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Either way, well give you our top picks for your flights. Between certain areas such as the Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley where there are no sensible flight connections, ground transportation is the best option. Feeding sessions start at 9 am and 3 pm, and you must time your visit with one or you wont be able to see the animals. The easiest and cheapest way is to fly from Penang Airport or Kuala Lumpur's KLIA/KLIA2 to either the hubs of Kuching and Miri in Sarawak or Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. Why? Also, ensure you pack more than enough. All trips to Indonesian Kalimantan have a stopover somewhere in Indonesia (most likely Jakarta). There are two main orangutan rehabilitation centers, Semenggoh near Kuching and Sepilok in Sandakan, but there are chances to explore areas where the orangutans still dwell in the wild. How to Get Around When to Go How to Stay Safe Best Places to Book Your Trip Related Blogs on Malaysia Click Here for City Guides Top 5 Things to See and Do in Malaysia 1. People often ask is Borneo is cheap and how much money to take to Borneo. If youre looking for some direction, our tips on the best time to travel and how long to stay will help. Always good to get personal input on the safety of a new place. Its probably the most forward-looking city in Borneo, and yet its steeped in beautiful traditions and set at a stone throw from some of West Sarawaks most impressive national parks and sights, including the Semenggoh Orangutan sanctuary and Bako national park. One of the most exhilarating is the twin otter flight from Miri to the Kelabit Highlands in Bario, one of the smallest planes I ever flew in! You can hike between villages, explore the original first longhouse in Bario and stay with its ancestral inhabitants, or brave some of the regions most arduous treks. There are places you can do independently, for sure, but getting to the real jungle at a minimum requires hiring a guide. The Cost of Travel in Malaysian Borneo - Be My Travel Muse Hide your skin please and a very good sun hat to protect yourself from the unforgiving sun. I highly recommend G Adventures for organised tours. I highly recommend two companies, Sticky Rice Travel in Kota Kinabalu the biggest in Sabah, working with the likes of National Geographic and Bike and Tours in the southern Sabah city of Lahad Datu. Make an entire day of it! Given the extratime it takes to drive instead of fly and the sad reality that palm oil plantations make for a not-so-scenic drive, we dont recommend self-driving for most holidays in Borneo. On a tailor-made vacation to Borneo with Audley, you'll see the highlights and much more your way. The best time to Dive in Borneo is between April to December, with the best visibility in July and August. You wont be able to see them anymore, as they are extinct in Malaysia since 2019.Regardless, Tabin is another good option to see some amazing Borneo rainforest without the crowds. The cave system at Mulu is one of the largest in the whole world: the Deer Cave is just HUGE 2km in length, the main chamber is 174mt-wide and 122mt-high, and it never gets smaller or shorter than 90mt. However, if you intend visiting remote areas of Kalimantan or doing some remote trekking in the Kelabit areas around Bario and cross into Indonesia from there, then consult your doctor before embarking on your Borneo backpacking trip. To be fair, the experience at Sepilok is also more touristy. Do you want to make travel planning easier? However, while travelling around Borneo is straightforward, it will be slow due to the tropical terrain and underdeveloped roads. Markets are fantastic places to get fresh produce and try local delicacies such as Sarawak Laksa. If you'd prefer to stay in Sandakan or Sepilok another night and still join in on a Kinabatangan River Cruise, then it's possible to arrange a day trip online. Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important site for diversity more than 4,500 species of birds and animals live here. It will break some general myths about backpacking in Borneo and give you a solid head start to plan your adventurous backpacking trip or short trip in Malaysia in one of the most stunning parts of Malaysia, and why not, entire Southeast Asia. The Dry Season in Borneo is from March to October, and youll experience less rain. Roads throughout Borneo are well-maintained and driving is on the left. Ultimate Borneo Backpacking Guide To Sabah For An EPIC Trip - VeggTravel Dont be put off by the rustic atmosphere you are dining on a wooden stilt verandah over the sea, after all. Backpacking Borneo is one of the best experiences you can have in Malaysia, period. Remember that Grab Car and other car-hailing services are not available in this area of Sabah. Whether hiring a car, catching a bus, or getting on the plane, you can normally find reasonably priced fares. This is a very important aspect of any trip to Borneo: in order to get your ass into the REAL rainforest (not a park with a feeding platform full of snap-happy monkeys of both the human and the animal kind), there are high costs involved. We believe theres no other place in Southeast