was absolutely the highlight of our Borneo itinerary.

If you have less time and aren’t going to climb Mount Kinabalu, we would suggest skipping Kota Kinabalu.

If you are looking for a 10 days Borneo itinerary and like snorkeling or diving,  we would advise adding Lankayan Island . It’s easy to reach with a private boat transfer from Sandakan. We didn’t do it ourselves because we went to the Perhentians. But we heard from other people that it is an amazing island.

If you are convinced of Borneo but are looking for a tropical destination, our Kerala in India might be something for you.

If you are wondering what to pack for Borneo, check out this Borneo packing list.

If you want to stay online while you are in Malaysia, check out this post about the best Malaysia tourist SIM card. 

Have you visited Malaysian Borneo, what were the highlights for you?  Would you change something in our itinerary?

Tuesday 9th of July 2019

"Well, after being here, I don’t think I’ll ever try those as the cave was full of cockroaches, beetles, and other bugs, and in the middle was an enormous mountain of bat poo."

"If you are just like us a big nature fan"

Clearly ;) Bat poo in the cave, who would've expected...

This was absolutely the most disgusting cave we ever visited. Can you imagine people are staying here for the night...

• South East Asia
• Walking Hiking and Trekking

Solo - Wild Borneo

13 Days Starting and ending in UK

Visiting: Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park, Kinabatangan River, Gomantong Caves, Sandakan

Tour operator:

Titan Travel

Recommended For:

50 plus , Couples , Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

Physical rating:, special diets catered:.

Vegetarians, Please contact Titan

Tour operated in:

Trip styles:.

Active , Safari Tours , Walking Hiking and Trekking

History , Photography , Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion , Sightseeing , Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour overview.

Join us for a wild adventure to the rivers and rainforests of Borneo. We’ll discover the cultures that have influenced two of the island’s cities, breathe in the thick, humid forests and spy a variety of wildlife. Explore gardens of exotic flowers and climb into ancient tree canopies. Search for proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants as we leisurely cruise remote rivers. And discover how centres are caring for the orang-utan and the world’s smallest bear. If you're looking for an unforgettable wildlife holiday, our Borneo tours are perfect.

Seeking out wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, orang-utans and pygmy elephants as you cruise along remote Kinabatangan River.

VIP door-to-door travel service

Places You'll See

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Day 1 : Uk - In Flight

Accommodation: in flight, meals included: no meals.

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Kota Kinabalu.

Day 2 : Kota Kinabalu

Location: kota kinabalu, accommodation: hotel, accommodation name: kota kinabalu marriott hotel (5-star).

On arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel on the South China Sea coast.

Day 3 : Kota Kinabalu

Meals included: breakfast, dinner.

A tour takes us through a city of old-world charm and modern hopes, friendly locals and a fine food scene ranging from street food to a revolving restaurant. The city mosque is a resplendent masterpiece large enough to hold 12,000 worshippers. The Sabah State Museum offers insight into the city’s rich history and modern art, while a stop at a handicraft market and bazaar shows the working life of the city.

Day 4 : Kinabalu National Park

Location: kinabalu national park, accommodation name: nepenthes lodge, mount kinabalu national park (3-star), meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

We drive along the ridges of the Crocker Range to Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO-protected area of tropical lowland and hillside rainforest dominated by Mount Kinabalu. It has an exceptionally rich variety of plants, including over a thousand species of orchid. The majority of Borneo’s mammals, birds, amphibians and invertebrates (many threatened and vulnerable) can be found here too.We make our way along the mountain’s garden trails with naturalist guides, which showcase the diversity of plant life here. We’ll also visit a handicraft market, before arriving at our hotel for two nights - within the national park, in the heart of the action.

Day 5 : Kinabalu National Park

The Poring Hot Springs are an excellent place to view lowland birds and some mammals. Those with a head for heights and nature will love the Canopy Walkway, taking you 43m up into the treetops, where around 75% of rainforest animals spend their time. We then stroll around the Butterfly Garden, an excellent place to watch for beautifully coloured butterflies, birds, and maybe even a flying lizard!We proceed to the Kundasang War Memorial Park, dedicated to the British and Australian prisoners of war who perished on the Sandakan Marches during World War II. We’ll complete our day at Kundasang Market, where local farms sell their produce, including fruits unknown to the British table.

