Borneo Holidays: Rainforests, Wildlife & CultureA Borneo holiday can make you feel like you’ve stepped into a wilder version of Southeast Asia. Whether you’re planning a holiday to Borneo with your family crew or want to uncover the most remote parts of the region with your partner, our Borneo tour itineraries are completely customised to you. We shape the route, plan the pace and pick the best places for you to stay – for a cultural adventure that could only be yours.Borneo has some of the biggest tropical trees, oldest primeval rainforests, most biodiverse ecosystems, and more species than Darwin ever dreamed of. Slap-bang in the middle of maritime Southeast Asia, Borneo is the world’s third-largest island – and the biggest in Asia. It’s divided between Indonesia (south), Brunei (just a tiny sliver), and Malaysia, where the northern states of Sabah and Sarawak offer some of the best wildlife and cultural experiences in the region.Sabah is Malaysian Borneo’s main tourist hub. About 55% forested, it’s home to standout wildlife experiences like the Kinabatangan River’s “corridor of life” and the remote Maliau Basin – half of which is still unexplored. Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak, rises here too, alongside beach-fringed islands as beautiful as any in the region.Sarawak, to the northwest, is more about culture. Stay in tribal longhouses with the Iban people, learn about the White Rajahs, or cycle through Dayak farmland. Kuching, the capital, is a street food haven shaped by Chinese, Malay, Indian and European flavours.Borneo’s forests are twice as old as the Amazon and home to 20% of the world’s animal species. It’s wild, remote and remarkable – but never out of reach when you’ve got the right people behind you. That’s where we come in.Borneo is not on the radar of most Australians yet. But as home to around 20% of the world's animal species with orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and a rainforest ecosystem twice as old as the Amazon - it really should be for anyone who is seeking true immersion in nature in a safe environment with comfortable accommodation to return to each night. All just a day's travel from Australia.Read morePlan A Borneo Adventure Overview Trip ideas Experiences Places to visit Best time to visit Accommodation Trip ideasMore itinerariesPlan my trip Borneo Fully customisable Best of BorneoSabah contains geological wonders, wildlife sanctuaries, and rainforests yet to be explored by man; Sarawak adds indigneous longhouse stays, street-food culture, and eccentric colonial history. Borneo Fully customisable Sabah SojournIf Sarawak is Malaysian Borneo’s cultural heart, Sabah is its wild side – with deep, dark swathes of rainforest unmarred by development, and rich reserves of wildlife waiting to be discovered. Borneo Fully customisable Borneo Family AdventureFor real family adventure in a setting straight from The Jungle Book, there’s nowhere in the world to beat Borneo. Multi-country Fully customisable Borneo & Malaysia DiscoveryRainforests, skyscrapers, mountains and heritage towns. Add wildlife encounters, food tours and street art for an all-encompassing trip to Malaysia and Borneo. Borneo Fully customisable Borneo to be WildOne for the walkers, this itinerary is all about discovering Malaysian Borneo’s magnificent scenery on your own two feet. Borneo Fully customisable Borneo UncoveredIf you’re going to Borneo, you might as well dive in at the deep end. That’s the philosophy behind this trip, which passes up Borneo’s better-known destinations in favour of the truly wild and remote. Top destinations in BorneoMost holidays to Borneo we plan focus on wildlife and the great outdoors. But that doesn't mean every trip is the same. Some of us want to get as deep into the jungle as humanly possible, sleeping in tribal longhouses on multi-day treks, where leech socks are worth adding to your packing list. Others want to enjoy the magnificence of the rainforest from the comfort of a riverside lodge, complete with pool. Luxury Borneo holidays do exist – but the closer to animals you get, the rougher around the edges the accommodation becomes. And we think that’s all part of the jungle’s deeply natural appeal.Read lessSepilokSepilok is a small forest-edge settlement in Sabah, best known for its long-running wildlife rehabilitation efforts. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is the main draw – a sanctuary for orphaned or displaced orangutans, many of which are in the process of being reintroduced to the wild. Visitors can see semi-wild orangutans at the feeding platforms, where juveniles often swing down from the trees to collect fruit. There's also an indoor nursery viewing area, where younger orangutans play and climb as part of learning the skills they’ll need to survive independently. Just next door, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre houses rescued sun bears in spacious forest enclosures. With a bit of patience, visitors can usually spot these shy, tree-climbing bears foraging, climbing or dozing in the shade. The rest of Sepilok is quiet – mostly forest lodges and forest trails.KuchingKuching is Sarawak’s capital and one of Borneo’s best-loved cities – compact, walkable, and set along a broad riverfront that comes alive in the evening with food stalls and families out for a stroll. It’s an easy place to spend a few days, with a mix of heritage buildings, quirky museums and good food – from waterfront laksa stalls to retro Chinese coffee shops. The city’s name means “cat” in Malay, and the feline theme pops up everywhere, from giant statues to an entire Cat Museum. For many travellers, Kuching is also the gateway to Borneo’s national parks. Bako National Park, reached by boat and often visited as a day trip, is known for its wild coastal scenery and wildlife – including proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs and bright blue fiddler crabs. Semenggoh Nature Reserve, about 40 minutes by road, offers a chance to see semi-wild orangutans during twice-daily feeding sessions. With its relaxed pace, friendly atmosphere and easy access to nature, Kuching makes a natural base for travellers who want a mix of urban comfort and nearby nature – without the long drives.Kota KinabaluKinabalu Park is one of Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the jumping-off point for climbs up Mount Kinabalu. The park sits in the Crocker Range at around 1,500m above sea level. Well-marked trails loop through cloud forest thick with orchids, pitcher plants and moss-covered trees, and the park’s biodiversity – with thousands of plant species and hundreds of birds – makes it a favourite with nature enthusiasts. For those not climbing, shorter trails near the park headquarters offer good walking and birdwatching, and there’s a canopy walkway and hot springs at nearby Poring. Accommodation in the area ranges from basic park lodges to more comfortable forest resorts, many with views across the foothills.Gaya IslandJust a 15-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island offers a quieter, greener alternative to the mainland. Covered in dense rainforest and edged by mangroves and coral reefs, it’s the largest of the five islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. There are just a handful of places to stay: wooden villas tucked into the hillside and stilted suites above the water, many with views across the South China Sea. Days here tend to unfold slowly – snorkelling straight from the beach, walking jungle trails that start behind the resorts, or taking a kayak out into the mangroves. The island’s wildlife are the true stars: long-tailed macaques, hornbills and monitor lizards will likely cross your path.Read more Borneo Batang AiRemote Batang Ai is the ancestral heartland of Sarawak’s Iban people and the best place to spot orangutans in the wild. After exploring the jungle, experience life in a tribal longhouse, sharing song, dance and tuak rice wine long into the night. Borneo Danum ValleyDanum Valley is one of the few places in the world that has never been settled, logged, hunted or otherwise interfered with by humans. Hidden in its untouched forests, wildlife thrives – from the world’s tallest tropical tree to the highest concentration of orangutans anywhere in the world. Borneo Gaya IslandWith coral reefs, dense mangroves, sandy beaches and thick jungle, all just fifteen minutes by speedboat from Sabah’s capital, Gaya Island is a microcosm of the Borneo wilderness and a true tropical paradise. Borneo Kinabalu ParkRising 4,095 metres over Borneo and surrounded by rainforest, Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea, and the national park that surrounds it is among the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Borneo Kinabatangan RiverStay in an eco-lodge on the banks of Sabah’s longest river, where elephants, macaques and gibbons forage in the dense riverside foliage, and frogmouths, nightjars and hornbills wheel overhead. Borneo Kota KinabaluBeyond its colonial clock towers, lakeside mosques and ocean-fresh seafood, Sabah’s up-and-coming capital is the gateway to the tallest peak in Southeast Asia and one of the most important areas of biodiversity in the world. Borneo KuchingA wide variety of