Things To Do
in Borneo
Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, is shared by three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, with the Indonesian region called Kalimantan. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosting dense rainforests that are home to diverse wildlife, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and clouded leopards. The island has a rich cultural tapestry, with numerous indigenous tribes and communities that maintain their traditional ways of life.
Borneo faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation and habitat loss due to logging and palm oil plantations, raising concerns for its unique ecosystems and indigenous inhabitants.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike in Bako National Park, where you can see unique wildlife and stunning coastal views. This is a great time to catch a glimpse of the elusive proboscis monkeys.
After lunch, take a guided boat tour through the mangroves to spot estuarine crocodiles and diverse bird species. The serenity of the waterways is rejuvenating and offers great photo opportunities.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional dinner in a local restaurant, sampling dishes like ikan bakar (grilled fish). The vibrant night market is worth a visit for local crafts and snacks.
Head to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to witness feeding time of the orphaned orangutans. Learning about conservation efforts will enrich your experience.
Visit the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre to walk through suspended canopy walkways amidst lush greenery. This offers a chance to learn about rainforest ecosystems.
Conclude your day at a local café with a relaxed atmosphere, enjoy some dessert and mingle with residents. Local live music might be a delightful surprise.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Biodiversity: Borneo is home to one of the world's oldest rainforests, boasting a rich variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as orangutans and pygmy elephants.
- Cultural Diversity: The island is inhabited by numerous indigenous groups, each with unique cultures, traditions, and languages, offering a rich cultural experience.
- Natural Beauty: Borneo features stunning landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and beaches, making it a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- Ecotourism Opportunities: The island promotes ecotourism, allowing visitors to experience its natural beauty while also contributing to conservation efforts.
- Deforestation: Borneo faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation due to logging and palm oil plantations, which threatens its ecosystems.
- Infrastructure Challenges: Some areas may have limited infrastructure, making travel and access difficult for visitors.
- Health Risks: Various regions may pose health risks such as tropical diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue fever), requiring travelers to take precautions.
- Political and Economic Issues: There can be political instability and economic challenges within the region, which may affect safety and travel plans.
Best Activities in Borneo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife of Borneo by hiking through its extensive rainforests. Trails range from easy walks to challenging treks.
Experience Borneo's incredible landscapes and wildlife by taking a river cruise along the Kinabatangan River or other waterways, ideal for spotting orangutans and proboscis monkeys.
Discover vibrant marine life in one of the world's top diving hotspots. Sipadan Island offers spectacular coral reefs and diverse underwater ecosystems.
Visit national parks like Kinabalu or Bako to see an array of wildlife, including the endangered Bornean orangutan, pygmy elephants, and various bird species.
Explore the fascinating cave systems in Mulu National Park, including the world's largest cave chamber and impressive limestone formations.
Engage in immersive jungle camping experiences to live among nature, learn survival skills, and engage with local indigenous cultures.
Tours
Uncover the best of Borneo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Borneo
Visit one of these nice places.
The highest peak in Southeast Asia, offering breathtaking sunrise views and scenic landscapes from the summit.
A unique opportunity to capture the endangered orangutans in their natural habitat amidst lush rainforests.
Famous for its impressive limestone formations and vast cave systems, perfect for adventurous photography.
Known for its diverse wildlife and dramatic coastal cliffs, this park provides stunning views and a variety of hiking trails.
A serene location for river cruises where visitors can photograph proboscis monkeys and beautiful mangrove scenery.
Home to ancient rock art and unique geological formations, this site offers both cultural and natural photo opportunities.
A biodiverse rainforest with rich wildlife, perfect for capturing the beauty of untouched nature.
A historical site that offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, ideal for poignant and reflective photography.
A group of islands with clear waters and stunning beaches, perfect for sunset photography and underwater shots.
Known for its incredible waterfalls and rich flora, this park provides excellent opportunities for macro photography.
Food in Borneo
Borneo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A flavorful fried rice dish that is often served with a variety of toppings, such as fried eggs, chicken, and shrimp. Ideal for breakfast or any time of the day, try it at Warung Sate Shinta.
Must-Try!
A traditional soup made with broth, meat (commonly chicken or beef), and vegetables, garnished with herbs. Head to Soto Ceker 99 for an authentic experience.
Grilled fish marinated in spicy sambal and served hot, Ikan Bakar showcases the richness of Borneo's fresh catch. Visit the local docks for some of the best waterfront spots.
A colorful steamed cake made of layers, often flavored with coconut and pandan. Purchase some at a local market like Pasar Malam.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Borneo better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant farmers' market where you can find fresh produce, spices, and street food stalls offering local snacks such as kerupuk (crackers) and grilled satay.
Explore the bustling street food scene at the Night Market in Kota Kinabalu, where a variety of vendors serve everything from seafood to desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Familiarize yourself with the local customs and traditions of Borneo's indigenous tribes. Each community may have its own unique practices, and showing respect for these can help foster positive interactions.