Day 6 : Kinabatangan River

Location: kinabatangan river, accommodation name: bukit melapi lodge, kinabatangan river (2-star).

Travel overland to the tiny village of Sukau on the Kinabatangan River, where we spend two nights in an authentic, basic wooden lodge deep in the Borneo jungle. The greatest concentration of wildlife in Malaysia is found in this area, including rare orang-utans, proboscis monkeys and endangered birds, pygmy elephants and saltwater crocodiles.We’ll take a cruise along Menanggol River to see what we can spot, with our naturalist guide on hand for all your questions.

Day 7 : Kinabatangan River

We have more opportunities to spot Borneo’s incredible array of wildlife as we cruise to a nearby oxbow lake this morning and along the river this afternoon. Maybe a gibbon, red or silvered leaf monkey, hornbill or Oriental darter will be on the cards today.

Day 8 : Gomantong Caves - Sandakan

Location: gomantong caves, sandakan, accommodation name: sabah hotel (4-star), meals included: breakfast, lunch.

The Gomantong Caves support swiftlets and a million bats within the cathedral-like chamber, while serpent eagles, bat hawks and kingfishers can be seen lingering on the outer walls. The caves are harvested for the bizarre edible bird’s nest.Next we visit Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, the perfect place to watch a pendulous nosed proboscis monkey leaping amongst the trees or dining on young leaves. We stay in Sandakan, amidst the tropical rainforest.

Day 9 : Sandakan

Location: sandakan.

See orang-utans in their natural habitat at Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre was founded in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned, injured or displaced orang-utans and return them to the wild. Today nearly 80 can be observed while roaming freely in the reserve, while others are cared for in nurseries.Next is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which rehabilitates the world’s smallest bear. These bears continue to be threatened by forest degradation and poaching. Large forest enclosures provide a natural environment while the bears prepare for the wild.Our last visit is to the Rainforest Discovery Centre to learn of the tropical flora and fauna which attracts an astounding 300 species of bird to the reserve, plus unique forest mammals such as flying squirrels.

Day 10 : Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu

Location: sandakan, kota kinabalu, accommodation name: shangri-la rasa ria hotel, kota kinabalu (5-star).

Return to civilisation for a tour of Sandakan. Religious relics, colonial mansions and reminders of World War II dot the city, which has grown on trade.We visit the market and see the colourful interior of the magnificent Chinese Temple, before heading to Sim Sim, where the stilt houses of local tribes sit above the water.We transfer to the airport for our flight to Kota Kinabalu and our luxury property close to the tropical forest.

Day 11 : Kota Kinabalu

A day to relax in our luxurious resort or on the beautiful two-mile crescent beach of pale sand.

Day 12 : Kota Kinabalu - In Flight

Accommodation: in flight, meals included: breakfast.

Enjoy a free morning before we transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to the UK.

Day 13 : Uk

Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

What's Included

10 nights in hotels and 2 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar)

International and internal flights as detailed. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways or Malaysia Airlines from London Heathrow via Kuala Lumpur. Supplements may apply from other airports

23 meals: 10 breakfasts (days 3-12) 7 lunches (days 4-10) 6 dinners (days 3-7 and 11) 14 excursions and visits

City tours of Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan

Visit Kinabalu National Park

Visit Canopy Walk & Butterfly Farm at Poring Hot Springs, and Kundasang Market

Visit Gomantong Caves and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

3 cruises on Kinabatangan River

Visit Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & the Rainforest Discovery Centre Plus

Included drinks between 6-9pm on days 4-5 and a glass of wine with dinner on day 11

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service

Local Titan tour manager

Travel in destination by coach

What's Not Included

Check out our q&as, are the local guides on the tour english speaking, what is the standard of the hotels on this tour.

2-3-4-5 Star

Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Do i have to pay a single supplement.

In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.

Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

How long has the tour company been trading.

We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years

What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.

What policies are in place for Covid-19?

With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.

What documents will I receive before I travel?

You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.

Reviews of this Operator

I have booked the icelandic....

I have booked the Icelandic Adventure holiday with Titan Travel, the Booking Staff was pleasant throughout. What I love about Titan Travel, transfer from your home to the airport and vice versa is included in the holiday.

Danube cruise was great value....

Danube cruise was great value. Well organised. Clear instructions from Titan prior to travel. Door to door service great.

