Orangutan, testing the strength of a sapling, Borneo

Borneo Travel Guide

Traditional longhouses rise above rivers that snake through jungle canopies, whilst remote caves hide prehistoric paintings and extraordinary wildlife

Welcome to Borneo, the world’s third-largest island where ancient rainforests shelter orangutans and proboscis monkeys.

This Borneo travel guide will help you discover the country’s natural treasures. From Sabah’s sanctuaries to Sarawak’s cultural heritage, we’ll share how you can experience the island’s forests, wildlife and communities.

Whether you’re planning to dive at Sipadan, trek through Danum Valley or stay in traditional longhouses, you’ll find practical Borneo travel advice and insider tips throughout these pages.

Rope Bridge, Borneo
Canopy walkway, Borneo
Jetty, Ocean, Sabah, Borneo
Sabah, Borneo
Adult Male Orangutan in the wild nature, Borneo, Indonesia
Adult male orangutan

Why visit Sabah

Sabah occupies the northern tip of Borneo and is dominated by the majestic peak of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South East Asia. Wildlife viewing and the chance to see orangutans in particular is a huge draw, alongside pristine coral reefs, lush rainforest and a rich indigenous culture.

Limestone pinnacle formations at Gunung Mulu National Park
Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak

Why visit Sarawak

Sarawak is home to the world’s largest flower, flying squirrels, insect eating plants and quantities of yet unnamed flora and fauna. Its ancient virgin rainforest is home to 27 ethnic communities, each with their own distinct language, culture and lifestyle. The national parks offer some excellent trekking, whilst Semenggoh orangutan sanctuary provides the chance to observe semi-wild orangutans in a protected forest setting.

Orangutan, Tajung Puting National Park, Kalimantan Island, Borneo, Indonesia
Orangutan in Tajung Puting National Park, Borneo

Indonesian Borneo

The remaining 73% of Borneo belongs to Indonesia. This jungle-covered part of the island is for travellers seeking an authentic wildlife experience, with many considering time spent on orangutan safari in Tanjung Puting National Park a highlight. Beyond orangutans, the region is home to proboscis monkeys, gibbons and hornbills, with river journeys by traditional klotok boat offering a scenic way to observe jungle life along its waterways.

Thoughts. Opinions. Experiences

Forest Dragon on tree in Borneo
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