Asia with a similar amount of wildlife you must go to the Danum Valley Conservation Area, great hiking check our ultimate guide to Tawau Hills Park and potential for adventure. If you'd like to chat about Borneo or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help. Our Borneo travel guide takes you to the world's third largest island. The worst time to travel to Borneo is between December and January when the sea is choppy and theres more rain the worst time to see animals. If you like diving, or your holiday doesnt feel complete without enjoying a fantastic beach, there are no better shores than Mabul island in the whole of Borneo. BORNEO Travel Guide: The Land of Orangutans and Dayak Tribes Except, of course, when it comes to orangutans - almost everyone wants to see those. By any means, visiting Sepilok is a great experience, and your money will benefit the rehabilitation process. Like West Malaysia, Islam is the most common region, followed by Buddhism and Hinduism. Vibrant Hostel Begin your journey from either Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) or Kuching (Sarawak), as flights to these cities from Malaysia's biggest airport in Kuala Lumpur are regular, cheap and means that you can travel from one end of Borneo to the other! If you buy tickets in advance, AirAsia has very cheap tickets that can cost a mere 10/20$ one way. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. While we can book certain fares for you with a fee, we understand that you may wish to do so yourselves. In brief, because there are few backpackers in Borneo and you will enjoy your time much more. Its all in Borneo, and its all so easy to visit you will want to keep returning time and time again. 44 likes, 0 comments - Nana MisCha (@___nxnx.mischx___) on Instagram: "The most beautiful gift of nature is that it gives one pleasure to look around and try to . Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat Nature Lodge Sepilok Sandakan Backpackers Hostel Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan NAK Hotel, See more places to Stay in Sandakan and check prices. You cant see more pristine tropical rainforest in all of Borneo. We have been to Borneo multiple times over the past 10 years, and we always find new interesting places to visit in Borneo. Borneo sits within the tropics and is humid and rainy all year. We would like to go to Camp Leaky, Semporna and Danum Valley but would like suggestions on how to get around and see all the best parts of Borneo in a short time frame. The Bunk Steamy, like a wood fired sauna, might be a better description. Vacations Travel Guide Best Time To Go Map Vacation Types Reviews Borneo travel advice Turtle watching advice Kate Tyler, from our tailor made vacation specialists Odyssey World, shares her Borneo travel advice for marine wildlife fans: "People complain about Selingan Island in Sabah. Those traditions are certainly long forgotten today, especially when the majority of people embraced Christianity. Tick. PRO TIP: One of Sandakans top draws is food: at a minimum, with one night to spare, go to the Sim Sim stilt village at Restaurant Sim Sim 90, and order any of their famous seafood dishes. In Kalimantan, going from Samarinda up the Mahakam River into the interior is a real adventure for the most ballsy backpackers out there. This is where youll definitely see orangutans the number depends on your luck, as they come twice a day for feeding. Just 15 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalus Jesselton Pier, the parks five islands named Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan, Sapi and Sulug offer good snorkelling and scuba diving, plus beaches and forests. Any bus from Kota Kinabalus Inanam bus station to Sandakan will stop for you.If you want to see the orangutans first, make sure you tell your driver to stop for you at the Sepilok turnoff. Read more about responsible tourism in Borneo to find out how to make the most of your holiday. However, it does entice people far and wide with ecotourism. Nope. If you are coming from Sukau, it makes sense to stop in Sepilok first, as the orangutan and sun bear sanctuaries are located 25km away from Sandakan town along the side road that connects the Borneo highway to Sandakan and the coast. There are daily direct boats from Labuan to Kota Kinabalu, or you can get the shorter dingy to Menumbok, and then catch an onward bus (RM15) to Kota Kinabalu from there. Oh yes. Over 700,000 visited Borneo Cultures Museum since March last year In all honesty, with such a short time for your two weeks Borneo itinerary, Miri doesnt deserve more than the one night after you arrive by plane from Kuching. I write about exciting bucket list travel destinations to give you inspiration and ideas for your next trip. This is also the primary reason why we dont recommend catching the ferry from Sandakan to Zamboanga in the Philippines if its true that several backpackers have done that, traveling to Zamboanga as a solo backpacker without any Bahasa Malaysia or Tagalog is just plain hazardous. Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Borneo Explore Bukit Piton Orangutan Sanctuary At Home with Pirates on a Sungai Kapur River Cruise Best Places to Visit in Malaysia in 3 Days Tawau Hills Park Hiking Guide. Borneos cities are all easily explored on foot. A river system you can explore at your own leisure. One of the most bio-diverse regions in Asia, it boasts mountain ranges, rainforests, marine national parks and a vast cultural heritage. We certainly hitchhiked all the way from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau several times, but we dont expect you are up to the same challenge. Buses cost about the same as in Peninsular Malaysia at around $7-$20 per one-way trip, depending on distance. One of the most famous boat trips in Sarawak is taking ferries from Sibu to Belaga via Kapit, or you can also catch a boat from Kuching to Sarikei and Sibu. Explore bustling cities, lush jungles and paradise beaches. Take a stroll inside the Kinabalu Park, which is free of charge, to have a good sample of the fauna and flora that abounds on this mountain. Why? Please also ask any questions or give me your feedback in the comments section below. The only cost-effective way to see Mulu is flying from Kuching to Miri first, spend a night there and then fly from Miri to Mulu early the next day. Rainforest shrouded in the morning mist. You also go by boat from Tawau across the Indonesian Kalimantan border at Nunukan or Tarakan islands. Top 3 Wildlife Adventures You Can Do in Borneo on a Budget But to those in the know, its so much more. Required fields are marked *. Before you set yourself a budget, consider how long you plan to stay in Borneo, as well as what activities you want to do while youre there. International flights between Miri and Brunei dont really exist its too close. First time travelers to Borneo - Responsible Travel A hiking raincoat and a decent pair of hiking boots are definitely recommended. Also, the Ulu Temburong National Park is only accessible by boat. The second day is more technical: you'll get up early and climb to the summit. There are also direct buses between Brunei and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, but be reminded that if you travel this way, besides wasting a full day on the road, your passport will also be stamped an astounding amount of times. However, Borneo is one of the last remaining places in the world where the descendants of those tribes still live semi-traditional lives. How to Move Around Borneo. However, the same goes for your day-pack. Dont miss a visit to Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, a piece of Switzerland in tropical Borneo including cows and a milk and cheese factory a real rarity in this part of the world. Here are some tips for visiting Kota Kinabalu. You can check the best prices from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, and from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan. I would love to stay at the Kinabatangan River Nature Lodge. In other words, it will be close to impossible for an independent traveler to be able to reach places like Sungai Kapur, or private orangutan reserves like Bukit Piton. Monkeys, orangutans, snakes, mouse deer with the right guide, youll see them all. If youre lucky, you might spot saltwater crocs, bearded pigs and otters too. And Kalimantan thats something I miss greatly, and I am looking forward to writing about it as soon as possible. What is very important to say is, independent backpacking in Borneo only takes you that far. When hiking in Borneo, leech socks are much recommended to avoid the jungles most nasty bite. All our trips support communities and preserve nature - which helps you get closer to both. Do a combo Orangutan and River Kayaking Adventure tour. This goes all the way from food (expect to pay in the order of RM10 for a meal) to accommodation (more expensive than in Penang or Kuala Lumpur, for sure) and especially, the tours. Its high on my list since I believe that its even more exotic and even beautiful than the peninsula. For rural Borneo, Celcom seems to have the best coverage. Remember to pack insect repellent and fast-drying clothes you can easily wash in a hotels sink and dry on a line another essential thing to carry. Borneo Itinerary - Two Weeks in Malaysian Borneo 2023 - A Lovely Planet Its an astonishing array of food and different cultures, including the famous, formerly headhunting tribes. While Malaysia and Indonesia have kept profiting from legal (and mostly illegal) logging, Brunei has always enjoyed its wealth from drilling offshore petrol so why bother about slogging inland to cut the forest? I'm Kerry, an Independent Travel Agent and Travel Blogger who is passionate about exploring new places and sharing my experiences with others. If you are running out of time or you prefer to see the Kinabatangan River while based in Sandakan, you can consider this one-day tours: An 8-hours long exploration of the Kinabatangan River from Sandakan This tour offers a visit to Sepilok, the Sun Bear Rehabilitation Center, and tops it all off with a half-day river cruise along a stretch of Kinabatangan River. These questions will undoubtedly cross your mind before you backpack Sabah, Malaysia. There arent as many boats in Borneo as they used to, but river travel up the mighty Rejang and other Borneo rivers is still an option and a real adventure. Its all due to the territorial claims of the Islamic insurgents from the nearby Sulu islands in the southern Philippines, which is also a hot spot of the Islamic militants of Abu Sayaf. All text and pictures 20192021 Monkit Solution. Sukau is not far from Sandakans Mile 32 turn off at the main highway. Sandakan is well connected by flight to Kuala Lumpur. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Borneo has arguably some of the best diving to be found in Asia and the world. READ MORE - Best Places to Visit in Malaysia in 3 Days The Center itself offers a walk around the protected enclosure where the sunbears can roam freely. Sipadan soars nearby this heavily protected marine park is one of the best scuba diving sites in the world. For a more unique experience, check our itinerary for some offbeat things to do in Sabah. Given distances, if you only have two weeks in Borneo the best option is to book all your flights before you go. You should be able to find accommodation for about $30 per night. However, my travels to Asia are on hold due to.you know what . We are a local, Borneo based company, that are here to give you the support expected. Youve come to the right place. Sabahs southernmost city doesnt get much publicity regardless of its unspoilt, empty beaches, and one of the most rewarding hikes in the whole of Sabah. If youre wondering how to reach Borneo, the most common way is by connecting to Kuala Lumpur or Penang airport and flying to Kotu Kinabalu or Kuching airport. Its better overnight at least for one day to have more time to enjoy the hiking trails. Insect repellent is a must, but your local health service may also recommend antimalarials that you should purchase in advance. Borneo has world-class accommodation in cities like Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Sibu, Lahad Datu and others. Puu Jih Shih Temple, situated on top of Tanah Merah hill, is a taxi ride out of the city centre but its a fantastic place to have a whole view of the bay and see the sunset. This is bad, of course. Think of bands such as At Adau who mixes traditional Borneo instruments like the Orang Ulus Sape with modern guitars and percussions. Pro Tip: Unless you are interested in world music, avoid starting your trip in Kuching in July, when the Rainforest World Music Festival packs hotels and shoots the prices much higher. A Fantastic Itinerary For Two Weeks in Borneo, Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary half day trip, How to get from Kuching to Mulu National Park, Brunei Side Trip: Ulu Temburong National Park, Ranau, Kundasang and Mount Kinabalu Park (Day 11 to 12), How to get from Kota Kinabalu to Mount Kinabalu, Lahad Datu and Bukit Piton orangutan Reserve, Explore the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Practical Tips to Make the Best of your Borneo Itinerary. Instead, have a look at our highlights and pick a tour that takes you to a few favourites. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. READ MORE The Ultimate 2 Weeks Borneo Itinerary. So yes, backpacking Borneo is not in the same foreigner-friendly scale of West Malaysian cities like Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Langkawi, where there is a well-oiled backpacker infrastructure, and people can party hard every single night. Deep in the heart of Sabah about two hours away from Lahad Datu is this patch of primary rainforest teeming with wildlife. Southeast Asias tallest mountain is one of Borneos most iconic and visited sights and one of Sabahs main attractions. Generally, we recommend MA Swings and Malaysia Airlines over Air Asia. Some quick tips to make your Borneo backpacking trip a better one: Dont think of the huge deforestation and logging issues in Borneo for a moment. Its not the reason you are here, the sunset views are. Find all our Borneo guides in one place, from volunteering to luxury holidays and travel guides on Sabah and Sarawak. Sabah is sublime. The island has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. Fantastic unspoilt beaches that treasure some of Asias (and the world) best diving. Enter your details below to download your FREE travel planner. catching a flight between Bandar Seri Begawan and Kota Kinabalu. Drop me a mail and I'll help you every step of the way. Whether wild orangutans in the trees or wild elephants along the river cruise, you will want to see these fantastic animals up close and personal. You will be able to witness an ancient and charming culture, and see how development and globalization have changed this land and its indigenous peoples. Boat transfers to islands and along rivers are typically shared with other guests checking in or or out of the same lodging. Day 4: Kinabatangan River Cruise. Malaysian Borneo is split into two large states - Sabah and Sarawak, and the largest cities are Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Kuchings best advantage, however, is the fact its smack in the middle of a bunch of national parks. Dengue fever, on the other hand, is a possible threat. Here's why I come in, an independent travel agent that does the hard work for you. After diving, you can relax and sunbathe on one of the beaches, snorkel till you drop, or try the Coral Flyer a 235-meter-long zipline stretched between Gaya and Sapi islands. The positive of this is that a visit to Sabah is more of a culture trip and a chance to immerse yourself in nature. All text and pictures 20192021 Monkit Solution. They may include free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and have air conditioning. You can join this day tour of Kinabalus farmland and see Desa Cattle Dairy Farm and other spots, and get back to your Kota Kinabalu hotel on the same evening. 