Exceptional trip and service by Titan

Just returned from a fabulous tour of California & the golden west. It’s a full on tour with early starts but you see so much varied landscape from the ocean to the desert to Yosemite. My 2nd tour with Titan & my first solo tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it & met some great people. Grand Canyon was amazing would definitely recommend

Not merely a holiday, rather a memorable experience

I have used other travel operators; this was the 1st time of touring with Titan----Israel, The Holy Land, from being collected from home and returned at the end of the holiday this was an unforgettable experience; the Tour Manager, a PhD Archaeology made the whole tour so interesting, he enlightened us throughout each day from an historical, archeological and Biblical viewpoint, bringing each site we visited come to life, and went over and above his remit escorting us for evening trips around the local area; thanks also to our very patient driver who coped with the very busy traffic; our hotels were good, professional and pleasant staff and really good food; I would recommend Titan to anyone looking for a fascinating tour with excellent efficient service thank you Titan nor just for a holiday for a memorable experience

We had a 2 weeks...

We had a 2 weeks fantastic holiday arranged by Titan to Vietnam and Cambodia. Excellent,well organised Throughly enjoyed. Very good service by Vietnam Airlines, if you could afford book it in premium economy. We had a door to door service , picked up to airport from home and then dropped at home from airport, very convinient. Particular credit goes to our guide THI who is a caring, knolegeable, friendly down to earth man who made our trip a memorable one. I will not hesitate to book another holiday through Titan, their staff are friendly and helpful

We had a fantastic holiday...

We had a fantastic holiday in Mississippi. Right from our chauffeur driven car picking us up to the return journey, we had a great time. The first hotel The Gaylord was amazing,absolutely huge,first class. The second The Double tree in Memphis unfortunately wasn't, the hotel was tired and very basic, the only plus was where it is situated in the centre of town, we were only there two nights so it wasn't to bad. The American Queen Steam Boat was first class all the way, thoroughly enjoyed the seven nights sailing down the Mississippi. The last hotel the Sheraton New Orleans was very comfortable too. Our guide throughout our time away was Laura Tuttle. she was amazing, very knowledgeable, and helpful. We also had a coach driver Guil, who went over and beyond to give you the best time. Other coach guides included Jim,who was so funny, and also very knowledgeably. Very entertaining throughout. The entire itinerary itinerary was very well thought out, included a huge variety of visits to different Interesting locations. Highly recommend using Titan for all your holiday destinations.

Perfect Italian Holiday…

Just returned from a lovely week in Sorrento at the Grand Hotel Hermitage, we had an excellent guide Peter Macchristopher. we loved the hotel the staff were very nice especially in the dining rooms, the food was good and the room we had was really nice with a wonderful view. Altogether very good value holiday.we felt the trip to Pompei was very good also boat trip to Amalfi. I would recommend a walk to the village of St Agatha and a three hour ride on the Little Blue Train. Great fun.this can be booked at reception.

Made a call about an...

Made a call about an upcoming trip regarding currency trying to get best advice, dont think the guy really understood, i had to lead him from info i had but got there in the end. Felt he could have been a bit more forthcoming than beating about. Shame as we had a previous good rep. Still looking forward to the trip though.

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!!...

