Backpacking in Borneo is one of the best adventures you can have. Of course, Borneo is a huge place to explore and covers three different countries, so if you have a shorter time to go backpacking around there, you should definitely plan ahead so you can choose the places you really want to go to.
Backpacking in Borneo
Towering rainforest canopies, winding jungle rivers, rare wildlife like orangutans and pygmy elephants, remote villages, and some of the best diving spots on Earth—this island is the definition of wild. Shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and the tiny nation of Brunei, Borneo is Southeast Asia’s untamed frontier, making it a dream destination for backpackers seeking adventure far from the tourist crowds.
Whether you’re scaling Mount Kinabalu at dawn, tracking orangutans in the misty jungles of Kalimantan, or exploring vibrant local markets in Kuching, backpacking in Borneo is an immersive journey that tests your limits and rewards you with unforgettable experiences.
Planning Your Borneo Adventure
When to Go
Borneo has a tropical rainforest climate—hot and humid year-round, with heavy rainfall common. The best time to visit is during the dry season (March to October), especially for trekking and diving.
- Peak Season: July–August (book early!)
- Off-Peak: November–February (more rain, fewer tourists)
Visa Requirements
- Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak): Most nationalities get a free 30- or 90-day visa on arrival.
- Indonesia (Kalimantan): Visa on arrival or e-visa, depending on your nationality.
- Brunei: Short visa-free stays for many Western passport holders.
Always double-check entry rules based on your nationality and the region you’re entering.
Vaccinations & Health
- Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (if you’re venturing into remote areas)
- Malaria: Low risk in Sabah and Sarawak, higher in parts of Kalimantan
- Bring strong mosquito repellent, a basic first aid kit, and stay hydrated in the heat.
Travel insurance is highly recommended. I use SafetyWing, which is perfect for backpackers. Check that link to get a quote for your adventure.
Budget Breakdown (Daily Average)
- Budget Backpacker: $25–$40 USD/day
- Mid-Range: $50–$70/day
You can travel cheaply by staying in hostels, eating at local warungs (food stalls), and using buses or shared minivans.
Getting Around Borneo
Despite its rugged nature, Borneo is surprisingly accessible with a little planning.
Air Travel
Because of limited road networks and the sheer size of the island, flying is often the most efficient option. AirAsia and MASwings offer frequent domestic flights.
Popular routes:
- Kota Kinabalu → Mulu
- Kuching → Bintulu
- Balikpapan → Pontianak
Land Transport
- Long-distance buses: Connect major cities; affordable and reliable.
- Shared minivans (angkot): For rural areas.
- Grab app: Available in Malaysian cities like Kuching and KK.
- Motorbike rental: In cities and towns for exploring locally ($5–$10/day).
Boats and Ferries
In Kalimantan and Sarawak, rivers are often the main highways. Multi-day riverboat cruises or public ferries are common in places like the Mahakam River or Batang Rejang.
Sabah: The Adventurer’s Playground
Kota Kinabalu (KK)
The capital of Sabah is your likely entry point. KK is a lively city with seaside sunsets, bustling night markets (seriously good seafood), and easy access to island-hopping adventures.
Don’t miss:
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: Island hopping and snorkeling
- Signal Hill Observatory: Sunset views over the bay
- Night Market: Cheap seafood feasts
Climbing Mount Kinabalu
Standing at 4,095 meters, Mount Kinabalu is Borneo’s tallest peak and a rite of passage for backpackers. It’s a two-day climb with one night at a rest lodge. Permits and guides are mandatory and should be booked months in advance.
Cost: ~$350–$450 USD including permit, guide, meals, and lodging
Kinabatangan River Safari
This jungle-lined river is teeming with wildlife—crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and pygmy elephants. I didn’t see any orangutans or pygmy elephants, but plenty of monkeys and crocodiles. To be honest, just getting out on the river is worth it alone.
This is one of the most peaceful things I did on my Borneo trip. You will be lucky to see some of the wildlife, but the proboscis monkeys should be easy enough to see in the trees by the river.
Head to Sukau or Bilit for affordable homestays that include river cruises.
Tip: Opt for early morning or sunset cruises for the best animal sightings.
Sipadan Island
Consistently ranked among the world’s top dive sites, Sipadan is a marine sanctuary of drop-offs, turtles, barracuda tornadoes, and reef sharks. Only 176 permits are issued daily.
Base yourself in Semporna, and book dives well in advance.
Sarawak: Culture, Caves, and Rainforests
Kuching: Gateway to Sarawak
Kuching is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated cities. Clean, walkable, and full of colonial charm, it also gives easy access to national parks.
Top activities:
- Sarawak Cultural Village
- Sunset at Kuching Waterfront
- Day trip to Bako National Park
Bako National Park
Just 40 minutes from Kuching, Bako is famous for its proboscis monkeys, coastal cliffs, and short but rewarding jungle hikes. Overnight stays in the park are possible and highly recommended.
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is Sarawak’s largest orangutan rehabilitation sanctuary and a rare opportunity to see semi‑wild orangutans in their almost-natural habitat. Arrive for feeding times (morning or afternoon) for the best chance to see them in the treetops.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its spectacular limestone karst formations, vast cave systems, and rich biodiversity. Home to the world’s largest cave chamber (Sarawak Chamber) and one of the longest networks of underground caves, Mulu is a paradise for spelunkers and nature lovers alike.