When visiting remote areas or local villages, it is advisable to dress modestly. This demonstrates respect for the local culture and helps to avoid any unintentional offense.
Always ask for permission before taking photographs of individuals, particularly in indigenous communities. Some people may feel uncomfortable with their image being captured, and it is important to respect their wishes.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Borneo with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Borneo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Borneo, Indonesia, although it can be appreciated in tourist areas or among service workers. Generally, a modest tip may be left for exceptional service in restaurants, hotels, and for tour guides, but it is not mandatory. Instead of a fixed percentage, small amounts are often given based on the level of service received.
Payment methods in Borneo, Indonesia, typically include cash transactions, which are predominant in rural areas. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban centers and tourist spots, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors and local markets. Mobile payment applications have started gaining traction in some regions as well, reflecting the growing digital economy.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Borneo.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The dry season is considered the best time to visit Borneo, as rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring national parks. Temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), and the humidity is lower, providing a comfortable climate for travelers.
During the rainy season, Borneo experiences heavy rainfall, especially in the months of December and January. While this can lead to muddy conditions and some disruptions in outdoor activities, it is also a time when the rainforest is lush and green. Visitors can expect fewer tourists and vibrant wildlife, although it is essential to be prepared for wet weather.
The transition months of February and March serve as a shoulder season. This time can offer a mix of both wet and dry conditions, providing opportunities to experience nature coming to life after rain. This period is less crowded than the peak dry season, allowing for a more intimate experience with the surroundings.
Borneo at Night
Hiking in Borneo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located in Sabah, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia. It offers a challenging hike with stunning views of diverse flora and fauna along the way.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mulu National Park features extensive cave systems and lush rainforests. There are several trekking routes, including the famous Pinnacles hike.
Located in Sarawak, Bukit Lambir is known for its waterfalls and rich biodiversity. The park has numerous trails suitable for short to long hikes.
As the oldest national park in Sarawak, Bako features various ecosystems and walking trails that lead to beautiful coastal views and unique wildlife.
Part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this park offers trekking opportunities where you can see orangutans and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Borneo through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Borneo by plane.
The main international airport serving Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding region in Malaysia. It's one of the largest airports in Southeast Asia.
Voted as one of the best airports in the world, Changi Airport serves Singapore and is a major hub for international travel in Asia.
The main airport serving Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei, it connects Brunei to several regional and international destinations.
Located in Jakarta, Indonesia, this is the largest and busiest airport in the country and a key transit point for international flights.
An airport located in Johor, Malaysia, it serves as a secondary hub for international flights, especially to the nearby region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Malay people are one of the predominant ethnic groups in Borneo, especially in the coastal areas. They primarily inhabit the eastern and western regions of the island and are known for their rich cultural heritage and traditions.
The Dayak people comprise various indigenous groups in Borneo, primarily found in the interior regions. They are known for their distinct customs, traditional practices, and craftsmanship, and are further divided into sub-groups like the Iban, Bidayuh, and Ngaju.
The Chinese communities in Borneo have a significant presence, particularly in urban areas. They are involved in various sectors such as trade, agriculture, and industry, contributing to the region's economy and cultural diversity.
Originating from Sulawesi, the Bugis people have migrated to Borneo over the years and are primarily found in coastal regions. They are known for their maritime skills and have blended their cultural practices with local traditions.
Though primarily from Java, some Sundanese communities have settled in Borneo. They contribute to the cultural diversity of the island while maintaining their unique cultural identity and practices.
Similar to the Sundanese, Javanese migrants have established communities in Borneo, involved mainly in agriculture and trade. Their settlement patterns can be found throughout different regions of the island.
This category includes smaller ethnic groups and communities, such as the Batak, Madurese, and various other indigenous and immigrant peoples who contribute to the cultural tapestry of Borneo.
The Soul of Borneo
Discover the essence of Borneo through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely popular sport in Borneo, played by people of all ages in both casual and competitive settings.
Badminton is very popular in Indonesia, including Borneo, with many local tournaments and clubs.
Basketball is gaining popularity among the youth in Borneo, with many local courts and organizations promoting the sport.
Silat is a traditional martial art form that is practiced and celebrated in Borneo, often included in cultural events.
Beach and indoor volleyball are popular in Borneo, with many community tournaments and recreational play.
Motorsports, including motocross and car racing, have a dedicated following in Borneo, often featuring in local events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Borneo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Borneo offer vegetarian versions of traditional dishes. Look for local dishes made with tofu, tempeh, and fresh vegetables.
While traditional cuisine may focus on meat, increasingly more eateries provide vegan-friendly choices, especially in urban areas like Kota Kinabalu.
Rice and many local dishes are naturally gluten-free. Be cautious with sauces and fried foods, and inquire about ingredients at restaurants.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Borneo with these cultural adventures.