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!! (Dreadful) Avoid Titan and Saga at all costs. False descriptions of the tour and dreadful administration Returned to the UK last evening with a great sigh of relief after the worst holiday ever. 1. No block booking of airplane seats by Titan. (Husband and I sat apart on the long, overnight flight) 2. Unable to pre-book seats as Titan reference numbers did not coincide with anything. 3. Husband and I not sat together on any of the train journeys! In fact, on one occasion I was sat, alone on a sleeper carriage, a couple of carriages away from the rest of the group who were scattered over two or three carriages. Terrifying as a female to be sat alone in the midst of noisy locals!!!!! (Eventually the guide, Rahi, did come to rescue me and found a seat near the main group) 4. The guide, Rahi, would usually get off the coach and begin walking off without waiting for all the group to disembark the coach. (Spot the guide in the crowd!) 5. The guide, Rahi, refused to use any identifying prop such as a flag, hat, jacket or umbrella. Frightening to be in the manic crowds of Delhi and other crowded places to be unable to see the guide. 6. NO AUDIO HEADSET system on any excursion 7. The guide, Rahi, didn’t face the whole group, but stood sideways on and was unable to be heard by the majority. 8. OUTRAGEOUS behaviour by the guide when he enquired as to the whereabouts of my husband, whom I explained was in bed with an upset stomach and was feeling unwell. Rahi DID A REVERSE AIR PUNCH😳😳. This was in response to an earlier conversation when my husband had complained about our separate seating arrangements. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL 9. When we arrived at Heathrow to find our aircraft seats were not allocated, we were advised to speak to our guide on arrival at Delhi. Rahi merely shrugged his shoulders and said he couldn’t do anything. 10. Tour pace incorrect - gruelling pace and only half a day relaxation due to the guide, Rahi, throwing in visits to shops and factories fie him to earn his commission as I head him tell another!!!!!!! 11. When off loaded the return flight due to illness, we were unable to get in contact with Titan/Saga. Left in Delhi without an hotel or flight!!! Found accommodation but didn’t remove shoes or clothes due to the poor standard. Final summary: Poor, disappointing, inefficient, incompetent, misleading, misrepresentations, are just a few words to describe.

Luxury VIP door to door...

Luxury VIP door to door travel! I don't think so....Titan sent a Toyota Prius uber to Stanstead for a return journey to Newport, S Wales. 4 adults plus luggage! the experience was anything but luxurious. Contacted Titan on the return journey and since return. They simply didn't seem interested and offered us a £300 travel discount off a future trip! After a lot of emails they converted it to a £300 cash refund. Give it a lot of thought before booking !

Book with Confidence

Free date changes.

Titan Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.

Transfer as credit to Future Tours

Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.

Low Deposit

Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of titan travel charges.

Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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It's a jungle out there! Borneo has some of the world's most wildlife-rich equatorial rainforests, incredible landscapes (above and below the waves) and rich indigenous culture.

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Asia & Pacific Adventures

• The Wilds of Borneo: Orangutans & Beyond

Trip Highlights

Close Encounters with Orangutans

Private Tour of Sun Bear Rehabilitation Center

Explore Ancient Tropical Rain Forest

Photo Expeditions Available

See More of Borneo's Natural Wonders When You Travel With Nat Hab

• More Diverse Wildlife Viewing in Widely Varied Settings This is a comprehensive nature survey of Borneo, encompassing diverse ecosystems: the jungle sanctuaries of Sepilok, Semenggoh and Kinabatangan, mangroves in Bako National Park, and virgin rain forest in the Danum Valley. In these contrasting locales, we explore from sunrise and don't stop until after nightfall, searching for the endangered orangutan, pygmy elephant, Bornean bearded pig, smooth-coated otter, long- and pig-tailed macaques, monitor lizard, proboscis monkey, rhinoceros hornbill, silvered leaf monkey, numerous tropical bird species, and an array of nocturnal creatures.
• Visit Two Different Orangutan Sanctuaries A chance to see orangutans is a big reason for coming to Borneo. We maximize your opportunities in two different locations: Sepilok and Semenggoh nature reserves. Semenggoh focuses on the study of orangutan biology and behavior while providing a safe and natural haven for dozens of semi-wild orangutans that are graduates of its original rehabilitation program.
• A Private Guided Tour of the Bornean Sun Bear Center An inspiring conservation success story, the center provides care, rehabilitation and release of orphaned and captive Malayan sun bears. Its mission is also to increase awareness about the plight of this little-known endangered bear, the world's smallest. We have a private tour of the center either with founder Dr. Wong Siew Te or one of his close conservation colleagues.
• Explore One of the World's Oldest & Tallest Rain Forests The Danum Valley is a special inclusion on our adventure—to truly experience the primeval biodiversity of Borneo's deepest rain forest recesses, the Danum Valley is an essential stop—and not all itineraries include it.
• A Small Group Ensures More Authentic Nature Encounters Wildlife encounters happen most meaningfully in an intimate context. Our groups are limited to just 12 travelers—and only nine guests on photo departures—enabling a quiet, low-impact experience.
• Internal Flights Enhance Comfort & More Time with Wildlife Rather than subject you to long, winding, often bumpy drives, we use air transfers for comfort and efficiency. Two internal flights get you between destinations faster, giving you more time with nature and wildlife. 
• From Riverside to Rain Forest, Stay Closer to Borneo's Wildlife Our accommodations are selected for their quality, atmosphere and secluded locations, getting you as close as possible to nature in the most comfortable settings. From our eco-resort near an orangutan sanctuary to a remote eco lodge on the Kinabatangan River and our lodge in Danum Valley that overlooks primary growth rain forest , you are immersed in wild Borneo.
• Travel with An Expedition Leader Plus Top Local Guides Our Nat Hab Expedition Leaders are seasoned guides and natural history experts. In addition, they receive special training and resources provided by WWF scientists. They are also assisted by Borneo’s best local guides during each segment of our trip.  See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
• Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures You’ll Have an Outstanding Trip With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee, which clearly states that we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
• Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.

