Are you thinking about going to Borneo? Then you need the essentials.
Keep reading to find out what you need to know before visiting this beautiful island.
In the words of a Fleewinter Borneo traveller, “returning home was like waking from a dream.” We know exactly what she meant as there’s something magical about this place.
Wake to the sound of gibbon song, drift off to a symphony of frogs, and spend your days in ancient rainforests or along a jungle-lined river looking for orangutans, pygmy elephants, long-nosed monkeys, and more.
Venture into the countryside to visit a longhouse, watch the sunrise as you sit above the clouds on the highest mountain in South East Asia, trek through caves or deep jungle, and dive into the warm waters to snorkel the colourful reefs.
There are so many ways to create your own adventure, so if you’re thinking about going to Borneo, make sure you know the essentials.
We’ve gathered everything you should know before embarking on a journey to Borneo.
Although, to really dive in, reach out to Marbree – Fleewinter’s Borneo specialist.
WHEN TO GO
If you’re thinking about going to Borneo, you need to consider the weather. Luckily, as Borneo is covered in rainforest, you’ll have a mix of sun, clouds, and showers year-round and plenty of tropical heat. Which means you can go anytime!
Peak season is July and August so with a limited number of lodges in the rainforest and along the river, it’s best to book well in advance to have the holiday you want.
From November through February, it’s best to skip Kuching and Bako as storms can make that part of Borneo a windy, wet mess. Fortunately, the wildlife of Sabah can still be spotted as this part of Borneo is protected from the storms.
December and January see more rainfall so for beach time, you’ll want to hop on a flight to Malaysia or the Philippines.
WHERE SHOULD I GO?
With ten days to two weeks, you can cover the well-known spots of Borneo and maybe go a touch off-the-beaten track. To really experience it, you’ll need three weeks or more. If you want to climb Mount Kinabalu, trek the Maliau Basin, or hike the pinnacles of Mulu, you’ll need to add a few days.
For many, Sabah is Borneo and while it’s popular for good reason (the orangutans of Sepilok, Kinabatangan River safaris, pristine rainforest of Danum Valley, and beaches of Gaya Island all come to mind!) we’re big fans of the lesser-travelled Sarawak with fewer crowds and the delightful city of Kuching which can be used as a base for countless adventures.
We’ll create a tailored itinerary for you and are always on the lookout for new ways to experience Borneo such as the just-opened Utan Rainforest Lodge but here’s a bit of inspiration to get started.
Sabah Highlights
You want: to see the places and animals you’ve been dreaming about
Take in the classics with a mix of mountain walks, wildlife safaris, river, rainforest, and beach.
There’s a good chance of orangutans, gibbons, long-nosed monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, macaques, pygmy elephants, and a symphony of jungle sounds.
See it All
Your goal: leave no stone unturned
Wildlife, local culture, cities, food, caves, mountains, rainforest, river, jungle, beaches and some off-the-beaten track spots?
Give us three weeks and a good sense of adventure and you can have it all. This one is highly customizable to your preferences!
Something Different
You love: being ahead of travel trends
Sarawak won’t stay under the radar for long so now’s the time to go. Use Kuching as a base to see wildlife, tuck into amazing food, and explore tribal culture. Go further afield to the ancient caves of Miri and Mulu, or let us plan you a few nights deep in the jungle. This is Borneo before the crowds.
GETTING AROUND
Maps are deceiving when it comes to getting around Borneo as many roads are bumpy and winding as they pass through jungle, mountain, and varied terrain. Internal flights are short, reliable, and easy to book so you can bet that we recommend at least one of those.
Nearly all long road transfers in Sabah are shared to minimise road congestion and pollution. In the peak months of July and August, finding a private transfer is like a certain proverbial needle so be ready to chat with your fellow travellers. We love that these shared transfers embrace the Bornean spirit of community and protecting the environment.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Visa
On a British or EU passport, you’ll get 90 days visa-free so long as your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip and you have a return or onward ticket.
Whether you start in Sarawak or Sabah, you’ll go through an additional passport check on arrival. This year, a new online arrival card has been released and you must complete it before touching down in Malaysia.
Money
There are between 5 and 6 Malaysian Ringgit to the British Pound and you’ll want to get some Ringgit when passing through Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, or Kota Kinabalu.
While credit cards are becoming more accepted, cash is still necessary.
You’ll need it to pay small fees along the way and it’s essential if you’re staying in the rainforest where credit card transactions can’t always go through.
Language
There are multiple languages and dialects spoken in Borneo including Malay, English,
Mandarin, Hokkien, and those of many local tribes. Malay is the official language but
English is widely spoken everywhere.
If you wish to say ‘thank you’ in Malay, the words are ‘terima kasih’ and you will almost always receive a pleasant ‘sama-sama’ in response.
Culture
Once a land peopled by tribes living in communal longhouses, Borneo became home to Chinese, Malay, British, and other settlers. The last headhunters having faded to a distant memory, the tribal cultures of Sarawak and Sabah are welcoming ones today.
The communal spirit lives on and you’ll find warm greetings and perhaps a glass of tuak (local rice wine that we think worth a try), throughout the island.
Safety
Borneo is a safe place with very low crime and good infrastructure.
There are islands off the east coast that the FCO advises against all but essential travel to.
If you’re interested in Selingan (a/k/a turtle island), you’ll want to read that carefully.
The same goes for the diving and snorkeling havens of Lankayan, Mabul, and Sipadan.
There is increased security in these areas and if you’re thinking of visiting one of these islands, we’re happy to chat through our experiences and the latest opinions from our trusted contacts in the region.
Health
Rainforest means mosquitoes so lightweight trousers and long sleeves are sensible during dawn and dusk wildlife safaris and walks, as is bringing your preferred mozzie repellent. The NHS has a handy map showing malaria risk areas (not generally an issue) and advice about what jabs to consider before going.
As in much of South East Asia, tap water is not safe to drink and most lodges provide safe drinking water. If you’ll be hiking Mt Kinabalu, the Maliau Basin, or the jungles of Sarawak, a filtering and purifying bottle such as Water to Go can come in handy. Oh, and leech socks can be your friend in Tabin, Danum, and other areas where you’ll be exploring on foot!
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS FROM Marbree …
From the first time I arrived in Kota Kinabalu with a rainbow arcing over the mountain, I knew I’d stepped into a special place.
Whether it’s a relaxing river safari, a knee-shaking hike, the peaceful joy of watching a baby orangutan reach out from its mother’s embrace, feasting your senses on the vibrant colours and flavours of jungle fruits and flowers, strolling the streets of Kuching, diving the rich seas, or sharing a meal with friendly hosts, there’s an adventure for everyone.
If you’re interested in making memories that will stay with you forever, I’d love to help you experience this incredible part of the world.
Written by Marbree Sullivan
Top Travel Tip
“At least once in every journey, travel by local transport. Some of the most memorable conversations I’ve had have occurred in the back of jeepneys, trucks, and in the passenger seats of tricycles and tuk-tuks. You’ll gain insight into daily life and see your destination the way locals do.” Marbree – Philippines, Borneo, Malaysia, Laos, Singapore, and Cayman Islands Specialist
