"The lungs of the Earth", Borneo, is an island off the coast of Malaysia that is shared by three countries: Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. The island also contains one of the oldest rainforests in the world, at 140 million years old. As a result, it serves as one of the last refuges for endangered species, such as the Borneo orangutan.
In this guide, we will explore the wonderful nature and wildlife the island has to offer, from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu. Let's begin, shall we?
- Borneo Itinerary Map
- 2 Weeks Backpacking Borneo & Brunei Itinerary
- Borneo Travel Video
- Why go to Borneo?
- When To Visit Borneo and Brunei?
- How to Get to Borneo and Brunei?
- How To Get Around Borneo and Brunei?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Borneo And Brunei?
- What to Pack for Borneo, Malaysia?
- Further Reading for Malaysia
Borneo Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1-2: | Kuching |
| ☀️ Day 3: | Bako National Park |
| ☀️ Day 4-6: | Mulu National Park |
| ☀️ Day 7-8: | Brunei |
| ☀️ Day 9-12: | Kota Kinabalu |
2 Weeks Backpacking Borneo & Brunei Itinerary
Day 1 - 2: Kuching (3 nights)
There are many places to visit in Borneo, and one of the main cities that you will likely arrive in when visiting Borneo is Kuching, the charming capital city of Sarawak.
Borneo is all about nature and its unique tribal culture, and one of the first places you should visit in Kuching is Semenggoh Nature Reserve, one of the few places in the world where you will be able to have close encounters with wild orangutans and other primates.
Seeing orangutans in the wild, swinging around trees, is definitely the highlight of visiting Kuching. Kuching, as a city, is also worth a visit in itself with a more relaxed vibe and plenty of things to do, such as visiting the beautiful Tua Pek Kong Temple, the New Sarawak Parliament, or simply strolling along the Sarawak River at Kuchin Waterfront.
- Borneo East Sabah Adventure (8 days)
- Sabah Adventure (11 days)
- Borneo Wildlife Discoverer (15 days)
If you are interested in the history of Sarawak, I highly recommend you visit Sarawak Cultural Village, a cultural village where you can learn more about the rich Sarawak culture and its traditions, from their famous longhouse architecture to their wooden bridge and unique dance performances. It was an eye-opening experience, and I learned a lot about Sarawak and its inhabitants.
If you really want to go off the beaten path in Malaysia and see what the other side of what you experience on the Malaysian peninsula is like, Kuching is a great place to start your Borneo journey.
Day 3: Bako National Park (1 night)
Bako National Park is the oldest park in Sarawak, and it is located not too far from Kuching, at the tip of the peninsula where the Bako and Kuching Rivers begin.
Bako National Park is home to some of the most endangered primates in the world, such as the funny-looking proboscis monkeys, as well as other rare animals like the long-tailed macaque and Bornean bearded pig.
There is a government-run camp that visitors can book and stay overnight, where you will be sleeping in a dormitory-style room right in the forest while being surrounded by these beautiful animals. There is no better place to see the proboscis monkeys up close than here.
There are also many hiking trails you can enjoy that will take you around the park and to some of the best viewpoints in the national park. All the hiking information will be provided by the national park office when you register, but I highly recommend you hike the yellow trail, which is short and rewards you with a great view of a remote beach.
Where to Stay in Bako National Park?
Day 4 - 6: Mulu National Park (3 nights)
Mulu National Park is another national park in Borneo that is worth visiting if you are looking for an adventure. Getting to Mulu National Park is already an adventure in itself due to how remote the place is. For convenience, you can also go there on an organized tour.
There are plenty of adventures to be had in this national park, from going caving to tackling all the hiking trails in the area. Deer, Langs, and Clearwater caves are some of the best caves that you can visit at Mulu National Park.
If you enjoy hiking, you can also embark on a 2-hour hike to the Paku Waterfall or try the Canopy Skywalk. Additionally, there is a multi-day trekking trail to the Pinnacles, where you will be able to witness a series of magnificent jagged rocks jutting out from the jungle.
