travel advisory for borneo

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in Borneo

Best Hotels in Borneo

Staying at an Iban Longhouse

Driving in Borneo

One Week in Borneo

Top Destinations in Malaysian Borneo

Sarawak vs. Sabah

Guide to Kuching

Visiting Kalimantan

Guide to the Derawan Islands

Brunei Travel Guide

Top Things to Do in Malaysian Borneo

Museums to Visit

Best Beaches

Where to Go Scuba Diving

Best Hiking in Borneo

National Parks

Where to See Orangutans

Events & Festivals

Food to Try

Your Trip to Borneo: The Complete Guide

Borneo, the third largest island in the world , is divided between three countries: Indonesia (73 percent), Malaysia (26 percent), and Brunei (one percent). Your trip to Borneo will probably be centered around taking advantage of the natural biodiversity. The reefs are home to some of the best diving in the world , and Borneo is one of only two places left where wild orangutans still roam the rainforest. Opportunities for adventure abound within Borneo’s rugged interior of almost 289,000 square miles!

You’re going to need time to explore all the big island has to offer. Use our guide for planning your trip to Borneo and enjoying one of the most adventurous places on earth.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit : Overall, Borneo is hot, humid, and receives plenty of rain throughout the year. Sarawak is generally driest from March to September , while Sabah tends to be driest between January and May. East Kalimantan, Balikpapan, and the Derawan Islands receive less rain between July and October.
Language: Bahasa Malaysia is spoken in Malaysian Borneo . Bahasa Indonesia is the national language in Kalimantan, but an estimated 74 languages are spoken daily among different sub-ethnic groups! Bahasa Melayu is the official language in Brunei ; though, Melayu Brunei—Brunei’s variant of the Malay language—is used daily.
Currency: Malaysian ringgit (MYR) in Malaysian Borneo; Indonesian rupiah (IDR) in Kalimantan; Brunei dollar (BND) in Brunei.
Getting Around: Borneo requires time to move around. Plan on using regional flights for crossing long distances. Traveling by boat is sometimes the best option for going overland. Taxis and ojek (motorcycle taxis) are common for getting around in cities. Grab is a popular rideshare service in Malaysian Borneo.
Travel Tip: Doing research before the trip is prudent, but you’ll find that many independent guesthouses and small airlines don’t have an online presence. You’ll have more options for making arrangements once on the ground. When possible, book local tours and guides to directly help communities.

Things to Do

Despite damage from heavy deforestation, Borneo is one of the most biodiverse places in the world—see as much of it as you can. With mountains, rivers, thriving reefs, and a rainforest canopy that’s home to endangered species, finding memorable adventure in Borneo is easy.

See Wildlife in East Sabah : Although you can see orangutans and proboscis monkeys in rehabilitation centers and national parks throughout Sarawak and Kalimantan, the Sandakan area in East Sabah is home to three destinations that really provide a sample of the rainforest: the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Rainforest Discovery Centre, and Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary .
Learn About Dayak Culture : The best way to learn about the indigenous peoples’ way of life is to let them show you. Iban longhouse visits or overnight stays can be arranged in Sarawak, Sabah, and parts of Kalimantan. Contacting the Sarawak Tourism Board is the best way to find remote longhouse communities willing to host foreigners. If time is too short to reach the most authentic experiences, the Sarawak Cultural Village outside of Kuching is a “living” museum with model longhouses and cultural displays spread over beautiful grounds.
Visit the Derawan Islands: Getting to the Derawan Islands in East Kalimantan isn’t easy, but once there you’ll enjoy a wonderland of marine life. The islands are a major nesting site for hawksbill turtles and green sea turtles . The snorkeling and diving are superb, plus visitors can swim with millions of harmless jellyfish in lakes. Some of the smaller islands are such perfect examples of paradise that friends may not believe you took the photos!
Enjoy the National Parks : No matter which part of Borneo you choose to visit, you’ll have access to impressive national parks. Some are easier to access than others. Bako National Park is less than an hour from Kuching, but getting to Tanjung Puting in Central Kalimantan requires flying in and traveling by boat. You can see hornbills, giant butterflies, carnivorous pitcher plants, and plenty of monkeys even on relatively short hikes .

Explore more activities in Borneo with our full-length articles on attractions in Kota Kinabalu , things to do in Kuching , and climbing Mount Kinabalu .

Tyler Cave / Getty Images

What to Eat and Drink

With so many miles of coastline and rivers, Borneo is a great place to indulge in fresh, inexpensive seafood. Patrons cram into cavernous food courts and seafood restaurants built on the water. Be on the lookout for a live empurau , the fruit-eating fish from Sarawak that’s one of the most expensive edible fish in the world. Midin, a jungle fern that stays crunchy after cooked, is a healthy green not easily found outside of Borneo. Sarawak laksa is a filling, addictive variant of laksa , the noodle soup enjoyed throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Have fun trying the many unique fruits found in Borneo, especially the ones that won’t be easy to find fresh at home. Be on the lookout for mangosteens, rambutans, red dragon fruit, longans, salak (snake fruit), and langsat in markets. If you’re brave enough to sample durian —you should!—the season is roughly from June to August.

Learn more about delicious Malaysian street food, eating in Indonesia, and interesting fruit to try in Southeast Asia .

Where to Stay

Finding hotels in major cities such as Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Bandar Seri Begawan is easy enough. But you may need to be a little more creative in remote, smaller places. Homestays and eco-lodges are popular options in Sukau on the Kinabatangan River, in the Derawan Islands, and other settings where there are fewer choices for eateries. Dive operators usually have accommodation for guests in places such as Mabul Island. You can sometimes reserve simple huts and longhouses within the national parks.

Many options for bungalows and small guesthouses aren’t listed online—you’ll need to book them in person or through an agent.

Getting There

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Malaysian Borneo are surprisingly inexpensive; choosing where to start your trip to Borneo is key. For the most accessible orangutan and rainforest experiences, consider flying into Sandakan in East Sabah. Jakarta is best for connecting to points throughout Kalimantan.

Kuching (KCH): The pleasant city of Kuching is the best starting place for exploring Sarawak, but you’ll want to fly into Miri (MYY) if Mulu National Park is your first objective.
Kota Kinabalu (BKI): Kota Kinabalu is often the busiest airport in Borneo and puts you in the heart of Sabah. It’s the best choice for getting to Mount Kinabalu or connecting to other points throughout Borneo.
Sandakan (SDK): Fly into Sandakan in East Sabah for quicker access to orangutans, rainforest, and the Kinabantan River.
Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN): Flying into Brunei’s capital is the obvious choice for exploring the sultanate and impressive Ulu Temburong National Park.
Balikpapan (BPN): Balikpapan is a vibrant city in Kalimantan and hub for taking smaller planes to remote places.
Tanjung Redeb (BEJ): Flying into Kalimarau Airport in Berau, East Kalimantan, is usually the best for accessing the Derawan Islands.

Get help choosing the best airport in Borneo for beginning your trip.

Culture and Customs

The collective term “Dayak” is used for the more than 200 groups of indigenous peoples who call Borneo home. When you know the specific name of an ethnic group (e.g., “Iban”), use that instead.
Visiting a longhouse is an interesting way to learn about indigenous culture, but avoid contact when not feeling well. Many communities live in close quarters far from medical help, and even a case of the sniffles could cause problems. If staying overnight, you’ll need to bring a gift for the chief and practical gifts that can be divided equally among the residents. Consumables are usually best; your guide can provide advice about what to bring.
The left hand is generally considered unclean in local culture. Opt to pay, accept items, and eat with your right hand only. Eating with the hands is common in longhouses and some homestays.
Shaking hands (with a looser grip than in the West) is common when meeting someone of the same sex. After the handshake, briefly touch your heart to show extra respect.
Brunei is considered the most devout of Islamic nations in Southeast Asia. Dress conservatively when exploring Bandar Seri Begawan.
Read about the concept of saving face to have a better understanding of culture in Borneo. Avoid public displays of anger or frustration. When possible, defer to elders and people of higher status. Pointing out that someone is wrong could cause them to lose face, so always correct people privately rather than in front of their peers. Public displays of affection with your significant other could cause strangers to feel embarrassment.

Money Saving Tips

Check the dates for national and regional holidays before booking your trip. Big events such as Chinese New Year, Independence Day for both Malaysia and Indonesia, Gawai Dayak , Hari Raya (the end of Ramadan), the Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching, the Jazz Festival in Miri, and the Erau Festival in Kalimantan can drastically affect prices for flights and hotels.
For overnight stays in national parks in Sarawak, get in touch with the Sarawak Tourism Board in Kuching. The hostel-style accommodation is typically inexpensive and simple. Ask if there is a shared kitchen for cooking your own meals. Nighttime and early morning access to the park provides an extra memorable experience and costs little.
Like elsewhere in Asia, tipping isn’t the norm in Borneo. You can round up fares for drivers and leave a small tip for guides and porters to show your appreciation for a good experience.
Prices for many items are negotiable, especially in markets or when you’ll be purchasing a lot from one merchant. A little good-natured haggling is expected but never for common items with fixed prices (e.g., a bottle of water).

Read more about saving money on the duty-free island of Labuan in Sabah during your trip to Borneo.

Sarawak Tourism Board. " Travel Tips ." September 11, 2019.

CIA World Factbook. " Brunei ." November 4, 2020.

Sarawak Tourism Board. " Sarawak Cultural Village ." 2020.

Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia. " Derawan Islands ." 2020.

A Guide to Airports in Borneo

9 Top Destinations in Malaysian Borneo

How to Find Cheap Flights to Borneo

Where to Go in Malaysian Borneo: Sarawak or Sabah?

One Week in Borneo: The Ultimate Itinerary

The Top 8 Things to Do in Malaysian Borneo

The 10 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Borneo

Guide to Kalimantan: Planning Your Trip

The Best Time to Visit Borneo

The 12 Best National Parks in Borneo

Weather in Borneo: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

5 Places to See Orangutans in Borneo

The 10 Best Hikes in Borneo

The 11 Best Hotels in Borneo

The Top 9 Museums to Visit in Borneo

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Latest update

Exercise normal safety precautions in Malaysia.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Malaysia (PDF 367.29 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 999 or contact the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Centre on 321 159 999 or 322 662 222.