Read what travelers are saying about Wilds of Borneo tour:

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Have a question or comment? Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us. Hours Mountain Time

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Intrepid Travel

Best of borneo.

Best of Borneo Imagine a place that is spiritual and wild, colourful and mysterious, and full of tantalising secrets – this is beautiful Borneo. From the steamy jungles of Mulu National Park and the secluded beaches of Turtle Island, to the graceful orangutans at Sepilok and small villages nestled in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu, Borneo is a true gem of South East Asia. Experience captivating sunsets, be welcomed on homestays, travel along scenic trails, laze on tropical beaches and see an abundance of wildlife – this is a tour to remember forever. Activities

• Bako National Park – Wildlife Trail Trek
• Kuching – Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary
• Mulu National Park – Deer & Lang Caves
• Mulu National Park – Wind & Clearwater Caves
• Mulu National Park – Picnic Lunch
• Mulu National Park – Local Dinner
• Mulu National Park – Guided trek along Headhunters’ Trails
• Mulu National Park – Longboat ride along the Melinau & Terikan Rivers
• Labuan Island – Labuan Historical Tour
• Dusun Village – Guided village walk
• Dusun Village – Cultural performance
• Mt Kinabalu National Park – Mt Kinabalu Climb
• Poring Hot Springs – Hot Springs
• Kinabatangan River – Night jungle walk
• Kinabatangan River – Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
• Kinabatangan River – Dawn wildlife cruise
• Sandakan – War Memorial
• Turtle Island – Turtle Island Marine Park
• Turtle Island – Turtle Hatchery Visit
• Sepilok – Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
• One of the last remaining truly wild places on earth, Borneo offers rare treats for the nature lover – see Orangutans at the Semenggoh Sanctuary and the quirky proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park
• Discover the colourful history of the Iban people and spend the night in a modern longhouse with a local family.
• Explore one of the world’s largest cave networks and witness a sunset hunting exodus of millions of bats, twisting through the sky like a plume of black smoke in Gunung Mulu National Park.
• Follow in the infamous footsteps of tribal warriors on a trek through wild, dense jungle on the Headhunters’ Trail.
• Experience next-level vistas from the top of Mt Kinabalu climb on a two-day climb that will really get the heart pumping.
• Witness nature at its most beautiful with a night on Turtle island, watching mother turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
• Cruise down the Kinabatangan river and search for wildlife in this rich and unique ecosystem.

Booking Dates 07/01/2023 through 11/25/2024 Travel Dates 07/01/2023 through 11/28/2024

Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

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Essence of Japan Tour

We joined the Essence of Japan Tour in Tokyo having flown separately from Ireland to give ourselves a few extra days in Tokyo. I would highly recommend 1 or 2 extra days in Tokyo. The tour was well organised and the transportation, hotels and itinerary ran extremely well. Our tour manager was Ali and the local guide was Sumiko and both were excellent. I’d highly recommend.

Date of experience : 25 March 2024

Reply from Titan Travel

Hi Paul, Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review of your recent trip to Japan. We're delighted to hear that you had such a great time and particularly enjoyed Tokyo. It sounds like Ali and the team looked after you really well and we look forward to you joining us on another Titan adventure, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Long time waiting on phone to cancel…

Long time waiting on phone to cancel holiday due to serous illness, so emailed. Ne reply after two days, so tried ringing again, (2/4/24), spoke to nice lady, Katrina, who said to wait until balance had to be paid (August) as we might be still able to change holiday to UK one due to flexi booking. Great - except had reply to email - cancelling holiday but no confirmation letter. Can't get into My Booking as this appears each time: Application error: a client-side exception has occurred (see the browser console for more information). No response to other emails which kept bouncing back over the weekend. £250 paid back into account on 3rd April- so is holiday cancelled or not? If so, Need cancellation invoice promptly please HELP! 10/4/24 Update, yes had email 2 days ago promising cancellation invoice. Still not arrived, checked spam mail etc, no sign of it. How many times do I have to request this as a matter of urgency now! Emails to you seem to take a long time to be answered!