You can explore the dramatic Deer Cave, witness millions of bats streaming out at dusk, and trek through lush rainforest to reach the iconic Pinnacles — razor-sharp limestone spikes rising dramatically from the jungle.
Getting here: Fly from Miri or KK. Once inside, stay in guesthouses or camp near the park.
Kelabit Highlands
The Kelabit Highlands were one of my favourite places when backpacking in Borneo. It’s remote, has a unique Dayak culture, and is beautiful and adventurous.
The Kelabit Highlands are known for their lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. This remote region calls adventurers seeking tranquility and cultural immersion alike. Trekking through ancient trails, you encounter traditional longhouses where the hospitable Kelabit people will share stories of their rich heritage and traditional cuisine, like the famed salted terung asam (must try).
The ascent of Mount Murud, Sarawak’s highest peak, promises breathtaking vistas, although I didn’t do this myself as I was out for a 3-day remote jungle trek and time was short.
Kalimantan: Off the Grid in Indonesian Borneo
Less touristy than the Malaysian side, Kalimantan offers raw, unfiltered adventure for those willing to go the extra mile.
Tanjung Puting National Park
The best place to see wild orangutans in Indonesia. Multi-day klotok boat trips let you cruise through the jungle, visit research centers, and sleep under the stars.
- Start in: Pangkalan Bun
- Tour cost: $200–$400 for 2–3 days (shared or private)
Palangkaraya River Cruises
Explore the heart of Kalimantan by navigating the Rungan River, visiting Dayak villages, and spotting hornbills and gibbons along the banks.
Derawan Islands
A tropical gem in East Kalimantan with pristine beaches, sea turtles, and whale sharks.
Activities:
- Snorkel with jellyfish in Kakaban Lake
- Visit Maratua and Sangalaki islands
Getting here takes time (flights + boat), but the reward is total seclusion and untouched reefs.
Brunei: A Tiny Kingdom with Big Surprises
Often overlooked, Brunei offers a pleasant break for a few days between Sarawak stops. Rich in oil wealth, Brunei is calm, clean, and culturally fascinating.
I only spent 3 days in Brunei while travelling from Sabah to Sarawak, but got a few things done when there. Personally, though, if you are short on time, don’t plan to spend long (or any time) in Brunei and stick to exploring more in Sabah and Sarawak.
Backpacker Tips:
- Visit the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
- Take a boat tour of Kampong Ayer, a vast water village
- Explore the Ulu Temburong National Park for rainforest adventures
Budget accommodation is limited, but Couchsurfing and hostels exist.
Practical Tips for Backpackers
Packing List Essentials
- Quick-dry clothing
- Light rain jacket
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Power bank
- First-aid kit
- Dry bag for electronics
Connectivity
- SIM cards are cheap and reliable in cities.
- Malaysia: Hotlink, Digi
- Indonesia: Telkomsel
- Brunei: DST
Food and Water
- Tap water is not always safe—stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Try:
- Nasi lemak (Malaysia)
- Ayam penyet (Indonesia)
- Laksa Sarawak
- Fresh seafood in coastal towns
Culture and Responsible Travel
Respecting Local Communities
Many indigenous groups call Borneo home—Iban, Dayak, Kadazan-Dusun, and more. When visiting longhouses or villages:
- Ask before taking photos
- Don’t show public affection
- Dress modestly
Sustainable Travel
- Support eco-lodges and community tours
- Don’t buy wildlife souvenirs
- Join certified ethical wildlife experiences
Leave No Trace
- Take all rubbish with you
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Refill water bottles at stations to reduce plastic
Suggested Backpacking Itinerary For Malaysian Borneo (2 Weeks)
Week 1: Sabah
- Day 1–2: Kota Kinabalu city and islands
- Day 3–5: Climb Mount Kinabalu
- Day 6–7: Kinabatangan River wildlife safari
Week 2: Sarawak
- Day 8–9: Kuching + Semenggoh
- Day 10–11: Bako National Park
- Day 12–14: Mulu Caves
Borneo
Backpacking in Borneo is not just about checking off destinations. It’s about stepping into a living, breathing rainforest; sharing stories with locals over home-cooked meals; waking up to gibbon calls and falling asleep to the rustle of jungle life. It’s the kind of place that pushes you—sometimes out of your comfort zone—but always leaves you better for it.
This island isn’t always easy, and that’s part of its charm. The trails are muddy, the transport unpredictable, and the leeches annoying. But the rewards? They’re immense: genuine adventure, soul-shaking landscapes, and the sense that you’ve stepped into a world still wild and waiting.
A great overall guidebook with lots more detail to help in your planning is Lonely Planet Borneo.
For more on adventure in this part of the world, have a look at my guide to backpacking in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Travel insurance is highly recommended. I use SafetyWing, which is perfect for backpackers. Check that link to get a quote for your adventure.
If you happen to be a wildlife lover like me and plan to try and see wildlife in Borneo, then there are some good books to read. The first would be the Phillipps’ Field Guide to the Mammals of Borneo, which is only available as a paperback, not an ebook.
The second book, which I highly recommend if you like bird watching, is the Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo (Helm Field Guides), which is available as an ebook (Kindle).
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