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Baby Orangutan swinging in the jungle, Borneo, Malaysia

Borneo Holidays


asia
Borneo holidays offer incredible wildlife, lush tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage.

Journey deep into Borneo's jungle and cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search of pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinos, proboscis monkeys and colourful birdlife or visit the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe these adorable primates up close.

Aside from wildlife, Borneo boasts stunning scenery across its national parks, intriguing culture with indigenous local tribes and charming historic cities. If you’re looking to get stuck into a real outdoors adventure, Mount Kinabalu National Park offers a host of scenic walking trails and the chance to scale Malaysia’s highest peak! After all that excitement head to the beautiful unspoilt beaches and fabulous luxury resorts along the northern coast, ideal for complete rest and relaxation at the end of your Borneo holiday.

Trailfinders offers a range of Borneo holidays and we have a dedicated team of destination specialists who are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore Borneo with your own private guide and driver, on a sociable small group tour, as an exciting multi centre holiday or a luxury beach break – they are the perfect people to ask.

Please check the FCDO advice (UK) or DFA advice (Ireland) if you’re considering travelling to Turtle Island, Borneo
Speak to a Borneo Holidays Expert
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HOW TO GET AROUND BORNEO

With lush tropical jungles, spectacular wildlife and historic cities, Borneo is the perfect destination to be explored by private tour. Follow one of our classic itineraries or ask our expert travel consultants to tailormake your perfect Borneo holiday.

Alternatively, why not join a sociable guided group tour or slow the pace and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday at a luxury resort. It's also easy to combine a trip to Borneo with a stay in vibrant Kuala Lumpur on the Malaysian Peninsula to create an exciting multi centre holiday.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO BORNEO

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular Borneo holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.

Please check the FCDO advice (UK) or DFA advice (Ireland) if you’re considering travelling to Turtle Island, Borneo
Sabah Nature Trails
Private Tour
6 days / 5 nights

With beautiful scenery at every turn, this short tour of Sabah’s wonderful wildlife highlights is ideally combined with a Peninsular Malaysia holiday or a relaxing Borneo beach break.

Guide Price: €2,099 £1,829 pp

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Journey through Sarawak
Private Tour
7 days / 6 nights

See the orangutans at Semenggoh before heading deep into the jungle to learn about life in a traditional Iban longhouse on this fascinating private tour.

Guide Price: €1,629 £1,425 pp

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Marvels of Malaysia
Multi Centre Holiday
16 days / 15 nights

Experience the bright lights of Kuala Lumpur and the fascinating diverse culture in this dynamic capital city.

Guide Price: €3,249 £3,029 pp

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Sabah Wildlife Discovery
Private Tour
9 days / 8 nights

Discover Sabah’s wonderful wildlife and natural beauty by visiting all three of the state’s most important wildlife reserves.

Guide Price: €4,649 £4,029 pp

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Classic Borneo
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
10 days / 9 nights

Immerse yourself in natural wonders and abundant wildlife unique to Borneo on this 10-day adventure.

Guide Price: €2270 £1970 pp

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Climbing Mount Kinabalu
Active Holiday
3 days / 2 nights

The perfect active extension to your Borneo holiday.

Guide Price: €1,349 £1,175 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN BORNEO

Each state of Borneo boasts its own attractions and it’s no exaggeration to say each merits a holiday in its own right. It would be just as easy to spend all your time exploring Sabah’s cities, beaches and hot springs as it would be to discover the history, shophouses and traditional tribes in Sarawak. In both you can admire the fascinating wildlife in one of Borneo's many national parks!

Read the tiles below the Borneo map for more details on each destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration for your Borneo holiday, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Kota Kinabalu, or ‘KK’ as it is often called, is the capital of the state of Sabah with a host of city hotels to choose from and burgeoning food scene, from thriving night markets to a seemingly endless choice of restaurants.
Kinabalu National Park, Sabah
Kinabalu National Park, Sabah
With its stunning landscapes, scenic walking trails and exotic tropical gardens, Kinabalu National Park offers a host of natural attractions. The western side of the park is also the starting point for climbing Mount Kinabulu, the highest mountain in South East Asia.
Borneo Beaches
Borneo beach holidays offer a unique blend of soft sandy shores, dramatic natural beauty and secluded island escapes, all easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu. It’s a destination that feels both adventurous and relaxing, where pristine coastline meets untouched rainforest.
Sandakan, Sabah
Sandakan, Sabah
Situated on the northeast of Sabah’s coastline Sandakan is best known as the main access point to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which offers the chance to see these amazing creatures up close in their natural habitat. The neighbouring Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre also carries out fantastic work rehabilitating sun bears.
Kinabatangan River, Sabah
Kinabatangan River, Sabah
Sabah’s longest river is one of the best places to experience Borneo’s incredible wildlife. The waterways of the Kinabatangan River basin offer fantastic viewing opportunities of primates and birdlife, including proboscis monkeys, orangutans and rare pygmy elephants.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah
Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah
Covering over 300,000 acres of lowland rainforest in Eastern Sabah, Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a nature lovers paradise, home to endangered pygmy elephants, 9 species of primates and over 300 types of birds, including 8 different hornbill species.
Danum Valley, Sabah
Danum Valley, Sabah
Located in the southeast of Sabah, the remote and off-the-beaten-track Danum Valley is rich in biodiversity and recognised as one of the world’s most fascinating and complex eco-systems. Here you can find a host of endangered species, including the majestic clouded leopard.
Kuching, Sarawak
Kuching, Sarawak
Positioned on the banks of the Sarawak River, the state’s charming capital combines beautiful colonial buildings, colourful Chinese shophouses and a lovely waterfront - Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, a rehabilitation centre for orangutans is also just a short drive away.
Batang Ai National Park, Sarawak
Batang Ai National Park, Sarawak
Located 110 miles southeast of Kuching, this remote, lesser visited national park is home to a variety of wildlife. Here you can also encounter the distinctive culture of the indigenous Iban people, once known as Sea Dayaks who were feared for headhunting, they now live a harmonious faming lifestyle.
Bako National Park, Sarawak
Bako National Park, Sarawak
The oldest of Sarak’s national parks, and just over 20 miles from Kuching, few places pack so much wildlife into such a small space. With its rainforest, waterfalls and dramatic coastline, this is one of the best places in Sarawak to observe the fabulous proboscis monkeys, silvered langurs and bearded pigs.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN BORNEO