Advice levels

Reconsider your need to travel to the coastal region of eastern Sabah, including the islands, dive sites and associated tourist facilities.

Reconsider your need to travel to the coastal region of eastern Sabah, including the islands, dive sites and associated tourist facilities, due to the high threat of kidnapping. The risk of kidnapping increases on the water and waterfront after nightfall and is highest in the area between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau.

See Safety .

There's an ongoing high risk of kidnapping in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah. There have been a number of attempted and successful kidnappings. This includes islands, dive sites and tourist facilities. If, despite our advice, you travel to these areas, get professional security advice. Obey all local governments' curfews.
Terrorism is a threat. Possible targets include businesses and public areas popular with foreigners. Take official warnings seriously.
Petty crime is common. Bag-snatching, including by thieves on motorbikes, happens often. When walking, hold your bag on the opposite side to the traffic. Safeguard your belongings, especially in shopping centres, at the airport and on trains. Credit card fraud is common. Always keep your credit card in sight when paying for purchases.
Drink spiking can occur, even at reputable places. Never accept food, drinks, cigarettes or gum from strangers. Don't leave your food or drinks unattended.
Piracy in South-East Asian waters is an ongoing problem. Avoid travelling by boat in the southern Sulu Sea. If you intend to travel in the region by boat, check the International Maritime Bureau's piracy reports . Arrange personal security measures.

Full travel advice: Safety

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.
Private hospitals in major cities are of an international standard. You'll need to pay up-front at all hospitals unless you have travel insurance, and your travel insurance policy covers your hospitalisation. Services are more limited in rural areas. Government hospitals require a deposit even if you have travel insurance.
Cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have increased in Sabah. Ensure you're immunised against pertussis and practice good personal hygiene.

Full travel advice: Health

If you're suspected of using drugs, you may be required to take a urine test on arrival in Malaysia. This includes if you're travelling from a country where possession and use of drugs such as cannabis is legal. Penalties for drug offences are severe.
Don't use, carry or traffic illegal drugs. Punishments include the death penalty.
It's unclear if surrogacy is legal under Malaysian civil law and what conditions apply. Get legal advice before arranging a surrogacy.

Malaysian law requires that you carry identification, such as your passport or a Malaysian Immigration Issued Card (IKAD), with you at all times. If you are asked by police and are unable to provide it, you may be detained until you can present valid identification.

Malaysia is a multicultural but mostly Islamic country. Many areas have conservative standards of dress and behaviour. This includes at religious sites. Get advice on local customs.
Malaysia enforces some aspects of sharia law. Kelantan and Terengganu states are stricter than others. These laws apply to all Muslims, including visitors from Australia. Research laws that apply to you before you travel.
Malaysia doesn't recognise dual nationality. Always travel on your Australian passport. If Malaysian authorities find out you're a dual citizen, you may need to renounce one of your citizenships immediately, or you may not be permitted to depart Malaysia.

Full travel advice: Local laws

From 1 January 2024, you'll be required to complete and submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days prior to arrival in Malaysia. The MDAC must be submitted through the Malaysian Immigration website . See the Malaysian Immigration website for further information, including exemption details.

In most circumstances, you can get a 90-day tourism visa on arrival. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Malaysian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate for the latest details.
Malaysia has an auto gate facility for visitors from several countries, including Australia. The option to use the manual counter for a visa is still available. To use the auto gate facilities, Australian travellers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and must complete and submit their Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days before arriving. The auto gate facility is unavailable for Australian passport holders with Malaysian permanent residency or a long-term pass. This auto gate facility is available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 and 2. Further information can be found on the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card website.
Monitor the websites of the Malaysian Department of Immigration, My Safe Travel , the Malaysian Ministry of Health , and social media for any changes to entry requirements. Before travel, confirm entry requirements with the Malaysian High Commission or Consulate-General in Australia .

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur .
To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Terrorist attacks could happen in Malaysia. Attacks could be random and may affect locations popular with Westerners or during major events or holidays that attract large crowds.

Malaysian authorities have arrested people for planning terror attacks. This includes attacks against entertainment venues in Kuala Lumpur.

Other possible targets include:

hotels, clubs and restaurants
places of worship or religious holidays
outdoor recreation events
tourist areas

To stay safe:

be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
be cautious around places known to be possible terrorist targets
report any suspicious activity or items to police
check the media for any new or emerging threats
take official warnings seriously
follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Terrorist threats

Overland travel through Thailand

Read our travel advice for Thailand if you're planning to go there overland.

Avoid travelling to or through the far southern provinces of Thailand.

There's an ongoing high threat of kidnapping in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah, including islands, dive sites and other tourist facilities.

Extremists based in the southern Philippines are active in the area between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau in eastern Sabah.

Foreigners have been kidnapped from the nearby islands of Sipadan and Mataking and surrounding waters.

Some attempted and successful kidnappings have happened in coastal areas of eastern Sabah in recent years.

In May 2021, Malaysian authorities arrested eight suspected Abu Sayyaf militants who they suspect may have been planning kidnappings in Malaysia.
In September 2019, 3 fishermen were abducted in the waters off Lahad Datu.
In June 2019, 10 fishermen were abducted in waters between Lahad Datu, Sabah and Sitangkai, Southern Philippines.
In December 2018, 3 fishermen were abducted from Pegasus Reef near Kinabatangan, Sabah.
In November 2016, militants based in the southern Philippines attacked a yacht in waters between eastern Sabah and the Sulu archipelago. One German national was killed and another kidnapped and later killed. Further in 2016, some commercial seamen were kidnapped from cargo vessels in the area.
In May 2015, gunmen entered a local seaside restaurant in Sandakan and abducted the manager and one customer.

Malaysian authorities increased security in the region in response to kidnapping incidents. The Sabah Government has restricted the use of waterways.

Security measures

There's a 6pm to 6am curfew on water travel in 6 coastal districts of eastern Sabah state. This includes offshore areas up to 3 nautical miles (5.5km) from the coast.

All vessels travelling in the waters off Lahad Datu and Sandakan in daylight hours must get a permit or permission from police.

Vessels must travel only on designated routes.

There's a ban on resort-organised water activities at night. This includes diving and fishing.

Authorities established the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which includes the regions of:

Kinabatangan
Kota Marudu

There's an increased presence of security forces in the ESSZone.

Authorities may extend the water travel curfew each fortnight. If you travel by water during curfew hours without permission, authorities could fine you or jail you for up to 6 months.

Australian Government policy

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

If you decide to travel to eastern Sabah despite our advice:

get professional security advice
arrange personal security measures
check if your hotel has security measures in place
be extremely cautious

Civil unrest and political tension

You could encounter protests or demonstrations on the streets or at certain venues.

Protest activity could lead to violence and disrupt public services, including public transport, and cause traffic congestion. However, this is rare.

Police permission is needed for public gatherings and demonstrations. If you take part in a protest or demonstration, authorities could arrest and deport you.

Avoid protests and demonstrations.

During periods of unrest:

check the news and other sources for information on planned and possible unrest or strikes
plan your activities to avoid unrest on national or commemorative days
be ready to change your travel plans

If civil unrest disrupts your transport plans, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Petty crime

Petty crime is common.

Opportunistic pickpocketing and snatch-and-grab robberies happen often where thieves snatch handbags, shoulder bags, jewellery, mobile phones and other valuables from pedestrians.

Hotspots include busy pedestrian crossings near major shopping malls, including within the KLCC area.

Motorcyclists, and sometimes thieves in other moving vehicles, pull bags from victims. This often causes injuries.

Smash-and-grab attacks against slow-moving and parked vehicles also happen.

To avoid petty crime:

don't carry bags that are easy to snatch
walk on footpaths when you can and stay away from the curb
hold your bag on the opposite side to the traffic
when driving or parking your car, keep valuables out of sight
always keep vehicle windows up and doors locked, even when moving

Handbags, expensive watches, jewellery and cameras are tempting targets for thieves.

Many travellers have lost passports and other valuables to thieves on trains and at airports.

Carry only what you need and leave other valuables, in a secure location.

Thieves sometimes work in groups at busy shopping centres. One or more may approach you with stories of distress or warnings for your safety. When you're distracted, others steal your belongings.

Watch your personal belongings, especially:

in crowded areas and during holiday periods
when travelling on trains from the airport
at airports

Be wary of approaches from strangers, especially in shopping centres.

Credit card fraud

Credit card fraud is common.

Credit cards are often copied for illegal use. This can happen anywhere, from small shops to large department stores and hotels.

Always keep your credit card in sight.

Online scams

Online scams have increased in recent years. Scammers often pretend to be people in need of financial help.

They prey on people looking for companions on online dating websites.

To protect yourself from being scammed:

be wary of people asking for money
don't send money or provide your bank details to anyone you don't know
be careful when sharing personal information with people you haven't met in person

Scams involving gambling are also common.

Violent crime

You could experience violent crime in Malaysia. Australians have been victims of violent crime in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other areas of the country. You should exercise vigilance and take sensible precautions. If you're a victim of crime, inform the local police and get a police report.

Criminals have assaulted and robbed travellers after spiking their drinks. This can even happen at places with a good reputation.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

never accept food or drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
if you aren't sure if a drink is safe, leave it
stay with people you trust at parties and in bars, nightclubs and taxis

To stay safe while using taxis:

don't hail taxis on the street, especially after dark
book taxis by phone at a shopping centre taxi desk
check there's a licence with photo on the dashboard or seat back before getting into a taxi
check the driver matches the photo.

If you're alone in a taxi, sit in the back seat. Keep your belongings with you in the taxi.

If your taxi stops to pick up other passengers, get out of the taxi when it's safe to do so. Taxi drivers aren't allowed to pick up extra passengers, but it sometimes happens.