1 entry to sights $2 up to $20 Sabah is definitely the most expensive, while Sarawak has cheaper national parks, but double-tiering prices for foreigners are normal. The limited nightlife can make it harder to meet people, but great hostels and sociable hotels/resorts are available. Its not recommended to go on a Borneo backpacking trip between December and February, which are by far the wettest month. A unique experience in the untouched, beautiful Sarawak. There are also St. Michaels and All Angels Church, and a couple of impressive Chinese Temples. Beyond Borneo Malaysia travel, you might also like to read these posts: Sharing is caring, so please pin or share via other social media channels to help more people. Borneo is the world's third-largest island and is shared by three countries. Do you fancy having a chat about Getting Around Borneo? DON'T MISS: The perfect Borneo itinerary for 2 weeks - Wapiti Travel So far I've done Australia, Canada and Costa Rica . This is one of the few sanctuaries in the world where you can see semi-wild orangutans. The primary exception is for those renting a villa near the Tip of Borneo. We know well: we have hiked, biked, ate, danced with tribal elders, drank tuak (the indigenous rice wine) and made life long friends all the way from Kuching, Sarawaks beautiful capital, to the jungles of Tawau. Be open minded in embracing the food, its delicious and the people are very friendly. Kota Kinabalu has a wide selection of accommodation. Blogging transparency: this post contains affiliate links. Take a look at the best travel resources online which will give you quick and easy access for everything you need to plan your trip. Borneo | Travel guide, tips and inspiration | Wanderlust The whole island is basically a wet, overgrown greenhouse on a hot summers day. Your email address will not be published. This sparked a flourishing of tattoo shops selling traditional designs, and a lot of related hipsterisms. Borneo is the worlds third-largest island located between Malaysia and Indonesia. After Kuching, the ideal second stop in this two weeks Borneo itinerary is the incredible caves and trekking routes of Mulu National Park. Adding it my list to look more into. Public transport. Where to Stay in Lahad Datu: without a doubt, Bike and Tours is the best option in town. But its good for tourists, as the animals have less space to move around and live, and for this reason, are much more visible. The Ultimate Borneo Travel Guide (Updated 2021) | The Planet D Borneo is shared by three countries: Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. Continue with Recommended Cookies. For Borneo camping, mosquito-net-equipped hammocks are much more practical. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Borneo on a budget: Where to go and what to see - Price of Travel Rich equatorial rainforest, wild orangutan and the Kinabatangan River . Obviously shark fin and bird nest soups should be avoided, as should souvenirs made from tortoiseshell, coral or feathers all these endanger the local wildlife. Escape Backpackers KK, Check more Kota Kinabalu accommodation and prices. Overview Planning Your Trip Places to Visit Your Trip to Borneo: The Complete Guide Planning Your Trip Best Time to Visit Weather & Climate Airports in Borneo Best Hotels in Borneo Staying at an Iban Longhouse Driving in Borneo If you wont see any wildlife, please seek the advice of a witch doctor. Therefore it is best to pack t-shirts, shirts, longer skirts/shorts, etc., to respect the culture. The theme of his episode focuses more on his trip down memory lane and a . buy your boat tickets in advance on Klook. Fly from Mulu to Miri and then catch a direct bus from Miri to Bandar Seri Begawan. Dont expect to see people walking around in loincloths even though, as of late, young urban Borneo people have taken up Dayak culture to affirm their identity. Backpacking Malaysia Travel Guide (BUDGET TIPS 2023) A good guidebook can help you on the ground, and there are two good ones on Borneo: Lonely Planet BorneoBradt Guide to Sarawak and Sabah. The best way is to go, see, and experience it all by yourself. You need at least another week to go deeper and see more of the beautiful places that Malaysian Borneo has to offer. Tip: my backpack didnt arrive, and I had no clothes for two days. Whether you're planning a new trip or just looking for ideas, subscribe to my travel blog and receive inspirational content that will encourage your next adventure. The climb is strenuous but grants unparalleled views up to Sabahs northernmost coast. Try to pick up some essential language skills before you go. Its the best time to see orangutans in the wild, but is also, of course, peak tourist season and prices can be higher.