Borneo Holidays

When you’re not cooing at baby orangutans and their rescued parents at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, every day can be a safari in Borneo. Be sure to pack your hiking boots for nature walks through the jungle-clad peaks of Crocker Range National Park or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinabalu Geopark, where Borneo wildlife tours will take you to the natural habitats of gibbons, macaques, civet cats, and many other distinctive mammals, lizards, and more.

The second vital piece of equipment you’ll need is binoculars. The fascinating birds of Borneo are everywhere, with over 320 species to spot in the jungle, on the mountains and on the beaches. For even more wildlife, dive into the blue oceans and swim among the rays, turtles, and sharks which fill the water.

Wildlife might be why you choose Borneo, but your holiday begins when you arrive in “KK”, as the locals call Kota Kinabalu. Not only is the city home to vibrant markets and a charming seafront boardwalk, but it’s also a stone’s throw from many of Borneo’s best beaches. Take an island-hopping boat trip to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and its five islands of Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan, Sapi and Sulug, whose powdery sands sit beside crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling. Spend some time in this area and discover the incredible Gaya Island Resort Borneo. 

For deeper diving, Lankayan Island off the northeast coast boasts dozens of sites and shipwrecks home to turtles, pufferfish, leopard sharks, whale sharks and more. For a truly special experience, hike to the 4,000-metre peak of Mount Kinabalu for an overnight stay between the spectacular sunset and sublime sunrise.

Borneo’s steamy rainforest hasn’t appeared by accident and is kept lush and green by consistently high temperatures with regular rain all year. Expect days to reach 27-32°C and humidity to be high whenever you travel, especially in the jungle. Borneo’s dry season runs from March to September, with the lowest rainfall expected in March, April, May, and August. The wet season lasts from October to February, and rains usually peak in the first month before easing off gradually.

Whenever you travel, a light raincoat is advised for those planning outdoor activities, while beach lovers can simply head for cover in their room, grab refreshments in the bar, or take the opportunity for a spa treatment with a tropical rainfall soundtrack.