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Malaysia Borneo

Orangutan hanging between two trees

Malaysian Borneo tours

Orangutans in a tree

Authentic Borneo

14 Days

1 Country

From

$3,995

pp

Rhinoceros Hornbill bird

Essential Borneo

8 Days

1 Country

From

$2,669

pp

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Travel tips

Dry Season

May-Oct

Average temperature:

27-32˚C

Rainfall:

~150-200mm/month

Summer

Nov-Apr

Average temperature:

27-31˚C

Rainfall:

~300-400mm/month

Borneo Sabah Rafflesia Keithii Flower

Country dialing code

+60

Capital city

Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), Kuching (Sarawak)

Official language

Malay

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

The best time to visit Borneo is during the dry season from May to September. This period offers more sunshine, slightly lower humidity, and better conditions for jungle trekking, wildlife spotting (especially orangutans), and diving around Sipadan or the islands off Sabah. While Borneo is lush and green year-round due to its equatorial climate, the wet season from November to February can bring heavy rainfall and occasional flooding, which may disrupt travel plans and limit access to some areas.

    Highlights

    Orangutans

    Orangutans swing through Borneo’s rainforests, offering unforgettable encounters in sanctuaries and the wild. Sepilok and Semenggoh are top spots to witness these gentle, intelligent primates up close.

    Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

    Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for biodiversity. Cruise along the river to spot pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and vibrant birdlife in one of Malaysia’s richest ecosystems. 

    Gunung Mulu National Park

    Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its vast cave systems and limestone pinnacles. Explore Deer Cave, Clearwater Cave and lush rainforest trails teeming with rare flora and fauna.

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    Useful information

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    Communications

    Country Code for Sabah and Sarawak: +60 

     

    Official Travel advice visit:  

    Malaysia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Malaysia | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

    Emergency Services: 999 

     

    Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur 

    6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Phone: (+60 3) 2146 5555/2146 5575 
    Fax: (+60 3) 2141 5773 
    Website: malaysia.highcommission.gov.au 
    Email: ahckl.consular@dfat.gov.au  
     

    Australian Consulate, Kota Kinabalu 

    Lot 01-05, 11th Floor, Jubili Tower (Menara Jubili), 53, Jalan Gaya 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia 
    Phone: (+60 88) 267 151 
    Email: andrewsmk@yahoo.com  

     

    Australian Consulate, Sarawak 

    E39 Level 2, Taman Sri Sarawak Mall, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Phone: (+60 19) 898 9787 
    Email: philipting66@gmail.com  

     

    New Zealand High Commission Kuala Lumpur 

    Level 8, Menara Hap Seng 3, Jalan P Ramlee, 50250, Kuala Lumpur 

    Telephone: +60 3 2027 8998 

    Email: klinfo@mfat.govt.nz  

    Customs

    Borneo is culturally diverse, home to numerous Indigenous groups such as the Iban, Dayak, and Kadazan-Dusun, as well as Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities. Respect for local customs is essential, especially in rural or tribal areas. When visiting longhouses or villages, it’s polite to ask permission before taking photos and to dress modestly. Shoes should be removed before entering homes or certain buildings. In predominantly Muslim areas, such as in Brunei and parts of Malaysian Borneo, conservative dress and behaviour are appreciated—avoid public displays of affection and be mindful during Ramadan. Offering and receiving items with the right hand or both hands is considered respectful.  

     

    Borneo is home to some of the world’s oldest rainforests and endangered species. Avoid single-use plastics, stick to marked trails, act with care and respect around wildlife and support eco-certified tours. 

    Electricity

    Plug Types: Type G (used in Brunei and Malaysia), and Type C & F (common in Indonesian Borneo) 

    Voltage: 220–240 V 

    Frequency: 50 Hz

    Health

    Strict rules control the importation of prescription and non-prescription medication. If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Malaysia. 

     

    Dengue fever is common, including in major urban areas. Zika virus is also a risk. Malaria is a risk in rural areas. Other insect-borne diseases include chikungunya, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis.  
     

    Rabies is present in Malaysia. It's fatal without immediate treatment. Avoid dogs, monkeys and other mammals. Get medical help straight away if an animal bites or scratches you. 

     

    Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include hepatitis, tuberculosis, typhoid and cholera. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. 

     

    Official Travel advice visit:  

    Malaysia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Malaysia | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand)

    How to Get There & Getting Around

    Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Indonesia (Kalimantan), and Brunei share Borneo. The most common entry points for travel with Adventure World are Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak).  

     

    Due to Borneo’s vast size and limited road infrastructure, domestic flights (for example, between Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan) are the fastest way to cover long distances. 

     

    Boats and ferries are useful for reaching riverine areas and remote communities. Grab, rideshare app is widely used in Malaysian Borneo. In rural areas, ojeks (motorbike taxis) are common. 

    Holidays & Festivals

    • Hari Raya Aidilfitri – March–April: Celebrates the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting for Muslims. 
    • Wesak Day – 12 May: Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. 
    • Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) – 30–31 May: A thanksgiving celebration by the Kadazan-Dusun people in Sabah for a successful rice harvest. 
    • Gawai Dayak – 1–2 June: Celebrated in Sarawak by the Dayak people to mark the end of the rice harvest. 
    • Hari Raya Haji – 7 June: Islamic festival honouring the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. 
    • Malaysia Day – 16 September: Marks the formation of Malaysia in 1963, when Sabah and Sarawak joined the federation.

    Language

    In Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), the official language is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia), but English is widely spoken, especially in urban centres and tourist areas. Indigenous communities speak a variety of native languages such as Iban, Kadazan-Dusun, and Bidayuh.  

    Money, Tipping & Shopping

    In Borneo, the preferred currency depends on the region: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) is used in Sabah and Sarawak, Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in Kalimantan, and Brunei Dollar (BND) in Brunei. If you’re travelling across borders within Borneo, you’ll need to carry the appropriate local currency for each area. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and major hotels, but it’s wise to carry cash when visiting rural or remote locations.  

     

    Tipping is not a strong cultural expectation but is appreciated, especially in tourist areas. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a 5–10% tip is common. Hotel staff and guides also welcome small tips for good service.  

     

    When shopping, local markets and craft centres offer unique souvenirs such as handwoven textiles, beaded jewellery, wood carvings and natural products like wild honey and pepper. Bargaining is acceptable in markets, but it should be done respectfully.

    Visas

    The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

     

    You must complete a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival in Malaysia. Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa if staying for 90 days or less. 

     
    Official Travel advice visit:  

    Malaysia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Malaysia | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

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