Trips to Borneo
Why travel solo to Borneo?
What's the weather like?
Borneo is shared by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Indonesian Kalimantan and the tiny nation of Brunei.
The island has a tropical climate with high humidity, hot temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. The average summer temperature is 86ºF (30ºC) and the average winter temperature is 60ºF (16ºC).
Top three experiences
1. River safari and orangutan spotting on the Kinabatangan River
2. Stay overnight in an indigenous longhouse
3. Snorkel the clear waters of Manukan Island
Top five dishes to try
1. Bambagan – wild mango endemic to Borneo
2. Sarawak layer cake – rich, buttery cake in geometric layers
3. Laksa – spicy noodle soup topped with chicken, prawn or fish
4. Beef rendang – beef curry with spices and coconut milk
5. Kolo Mee – egg noodles with barbecued pork & shallots
Top places to visit
Kuching
This beautiful laidback riverside city is a mix of old and new: 19th-century colonial buildings sit alongside modern high rises and traditional Chinese shophouses line many of the narrow streets. Don’t miss taking a sampan ride to the grand astana palace or learning about Borneo’s 27 tribes at the fascinating Sarawak Museum.
Kota Kinabalu
A cosmopolitan coastal city surrounded by rainforest and in the shadow of Mount Kinabalu, ‘KK’ is known for its bustling markets, seafront boardwalk and sizzling street food stalls. Full of old-world charm, it’s a good base for exploring the nearby Kiulu Valley or day trips to the offshore islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.
Kinabatangan River
Sabah’s longest river flows east from the Crocker Range to spill into the mangrove-fringed Sulu Sea, passing through one of Southeast Asia’s richest rainforests. Atmospheric riverside lodges offer wildlife safaris by day and night, to spot endangered species like orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Mulu is known for its colossal caves and jagged limestone cliffs jutting out of the pristine jungle. Deer Cave (the largest cave system in the world – five times the size of St Paul’s Cathedral), is a fitting backdrop for the nightly exodus of millions of wrinkle-lipped bats who emerge at sunset in a frenzy.
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