E-hailing services are available. Use the same precautions as taxis.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Climate and natural disasters

Malaysia experiences severe weather and natural disasters , including:

earthquakes
severe rainstorms

If there's a natural disaster:

secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
keep in contact with your friends and family
monitor local media and weather reports
check with tour operators before travelling to affected areas

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Earthquakes can happen in Malaysia.

In 2018, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Sabah. No deaths or injuries were reported. The earthquake's tremors were felt and climbing activities were suspended.

Coastal regions of the world can experience tsunamis. Malaysia and its neighbours are vulnerable to earthquakes, which make destructive tsunamis more likely.

US Tsunami Warning Centre

Severe weather

Flooding and landslides are common during the wet season which is usually from October to February.

Severe rainstorms can result in deaths and extensively damaged infrastructure.

Essential services can be interrupted.

Tours and adventure activities

The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators aren't always met. This includes for adventure activities, such as diving.

Operators may not provide enough safety equipment. They also may not pay attention to maintenance standards and safety precautions.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

check your travel insurance covers you for it
ask and insist on minimum safety requirements
use available safety equipment, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Piracy in South-East Asian waters is an ongoing problem, especially in the:

Strait of Malacca
waters between Sabah and the southern Philippines

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) issues weekly piracy reports.

Avoid travelling by boat in the southern Sulu Sea. This includes waters between Sabah, Malaysia and Palawan in the Philippines.

If you decide to travel by boat in these regions:

check IMB piracy reports
get local advice
arrange security measures

Travelling by boat

Going on a cruise

Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations if, despite our advice, you're travelling to the coastal region of eastern Sabah.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

General health advice
Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Malaysia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Strict rules control the importation of prescription and non-prescription medication. Contact the high commission or embassy of Malaysia to check what documentation local authorities may need you to have. Further information can be found on the Pharmaceuticals Services website.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

what the medication is
your required dosage
that it's for personal use

More information:

Health risks

Smoke haze often happens from June to October, but it can happen at any time.

Check the haze situation and any health warnings the Malaysian Government issues.

When haze levels are high, authorities recommend limiting outdoor activity. Get your own medical advice.

Insect-borne diseases

Dengue is common, including in major urban areas. Sometimes serious outbreaks happen.

There's no vaccination or treatment available for dengue fever.

Zika virus is a risk. There's no vaccination for it.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:

discuss any travel plans with your doctor
consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

The Zika virus bulletin includes advice on how to minimise Zika virus risks.

Malaria is a risk in rural areas. It's less common in urban and coastal areas. Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases can happen. This includes chikungunya and filariasis .

Reported cases of Japanese encephalitis have increased in recent years. Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel

The risk of contracting insect-borne diseases increases during the wet season.

To protect yourself from disease:

ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
always use insect repellent
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Ministry of Health

Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease. It's found in dogs, monkeys, bats and other mammals.

The most recent cases were reported in Sarawak. It was transmitted through feral dog and cat bites.

Rabies can also be contracted when a rabid animal's saliva gets directly into your eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.

Avoid direct contact with dogs and other mammals.

If a dog, monkey or other mammal bites or scratches you, use soap and water straight away to wash the wound thoroughly.

Get urgent medical attention.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common.

These include:

tuberculosis
hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
avoid ice cubes
avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
wash your hands often and thoroughly

Get medical attention if you suspect food poisoning, or if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have increased in Sabah since the beginning of 2023. If you're planning to travel to Sabah:

ensure you're immunised against pertussis
practice good personal hygiene including frequent hand washing, not sharing drinks or lip balm
keep your distance from people who appear sick
seek medical attention if you develop symptoms

Infectious diseases

Marine stings

Stings from jellyfish and other marine animals can be fatal.

Ask local authorities, your tour operator or hotel about:

swimming conditions
precautions to take
other dangers

Black henna tattoos

Avoid temporary black henna tattoos as they often contain a dye that can cause serious skin reactions.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

You can find private hospitals with international-standard facilities in major cities.

Public hospitals in major cities have a good range of medical services. However, access can be slow. Services are more limited in rural areas.

Most private hospitals need a cash deposit or a confirmation of insurance before they will admit you. They also expect immediate payment for services.

You need to pay up-front for treatment at government hospitals.

There are decompression chambers in:

Medical tourism

Medical tourism , including for cosmetic surgery, is common.

Standards at discount and uncertified medical facilities can be poor.

Serious and possibly life-threatening complications can result.

Before travelling for medical tourism:

research and choose medical service providers carefully
don't use discount or uncertified medical service providers
check your travel insurance covers you if things go wrong with your surgery, as most don't

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

If you're suspected of using drugs before you visit Malaysia, you may be required to take a urine test on arrival. This includes if you're travelling from a country where possession and use of drugs such as cannabis is legal.

Penalties for drug offences are severe, including drug possession and the presence of drugs in your bloodstream. Malaysia still carries the death penalty for drug trafficking.

Carrying or using drugs

Surrogacy laws

Malaysian civil law applies to everyone in Malaysia. Under this law, it's unclear if surrogacy is legal and what conditions apply.

Under sharia law, surrogacy is illegal. However, sharia law only applies to Muslims.

Surrogacy isn't practised openly in Malaysia. If you want to pursue surrogacy, it's mostly a private arrangement between you and the surrogate.

Get independent legal advice before entering into a surrogacy arrangement.

Going overseas for international surrogacy
Going overseas to adopt

Malaysia enforces some aspects of sharia law. These laws apply to all Muslims, including those from Australia.

Research laws that apply to you before you travel.

Serious crime

Crimes that may attract corporal punishment include:

certain drug offences
commercial crime

Same-sex sexual relations are illegal.

Punishment can include whipping and up to 20 years in prison for same-sex acts involving either men or women.

LGBTI travellers

Drink driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offence, which can result in fines and/or a jail sentence. Authorities strictly enforce these laws.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Local customs

Malaysia is a multicultural but mostly Islamic country.

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many areas. This includes at religious sites.

Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions.

Learn about customs at your destination. If in doubt, get advice from locals. Take care not to offend cultural or religious beliefs.

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in Malaysia. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Dual citizenship

Malaysia doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

If Malaysian authorities find out you hold both Australian and Malaysian citizenship, you may need to renounce either your Australian or Malaysian citizenship straight away, or you may not be permitted to depart Malaysia.

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

I n most circumstances, Australian passport holders can get a 90-day tourism visa on arrival.

Arrange a visa before you travel if you're visiting for:

volunteer work

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest high commission, embassy or consulate of Malaysia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

If you breach your visa conditions or overstay your visa, authorities may fine, detain or deport you.

Always check the correct dates are on the visa stamp placed in your passport.

Follow immigration rules, including your visa conditions.

Border measures

Malaysia has an auto gate facility for visitors from several countries, including Australia. The option to use the manual counter for a visa is still available. To use the auto gate facilities, Australian visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and must complete and submit their Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days before arriving.

The auto gate facility is unavailable for Australian passport holders with Malaysian permanent residency or a long-term pass. This auto gate facility is available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 and 2. Further information can be found on the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card website.

Entry requirements may change at short notice. Monitor the websites of the Malaysian Department of Immigration , My Safe Travel , the Malaysian Ministry of Health , and social media for any changes. Before travel, confirm entry requirements with the Malaysian High Commission or Consulate-General in Australia .

Staying in Malaysia

You should ensure you keep your visa up to date.

Other formalities

Foreigners need to provide biometric identification (fingerprints and/or face) on arrival.

Children aged younger than 12 years and visitors with finger disabilities don't have to do this.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

LGBTI travellers

The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

When you depart, declare any MYR over MYR30,000, $US10,000 or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You can take larger amounts out of the country if you declare it when you arrive.

ATMs are widely available.

Local travel

If you travel between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, you need your passport. East Malaysia includes Sabah and Sarawak.

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for any related damage and injuries if you plan to hire:

a motorcycle
any other vehicle

Driving permit

To drive in Malaysia, you need both:

a valid Australian driver's licence
an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

If you don't have both, you need to apply for a Malaysian licence.

Driving or riding

Road travel

Motorcyclists are a common traffic hazard. They often:

weave through traffic
drive through red lights and pedestrian crossings
travel on the wrong side of the road

Motorcyclists have been increasingly confronting drivers who shout, gesture or toot their horn at them. They sometimes assault drivers.

You're more likely to die in a car accident in Malaysia than in Australia.

To stay safe, drive carefully and avoid road rage.

On a motorcycle, always wear a helmet.

Some taxi drivers, especially in tourist spots or when roads are jammed, don't use their meter. This is illegal.

Malaysia's taxi regulator has an English-language hotline for reporting problems. To make a report, call 1 800 88 7723 and provide the:

vehicle number
taxi company name
time, date and location of the incident
name of the driver if known

Always ask if the driver will use the meter, or agree the fare, before you get in a taxi.

At the start of your trip, take note of the vehicle number, the taxi company name and the name of the driver.

Public transport

There have been fatal and other serious accidents involving long-distance tour buses. This often happens at night or in bad weather.

If you plan to travel by bus, choose a company with a good reputation and avoid overnight travel.

Transport and getting around safely

In recent years, several passenger boats have sunk due to overloading and poor maintenance.

Before booking tickets on a passenger ferry, speedboat or other vessel, check there is appropriate safety equipment available.

Don't travel on any vessel that looks overloaded or in poor condition.

When you board, confirm there are enough life jackets for all passengers. Know where they are.

In bad weather, wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

There is a curfew on travel by water from 6pm to 6am in the coastal districts of eastern Sabah. See Safety

Airline safety

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Malaysia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

National parks

National parks are protected areas, and some are home to ethnic minority groups.

Be respectful of the law and customs in these areas. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Don't remove any wildlife or plants from the park.

