7 Reasons to Travel to Borneo with Llama Travel
At Llama Travel, our group size on average is 11 people, with a maximum of 18, whether you’re exploring lively cities, taking wildlife cruises, or joining guided jungle walks.
In Borneo, smaller groups mean quieter wildlife encounters, easier travel between places, and more time with your guide to learn about the rainforest, wildlife and local cultures.
With Llama Travel, you can plan your Borneo holiday to suit your interests by choosing from a range of itineraries, extensions and optional excursions. Mix and match the areas you are most interested in visiting, including Sepilok, Kinabatangan River, Sukau, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and the tropical beaches of Gaya Island. Perhaps visit the incredible caves and bats of Mulu National Park, or stay in the comfort of Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the ancient primary rainforest of Danum Valley. Every holiday can be adjusted to your taste, so you make the most of your time in Malaysia.
All our Borneo itineraries include many chances to spot orangutans. Visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where orangutans roam freely in a semi-wild environment, and you can watch feeding sessions and learn more about conservation efforts.
For encounters in the wild, you have three days on the Kinabatangan River, where orangutans gather on the riverbank to feed and play, alongside proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and a wide variety of birdlife. The Danum Valley extension, in the heart one of Borneo’s last untouched rainforests, gives another chance to spot orangutans in the wild.
Our itineraries include stays in two lodges in different locations along the Kinabatangan River, with boat rides maximising your chance of spotting wildlife. Your stay at the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort offers a more remote experience, with few other lodges nearby, while the Sukau Rainforest Lodge is one of Borneo’s most highly regarded lodges. Guided river cruises and night excursions increase the chances of seeing wildlife at different times of the day, and a visit to the Gomantong Cave offers a completely different wildlife experience.
All our Borneo holidays begin in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, a charming and attractive city with a fascinating history. The influence of the British, Chinese, Indians, and Malaysians, as well as the indigenous populations, are all visible, with lively markets, excellent food, colonial architecture and lovely riverside walkways.
You can visit the nearby Annah Rais Longhouse to learn about the traditional cultures of the region, and there is also excellent wildlife viewing, with the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre allowing you to observe orangutans in the semi-wild, and you can take a mangrove cruise to look for Irrawaddy dolphins. Kuching is an excellent starting point for exploring Borneo’s wildlife and heritage, and should be a must on any visit to Borneo.
Gaya Island
End your holiday with a beach stay on Gaya Island. Just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, it is the perfect place to relax after your rainforest adventures. You can swim, snorkel or simply relax around the pool, enjoying the tranquillity of the island and its white sandy beaches. There are also forest trails, if you are still up for something more adventurous!.
Danum Valley
Danum Valley, one of Borneo’s last untouched rainforests, is home to orangutans, gibbons, and hornbills, and offers exceptional wildlife viewing. Wander the ancient forest and hear it come alive at dusk, whilst staying at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, one of the finest rainforest lodges in the world. The accommodation is first class and the food is excellent, meaning that you can experience a true jungle wilderness whilst staying in comfort.
Gaya Island
Mulu National Park shows a very different side of Borneo. Famous for its cave systems, the area is home to the evening bat exodus, when millions of free-tailed bats stream into the night sky, providing one of the world’s most impressive wildlife spectacles. You also explore dramatic cave formations and enjoy rainforest walks. Adding Mulu to your trip provides a striking contrast to the rest of Borneo and is a memorable way to extend your holiday.
Our travel experts have experienced Borneo first-hand, so when you speak to us, you’re getting advice from people who’ve actually been there. With our knowledge and experience, we’ll help you create a holiday that’s planned perfectly for you, and filled with memories to last a lifetime.
About Borneo
KEY FACTS
- When to Travel: March to October
- Population: 6.5 million (Sarawak and Sabah combined)
- Area: 3,287,263km2 (Borneo Island)
- Capital City: Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak)
- Languages Spoken: Malay, English
- Time Difference: GMT + 8 hour
- Flying time from the UK: 14-16 hours
- Key Destinations: Kota Kinabalu, Danum Valley, Sepilok, Kinabatangan River, Kuching, Gaya Island, Mulu National Park
Borneo is one of the world’s great wildlife destinations. Shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, this vast island (around 3 times the size of the UK) is home to ancient rainforests, winding rivers and rare animals. Llama Travel’s holidays focus on Malaysian Borneo, where the states of Sabah and Sarawak offer the perfect way to explore the best of the island.
Borneo (Malaysia) Highlights
Borneo (Malaysia) Gallery
FAQs
Before You Go
A: British citizens do not need a visa for tourism visits to Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Travellers are also required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days before arrival. Entry requirements can change, so we recommend checking the latest advice before travelling.