Date of experience : 02 April 2024

Hi Frances, Thanks for sharing your review. We're really sorry to hear about your experience. We understand that our sales team have been in contact via email this morning to provide the information requested. We do hope that despite this issue, that you will still consider us for your future travel plans. Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

AVOID AT ALL COSTS. CANT GIVE ZERO STARS!

Our family party of 4 just back from the Essence of Japan with Titanic Tours sorry Titan Tours. £30,000 holiday, one booking reference and order, Titan split family up into two separate airlines one not direct arriving 4 hours after the other. Two of our group sitting separately, no seats booked together for one party of 14! No hotel rooms ready for us on arrival, awful and separated breakfast facilities (some like Navi Canteens). Tour guide useless, uncontrollable, didn't know his craft or location information. Visits not booked, 50% of audio kit failed, no spares. Missed scheduled visits on itinerary. Too Too much to criticise and I expect you have the message. Titan HQ absolutely hopeless for customer support and Tour Manager support. AI Nick (not really there or alive, most people think) will respond to all trust pilot submissions with worthless excuses and nonsense paragraphs. The Titan tour one day behind us and a second one one day in front of us all met up by chance. The issues outlined above were duplicated amongst all the three Japan tours! Damming letter issued to the CEO of Titan/Saga to encourage getting the company's act together or it will lose its existing and potential new traveling potential customers.

Date of experience : 04 April 2024

Hi John, We are sorry to read of your experience in Japan, as you will agree, this does not live up to the high-standards Titan prides itself on. Please be assured that your feedback has been passed to our Director's office and a member of our Customer Service team will reach out to you, to discuss your trip further. We do hope that we can go some way towards regaining your trust in Titan Travel. Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Too long waiting on phone for an answer…

Too long waiting on phone for an answer or call back. Refusal to send confirmatory email of amount held on account after cancellation, nor of money to be refunded after too much charged by mistake. Original holiday departure time changed to early morning which was not acceptable to me - I feel I should have had a full refund rather than money held on account awaiting booking another holiday. Departure time of travel is not shown on line or in brochure so have to ring to check before booking - if v early morning and not acceptable then have to choose another holiday to ring to ask about. Titan staff say they have no ability to give customer an easy answer when asked for a list of which European holidays depart later in the day - have to check each one individually. I can’t be the only customer that doesn’t want to book a holiday that means leaving home by taxi at 2.30am.

Date of experience : 08 April 2024

Hi, We're really sorry to hear about your booking experience. This is not the kind of feedback we aim to received. We understand that our sales managers are aware of your booking and will be in contact to address the issues you have raised. We do hope we can restore your faith in us, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Every cloud has a silver lining

We had a call to say our planned holiday was being cancelled, but were offered an alternative. Nicole dealt with our situation calmly, politely and efficiently. We are happy to have another holiday to look forward to.

Date of experience : 06 April 2024

Hi Christine, Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review. We're really sorry to hear that your original holiday was cancelled but we're pleased that Nicole was able to rearrange this for you and confirm another trip. We hope you have a wonderful holiday, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

We enjoyed our holiday last year with…

We enjoyed our holiday last year with titan so decided to book again this year, really happy with the service.

Date of experience : 10 April 2024

Hi Anthony, Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. We're so pleased to hear that you had a great time last year and have decided to book with us again. We hope you have another wonderful holiday with us, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Just booked my 3rd Titan tour for 2024.

Titan is my preferred tour company as I feel looked after from booking a tour, travelling to and from the airport and whilst on tour. Tour managers are very experienced and knowledgeable and extremely helpful.

