One of the largest islands in the world, Borneo is a veritable feast for the senses with its melting pot of cultures, verdant forests, pristine coastal enclaves and fascinating wildlife. The island is divided into three countries, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, which all provide their own memorable holiday experiences.
Things to do in Borneo (Malaysia)
If you’re exploring Brunei, don’t miss visiting Jerudong Park, the largest and most expensive amusement park in Southeast Asia. You’ll find a range of kid-friendly rides, including bumper cars and the Chocolate Swimming Pool, along with a musical fountain show. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Ulu Temburong National Park, where you can journey down rivers via boat while spotting gibbons, squirrels, vipers and four hundred species of butterfly.
Borneo is also dotted with alluring natural attractions, such as the 4,095-metre-tall Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Malaysia. Part of the Crocker Range, it features alpine meadows and over 100 species of mammals. Don’t miss experiencing the dramatic limestone caves and rock pinnacles at Gunung Mulu National Park or the friendly orangutans at Tanjung Puting.
Want to venture down south to Indonesia? Check out the lively port city of Balikpapan, which boasts the inviting white-sand Kemala Beach, jewellery and gemstone stalls at the Kebun Sayur market and a rainforest canopy bridge at Bangkirai Hill.
Delve deep into Borneo’s rich traditional culture at the Sarawak Cultural Village, where you can explore replica longhouses and watch authentic cultural performances. Afterwards, check out the nearby Sarawak State Museum, the oldest museum in Borneo. It boasts ancient architecture, a natural history collection and models of old boats.
Getting around Borneo (Malaysia)
Borneo is best accessed by flying into Brunei International Airport, Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport or Kota Kinabalu International Airport. You can easily get around Borneo using planes, long-distance buses or trains. Most cities have taxis, buses and pedestrian-friendly areas.