A: No vaccinations are mandatory for travel to Malaysia, although it is recommended that routine UK vaccinations are up to date. For the latest advice, visit TravelHealthPro or speak to your GP before travelling.
A: Borneo has a tropical climate with high humidity throughout the year, so lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. Long trousers and lightweight long-sleeved tops are useful for protection against insects and the sun, particularly during rainforest walks. A lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho is also recommended, as tropical showers can occur at any time.
Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots with good grip are ideal for jungle walks and wildlife excursions. It is also worth bringing insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and a reusable water bottle. Binoculars are highly recommended for spotting wildlife, particularly orangutans and birdlife. Visitors staying in rainforest areas such as Danum Valley can also buy leech socks from the Borneo Rainforest Lodge shop.
Electricity in Malaysia is 240V, the same as the UK, and British three-pin plugs are used, so adapters are generally not required.
We also recommend bringing any prescription medication you may need from the UK, a photocopy of your passport and a small day bag for excursions.
A: Borneo can be visited year-round, although the driest months are generally from March to October. Wildlife viewing is possible throughout the year, and even during wetter months, rain often comes in short tropical showers rather than lasting all day.
A: Yes. Malaysian Borneo is easy to travel around and combines excellent wildlife experiences with comfortable accommodation and good infrastructure. English is widely spoken, and travelling on a Llama Travel tour makes exploring the region straightforward and stress-free.
Practical Information
A: Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and is shared between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Llama Travel holidays focus on Malaysian Borneo, particularly the states of Sabah and Sarawak, which are known for their rainforests, wildlife and rivers.
A: Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, and Kuching is the capital of Sarawak. Both are relaxed, easy-to-navigate cities and act as gateways to Borneo’s wildlife and rainforest regions.
A: During British Summer Time (BST) between late March and late October, Borneo is 7 hours ahead of the UK.
During Greenwich Mean Time between late October and late March, Borneo is 8 hours ahead of the UK.
A: Flights from the UK to Borneo usually take around 16 to 19 hours, depending on the route and connection times.
A: Malay is the official language, although English is widely spoken throughout Malaysian Borneo, particularly in hotels, lodges and tourist areas.
A: The currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, larger restaurants and shops, although cash is useful in more remote areas. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns.
A: Borneo has an equatorial climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. Daytime temperatures generally range from 28°C to 33°C, with frequent tropical showers possible at any time of year.
A: Malaysian Borneo is friendly and relaxed, and visitors are generally welcomed warmly. Dress modestly in towns, villages and when visiting mosques, where shoulders and knees should be covered. Shoes are usually removed before entering homes and religious buildings. Greetings are polite and friendly, and learning a few local phrases is always appreciated.
A: Tipping is not compulsory in Malaysia but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a service charge is often included. Tips for guides and drivers are entirely at your discretion.
A: Borneo is one of the world’s great wildlife destinations. Depending on where you travel, you may see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, hornbills and a huge variety of birdlife. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but guided river cruises and rainforest walks offer excellent opportunities.
A: Wildlife encounters are a major highlight of travel in Borneo. Excursions are carefully planned to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities while respecting the natural environment. Visitors are expected to follow guide instructions, keep a safe distance from animals and avoid feeding wildlife.
A: Rainforest lodges in Borneo are usually set deep within protected jungle areas and offer a comfortable base for wildlife exploration. Many stays include guided walks, river cruises and night excursions, allowing visitors to experience the rainforest up close.
Health and Safety
A: Yes. Malaysian Borneo is generally considered a very safe destination for travellers, and most visits are trouble-free. As with travel anywhere, it is sensible to remain aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
A: Good medical facilities are available in major cities such as Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Facilities are more limited in remote rainforest areas, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
A: Yes, when travelling with experienced local guides. Excursions are carefully managed and safety briefings are provided before jungle walks and river cruises.
A: Insects are part of life in the rainforest, so insect repellent is strongly recommended. Long sleeves and lightweight trousers can also help provide protection.
A: Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and should cover medical treatment, cancellation and emergency evacuation if required.
Llama Travel's booking conditions require all of our guests to have adequate travel insurance for their holidays.
Connectivity & Communication
A: Local SIM cards are inexpensive and available at airports and in major towns such as Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Coverage is generally good in cities and along main travel routes, although signal can be limited in remote rainforest areas.
Many travellers also choose to use an eSIM provider such as Airalo (there’s many more options to choose from) before departure, allowing mobile data access as soon as they arrive.
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and lodges, although speeds may be slower in more remote areas.
Getting Around
A: Domestic flights are often the quickest way to travel between destinations such as Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Kuching. Private vehicles are commonly used for road journeys, while river travel forms an important part of many wildlife itineraries.
Boat journeys along rivers such as the Kinabatangan are a highlight of travelling in Borneo and offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
On Llama Travel holidays, all transport is arranged in advance, including flights, transfers and excursions, making travelling around Borneo straightforward and comfortable.