Before entering a park, register your plans with park officials and let someone you trust know where you're going.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider

Call 999 or contact the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Centre on +60321 159 999 or Royal Malaysia Headquarters (Bukit Aman) +603 22662 222.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

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: [email protected] Facebook: Australia in Malaysia Twitter: @AusHCMalaysia

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

You can get limited consular help, including lodging Australian passport applications, at the following Australian consulates headed by honorary consuls:

Australian Consulate, Penang

Level 3 Jalan Macalister 10400 Penang Malaysia Phone: (+60 4) 226 8955 Fax: (+60 4) 228 3366 Email: [email protected]

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 Fax: (+60 88) 266 509 Email: [email protected]

Australian Consulate, Sarawak

E39 Level 2 Taman Sri Sarawak Mall Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman 93100 Kuching Sarawak Malaysia Phone: (+60 19) 898 9787 Email: [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Malaysia?

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

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Malaysia Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Malaysia. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

Updated Global Measles April 26, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia
Dengue in Asia and the Pacific Islands April 18, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to Asia and the Pacific Islands can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.

COVID-19 vaccine

There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Malaysia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Malaysia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Malaysia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season.

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Malaysia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find country-specific information about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Malaysia.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Malaysia. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Malaysia, rabies treatment is often available.

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Malaysia.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Chikungunya

Mosquito bite
Avoid Bug Bites
Mosquito bite
An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
Bite from an infected rodent
Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
Avoid rodents and areas where they live
Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Malaysia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Malaysia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone
Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Malaysia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

Use latex condoms correctly.
Do not inject drugs.
Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Malaysia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Malaysia. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Malaysia may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Malaysia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Malaysia.

Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
Follow all local laws and social customs.
Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Malaysia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Malaysia travel advice

Latest updates: Natural disasters and climate – removed information on the Ruang Volcano eruption

Last updated: April 29, 2024 06:14 ET

East coast of Sabah - Avoid non-essential travel

Kinabatangan

Demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur

Due to the ongoing situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, calls for protests on Fridays and weekends may continue for the duration of the conflict. Large-scale demonstrations are expected to continue.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. If you're in Kuala Lumpur:

remain vigilant at all times, especially near embassies, tourist attractions and markets
monitor local media for the latest information on these demonstrations
avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings
follow the advice of local authorities

East coast of Sabah

Eastern Sabah is deemed a Special Security Area by the Malaysian government. Despite increased security in the region, the risk of kidnapping and violence perpetrated by Philippine militants remains, especially in the coastal areas. Tourist resorts, restaurants and watercrafts are targeted as well as resort islands and surrounding waters, including around Sipadan. The risk increases on the water and waterfront after nightfall. Land- and water-based curfews, including a Movement Control Order, are in effect in the coastal areas of Eastern Sabah.

The Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) includes:

Check local media or with local police for the most recent curfew information. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Violent crime against foreigners is not common. Petty crime, however, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and snatch-and-grab incidents is prevalent, especially in tourist areas and at the airport. Thieves on motorcycles frequently grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, often resulting in injury. Women walking alone or with children are common targets.

Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
Try to limit the number of valuables you carry
Wear your purse facing away from the street and don’t put the strap over your shoulder or wrap it around your arm
Don’t leave valuables unattended in vehicles

Scam artists operate in Malaysia. Male travellers, usually alone, have been approached in public places with invitations to participate in card games offering attractive opportunities for winning large amounts of money. Victims have lost thousands of dollars before realizing they were being scammed. Companies have also been the target of scams. Scammers will often pose as representatives from phony loan companies and fabricate documents, emails and receipts to appear legitimate. They then ask for up-front payments in order to facilitate the fake loans. Don’t enter into agreements without conducting appropriate research.

There are reports of travellers encountering serious problems after responding to advertisements to do volunteer work with some adventure or environmental organizations. If you are interested in doing volunteer work abroad, conduct careful research before making a commitment.

Internet dating and other financial scams are common. Foreigners, including Canadian expatriates, may be targeted.

Credit cards and debit cards should be safeguarded at all times as theft, fraud and skimming does occur. Credit card magnetic strips have been duplicated, even in international hotels. Swiping your own card may not always be possible.

Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Terrorist targets could include:

government buildings, including schools
places of worship
airports and other transportation hubs and networks
public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Stay at hotels that have robust security measures; however, keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.

Demonstrations

Large-scale demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Demonstrations are usually accompanied by a heightened police presence and traffic delays. Law enforcement officials have deployed crowd control measures such as tear gas and water cannons, and participants and bystanders have been injured. It is illegal for foreigners to participate in demonstrations.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
Follow the instructions of local authorities
Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Public transportation

Touts at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, including at the KLIA2 terminal, attempt to get travellers to take their “taxi” into town. Several incidents of robbery and/or assault have occurred, as well as gross overcharges by such individuals. Take registered airport taxis only: before leaving the customs and arrivals hall, obtain a coupon from the airport taxi stand near the exit.

Many taxi drivers will often refuse to use the meter even though it is illegal not to use it. You should either look for another taxi or agree on a rate before entering the taxi.

If possible, book taxis by phone. Use a taxi desk or a trusted application on a smartphone, and confirm that the identity of the driver matches that of the photo in the dashboard and seatback.

Taxis are not permitted to pick up additional passengers. If they do, disembark when it is safe to do so.

Report any taxi-related problems to the SPAD (Malaysian body regulating public land transportation) at 1 800 88 7732. English-speaking operators are available. Be ready to provide details such as the vehicle number, the taxi company name as well as the time, date, locations and the nature of the incident.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Signage is in the local language. In some remote areas, there may be a lack of guard rails.

Be extra cautious when driving in the rain as your visibility may be impaired.

Aggressive driving habits by motorcyclists, including driving between vehicles, may pose a risk to foreign drivers who may not be accustomed to these driving techniques.

Bus accidents have occurred on long-distance tour buses, particularly at night. Choose a reputable tour company and avoid overnight routes.

Maritime travel

Boat accidents occur. Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

Pirate attacks and armed robberies occur against ships in and around Malaysia, particularly in the Strait of Malacca and in the waters between Sabah and the southern Philippines. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Malaysian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Malaysia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

Foreign Representatives in Canada
Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Business visa: required Student visa: required

For stays of over 90 days, you must apply for an extension at any Malaysian Immigration office.

Immigration Department of Malaysia - Government of Malaysia

A special visa is available to individuals who participate in the Malaysia My Second Home or Mm2h program.

Other entry requirements

From December 1, 2023, you must complete a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This is an online pre-arrival form and can be filled in up to three days prior to your arrival in Malaysia.

You must present your passport and a complete MDAC for border officers to validate before leaving the immigration counter.

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card – Immigration Department of Malaysia

Employment pass

Before you apply for an employment pass (at an immigration office or a Malaysian high commission overseas), your prospective employer must apply for approval from the Standing Committee for Malaysianisation or the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority to fill the position with an expatriate. While waiting for the approval, your employer can apply to bring you into the country on a social visit pass (for example, temporary employment). We strongly recommend against this last step: you should obtain your employment pass before arrival because it is very difficult to change visa status once in Malaysia. Foreigners are limited to three visit pass extensions, after which they must leave the country or a fine will be imposed for overstaying.

Foreigners are required to register their biometrics (fingerprints) at their port of entry. Children under 12 years of age and diplomats accredited to Malaysia are exempt from this process.

Screening measures

Malaysian authorities have implemented screening measures in response to various virus outbreaks. Travellers entering Malaysia from Canada may be subject to a body temperature check. In some cases, travellers may be isolated and treated.

Drug screening

Custom officers can subject you to a drug screening test at the point of entry to Malaysia. If you test positive for drugs, you can be arrested and prosecuted, even if the drugs were consumed prior to your arrival in the country.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
Dengue: Advice for travellers - 8 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.
Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
making multiple trips to endemic areas
staying for extended periods in rural areas
visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination.

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin. • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area. • Wear permethrin-treated clothing. If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

In this country, dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country.

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel.

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Covid-19 - testing.

Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test.

Good health care is only available in major cities. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Payment is expected at time of service and can be made either in cash or by using a major credit card.

Decompression/hyperbaric chambers are located in Ipoh, Kuantan, Labuan Lumut and Semporna.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Some aspects of Shari’a (Islamic) law have been introduced in Malaysia. Muslim travellers may be subject to these laws. In some states, such as Kelantan and Terengganu, particularly strict regulations on alcohol and public decency can be applied.

Religious preaching to Muslims, including distributing non-Islamic religious materials, is illegal.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can face the death penalty. Possession of as little as 15 grams of some prohibited substances will be considered trafficking.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

You must carry photo identification, such as your passport. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.

Traffic drives on the left.

Canadian driver’s licenses are valid in Malaysia and can be used locally for a period of 3 months. After this time, you can either drive with an international driving permit, or apply for a Malaysian driver’s license at a certified driving institute.

More about the International Driving Permit
Certified driving institutes

Seat belts are mandatory. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. Convicted offenders can expect fines or imprisonment and could have their driver's licence suspended or revoked.

The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited.

It is common to receive on the spot fines for disobeying traffic laws.

Marine transportation

Foreign vessels travelling in the waters off Sabah are subject to Malaysian law and must use routes designated by Malaysian authorities. Vessels must also fly both a Malaysian flag and the flag of their home country.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

The laws of Malaysia prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, and transgender individuals have been arrested. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Malaysia.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Malaysia.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Malaysia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Malaysia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Malaysia by an abducting parent:

act as quickly as you can
consult a lawyer in Canada and in Malaysia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
Travelling with children
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The majority of the population is Muslim. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and avoid discussions on race or religion.

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

The currency is the ringgit (MYR).

Some major hotels don’t accept credit cards. ATMs are readily available across the country.

A special permit is required to bring in more than US$10,000 in the form of cash or other negotiable items. Without the permit, excess amounts are seized upon arrival. Visitors may leave the country with only the amount of currency declared on the Traveller’s Declaration Form on arrival.

Monsoon season

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from November to March. Severe rainstorms have occasionally caused flooding and landslides, resulting in loss of life and damage to infrastructure. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Unrestricted burning periodically causes atmospheric pollution (haze) to rise to unhealthy levels in various parts of the country, especially from June to October. Levels change quickly and should be closely monitored.