Where to Stay in Mulu National Park?
Day 7 - 8: Brunei (2 nights)
One day is more than enough to see Brunei, in my opinion. The wonderful Islamic architecture in Brunei is truly one-of-a-kind. Check out the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Istana Nurul Iman Palace, and the gigantic Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque when you are there.
You can also take a water taxi to Kampong Ayer, one of the most crowded water villages with over 35,000 people living on stilts. Learn the history of why Kampong Ayer used to be one of the most important trade posts in this region.
Day 9 - 12: Kota Kinabalu (4 nights)
Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Sabah, a state located in the northern part of Borneo. It is a great place to launch yourself to all the beautiful islands in the area, as well as conquer Mount Kinabalu, the highest climbable mountain in Southeast Asia, standing at almost 4,100 meters above sea level.
Be sure you are ready because the moment you arrive in the city center of Kota Kinabalu, you will be bombarded with the aroma of fresh street food being cooked at the food market along the riverfront. There are so many street foods to try; I'm drooling just thinking about it.
At Kota Kinabalu, you can spend your days island-hopping, visiting places like Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, which offers a nice beach and snorkeling spot for you to indulge in.
You can also conquer the highest climbable mountain in Southeast Asia, the mighty Mount Kinabalu, at 4,095 meters above sea level. The hike takes about 2 days to complete and it can only be done via an organized tour where they will have to get you an official permit, so be sure to plan ahead.
It is one of the best mountains to climb in Southeast Asia, and if you are looking for the ultimate adventure in Malaysia, there are no better things to do than climb Mount Kinabalu. You can find Mount Kinabalu hiking tours here.
Why go to Borneo?
Borneo is one of the few places where you can experience orangutans in their habitat. The old rainforest attracts many wildlife experts and conservationists from around the world to explore and study the rich ecosystem and unique wildlife that can only be experienced on this island. It is a chance for normal travelers like us to experience the exotic land and wildlife without going on an expedition, while learning how important it is for humanity to conserve this last bit of Earth's lungs.
When To Visit Borneo and Brunei?
May to September is considered the high season, but due to the average temperature of 32°C with 80% humidity all year round, it is best not to stress yourself out about when to visit. I was there in June, and the weather was a mix of rain and sun, but almost always humid as expected.
How to Get to Borneo and Brunei?
Browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find a cheap flight from where you live to Kuala Lumpur. From Kuala Lumpur, you can fly to Kuching via AirAsia.
How To Get Around Borneo and Brunei?
The best thing about Malaysia is that everyone speaks English, so traveling around the city via buses is very easy and convenient. In big cities like Kuching, Uber or taxis are also great options if you are willing to spend a little more. In Brunei, it is easiest to negotiate with a taxi to take you to the few landmarks that are not walkable from the center.
In between cities, night buses are widely available with different comfort levels at the main bus stations. Keep in mind that Borneo doesn't have a developed transport infrastructure due to its thick rainforests, so traveling a seemingly small distance may take hours longer than usual. Also, traveling from Brunei to Kinabalu requires you to go through 4-6 immigrations (I lost count after a while) due to complex immigration and border crossings, so don't expect to sleep on that route.
Note: Mulu National Park is very difficult to travel by land (requiring boats, cars, and hiking), so going by plane from Miri or Kuching is the easiest option. MASWings serves this route regularly for around $30 one way.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Borneo And Brunei?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Borneo, Malaysia without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Borneo, Malaysia:
The internet in the Malaysian side of Borneo is excellent, with affordable prices, abundant data, and extensive coverage throughout the island. I used a Maxis SIM card and did not encounter any issues while traveling there.