indigenous and immigrant cultures combine to form Kuching’s unmistakable cultural mélange, expressed not only in its historic architecture and ethnic diversity, but in its legendary laksa, multicoloured cakes and freshly blended gourmet coffee. Borneo Maliau BasinOften referred to as Borneo’s “Lost World”, the Maliau Basin’s hostile geography has kept the rest of the world out for 130 million years. Its isolation has allowed a cornucopia of endemic species to thrive undisturbed. Borneo Mulu National ParkAbove ground, hike to giant, razor-sharp pinnacles and rugged mountain peaks; below it, marvel at helictites and rock corals in one of the largest cave systems in the world. Mulu National Park is a geological wonderland. Borneo SepilokSepilok isn’t just the best place in North Borneo to see orangutans – it's one of the island’s premier conservation destinations, with exemplary projects doing fantastic work. Borneo Tabin Wildlife ReserveCovering an area twice the size of Singapore, come to Tabin for mud volcanoes, jungle trekking, an orangutan release centre, and the chance to spot over 300 types of exotic bird – from the bronzed drongo to the blue-crowned hanging parrot. Borneo ReviewsRead more reviews This is the second time we have used Inside Asia because of the personal service that you provide. From the initial contact discussing our requirements through to the delivery of the holiday itself, you have provided a quality, bespoke experience, with amazing staff interaction. All really well organised from start to finish. Responsive assistance provided throughout the planning and the actual trip. The service was very professional.Very impressed with our agent who truly listened to what we wanted. The tour package was put together with a lot of thought and took in our needs do to age and walking ability. The tour covered so many incredible aspects of all the countries. Some [...] We asked for a tour covering particular areas in Malaysia over 3 weeks. This was arranged as requested by Jess and we had a lovely holiday...from Borneo and orangutangs to start with then on to sophisticated and modern cities Kuala Lumpar, Ipoh and Penang.. and finally a chill out on [...] We had a great trip, very well organised, interesting and most enjoyable From the initial contact to the actual holiday itself, the service provided was impeccable. Everything was as described and as a family with two young children - we had the most incredible tailor-made holiday. Borneo gets under your skin. It’s not just the orangutans or the jungle riverboats – though those are unforgettable – it’s the way the place makes you feel: slightly humbled, often muddy, and absolutely alive.One minute you’re following sun bears through the undergrowth, the next you’re sharing rice wine with Iban hosts or trading snack tips at a Kuching night market. It’s a place where nothing feels packaged, and every experience feels earned. You come for the wildlife, but it’s the warmth and the sheer unpredictability of it all that stays with you.” ExperiencesBorneo is where you come to step off the usual route – whether that means hiking for days via escorted tour through rainforest, staying in a longhouse, or sitting quietly on a riverbank watching for orangutans.Much of Borneo can’t – and shouldn’t – be tackled alone. That’s why we work with guides who don’t just know the forest but are still fascinated by it. The ones who can track a sun bear through the undergrowth, tell you which frog you’re hearing at night, or spot a pygmy elephant before you’ve even noticed the trees move.But it’s not all jungle. Borneo is as much about people as it is about wildlife: roadside markets with sizzling satay grills, highland villages where rice wine flows freely and cities where old shopfronts sit beside new coffee bars. What makes the island special is the combination of all of it – and the chance to see how it fits together.Read moreMore experiences Kuching • Borneo Semenggoh Orangutan SanctuaryJust south of Kuching, the Semenggoh Wildlife Reserve has provided a sanctuary for rescued orangutans since 1975. Kota Kinabalu • Borneo Rural Sabah by bikeLeave the urban sprawl of Kota Kinabalu behind and journey through fruit orchards and paddy fields on a guided cycle trip into rural Sabah. Kinabalu Park • Borneo Mount Kinabalu climbWatching sunrise from the top of the highest mountain in Southeast Asia is an unforgettable experience. Gaya Island • Borneo Gaya Island marine sportsBorneo is a firm contender for top marine destination on the planet, and there are few natural environments more magical than the coral reefs around Gaya Island. Tabin Wildlife