Level of air pollution - Department of Environment of Malaysia
Recommendations on reducing health risks - Ministry of Health of Malaysia

Local services

Dial 999 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Malaysia and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Traveling to Borneo

From what to expect on your wildlife excursions to the one thing you shouldn’t leave home without—here’s what you need to know before going to the jungles of borneo..

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10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Traveling to Borneo

Borneo boasts beautiful islands and thriving cities, but most travelers are drawn here for its jungles and rare animals.

Photo by Maggie Fuller; design by Emily Blevins

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, but even seasoned travelers may need a minute or two to find it on a map. Hint: It’s in Southeast Asia, just east of the Malaysian Peninsula. Geography experts or no, people from all over the world journey to this jungle destination in hopes of glimpsing rare, critically endangered, or threatened animals such as orangutans, pangolins, rhinoceros hornbills, and Borneo pygmy elephants.

But the island is so much more than rain forest creatures: It also encompasses parts of three different countries, hundreds of cultures, and one of the most biodiverse environments on the planet.

I recently returned from an 11-day trip to some of the island’s rivers and jungles with the luxury travel company GeoEx . And while I’d thoroughly prepared by reading the provided packing lists and travel information, I was still in for some surprises. Here are a few facts and travel tips that I (and a few of my fellow travelers) wish I’d known before arriving in Borneo.

These critters are hard to spot

And not just because they’re good at camouflage. Because natural diversity is one of Borneo’s biggest draws, I was initially frustrated when our wildlife-watching excursions lacked drama. Besides macaques and proboscis monkeys, which were everywhere, the jungle didn’t exactly seem to teem with life. But then I picked up a brochure at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and read a sentence that clued me in: “Borneo is species diverse, not species abundant.” That is, there are many kinds of animals—some 200 mammals, 420 birds, 100 amphibians, and 400 fish —but the populations of most are small. (Insects, on the other hand, are everywhere.)

Do not forget to pack binoculars.

Courtesy of Amazon; design by Emily Blevins

A trip to Borneo, then, is about patience and the thrill of the chase: When you do spot a civet or pygmy elephant, the experience is all the more special because you earned it.

Don’t let a long flight drag you down

Most itineraries will bring you to Sarawak and Sabah, two Malaysian states in the northern part of the island that are filled with national parks and conservation areas. If you’re flying from Europe or the United States, your flight will take anywhere from 18 to 28 hours and will likely include a layover in Taipei, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. If you’ve got a foolproof method for avoiding jet lag , now’s the time to use it. Otherwise, consider padding your journey with a day or two in your layover city to help your body adjust to the new time zone and climate.

There’s more to Borneo than animals

That long flight is a great opportunity to catch up on your pretrip reading. Once you’ve paged through the guidebooks to learn more about how Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Kingdom of Brunei share space on the island, you may want to dive in to more specific aspects of this complicated place.

The Three White Rajahs by Sylvia Brooke is an interesting introduction to Sarawak’s unusual colonial history, as written by the wife of one of the three Englishmen who ruled as rajahs with local support during the late 1800s. (Be sure to visit the Sarawak Museum when you land in Kuching for local perspectives on the area’s much longer history.) Or open Orchid Fever: A Horticultural Tale of Love, Lust, and Lunacy by Eric Hansen to dive into the obsessive world of botanists who comb the far reaches of Borneo’s jungles in search of rare plants.

Prepare to get wet because yes, it does rain in the rain forest.

You’ll see evidence of the island’s constantly evolving relationship with palm oil on drives into the jungle, so get some background with the New York Times ’s eye-opening piece on the industry’s catastrophic impact on the environment and “ Palm oil is unavoidable. Can it be sustainable? ” from National Geographic , which explores its complex effects on the local communities and economies.

It rains in the rain forest . . . even during the dry season

Until a few years ago, the difference between the wet season and the dry one was much more marked—or so the locals told me. March through October are still the driest months, but it rained for part of almost every day of our trip in early June. And it was always hot (around 80 degrees) and humid. Skip the plastic poncho and bring a breathable rain jacket . You’ll be wearing it a lot.

In fact, all your activewear for jungle hiking should be breathable and quick drying—not only because you’ll be more comfortable but also because you’re going to get muddy. My clothes often appreciated a post-hike rinse in the bathroom sink. But know too that in that humidity, even quick-dry fabric didn’t dry very quickly, so you may want to pack more hiking togs than planned.

And if you’re a photographer, think about rain protection for your camera; don’t let a passing storm force you to stow it away.

Socks matter

For hiking, opt for lightweight, quick-drying socks. Heavy, wool socks are just plain uncomfortable in this climate and could even cause heat rash.

I liked having a pair of clean socks in the evenings. I’m a mosquito magnet, and as much as I love my Mohinders slides for traveling, I quickly discovered that the pests were able to get in between the bits of woven leather. (Luckily, the shoes look great with a fun pair of striped socks.)

The writer, modeling a pair of oh-so-fashionable leech socks.

Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuller; design by Emily Blevins

In wetter regions, such as the Danum Valley, you’ll also need leech socks. If you haven’t heard of them (I hadn’t) leech socks are essentially large cloth foot bags that tie up at the knee, keeping the bloodsuckers out of your shoes and pant legs. They’re available on Amazon for about $40, but many places in Borneo sell pairs that are just as effective for about $5.

Map out your anti-mosquito strategy ahead of time

Both malaria and dengue are a concern in parts of Borneo. The only way to avoid dengue is to use bug repellant, but there are a variety of drugs to prevent malaria. Some tablets are taken weekly, some daily; some you start two to three days prior to your trip, others start a week or two before. People react differently to all the drugs, so discuss your options with your doctor.

I skipped the drugs and chose instead to be vigilant. I wore long sleeves, long pants, and socks most of the time and used repellent with high levels of DEET. I avoided both diseases, but all that clothing made for some sweaty evenings.

A note on chemicals: My GeoEx packing list recommended using repellent that was 25 percent DEET; the Ultrathon repellent I ended up using is 34 percent DEET. There are DEET-free alternatives too, such as Natrapel , which uses Picaridin. Whatever you choose, buy it before you leave. I found that the repellents in Bornean pharmacies were usually around only 12 percent DEET.

It takes a long time to get around

The Malaysian parts of Borneo—Sabah and Sarawak—take up about 77,000 square miles and together form about a quarter of the island. They’re also separated by the entire country of Brunei. So to get from one state to the other, or often from place to another, you’ll need to take a short flight. Once you land, you’ll travel deeper into the jungle by car or by boat. In other words, prepare for small planes, lots of travel time, and plenty of unpacking and repacking.

Borneo is a wonderland for wildlife photographers, so be sure to pack your zoom lens.

Plan on unplugging

Often, even remote outposts in the jungle claim to have Wi-Fi. However, I found that signal was neither strong nor consistent. With patience, I was usually able to load emails—but not always able to respond to them—and to maybe post to Instagram. But don’t expect to catch up on your Netflix queue; this is really more of an off-the-grid situation.

BYOB—Bring your own binoculars

The one item I regretted leaving home without was binoculars. Borneo’s star animals are hard to find, and when we did finally spot a retreating mouse deer or a diving stork-billed kingfisher, the sight was fleeting. You’ll want the ability to zoom in on these creatures before they’re gone, rather than waiting for a neighbor or guide to kindly lend you a pair of binoculars. I’m now looking at Bushnell’s Legend L-Series as an entry-level option.

Speaking of magnification: Photographers, this is your chance to break out the big zoom lenses. Because most jungle critters hang out high in the trees, are small, or stay a safe distance away from intruding humans, a point-and-shoot camera simply won’t cut it.

“Always say yes”

During an overnight at Bako National Park, a number of people in my group opted out of the evening walk. The hike we had done that day in 90 percent humidity was draining, and a torrential downpour during dinner further dampened excitement. But one fellow traveler told me: “Always say yes on a trip like this. You’re here, aren’t you?”

Red leaf monkeys are endemic to Borneo and only found deep in the jungles.

The jaunt was worth it—those who joined found a hard-to spot emerald pit viper as well as a host of giant, creepy forest bugs. Then, as we turned to head back to our rooms, our guide asked if we wanted to keep going. “Yes,” we chorused. He led us down to a boat dock where the trees lining the silvery water were filled with thousands of blinking orange lightning bugs that looked like fairy lights strung intentionally in the branches. Standing there in the warm evening air and taking it all in ended up being one of my favorite memories from the trip.

Of course, there are good reasons to opt out of activities on a trip like this. When you’re staying at enchanting places like Sukau Rainforest Lodge or the Borneo Rainforest Lodge , you’ll want to cool off in the pools, relax with a book on your private balcony, or chat with the local bartender while enjoying a fresh-fruit cocktail in the well-appointed bars. And because of the climate, it’s important to rest regularly. But before you decide to stay in, remember that Borneo is full of surprises, and you never quite know what you might encounter.

>>Next: 17 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Going on a Galápagos Cruise

A view of stone walls and lakes over Sky Road in Galway County

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Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

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Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

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Eastern Sabah coastal islands

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Your full Wanderlust guide to travel in Borneo...

Straddling the equator and dominated by luxuriant rainforests, Borneo is the world’s third biggest island. Its territory is apportioned unevenly between the countries of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. The two East Malaysian states Sabah and Sarawak lie in the north, surrounding Brunei, while the Indonesian state of Kalimantan occupies most of central and southern Borneo.

When to go to Borneo Wildlife spotting in Borneo Culture and outdoor adventure in Borneo Where to stay in Borneo Health and safety in Borneo Getting there and around Key facts and figures

7 things you must do in Borneo

8 mins team wanderlust.

5 reasons you must visit Borneo now

4 mins team wanderlust, when to go to borneo.

Borneo is hot and humid with a typically tropical climate. Sarawak receives an abundance of rainfall during the monsoon season between November and February each year, whereas the dry season generally occurs from May to October.

