Borneo Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to try, things to do, and cultural customs of Borneo with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Borneo

Located in Southeast Asia, Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and is shared by three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Known for its diverse wildlife and rich rainforests, it’s a popular destination for eco-tourism and outdoor activities. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the must-visit places, food and drink scene, cultural customs, safety tips, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Borneo

Borneo has something for everyone, from nature lovers to cultural enthusiasts. Here’s a list of places you won’t want to miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sarawak Cultural Village: Explore the living museum and experience the traditional lifestyles of the many ethnic groups in Sarawak.
  • Mari Mari Cultural Village: A perfect place to learn about the culture of Sabah, located in the heart of the Borneo rainforest.
  • Brunei Museum: Home to an extensive collection of Islamic art and artifacts from Brunei and the Malay Archipelago.
  • Mulu Cave: A UNESCO heritage natural site that is home to one of the world’s largest cave systems, unique rock formations, and diverse flora and fauna.

Natural Attractions of Borneo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kinabalu Park: A UNESCO heritage site and natural wonder. Climb Mount Kinabalu and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and valleys.
  • Danum Valley Conservation Area: A protected rainforest home to endangered species such as orangutans and Borneo pygmy elephants.
  • Tanjung Puting National Park: Home to the largest population of orangutans in the world.
  • Bako National Park: A unique coastal rainforest that offers beautiful hikes and wildlife sightings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Borneo

Borneo offers great opportunities for hiking and biking. Some popular trails to explore are:

  • Mount Kinabalu: Known for its challenging hike and beautiful views, Mount Kinabalu is a must-do for adventure enthusiasts.
  • Gunung Mulu National Park: With numerous caves, waterfalls, and limestone formations, this is a popular trekking destination.
  • Lambir Hills National Park: A perfect place to go for an easy hike with well-marked trails and beautiful waterfalls.

Best Things to Do in Borneo: Activities and Tours

  • River Safari: Take a boat ride along the Kinabatangan River to see proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and birds.
  • Scuba Diving: Borneo has some of the world’s best dive sites, including Sipadan Island and Layang Layang Island.
  • Mangrove Kayaking: Paddle through the mangroves’ intricate network and learn about the ecosystem and wildlife.
  • Night Jungle Trekking: Take a guided night walk through the jungle to see nocturnal wildlife such as tarsiers and slow lorises.

Week-Long Itinerary for Borneo

Here’s an itinerary that covers some of Borneo’s best attractions and activities:

Day 1: Arrival in Kota Kinabalu

Day 2: Climb Mount Kinabalu

Day 3: Explore Kinabalu Park

Day 4: Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village

Day 5: River Safari in Kinabatangan River

Day 6: Scuba Diving in Sipadan Island

Day 7: Check out and departure from Kota Kinabalu

Food and Drink Scene of Borneo

Borneo has a diverse food scene influenced by its multi-ethnic population. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kolo Mee: A famous Sarawakian noodle dish, usually served with barbequed meat and spring onions.
  • Nasi Lemak: A Malay dish with coconut rice, sambal, fried peanuts, and anchovies.
  • Ambuyat: A starchy dish made from sago flour and eaten with fish or meat stew.
  • Hinava: A traditional Bajau dish made of raw fish, lime juice, and chili.

Local Beverages

  • Teh C Peng: A sweet iced tea with milk.
  • Tuak: A local rice wine, usually served during festivals or celebrations.
  • Coconut Water: A refreshing, hydrating drink that can be found at most outdoor markets.

Where to Stay in Borneo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Borneo offers many accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some popular choices:

  • Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa: Located in Sabah, this luxury resort is situated on a beach and offers a range of amenities.
  • Borneo Backpackers: A budget-friendly hostel located in Kota Kinabalu city center.
  • The Waterfront Hotel: A mid-range hotel located in Kuching with a view of the Sarawak River.

What to Buy in Borneo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Borneo has a variety of unique products that you can bring back as souvenirs or gifts. Some popular items are:

  • Sarawak Pepper: A high-quality pepper that is grown in Sarawak.
  • Sabah Tea: The only tea plantation in Sabah and is known for its organic tea.
  • Batik Sarong: A traditional Malaysian garment made from batik fabric.
  • Borneo Crafts: Handmade items such as baskets, sculptures, and textiles.

Local Culture and Customs of Borneo

Borneo’s culture is a blend of many ethnic groups, including Malay, Chinese, and Dayak. Some customs to be aware of are:

  • Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
  • As a sign of respect, always use your right hand when giving or receiving something.
  • Dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
  • Avoid pointing your feet at others or touching food with your feet.

Best Time to Visit Borneo

The best time to visit is between March and October when the weather is dry and sunny. Avoid the rainy season from November to February, which can cause flooding and hinder outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Borneo

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Take extra precautions when trekking in the rainforest.
  • Bargain when shopping at outdoor markets.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local culture or religion.
  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Touch or disturb wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Borneo

Overall, Borneo is a safe place to visit. However, travelers should be aware of the following:

  • Petty theft is common, so keep your valuables close.
  • Only take registered taxis or use ride-sharing services.
  • Avoid traveling alone at night, especially in secluded areas.

Health in Borneo

Before traveling to Borneo, make sure you have the following vaccinations:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Malaria prophylaxis

Also, bring insect repellent and use it regularly to prevent mosquito bites.

Getting to Borneo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Borneo is relatively easy. The following transportation options are available:

Airports Near Borneo

  • Kota Kinabalu International Airport
  • Kuching International Airport
  • Miri Airport

Bus Stations Near Borneo

  • Terminal Sentral Kuantan
  • Terminal Bersepadu Selatan
  • TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan)

Other Options

  • Ferry: There are ferries connecting Sabah and Sarawak.
  • Train: The only train service in Borneo is the North Borneo Railway, which connects Kota Kinabalu and Papar.

How to Get Around in Borneo

The best way to get around Borneo is by renting a car or using ride-sharing services. Taxis and buses are also available, but they can be unreliable. For shorter distances, consider walking or biking.

Where to Go Next from Borneo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time after exploring Borneo, consider visiting these nearby destinations:

  • Bali, Indonesia
  • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Singapore

Conclusion

Borneo is a unique destination that offers something for everyone, from adventure enthusiasts to cultural explorers. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’re sure to have a memorable trip to this fascinating island.