Reserve • Borneo Trekking in Tabin Wildlife ReserveMalaysia’s largest wildlife reserve covers well over 1,000 sq km in the far east of Borneo yet is home to just one wildlife resort. Batang Ai • Borneo Meeting the Iban peopleBorneo’s Iban people may have abandoned their former practice of headhunting, but thankfully their traditional culture survives in many other forms. Borneo travel guide Where to see orangutans The best-known place is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre near Sandakan, where rescued orangutans are reintroduced to the wild. It’s a good first stop, especially if you want to see younger orangutans in the nursery learning to climb and feed. For a wilder experience, head to Semenggoh Nature Reserve near Kuching or travel by boat to the Kinabatangan River, where sightings of fully wild orangutans are common – often high in the canopy or feeding on fruit trees by the riverbanks. Best time to visit Borneo The best time to visit Borneo is often considered dry season (March to October), which offers the best weather for wildlife viewing, trekking and travel between regions. That said, Borneo’s rainforest climate means showers can happen at any time. The wet season (November to February) sees fewer visitors, which means quieter trails and easier bookings – especially if you’re looking at top-end lodges or last-minute travel, but also closures for annual refurbishment works. Some of the more remote national parks may be less accessible during this time, but for many, it’s still a great time to go. Why visit Borneo? Borneo offers something you won’t find elsewhere in Southeast Asia: primary rainforest, rare wildlife, and meaningful conservation experiences. It’s a place where you can watch orangutans one day and explore street-food markets the next, or wake up in a jungle lodge and end your trip on a quiet beach. Culturally, it’s diverse and welcoming, with dozens of indigenous communities, longhouse traditions and a strong sense of regional identity that feels different from mainland Malaysia or Indonesia. It’s not just about nature – it’s about the mix. Best itinerary for wildlife enthusiasts Any of our Borneo trips can be tailored for wildlife lovers, so just tell us what you're hoping to see. If orangutans are your focus, we’ll include Sepilok and Semenggoh; if you want the best chance of seeing pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys or crocodiles, a few nights along the Kinabatangan River is a must. Birdwatchers often head to Tabin, where the forest is less disturbed and species counts are high. Keen walkers might want to include trails in Kinabalu Park or multi-day jungle treks with expert guides. Let us know your interests – we'll shape the route around them. Borneo's beaches While Borneo isn’t as beach-focused as other parts of Southeast Asia, there are some excellent places to round off a trip. Gaya Island, off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, has low-key resorts, coral reefs and easy access from the airport – perfect for a short, relaxing stay. Guides and inspiration Borneo Field notes: Borneo – into the jungle and beyond Southeast Asia specialist, Rhys, shares his trip through Borneo – from spotting pot-bellied monkeys in thousand-year-old jungle to bouncing on the Murut tribe’s trampoline. Borneo Field notes: what to expect when hiking Mt Kinabalu As the tallest mountain between the Himalayas & New Guinea, Mt Kinabaulu is Borneo’s highest climb. We sent Claire, one of our... Borneo Danum Valley, Borneo: Welcome to one of the last true wildernesses Getting to the heart of a 135-million-year-old rainforest, cut off from all human influence and habitation, isn’t the easiest thing to do.... Borneo Where to see orangutans in Borneo - ethically! “Where can I see orangutans in Borneo?” The number one question on the lips of every wildlife enthusiast... Borneo Dangerous animals in Borneo: A brief guide Are there dangerous animals in Borneo? You bet. Will you bump into them? …Probably not. Borneo is absolutely teeming with life. The... FAQs Sometimes you need a specialist. Whether your question is about visas, domestic flight combinations or how vegan-friendly Laos is, we're here to help you. What animals can I see? Borneo is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Wildlife highlights include orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, sun bears and hornbills, with the lucky few also spotting clouded leopards or pangolins. You don’t have to go far – even near popular centres like Sepilok or along the Kinabatangan River, you’ve got a good chance of seeing some of Borneo’s rarest