Hi Jan, Thanks so much for sharing your review. We're delighted to hear that you have always booked with us and that you have enjoyed your holidays. We hope you have another wonderful experience, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Grand South American Tour with Titan

My recent trip to South America with Titan was amazing. It was a very busy itinerary, certainly not for the faint-hearted, but every day was packed with interesting places to see and learn about. Our tour manager, Lilian, was brilliant, full of energy and a real asset to Titan! She was always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the best for the group. Lilian had a good rapport with all the local guides who were very knowledgable. I would not hesitate in recommending this trip and will certainly look at Titan tours for future holidays.

Date of experience : 07 March 2024

Hi Jean, Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review of your recent tour. We're so pleased to hear that you had such a great time exploring South America with Lillian and the team. We look forward to you joining us again in the future, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Our 3 week Grand tour of South America…

Our 3 week Grand tour of South America was our first trip with Titan and will hopefully be the first of many more. From the moment we were collected from home and throughout the whole of our holiday, the care and the attention to detail from our Tour Manager Lilian and all the local guides was exceptional. This tour was at times physically tiring but there were always options which meant that everyone in the group was able to enjoy the whole trip to the best of their ability. It was worth every early start and every step climbed to be able to experience the best on offer from the four countries visited. Wonderful memories to cherish, thank you Titan.

Hi Elaine, Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review of your tour. We're delighted to hear that you had such a great experience and that Lillian and the team looked after you all so well, We look forward to you joining us on another Titan adventure, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Fabulous Grand Tour of South America…

Booking The Grand Tour of South America with an extra few days was straight forward and professional support and contact was provided. The trip was exceptional. Its long, and a lot was packed in, however the wonderful group of travellers that we joined and an exceptional, professional, caring and friendly tour manager, Lillian Bailey made it a top tour. We will be using Titan again in the future. Thank you for the wonderful memories.

Date of experience : 04 March 2024

Hi Jo, Thanks so much for sharing your review. It sounds like you made some wonderful memories exploring South America with Lillian and the team. We look forward to you joining us on another Titan adventure, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

The Grand Tour of South America was awesome!

The Grand Tour of South America was fabulous. The itinerary was jam packed and needed stamina but so worth it. So many highlights, it’s difficult to pick out the stand out ones. Our tour manager Lilian was exceptional, her professionalism, organisational skills, sense of fun and caring nature were evident from start to finish. She had a great rapport with all the local guides who were all very knowledgeable about their countries. Another great Titan holiday for us and we would not hesitate to book with them again especially if all the tour managers are as great as Lilian.

Hi Liz, Thanks so much for taking the time to share your recent experience. We're delighted to hear that you had such a great time and that Lilian and the team looked after you all so well. We look forward to you joining us on another Titan adventure, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Southern sights and sounds tour

Southern sights and sounds tour. Myself, my wife and our daughter visited the USA on the Southern Sights and Sounds tour in March 2024. We all had a great experience, the trip was a lot of fun and very informative. Our guide Laura Tuttle was excellent and knowledgeable, and a lot of fun at karaoke! Our driver Janet was fantastic, couldn’t fault her driving even going up and down mountains. Janet made sure to have a stock of drinking water and hand sanitizer for all of the group. We really recommend this holiday and hope to travel with titan again.

Date of experience : 05 March 2024

Hi Frank, Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review of your Southern Sights and Sounds tour. We're delighted to hear that you had such a great time and that Laura, Janet and the team looked after you all so well. We look forward to you joining us on another Titan adventure, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

We booked a tour to Botswana for our…

We booked a tour to Botswana for our Ruby Wedding celebration later this year The agent was so friendly and helpful and the good news was we got 10% off the price.

Date of experience : 07 April 2024

Hi Valerie, Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review. We're delighted to hear that our agents were able to help you confirm your booking. We hope you have a wonderful time in Botswana celebrating your anniversary, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Phone was answered within 5 minutes &…

Phone was answered within 5 minutes & Sandra was extremely helpful & I was talked through the payment process of pressing numbers on my phone ( though I'd prefer an easier method), I also booked my overnight Airport hotel.

Hi Wendy, Thanks for taking the time to share your review of your booking experience. We're really pleased to hear that Sandra was able to help you confirm your booking and we hope you have a wonderful holiday, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Good service but not fully clear about…

Good service but not fully clear about single travellers when upgrading

Date of experience : 09 April 2024

Hi Nina, Thanks for sharing your feedback. We do appreciate your comments as these help us to improve our service. We hope you have a fantastic holiday, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Further to my previous review

Further to my previous review, I still have not had a meaningful response from Titan which they promised on March 22, bearing in mind I originally wrote to them on the 22nd February. This lack of response is why I wrote the previous review. Needless to say I have booked my next big holiday with a competitor. This is a shame because I had used Titan for 6 previous holidays.

