Why you should travel to Borneo

Borneo is the world’s third-largest island – and one of the most fascinating destinations you can explore.

A tour to Borneo is perfect for those dreaming of experiencing unique nature with wild rivers and lush rainforests, getting up close to rare species like orangutans and proboscis monkeys, and discovering cultures such as the authentic Iban tribe. A true adventure awaits!

Our tours in Borneo

Our tours in Borneo take you to the states of Sabah and Sarawak, situated in the northern and northwestern parts of Borneo, respectively.

Many of our tours can also be combined with other areas of Malaysia, e.g., Kuala Lumpur or some of the beautiful islands like Langkawi or the Perhentian Islands.

Below you can read about some of the highlights you can expect on a tour to Borneo.

Sabah – spectacular nature and wildlife

Sabah, the northernmost state of Borneo, is a true paradise for nature lovers. Here, you will find some of the island’s most impressive landscapes including lush rainforests, winding rivers, and majestic mountain peaks.

Kota Kinabalu – capital of Sabah

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah and offers a modern city life with exciting attractions. For example, you can visit the floating mosque, which can accommodate up to 12,000 people praying at once, or the glass tower Wisma Tun Mustapha, which, with its 30 floors and height of 122 metres, is one of the tallest buildings in Borneo.

The city is also the perfect starting point for exploring the northern state, such as visiting Kinabalu National Park, where you can trek to the top of Mount Kinabalu, or snorkelling in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, home to vibrant underwater life with colourful corals and fish.

Kinabalu National Park and Mount Kinabalu

Kinabalu National Park is one of Borneo’s most spectacular natural areas and hosts Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak at 4,095 metres. The national park is listed on the UNESCO world heritage list and offers exceptional biodiversity, featuring rare orchids, carnivorous plants, and countless bird species – such as the rhinoceros hornbill or the more common mountain thrush.

For the adventurous, climbing Mount Kinabalu is one of Borneo’s ultimate experiences. The trek takes you through various climate zones from rainforests to rugged rock areas. At the peak, you’ll witness a magical sunrise over Kinabalu.

Kinabatangan River – river safari among Borneo’s wildlife

The Kinabatangan River, at 560 km, is Sabah’s longest river. It is an enchanting experience to sail down the river, surrounded by the jungle stillness and the local wildlife lurking in the forest and water around you. If you’re lucky, you might spot a proboscis monkey in the treetops, hear the distinctive calls of the gibbons, or catch a glimpse of a saltwater crocodile lurking beneath the surface.

On the way, you’ll arrive at Kelenanap Oxbow, home to an impressive variety of birdlife. Here, you might even be fortunate enough to spot hornbills and kingfishers.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre & Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Borneo is famously home to orangutans, and in Sabah, the best place to experience these wild creatures is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. It’s the world’s first centre dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned or injured orangutans back into the wild. Here, you can marvel at the intelligent and charming orangutans as they swing through the treetops and descend for feeding.

At the neighbouring Sun Bear Conservation Centre, you can encounter the world’s smallest bear, the sun bear, which is another fascinating encounter not to be missed.

Gaya Island

A short boat ride from Borneo’s northern coastline brings you to the tropical island of Gaya. It’s part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a piece of paradise that’s just 15 km². The island is renowned for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and dense jungle teeming with wildlife.

You can snorkel directly from the shore, discovering vibrant coral reefs and an exciting marine life. Explore the island on well-laid paths through the lush jungle, and with a bit of luck, you might meet proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, and flying squirrels.

Sarawak – authentic cultural experiences and national parks

Sarawak, the largest Malaysian state on Borneo, offers an authentic and untouched experience of Borneo, with its stunning landscapes and deep cultural roots. Here, you’ll find charming towns, dense rainforests, dramatic coastal scenery, and encounters with local tribal communities.

Kuching – Sarawak’s charming capital

Sarawak’s capital, Kuching, is a city brimming with atmosphere, where colonial history meets modern life. Along Kuching’s promenade, enjoy the beautiful views over the Sarawak River as you stroll past colonial buildings, temples, and cosy cafés.

The city is known for its cultural diversity, boasting a mix of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous traditions. Visit Chinatown, experience the golden domed city mosque, or explore the colourful Tua Pek Kong Temple.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

A short drive from Kuching will bring you to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, where you can witness the unique orangutans. Established in 1975, the centre serves as a sanctuary for orphaned and injured orangutans, gradually rehabilitating them for release back into the wild.