residents in the wild. Is Borneo good for families? Yes – if your kids are curious about the world, Borneo can be a brilliant option for children and adults alike. It’s safe, English is widely spoken, and the mix of rainforest wildlife, riverboats, beaches and friendly local communities makes for a genuinely varied trip. The key is in the pacing: we design itineraries that build in down-time and keep travel distances manageable. Orangutans, canopy walkways and fireflies tend to go down well with all ages. What's the time difference? Borneo is eight hours ahead of the UK (GMT+8) and 12 hours head of New York (ET+12). It has the same time zone as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Perth. There’s no daylight-saving time. What's the official language? Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) is the official language of Malaysian Borneo. English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas, especially by guides and hospitality staff. How many days in Borneo is enough? This is up to you! The best length of time to spend in Borneo is completely dependent on where you want to focus, and what you want to do. You could spend between 12 and 16 days here to completely immerse yourself in both Sabah and Sarawak’s culture. Alternatively, you can focus a week on wildlife spotting in Sabah before moving on to travel to mainland Malaysia or further afield. Our Borneo & Malaysia Discovery itinerary is designed with this in mind. All our Borneo tour packages are completely customisable, so you can focus on the wildlife highlights, or explore Borneo more widely. Our team love Borneo, and they make it their business to plan a Borneo itinerary that’s just right for you. Why book with InsideAsia? Travel’s friendliest expertsWe promise we’ll care about your trip as much as you do. A dedicated travel consultant will listen, guide and create a trip that could only be yours. Specialists make it effortlessFrom seamless logistics to unexpected discoveries, our deep destination specialism means travel that feels effortless and richer than you could plan for alone. Rockstar service as standardWe guarantee that you'll have our support every step of the way. We never pass the buck or fail to take responsibility. We’ll be there whenever you need us. Our Info-Packs are legendaryTransfers, tickets and check‑ins verified so your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, we create your totally tailored trip bible, so every detail is in your hand, at all times. Borneo Speak with a Borneo specialistFriendly, dedicated people, just up the road in Brisbane, who care as much about your trip as you doGet a brochureContact our Brisbane team
This is the second time we have used Inside Asia because of the personal service that you provide. From the initial contact discussing our requirements through to the delivery of the holiday itself, you have provided a quality, bespoke experience, with amazing staff interaction.
All really well organised from start to finish. Responsive assistance provided throughout the planning and the actual trip.
The service was very professional.Very impressed with our agent who truly listened to what we wanted. The tour package was put together with a lot of thought and took in our needs do to age and walking ability. The tour covered so many incredible aspects of all the countries. Some [...]
We asked for a tour covering particular areas in Malaysia over 3 weeks. This was arranged as requested by Jess and we had a lovely holiday...from Borneo and orangutangs to start with then on to sophisticated and modern cities Kuala Lumpar, Ipoh and Penang.. and finally a chill out on [...]
From the initial contact to the actual holiday itself, the service provided was impeccable. Everything was as described and as a family with two young children - we had the most incredible tailor-made holiday.
Travel’s friendliest expertsWe promise we’ll care about your trip as much as you do. A dedicated travel consultant will listen, guide and create a trip that could only be yours.
Specialists make it effortlessFrom seamless logistics to unexpected discoveries, our deep destination specialism means travel that feels effortless and richer than you could plan for alone.
Rockstar service as standardWe guarantee that you'll have our support every step of the way. We never pass the buck or fail to take responsibility. We’ll be there whenever you need us.
Our Info-Packs are legendaryTransfers, tickets and check‑ins verified so your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, we create your totally tailored trip bible, so every detail is in your hand, at all times.