Date of experience : 01 April 2024

Hi Alan, Thanks for your review. We're sorry that you are still waiting on a response. We understand that our Customer Relations team have now responded to you directly to address the concerns that you have raised. We do hope that you will still consider booking with us in the future, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Wonderful Costa Rica

Well planned and organised, there was a good mix of activities with time to relax in some beautiful resorts. Humberto, our tour manager, was friendly, knowledgeable and humourous and looked after us extremely well. Jose drove us many miles on sometimes challenging roads, always smiling and making us feel very safe. We had a couple of hiccups with water supply and air con in our rooms (different resorts) which were sorted out promptly with Humberto's help. We fell in love with Costa Rica and will return.

Hi Louise, Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review. We're so pleased to hear that you had such a great time in Costa Rica and that Humberto and the team looked after you so well. We look forward to you joining us again, Best Wishes. Nick Titan Travel

Excellent service from Titan

Always pleased with the service I receive when booking a Titan holiday. I have travelled with them on numerous occasions and the holidays have all been excellent. The latest one Wild India exceeded my expectations and I look forward to travelling with Titan again on many more holidays

Hi Vivienne, Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review of your recent trip. We're delighted to hear that you had such a great time exploring India. We look forward to you joining us on another Titan adventure, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Dealings with Titan are easy and…

Dealings with Titan are easy and helpful, and you speak to a human, not a robot.

Hi Mary, Thanks so much for sharing your feedback. We're really pleased to hear that our agents were able to help you confirm your booking and we hope you have a wonderful holiday, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

Dear Nick or should I say AI Nick.!!!!!

Dear Nick or should I say AI Nick.!!!!! Yet again I would definately not leave any stars for Titan tours but unfortunately I cannot write a review without putting a star on top!!! We completed the tour of Essence of Japan March 2024, which was a nightmare with the tour guides and some of the hotels. Having done a 17 hour flight via Hong Kong and not directly to Japan with BA as promised, thereby not travelling with our friends having been separated by the change of flights. the changeover in Hong Kong we made by the skin of our teeth having been given the wrong information and made it onto the flight with just 15 minutes to take off!!! We had no tour guide to escort us on both flights, which we were promised by Titan before we left and no seats were booked for us to sit together. Sadly a number of our party were all separated on the 17 hour flight!!!t was a nightmare. On arrival, we were met by our English tour guide who had travelled on the BA flight and not with us. The Japanese tour guide was beyond useless, he knew nothing about the areas we were visiting forgot to book tickets to visit various places and had no idea about opening /closing times or the history of the sites and got us lost on a few occasions.. He often forgot to switch his microphone on so we could not hear him. and he used google maps to find his way around. Disaster. half way through our group asked that the Japanese tour guide be changed to someone with more experience but of course that did not happen!!!! One hotel we stayed in,, our group were put in a so called banqueting hall for breakfast dreadful, it reminded us of what could have been a communist works canteen,awful.. Another was like a travel lodge. We renamed the company titanic the sinking ship. No one had any idea where to eat at night as there was no information or recommendations given and we were left to our own devices. in such a busy time of year!!! . We understand Titan were running tours everyday to Japan during the blossom season. We met the tour in front of us and the tour behind us!! All of them said they had very poor guides like ours, all of them said that half of their group had been changed on to an indirect flight via Hong Kong. One group we understand, told us that some of the passengers missed the changeover in Hong Kong. What a way to run a tour company, Titan you should be ashamed of yourself!!! How can you advertise in the media that you run escorted tours!!! We were told so many untruths leading up to this very expensive holiday by you. Never again will we do another Titan Holiday. Beware.

Date of experience : 21 March 2024

Hi Jan, Thank you for reaching out us and providing us with your feedback. We are deeply sorry to hear about your experience, and we regret that it has dented your faith in Titan. Your feedback has been escalated to our Directors' Office, and a member of our Customer Service team will contact you directly to address the concerns that you have raised. We do hope that we can go some way to restoring your faith in Titan Travel, Best Wishes, Nick Titan Travel

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