The monsoon period should not deter visitors to the region as it brings respite from the tropical heat, though the wet season can be more encumbering for active and adventure holidays.

Heavy rains may cause cancellation of flights and riverboat trips into remote regions, so the dry season is best for activities.

Western tarsier (Shutterstock)

Rafflesia (Dreamstime)

Bornean pygmy elephant (Dreamstime)

Kinabatangan River, Sabah (Dreamstime)

Wildlife spotting in Borneo

Borneo is a wildlife wonderland - the island is home to some of the world's rarest and most endangered wildlife species including: the Bornean orangutan, Sumatran rhino, Bornean pygmy elephant, plus other curious species such as the large-nosed proboscis monkey and enormous-eyed western tarsier.

There are thousands of unique flowering species there too, including the Rafflesia arnoldii , the world's largest flower a with metre-long diameter.

5 best places to see orangutans in the wild

5 of Borneo's best-kept wildlife secrets

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Searching for pygmy elephants in Borneo

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Swimming with turtles at Sipadan, Borneo

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How to find an ethical wildlife sanctuary

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10 of the world's most endangered animals

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Borneo offers countless opportunities for other types of activities, whether you're a lover of culture, thrill-seeking adventurer or foodie fanatic. This colourful paradise combines relaxation and adventure with its idyllic beaches, scenic mountains and rich history.

How to climb Mount Kinabalu in a day

4 mins blog of the week.

In the know Borneo: 7 trips that reveal a surprising side of Asia’s wildlife wonderland

Shooting photographs in the jungle

6 mins steve davey, food and drink in borneo.

Bornean food comprises three world-class cuisines - Malay, Indonesian and Indian - with regional twists. Hawker markets offer opportunities to try a variety of dishes from the numerous stalls ranged around a central eating area - order enticing-looking treats from any stalls, take them to your table and tuck in.

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Where to stay in borneo.

Borneo has a full range of accommodation, from treetop lodges, budget hostels and small guesthouses, to luxury on-the-beach hotels.

More intriguing options include Borneo’s ecolodge stays with the chance to see as many as nine primate species including crocodiles, butterflies and rare birds such as the Storms stork.

It's advised that accommodation should be booked prior to travel.

Jungle Booked: 5 of the wildest hotels in Sabah, Borneo

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The best tour operators in the world 2019 - and their top trips

7 mins team wanderlust, health and safety in borneo.

Consult your GP or a travel health clinic for advice on inoculations and anti-malarial prophylaxis. Various biting bugs, leeches, parasites and venomous snakes are found in Borneo – particularly the jungles – so wear insect repellent, don’t walk barefoot and take sensible precautions to avoid bites and stings.

Food hygiene is generally good and crime levels relatively low, but do take do take the usual common-sense precautions.

Bite back! The most effective insect repellents for travellers

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Malaria: Questions and answers for travellers

8 mins dr jane wilson-howarth.

Hilary Bradt on bloodsucking leeches

7 mins hilary bradt, getting there and around.

International airports

Sabah (Malaysian Borneo): Kota Kinabalu International Airport Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo): Kuching International Airport Balikpapan (Indonesian Borneo): Sepinggan International Airport Pontianak (Indonesian Borneo): Supadio Airport Barjarmasin (Brunei): Syamsudin Noor Airport

Domestic flights Domestic flights link all the regions of Borneo including Sabah, Sarawak, Balikpapan, Bajarmasin and Pontianak. MASWings, AirAsia and Batavia Air provide regular services between the different areas of Borneo.

Buses Air-conditioned express buses are the economical way to travel long distances within, and sometimes between, Borneo’s different states.

Boats Ferry links between Labuan Island, Brunei, KK, Limbang and East Kalimantan are also an efficient way of exploring the Borneo states. Use the public express boats for fascinating journeys to coastal and inland towns such as along Rejang River or from Kuching East to Sibu.

Visas Visas are required to cross into some regions of Borneo.

Facts and figures

Capitals of Borneo

Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan Kalimantan: Banjarmasin (South), Palangka Raya (Central), Pontianak (West), Samarinda (East) Sabah: Kota Kinabalu Sarawak: Kuching Population Brunei: 389,000 Kalimantan: 12 million Sabah and Sarawak: 5 million Languages Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia English is widely spoken Money Malaysian ringgit (RM). Most outlets take major credit cards and ATMs are widely available. Time GMT+8 Intl dialling codes Brunei +673, Kalimantan +62, Sabah & Sarawak +60 Voltage 220-240V 50Hz AC

For the latest Borneo travel advice, check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice for Brunei , Indonesia , Malaysia .

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Borneo Travel Guide

Hands down one of our favorite adventure destinations on the planet is Malaysian Borneo .

The Legendary Rainforests of Borneo bring to mind images of towering trees, abundant wildlife and wild foreboding rain forests filled with raging rivers.

Only great explorers would dare to go there, it was home to the Headhunter after all.

This Borneo travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular Guides

Things to do in Borneo
The Pinnacles of Borneo

Our Highlight

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Borneo

Borneo power voltage is 230/240 V 50 Hz; Power sockets G.
The island itself is divided among three countries: Malaysia and Brunei in the north, and Indonesia to the south.
The Borneo currency is the Malaysian Ringett (MYR) and is around 4 MYR to 1 USD. In Brunei the Brunei Dollar and Singapore Dollar (notes only) are readily accepted. In the south the currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and is around 13,000 IDR for 1 USD.
Air-conditioned express buses are the economical way to travel long distances within, and sometimes between, Borneo’s different states
Borneo is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world – around 130 million years old.
Brunei is a ‘dry’ country – alcohol cannot be purchased, however you are allowed an alcohol allowance to be brought in for personal consumption.

Things to See and Do in Borneo

Hike Mount Kinabalu – This 4095 metre mammoth is a 2-hour bus ride from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo’s northern province.
Trek the Pinnacles of Gunung Mulu – a stone forest of white and grey limestone, jutting 45 metres out of the earth in razor sharp formations.
Go on a Jungle Safari – Take a boat up the The Sungai (river) Kinabatangan right into the heart of the jungle of Borneo, and stay in a rustic camp for a few days with Uncle Tan Wildlife Adventures .
Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – They are orangutans that have either been injured, rescued or orphaned that have been nursed back to health and let back into the jungle. To make their transition easier, they can come back any time they want for a feast.

Borneo Travel Guides

Great Things to do in Borneo – Malaysia’s Wild Jungle Island
The Pinnacles of Borneo – Amazing Wonder of Gunung Mulu
Mount Kinabalu – What it’s Really Like to Climb Borneo’s Highest Peak

Accommodation

Budget: You can stay at budget hotels in Borneo for as low as $10 US per night. They may include free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and have air conditioning.

Mid Range: There are mid-range hotels available in Borneo for around $30 US. They often include complimentary breakfast, are found in the city center, and have laundry service.

High End: High-end hotels in Borneo start around $60 per night. They may include family suites, indoor and outdoor pools, and offer airport transfers.

Here are some of the foods you may find in Borneo:

Hinava – A common dish found in Sabah with mackerel, spices, lime, and onion.

Clay pot soup – A soup with a variety of ingredients including tofu, prawns, squid, noodles, and vegetables that are cooked over a high temperature.

Pinasakan sada – A flavorful dish commonly found at restaurants with fruit, fish, salt, and turmeric.

The Best Ways to Get Around Borneo

Getting to borneo:.

Getting to Borneo: There are no direct flights from Borneo from Europe or North America, so you’ll have to connect at an Asian city such as Singapore or Hong Kong.

You can check for the best flights to Borneo on Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : You can take buses within the city as well as across the country starting at B$18.

Taxis: Taxis are found in the major cities, but you’ll always want to confirm if the driver is using the meter or not so you know the price in advance.

Car Rental: Car rentals in Borneo begin at B$60 a day. Check for prices and availability here.

When to go To Borneo

March through October is the best time to visit Borneo, as this is when the weather is the most pleasant and driest. You also have the best chance of seeing wildlife during these months.

Where to Stay in Borneo

Seven Boutique Hotel – This hotel is a great choice to stay at when you’re in Putatan. It’s only 3 miles away from the airport and the hotel offers a free airport shuttle service. They also are a few minute’s walk away from restaurants, bars, and a grocery store.

The Pacific Sutera Hotel – This beautiful hotel in Sabah has stunning views of the water while being close to shopping, so there’s something everyone can enjoy. They also offer a pool, fitness center, and a private balcony.

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa – This resort is a great place to relax when you’re in Sabah. You have access to the beach, diving, and babysitters.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation in Canada.

What to Pack for Borneo

Borneo is hot and humid with a typically tropical climate . Sarawak receives an abundance of rainfall during the monsoon season which falls between November and February of each year, whereas the dry season generally occurs from May to October.

Heavy rains may cause cancellation of flights and riverboat trips into remote regions, so the dry season is best for activities.

The protection basics – Travellers should stock up on the essentials: sun block, mosquito/insect repellant containing DEET or a pyrethroid insecticide, sunglasses and a hat. If you will be spending time in national parks or upriver areas (e.g. Batang Ai & Nanga Sumpa), make sure to bring a strong mosquito repellent that contains 30-50% DEET. Use this in the jungle and interior and bring it from home as it might be hard to find in Borneo.
Pack for Humidity – for humid weather it is best to pack fabrics that breathe as much as possible and natural fabrics, like cotton, linen or rayon (avoiding silk, wool and polyester). Clothing should be loose and comfortable to encourage the flow of air and allow moisture to evaporate.
Sarongs – From protecting yourself from the hot island sun, covering up at religious sites or keeping warm on a cool night, sarongs are a must-have.
Raincoat / Jacket – rain gear is always a good idea, as is a light jacket for the cooler temperatures at Mt Kinabalu.
Water bottle – Water is not potable in Borneo – do not drink or even brush your teeth with tap water.

Borneo Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
Trip Advisor : What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
Hostelworld : With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
Rome 2 Rio : If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
Get Your Guide: For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
World Nomads Insurance: When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Borneo Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Borneo click here.