During the feeding sessions, which occur twice daily, you’ll have the opportunity to watch the magnificent apes swing through the treetops in search of fresh fruit.

Bako National Park – Sarawak’s oldest national park

Bako National Park is one of Sarawak’s natural treasures and the oldest national park in the state, home to all of Sarawak’s 30 national parks. Bako is famed for its dramatic rock formations, mangrove forests, and pristine beaches.

Here, you can wander along various trails leading you through wooded hills, coastal mangroves, and tropical beaches. Along the way, you might be lucky enough to spot Borneo’s unique proboscis monkeys, which are only found in this region of the world. In addition to monkeys, the park is home to wild boar, flying lemurs, other primates such as langurs, monitor lizards, and a multitude of colourful bird species.

Batang Ai National Park & meeting the Iban people

Batang Ai National Park offers untouched rainforest, rivers, and beautiful waterfalls, and it also hosts one of the largest populations of wild orangutans in central Borneo.

A visit to Batang Ai National Park also provides a unique opportunity to meet the Iban people, one of Borneo’s indigenous tribes and Sarawak’s largest ethnic group.

The Iban live along the rivers in traditional longhouses, accommodating many families under one roof. Visiting an Iban village gives you insight into the tribe’s lifestyle, crafts, and ancient traditions – a unique experience that brings you close to Borneo’s indigenous culture.

Combine with Malaysia’s mainland and tropical isles

Combine Borneo with Malaysia’s mainland or enjoy a beach holiday on some of Malaysia’s tropical islands to make the most of your tour.

For example, you can explore Malaysia’s capital, the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, a contrasting metropolis where futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside lively street markets and colourful districts like Chinatown and Little India. Don’t miss the iconic Petronas Towers or a trip outside the city to the Batu Caves, offering insight into Malaysia’s Hindu heritage.

In Langkawi, you’ll find powdery white beaches and lush mountains, while the Perhentian Islands offer soft sand, turquoise waters, and fantastic snorkelling opportunities.

Malaysia is truly unique. You can also check out our other tours to Malaysia.

Combine with a city break in Singapore

All of our tours to Borneo can be combined with a visit to Singapore, which lies just south of Malaysia – only about 350 km from Kuala Lumpur.

In Singapore, you can experience a diverse city brimming with cultural impressions. This can be explored in charming neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. If you want to experience modern Singapore, be sure to visit attractions such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. And then there’s Orchard Road, a paradise for those who love shopping.

Package holidays to Borneo including flights

All our tours to Borneo are package holidays.

In our package holidays, flights (outbound and return and any domestic flights), transfers, accommodation in hotels and resorts, and planned activities are included in the overall price.

You are typically responsible for your own drinks and meals (apart from those specified), tipping, insurance, and any necessary vaccinations.

Frequently asked questions about Borneo

Have some unanswered questions about Borneo? We attempt to answer some of the most common questions about Borneo below.

Where is Borneo located?

Borneo is in Southeast Asia and is surrounded by the South China Sea to the northwest, the Celebes Sea to the east, and the Java Sea to the south.

Is Borneo a country?

No, Borneo is not a country. It is the third-largest island in the world and is part of three countries.

The north and northwest states of Sabah and Sarawak belong to Malaysia, the southern part, Kalimantan, belongs to Indonesia, and between Sabah and Sarawak in northwest Borneo is the country of Brunei.

When is the best time to travel to Borneo?

You can travel to Borneo all year round. Many prefer to visit during the dry season, which spans from April to September. During this period, the days are warm and there’s less rain, although showers can still occur.

Can you see orangutans in Borneo?

Yes, Borneo is one of the only two places in the world where you can see wild orangutans. The other is Sumatra in Indonesia.

On our tours to Borneo, you can experience orangutans at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in the Sabah and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre in Sarawak. Both centres work to rehabilitate, among others, orphaned orangutans so they can be released back into the wild. Additionally, you might spot orangutans along the Kinabatangan River and in Batang Ai National Park, where the Iban tribe safeguards their habitat.

Book your tour to Borneo with TourCompass

Dreaming of experiencing Borneo’s wild wildlife, lush rainforests, and unique cultures?

At TourCompass, we focus on creating adventurous tours that make memories for a lifetime. Our travel specialists are ready to help you find the perfect tour, ensuring you tick off as many items as possible on your wishlist.

Ready to book your next adventure? Contact us, and we’ll help you embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Borneo.

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