Borneo (Malaysia)

Borneo

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.

The destination has a good diversity of natural attractions. Danum Valley is comprised of dense jungle, home to a vast biodiversity, and the sounds and jungle activity come alive at dusk. Exploring the Kinabatangan River by boat is a great way to watch the monkeys and orangutans through the riverside trees. Gaya Island, 20 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu, is wonderfully remote, with no roads or villages and great spots for snorkelling, guided walks and kayaking. Mulu National Park, in Sarawak’s interior, is home to the famous bat exodus. In Sepilok, near Sandakan, the famous Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre showcase the ongoing efforts to protect endangered species, and wooden walkways through the lowland forest are a wonderful way to see species that are perhaps more elusive from the ground.

Along with its famed natural experiences, Borneo's urban centres add a lively dimension to a holiday. Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, serves as a good introduction to Malaysian Borneo; the lively waterfront promenade is lined with food and market stalls, and the nearby old quarter is an interesting look at the time under White Rajah rule. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital, is similarly energetic; the waterfront is home to markets and seafood restaurants and makes a great place to watch the sun set. The city is unexpectedly modern, having been entirely rebuilt after World War II. Just 5% of Borneo's 24 million-person population lives in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu, speaking to the vastness of the island.

There are no direct flights from the UK to Borneo, so you will have to fly via a major Asian hub like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Including a layover, this typically takes between 16 and 20 hours. Depending on the time of year, Borneo is either 7 or 8 hours ahead of the UK. A stay in Kuching on arrival is a great way to acclimatise to the time difference.

Our Borneo FAQs answer the most common queries we hear from customers considering a holiday to Borneo. If you are ready to explore our small group, great value tours of Borneo, you can do so here.