Accommodation
A: Accommodation in Borneo ranges from comfortable city hotels to remote rainforest lodges beside rivers and within protected jungle areas. Many lodges are designed to blend into the natural surroundings while still offering comfortable rooms, excellent guiding and good food.
Food & Drink
A: Borneo’s food reflects Malay, Chinese and indigenous influences. Rice and noodle dishes are common, often served with chicken, fish or vegetables. Popular dishes include nasi lemak and laksa, while street food markets offer satay, grilled seafood and local snacks.
Hotels and lodges usually offer a mixture of local and international dishes, and vegetarian options are widely available.
A: Some local dishes can be spicy, although milder options are widely available in hotels, restaurants and lodges.
A: Tap water is not generally recommended for drinking, so bottled or filtered water is best.
A: Yes. Alcohol is available in most hotels, restaurants and bars in Malaysian Borneo, with beer being the most common option. Availability can be more limited in remote areas and around some religious sites.
What to See
A: Malaysian Borneo is best known for its rainforests, wildlife and rivers. Highlights include the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, river safaris along the Kinabatangan River and stays in remote rainforest lodges surrounded by wildlife.
A: Around 10 to 20 days is ideal for a first visit to Borneo, depending on how many extensions you choose to include. This allows enough time to experience wildlife, rainforest lodges and river cruises at a comfortable pace, while also adding destinations such as Gaya Island, Danum Valley or Mulu National Park.
A: The Kinabatangan River (upper and lower parts), Danum Valley and Sepilok area are among the best wildlife regions in Malaysian Borneo. River cruises, rainforest walks and canopy trails all offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
A: Sepilok, near Sandakan, is one of the best places to learn about orangutan conservation and see rehabilitated orangutans. Orangutans can also sometimes be spotted in the wild along the Kinabatangan River and in protected rainforest areas.
A: Yes. Wild orangutans are sometimes seen along the Kinabatangan River and in rainforest regions such as Danum Valley, although sightings are never guaranteed.
A: The Kinabatangan River is one of Borneo’s wildlife highlights. Guided river cruises at dawn and dusk offer opportunities to spot proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles and, if you are lucky, pygmy elephants and wild orangutans.
A: The Lower Kinabatangan is the more classic river safari experience, with wider waterways, comfortable riverside lodges and excellent opportunities to spot wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles and pygmy elephants from boat cruises.
The Upper Kinabatangan is more remote and less visited, with narrower jungle waterways and denser rainforest. Wildlife experiences here often feel more immersive and adventurous, with quieter surroundings and beautiful, untouched scenery.
Both areas offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and guided river cruises, with the best choice depending on the style of experience you are looking for.
A: Boat cruises along the Kinabatangan River offer opportunities to see proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, pygmy elephants and a wide variety of birdlife.
A: Yes. Danum Valley is one of the most pristine rainforest areas in Borneo and offers an immersive jungle experience with guided walks, canopy trails and exceptional wildlife opportunities.
A: Kuching is known for its riverside setting, colonial architecture and relaxed atmosphere. Highlights include the waterfront promenade, local markets and the Borneo Cultures Museum.
A: Kota Kinabalu is a relaxed coastal city known for its lively waterfront, seafood restaurants and beautiful sunsets. It is also a gateway to Mount Kinabalu National Park and nearby islands.
A: Longhouses are traditional communal homes used by indigenous communities in Sarawak. Some can be visited with a guide, offering insight into local traditions and daily life.
A: Gaya Island offers a peaceful contrast to the mainland, with rainforest-covered hills, beaches, snorkelling and clear tropical waters just offshore from Kota Kinabalu.
A: Mulu National Park is one of Borneo’s most impressive natural areas, known for its dramatic limestone landscapes, rainforest and enormous cave systems. Highlights include exploring vast caves such as Deer Cave and Clearwater Cave, walking through rainforest trails and canopy walkways, and experiencing the park’s rich wildlife and scenery.
One of the most memorable experiences in Mulu is the famous bat exodus at Deer Cave. At dusk, millions of bats spiral out of the cave entrance in long ribbon-like formations as they head into the rainforest to feed. The spectacle can last for over an hour and is considered one of Borneo’s greatest wildlife experiences.
A: The bat exodus is a remarkable natural event that takes place each evening at Deer Cave in Mulu National Park. Around sunset, millions of bats emerge from the cave in huge swirling formations above the rainforest canopy before dispersing into the jungle to feed.
Visitors watch from a viewing area near the cave entrance, and the experience is made even more dramatic by the sounds of the rainforest at dusk. Weather conditions can affect the timing and scale of the exodus, but when conditions are right, it is one of the highlights of visiting Borneo.