We feature a great range of accommodation in Borneo, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a rustic lodge in the heart of the rainforest or a central city hotel with a river view? Or perhaps it’s a luxurious hideaway on the beach or a family friendly resort.

What you won’t find here are thousands of Borneo hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help you plan your Borneo holiday, often with first-hand experience.
Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
5 star

Borneo Beach

This fabulous beachfront resort enjoys a great location overlooking the sweeping white sands of Dalit Bay.
Gaya Island Resort, Pulau Gaya
5 star

Borneo Beach

Set on the tropical island of Pulau Gaya in a protected marine conservation area, Gaya Island Resort offers a rainforest retreat just 15 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
3 plus star

Kinabatangan River

This lovely lodge was one of the first ecotourism properties to be built in Borneo and remains one of the best places from which to observe the Kinabatangan River’s abundant wildlife.
Sepilok Nature Lodge
3 star

Sepilok

Situated within lush tropical rainforest and built around a lake, the Sepilok Nature Reserve has a fantastic location, next door to both the Orangutan Sanctuary and Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
3 plus star

Danum Valley

Borneo Rainforest Lodge is a must visit, spectacular place for wildlife enthusiasts and avid birdwatchers.
Tabin Wildlife Resort
2 star

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Located in a remote corner of eastern Sabah, Tabin Wildlife Resort’s charming wooden chalets provide simple yet comfortable accommodation overlooking the lush tropical rainforest and the Lipad River.

WHAT TO DO IN BORNEO

As well as awe-inspiring sights, Borneo is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide an insight into the culture and a unique way to experience the areas natural splendour that sightseeing alone simply can't replace.
1 Night Orangutan & Sun Bear Discovery
2 days / 1 night
Departs: Kota Kinabalu

Discover the wonderful wildlife of Borneo on this overnight tour to ...

Danum Valley Adventure at Borneo Rainforest Lodge
3 days / 2 nights
Departs: Lahad Datu

Extend your Borneo trip and visit the famous Danum Valley and spend 3 days at Borneo Rainforest ...

Climbing Mount Kinabalu
3 days / 2 nights
Departs: Kota Kinabalu

Two days of challenging trekking brings you to the summit of Borneo’s highest ...

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BORNEO?

The best time to visit Borneo is generally between March and October when the island is at its driest and nature viewing at its optimum. Although Borneo enjoys a hot tropical year round climate November to February are usually the wettest months where the island sees heavy rainfall, particularly in Sarawak in the south.

See the graphs below or speak to one of our travel consultants for more information.

For more information take a look at our guide to the best time to visit Borneo.

JAN

29
6h  17cm

FEB

30
7h  10cm

MAR

31
8h  10cm

APR

31
8h  15cm

MAY

31
7h  26cm

JUN

31
7h  28cm

JUL

31
7h  25cm

AUG

31
6h  25cm

SEP

31
6h  29cm

OCT

30
6h  32cm

NOV

30
6h  24cm

DEC

30
6h  24cm

JAN

29
4h  67cm

FEB

30
4h  49cm

MAR

31
5h  33cm

APR

32
6h  29cm

MAY

32
6h  27cm

JUN

32
6h  24cm

JUL

32
6h  19cm

AUG

32
6h  23cm

SEP

31
5h  25cm

OCT

31
5h  32cm

NOV

31
5h  39cm

DEC

30
4h  46cm

JAN

29
5h  36cm

FEB

29
6h  26cm

MAR

30
7h  20cm

APR

31
8h  11cm

MAY

32
8h  13cm

JUN

32
7h  20cm

JUL

32
7h  18cm

AUG

32
7h  19cm

SEP

31
6h  27cm

OCT

31
6h  30cm

NOV

30
6h  34cm

DEC

29
5h  40cm

Borneo Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Michelle Tachon -  expert
Michelle Tachon

With their round bellys and long noses, the Proboscis Monkeys stand out from the crowd. A two night lodge stay on the Kinabatangan River is the best way to see these unique primates in the wild.

Abbi Harris -  expert
Abbi Harris

Looking for something active? Climbing Mount Kinabalu isn't easy but watching the sunrise from the top is definitely worth it!

Peter Duckworth -  expert
Peter Duckworth

A cultural melting pot, Sabah's capital Kota Kinabalu boasts a fabulous night market, wonderful waterfront and an endless choice of restaurants

Borneo Fast Facts

Time Zone: Borneo is 8 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight savings

Getting to Borneo: Flight times to Borneo average at between 17 to 19 hours depending on the airline and route

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). ATM's are available in towns and cities, and many restaurants and hotels accept credit/debit cards

Tipping: Tipping in Borneo is not expected but is appreciated

Language: Malay is the official language of Borneo. English is also widely spoken

Visa: For stays over 30 days only (Irish passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information.


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

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