Borneo

Indonesia, Asia

Borneo, the world's third-largest island, offers a breathtaking blend of lush rainforests, rare wildlife, and vibrant cultures. It's renowned for its expansive jungles teeming with orangutans and the stunning Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Adventure seekers can explore pristine beaches and rivers, while those interested in culture can visit traditional longhouses of indigenous tribes. Borneo is a true paradise for eco-tourists and adventurers alike, making it a must-visit destination.

Quick facts

Target stay

5-10 days

Type

Island

Vibe

Active

Airport

Bintulu

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

14 Best Things to Do in Borneo

1

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Borneo Rainforest

Immerse in biodiversity and stunning nature trails.

Booking required
2

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Orangutan Sanctuary

Get up close with endangered orangutans in their habitat.

Booking required
3

Est. 5 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Dive in Sipadan

Experience world-class diving at a renowned marine site.

Booking required
4

Est. 8 hrs

Seasonal

Adults only

Explore Mount Kinabalu

Hike Southeast Asia's highest peak for breathtaking views.

Booking required
5

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Borneo Night Safari

Experience the nocturnal wildlife of Borneo at night.

Booking required
6

Est. 5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Mulu Caves

Discover stunning limestone formations and diverse ecosystems.

Booking required
7

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience Indigenous Culture

Engage with local tribes and learn about their traditions.

No booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy River Cruises

Relax on a scenic cruise through Borneo's rivers.

No booking required
9

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Visit Turtle Islands

Witness sea turtles nesting and hatching on the beach.

Booking required
10

Est. 6 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Danum Valley

Discover pristine rainforest and rich wildlife diversity.

Booking required
11

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste Local Cuisine

Savor the unique flavors of Bornean dishes.

No booking required
12

Est. 5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Bako National Park

Hike through diverse ecosystems and see wildlife.

No booking required
13

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Visit The World’s Largest Flower

See Rafflesia arnoldii, the world's largest flower in bloom.

No booking required
14

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience Canopy Walkway

Walk among the treetops for breathtaking views.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~5-10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

-13 (#184 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Rupiah

Majority religion

Muslim

Language

Indonesian

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Nasi Goreng

Fried rice with various toppings. (National dish)

Satay

Grilled skewered meat with sauce.

Gado-Gado

VE

Vegetable salad with peanut sauce.

Rendang

Spicy beef stew with coconut milk.

Bakso

Meatballs in broth, often with noodles.

Phrases to learn

English

Indonesian

Hello

Halo

(Ha-loh)

Yes/No

Ya / Tidak

(Yah / Tee-dahk)

Thank you

Terima kasih

(Teh-ree-mah kah-see)

Excuse me

Maaf

(Mah-ahf)

How much?

Berapa?

(Ber-ah-pah)