Brunei, on the other hand, is a different question. Since we will be there for around 3 days, I don't think it is economical to buy a SIM card, so we will have to rely on the WIFI available. The problem is the accommodation I listed above doesn't have WIFI, so I ended up having to rely on a nearby restaurant. Drop by De Royalle Cafe for some snacks and unlimited WIFI.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
Daily Budget
This place is quite affordable compared to all the other countries in the world. If you are planning a trip here, you can expect to spend around $25 - $45 USD per day per person, which should include accommodation and three meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Borneo, Malaysia?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Borneo, Malaysia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Borneo, Malaysia in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Malaysia
Malaysia may often be overlooked by travelers, but the country has so much to offer that you can't find anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
Here are a selection of articles you might want to read about Malaysia:
- Looking for a complete itinerary and travel guide for Malaysia? 10 Days Itinerary for Malaysia.
- Planning a trip to Malaysia and not sure where to begin? Check out: 10 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia.
- Kuala Lumpur is where you will likely land when you are traveling in Southeast Asia, and from the outside, it may look like your typical Asian city. However, KL is so much more, and at a cheaper price too. Here’s a complete guide on things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
- Not your first time in Kuala Lumpur? How about we go explore the cafe and the unique Kopitiam culture of Kuala Lumpur with the 8 Best Cafes and Restaurants to try in Kuala Lumpur guide?
- If you are looking for a day trip from Kuala Lumpur or somewhere to stop on your way to/from Singapore, Melaka is a great place to stop and learn a little bit about this ancient port city. Check out my 8 Incredible things to do in Melaka travel guide here.
- Cameron Highlands is a break from the hot, humid weather and bustling city of KL that you need. Surrounded by mountains and tea plantations, here is a complete travel guide on things to do in Cameron Highlands.
- Cameron Highlands is high up in the mountains, with a cool breeze that makes it the perfect place to go hiking. There are over 14 trails to choose from. Check out my ultimate hiking guide to Cameron Highlands.
- Penang is the food heaven of Malaysia, and it is a must-stop on your way to/from Thailand. Here are 10 Best Things to Do in Penang.
- Want to know where to go after Malaysia? How about spending 3 days in Singapore or going snorkeling on Koh Lipe, Thailand?
- For all articles about Malaysia, visit the Malaysia Travel Guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for Southeast Asia? You can find more on my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- I have also compiled all of my favorite photos I took in Southeast Asia into one post. Check out 64 photos of Southeast Asia that will inspire you to travel.
- For more of my travel guides, visit the All Destination Travel Guide page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
6 Comments
Thank you for the inspiration! I am taking a similar trip (just backwards since I am staring in Kota Kinabalu!) and your blog really helped me with my planning!
Hey Jasmine,
Thank you for the comments! I glad you found the guide useful! Wasn't it one of the most border crossing in a day you have ever done? 2 pages of my passport got filled up with stamps in a day traveling through Borneo haha.
Hope to see you again in Borneo next time.. you missed out quite a lot of good places in Borneo especially for Sabah part.. where the best islands are in Semporna, Kinabatangan river, tip of Borneo in Kudat, Tusan Cliff in Miri, The Pinnacles Mulu National Park and you should stay at the rural side of Sarawak, the iban longhouses..
Thank you for the comments! Yes, I know! There's plenty more to do around there. I just didn't have enough time for it. There's always a chance that I'll go back there soon so no worries. It was also always rainy when I was there so didn't do much :)
Thank you for the suggestions!
Hi Pete..Such a good information from you how u plans your journey and travels in Borneo from LAND OF HORNBILLS ( Sarawak )to Brunei and to LAND BELOW THE WIND ( Sabah).Who anyone wants to travel to both''s state's in Borneo should look how Pete manage his travel..to be honest this a really a good plans to me and such many very good information and very details about place to visit, place to stay... transport...food and how to plans your expenses during travels on both places.Last words from me to you Pete " SELAMAT DATAI" hope this not the last visit to BORNEO..Good luck Buddy!!
Thank you for this great blog.
Regarding Brunei, do you know if there are busses between Miri and Brunei. I know there used to be PHLS Express Bus, but looks like it might have stopped running.