Doc Holiday: What vaccinations do I need for Borneo?

Escape's Doc Holiday, Dilvin Yasa, answers your travel-related questions.

This article may contain links from our affiliate and advertising partners. When you click on them, or share this content, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Borneo is known for its population of orangutans.

Big thing that could soon be missing on your flight

Singapore Airlines just launched a new route to Europe, I was first onboard

The better boarding method airlines won’t use

I’m travelling to Borneo. Can you tell me what vaccinations I need?

When you read the recommended vaccinations list for Malaysia, you’re likely to feel a slight sense of panic, but hear me out. A few years back, my GP tried to convince me to get a rabies vaccination before I set off to visit India. I thought he was being a tad dramatic and declined. You know where this story is headed, right? I walked out into the streets of Goa and within five minutes a dog leapt out of nowhere and attached itself to my wrist. Fortunately, I did not develop rabies, but the experience taught me to say yes to every vaccine and medication recommended for a particular destination.

For Borneo, you will need to be up to date with routine vaccinations (these include diphtheria, tetanus, measles, polio, mumps and rubella), and also receive a course or booster of hepatitis A as well as typhoid. Depending on your age, lifestyle and whether you have any underlying health conditions, your GP may also discuss the possibility of hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis and rabies vaccines. Covid-19 is still as prevalent in Malaysia as it is anywhere else, so it’s recommended you’re up-to-date with your boosters as well.

Malaria and dengue fever are present in Borneo, and although the former is generally considered low-risk on the island, it’s advisable to have antimalarial medication with you. Soaking in mosquito repellent, covering up in light-coloured clothing – particularly at dawn and at sunset when mosquitoes are most active – and using fans or air-conditioning when you’re indoors is your best line of defence.

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Drifting Pretty

A travel and lifestyle blog dedicated to the jet-setting, wander-lusting, road-trippin’ life

Borneo Itinerary: The Perfect 2 Week Adventure Guide

January 20, 2021

By Simone Shomaker.

I don’t know about you, but the social distancing and time spent home on the couch has me daydreaming about past travel, and feeling hopeful about travel in the future. In light of that, I wanted to write a blog post about one of my favorite trips I have taken to date…Borneo, Malaysia. Keep reading for my full Borneo itinerary, the ultimate 2 week adventure guide!

From the reefs to the jungles…

Sepilok orangutan conservation center & bornean sun bear conservation center, borneo, malaysia.

You can imagine how excited I was when my fiancé Jacob said he wanted to take a big trip to celebrate finishing his PhD and officially becoming a doctor! After lots of research, we landed on Borneo, a rugged island in Asia boasting immediate access to remote nature. Borneo is the largest island in Asia and the third largest world wide, spanning across three nations: Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. Borneo is often featured on “Planet Earth” and is known for its pristine beaches, the oldest rainforests on the planet, extensive underground cave systems, and rare wildlife. It is home to rare species such as clouded leopards, pygmy elephants, orangutans and many more….

View from Bohey Dulang Hike. Borneo, Malaysia. Borneo Itinerary.

Borneo Travel Tips

Before I dive into the fun part, here are a few quick things to note about traveling to Borneo. This is not a trip I would recommend to anyone if you want luxury resorts or a “sipping tropical cocktails by the pool” vacation, this is very much a remote adventure travel destination…

SHOP OUR SUITCASE

1- You can not drink the water here. Bring a water filter or buy bottled water.

2- Bring insect repellent, and lots of it! Malaria and Dengue are a concern here, we stocked up on anti malarial prophylactics as a preventative measure.

3- Be careful what you eat, as with other countries lacking water purification capabilities, the food can also transmit waterborne bacteria, especially fresh fruit and vegetables. We recommend eating cooked veggies and fruit that has to be peeled.

4- People speak some English, but not everyone does and communication can be a bit tricky, especially if you are going off the grid as we did.

5- Bring a rain jacket and tall socks to help prevent leeches when hiking in the rainforest.

6- Time to unplug! Wifi is spotty. It does the soul good to disconnect for a while.

7- Borneo is a really huge island, traveling around takes time. Flights are the quickest way as buses can take 6+ hours or more in some cases. Also we were not able to make it to some of the places we wanted to because flights/boats/shuttles were only offered once a week. Plan accordingly!

9- Bring binoculars so you can see all the amazing wildlife- you will be happy you did!

Borneo Itinerary

While we were on Borneo we hopped around quite a bit. Here is our itinerary:

-Arrive at Tawau Airport, drive to Semporna, Sabah (1 hour drive)

-Go from Semporna to the water house by boat (30 min boat ride)

-Return to Tawau Airport and fly to Sandakan (spend 1-2 days in Sandakan)

-Sandakan to Kinabatangan Rainforest (stop along the way at Orangutan & Sun Bear Sanctuary)

-Kinabatangan River, in Bilit, spend 3-4 days

-Kinabatangan to Sandakan

-Sandakan to Selingan Turtle Island by boat (3 hour boat ride)

-Selingan Turtle Island Conservation Center, spend 2 days here

-Return from Turtle Island to Sandakan

-Sandakan to Mainland Malaysia stay tuned for another blog post about this!

Where to Stay in Semporna, Sabah, Borneo

Semporna was the highlight of our trip. We ventured off the beaten path and stayed in a traditional water house. This was a really unique experience, which I highly recommend to anyone who loves the ocean. You can see the water below your room through the cracks in the wood floor, and hear/feel the ocean rock you to sleep. The houses are built on stilts over the water off shore. Fair warning, it is a bit rugged, but you can’t beat jumping off your porch straight into the ocean on the middle of a beautiful coral reef. To get here, we were picked up by boat from the docks of Semporna by our Airbnb host. It was about a 20 minute boat ride along the coast and out to the reef. We found this amazing Airbnb Maglami Lami Waterhouse which is owned by a lovely family who live there as well. They cook three delicious meals a day for you which is included in the accommodation cost. They also can arrange to charter a boat for you for fun day trips!

Traditional Water House. Semporna, Sabah. Borneo, Malaysia. Borneo Itinerary.

What to Do in Semporna, Borneo

Visit the bajau laut, sea gypsy community.

Each day we got picked up by boat for various day trips. One of our highlights was getting to see the Bajau Laut, sometimes known as the sea gypsies or sea nomads. This was an amazing and humbling experience. These people are nomadic and live solely off of the ocean. They live in huts over the sea and have no connection to the modern world. They are highly skilled free divers who forage for their food underwater. The ocean is their sole source of food. Scientific studies have even shown that they have evolved larger spleens to help them more efficiently carry oxygen and hold their breath. They are said to potentially be the last generation of sea gypsies because of climate change, pollution and overfishing threatening their daily existence. Getting a glimpse of their world is a very touching reminder that our impacts span far across the globe to places and people most don’t even realize exist.

Bohey Dulang Hike

From the Bajau Laut, we took a short boat ride to the famous and picturesque Bohey Dulang hike. This was one of the views we looked forward to seeing the most. When we got there we were disappointed to see an overwhelming number of boats carrying tourists. The hike itself was extremely overcrowded and regimented, each group had a guide and it was a single file line all the way up. Despite the overcrowding, the views were absolutely insane and it is still worth a visit. After the hike, enjoy the day snorkeling and freediving around the beautiful island to cool off!

Island Hopping near Semporna, Borneo

Off the coast of Semporna, Sabah has no shortage of beautiful islands and great snorkeling/freediving. We highly recommend visiting as many as possible including Mataking Island, Pom Pom Island, Mabul Island, and our next favorite, Sipadan Island.

Scuba Diving in Sipadan Island

Widely touted as one of the top dives of the world, we had to go check it out. A little about me, I love scuba diving and my fiancé is a marine ecologist. We have dove all over the world, and have been lucky enough to dive at many highly regarded sites. Sipadan definitely lived up to the hype! You have to get a lottery permit to dive here, and the government only issues a limited number of permits per day. They do this in order to preserve the marine ecosystem. We were lucky enough to score a day-of permit at the last minute, but I recommend trying to book one well in advance through one of the local dive shops in Semporna, or on Mabul Island . It is a several hour boat ride from Semporna to get to Sipadan, however it was well worth it and you won’t be disappointed. It was a dive filled to the brim with huge megafauna! For those of you without a marine biology background, think of giant bumphead parrotfish, huge green sea turtles, underwater tornadoes of giant barracuda, and reef sharks galore, what a treat! In between dives we got to relax and explore the beautiful island above water. I recommend bringing your own dive computer if you have one, the resort has a very small supply!

What to Do in Sandakan, Sabah, Borneo

Sandakan is the second largest city in the state of Sabah, and is full of history. I recommend stopping over here for one full day to take in some of the sights. It is also the gateway to get to the Kinabatangan River and Selingan Turtle Island. This was not my favorite stop of the trip, but there are some worthwhile things to see and do, and the cutest street puppies live here! We hired a driver for the day through our Airbnb host who took us all around town. This was very convenient because there are many quick stops worth seeing, and we got a local tour! We stayed right in the downtown area along the river at a no frills Airbnb which was convenient to walk to restaurants and check out some of the vegetable and seafood local markets.

Visit the Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Center and Gomantong Cave

We visited the Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Center and Gomantong Cave. The cave was very breathtaking from the outside, but if you are anything like me (and are terrified of roaches) you won’t want to venture too far inside. We were lucky enough to spot wild Orangutans on the walk to the cave which was absolutely magical.

Sandakan Memorial Park

There is a lot of history from Word War II in Sandakan. Take a walk through the beautiful and eerie Sandakan Memorial Park, this is one of the locations where the infamous death marches took place when the Japanese invaded Sandakan. Nearby, is a historical house built before the war that has been converted into a museum, and after you stroll through there you can go visit the English Tea House and Restaurant for a lovely scone and the cutest street puppies roaming the grounds (I almost brought one home with me!).

Sam Sing Kung Temple, Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple and the Buli Sim Sim Water Village

Our next stops on our Sandakan day tour were two temples that our guide recommended: Sam Sing Kung Temple and my personal favorite of the two, the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple. Both temples are beautiful and worth seeing. Sing Kung is a small local temple with rustic charm, compared to Puu Jih Shih Temple, which is perfectly landscaped and quite extensive. There is a large Chinese population in Sandakan, and they live in the Buli Sim Sim water village which is built on stilts over the water. This was very interesting to visit, but hard to see in some ways due to the pollution they were living in. They have a famous Sim Sim Seafood Restaurant here that is popular with tourists from Asia because of the rare items on the menu. I felt quite uncomfortable inside this restaurant to be honest but it was eye opening to see some of the seafood that was being served and considered to be a delicacy.

Have a Drink at Balin Roof Garden

After our full day of adventuring, we found a wonderful rooftop bar called Balin Roof Garden , they also double as a pizza restaurant (a welcome change up after having noodles for every meal!). The bar turned out to be my favorite one of the whole trip and they had incredible espresso martinis in the cutest atmosphere!

On the way to the Kinabatangan River, we stopped at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center . The Sepilok Orangutan Center was a wonderful experience. You can sit and watch orangutans up close and personal as they go about their daily life. We even got to see some wild ones out in the park as we walked around. Be sure to catch feeding time while you are there, it was quite a sight! Conveniently located across the street is the Sun Bear Conservation Center. The sun bear is the smallest bear on the planet, and quite adorable! They are the size of a large dog, and get their name for their love of lounging in the sun. Definitely a must see!

Kinabatangan River Cruise

Next up, we scheduled a multi day trip into the rainforest in search of monkeys, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards and crocodiles. We chose Bilit Rainforest Lodge for our accommodation, which was rustic and jungly but oh so cool, and built on stilts on the edge of the river (due to the high amount of rain/flooding the area experiences). It takes about 2 hours to get here from Sandakan by car, and then you cross the river by boat. The river is massive! Each day we went on several river cruises and even a nighttime cruise. As you boat down the river, your guide will point out all the magical wildlife. We never caught a glimpse of the rare pygmy elephant, but were blown away by so many different kinds of monkeys (orangutans & proboscis to name a few), crocodiles, pythons, many species of birds, and lush riverside landscapes. Be sure to pack your mossie repellent for this spot! During your down time there are many places to take a jungle stroll (don’t forget the leech socks!), or read a book while you sit in your private hammock!

Selingan Turtle Island

This was one of my most favorite parts of the whole trip. We opted for a conservation based experience for our last few days on Borneo. This was quite fitting being that Jacob is a marine biologist/ecologist and my college degree was a Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology. The Selingan Turtle Island has been fully dedicated to turtle conservation. They offer packages for people to come learn about sea turtles and be a part of the conservation experience. While there, you can lounge on the beach while looking across the ocean at the neighboring islands of the Philippines. At night you are taken on guided and monitored missions to watch mama turtles lay their eggs using red lights that don’t disturb them. You then watch the process as they collect the eggs and take them to a protected hatchery. They have a guard who watches over the nursery 24/7 to make sure that no one poaches the eggs, and that no critters eat the eggs. When it’s time, they hatch into the cutest little babies and are released back into the wild. With all the threats that turtles face as a species, it was great to be a part of this and see locals who are so dedicated and invested in saving them.

Borneo Conservation

That concludes our wonderful time in Borneo. It was truly one of the coolest trips I have taken, so rugged, raw, and filled with rare wildlife. I hope that you get a chance to visit here someday! I want to take a moment to mention that deforestation is a huge concern here, and has decimated fifty percent of these ancient and biodiverse rainforests. Palm oil plantations and illegal logging are some of the biggest culprits. If you want to learn more and donate to the cause, check out World Wildlife Fund . Also consider donating to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center . I can only imagine how much these facilities are hurting with the lack of tourism from COVID-19. Thank you and stay tuned for my next post on mainland Malaysia!

I wanted to also thank my love Jacob Eurich @jacobeurich for all of the amazing photos he is always taking for me. If you are interested in marine conservation and photography give him a follow and check out his website https://www.jacobeurich.com/ . He is doing amazing things to change the world!

Have you been to Borneo and have any additional recommendations for us? Comment below!

Danielle and Simone

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Covid-19 Travel Support

Borneo travel advisory - covid-19 travel updates.

Dear Valued Guests:

Our Borneo Travel Advisory outlined specifically for the COVID-19 pandemic. The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill, we have never experienced such a phenomenon. It has badly affected all the global travel industry and major economic sectors. This is true in a period of disarray right now.

In an effort to ‘flatten the curve’ of the COVID-19 infections, the Malaysian Government has imposed a nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO). This MCO started on 18th March 2020. The MCO is a partial-lockdown, aimed at encouraging people to stay at home and, thus, breaking the chain of infection.

The MCO was initially scheduled to end on 31st March 2020. However, the government has extended until 9 June 2020. In light of the crisis, we have rolled out more lenient change and cancellation policies. This is with some now extending those policies into the fall and beyond. Besides that, we are now offering postponement and rebooking options that are rightfully more generous than what you would expect.

What are the latest policies in conjunction with Covid-19?

We know you have a lot of questions about the tour that you have booked with us during this MCO period. We want to reassure you in the midst of this unprecedented, extraordinary COVID-19 pandemic that we are here to support you. Furthermore, we will help you with how to still make your adventure dream come true with a variety of flexible options. For instance, none of us could have ever imagined what is happening now throughout the world. We are working very hard to respond to the overwhelming number of phone calls, emails, messages, and live chats that we are getting daily. We greatly appreciate your patience.

Here are our flexible options to help you continue your dream of doing your trip to Sabah, Borneo:

Postpone Your 2020 Tour Date and Reschedule it Anytime Before 31 Dec 2021:

For all affected non-climbing tours from 18 March 2020 – 9 June 2020, you are allowed to postpone your tour to a later date in 2020, or anytime before 31 Dec 2021.
For all affected climbing tours from 18 March 2020 – 9 June 2020, you are allowed to postpone your climbing tour to a later date, within 1 year from your existing climbing date. However, the climbing slots are subject to availability and will be granted on a First Come First Serve Basis (as they are now).
There will be NO extra charges nor price increments.
If you are not ready to travel yet, you will receive a credit of monies paid that you can use towards an alternative tour or future trip. All postponed trips must with a departure date before 31 December 2021.
Tour departing from 6 Dec 2020 onwards will continue as planned. If you are in the event of a need to postpone to a later date in exceptional circumstances, you may contact our team (subject to approval).

What’s next?

This is not the first crisis, but the worst crisis we are facing as the entire world is affected. Thus, postponing plans rather than canceling meant a lot to us . Within this uncertain zero sales period, we will and we are trying our best not to let go of any staff. We will also assure you to keep our company doors stay open. AND importantly, you STILL get an amazing adventure that you had booked, at a later, safer date.

The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly on a daily basis. For instance, what might be the current situation may be very different the next day. Hence, we will continue to review and revise our T&C and policies to adapt to the constantly evolving situation of this pandemic. Please monitor this page for updates and new information.

Last but not least, on behalf of Borneo Calling, our team hopes that you stay safe and healthy. Looking forward to serving you in the near future. We are always here whenever you are ready to travel again!

As of to-date (15 Nov 2020), our border remains closed.

The most recent update of our Borneo Travel Advisory COVID-19 took immediate effect on 15 Nov 2020. To view our Terms & Conditions, kindly visit our page: Borneo Calling T&C . For overall travel advisory from Sabah Tourism Board, kindly visit here .

Best Regards,

Borneo Calling Team

still adventuring with kids

Borneo packing list: the ultimate guide on what to pack for borneo.

Now that we’re back from Borneo I know EXACTLY what the perfect Borneo packing list is and crucially what NOT to pack to go to Borneo! I’m keen to pass it onto any of you out there, who are planning a trip to this incredible island and are wondering what to pack for Borneo too!

Visiting Borneo was a lifelong dream of mine, just as it probably is for you. We flew to Borneo to take part in a family volunteering project replanting the rainforest and I had NO IDEA what to pack for Borneo’s humid, hot jungle. I did A LOT of research on what I needed to pack for Borneo but couldn’t really find enough information. Once I was there, I wished I’d taken a few different things. Our Borneo packing list includes everything I learnt and tips and advice.

I hope this post as well as my Tips on Borneo post will give you a heads up on what to expect there and exactly what you need to pack, especially when it comes to Borneo clothing.

Read more: The perfect 2 week Borneo itinerary for adventure & wildlife

Our packing list for Borneo includes

what to wear in Borneo for:
– hiking in the rainforest
– essentials for climbing Mount Kinabalu
– clever extras for serious jungle trekking
leeches in Borneo
first aid kit for Borneo
vaccinations required for Borneo
do you need to take malaria tablets in Borneo?
dengue fever in Borneo & bite prevention tactics

A trip to Borneo isn’t complete without visiting the Kinabatangan River in East Sabah. Rich in wildlife such as pygmy elephants, wild orang-utans and proboscis monkeys, this is the place to come for incredible wildlife encounters.

The high humidity in Borneo means that clothes take forever to dry. Forget travelling super light and taking only one change of clothes. Remember you’ll also need to leave room for Borneo souvenirs !

Borneo is in the tropics so it’s humid and you can expect rain at any time of year. That makes it difficult to know what to wear in Borneo, and you need to be prepared for rain even if you travel outside the monsoon season (Dec-Feb). Whether you’re heading to Sabah, Sarawak , Brunei or Kalimatan, this Borneo packing list will cover all of the states and countries in Borneo.

What should I pack for Borneo?

The most important items on your Borneo packing list revolve around this damp, humid weather. Borneo clothing should be quick drying and then you need to keep your feet dry and healthy so foot powder is fully recommended, as well as leech protection (we’ll discuss this below with tips such as Borneo clothing should not be black so that you can easily spot leeches) and dry bags to keep your belongings (especially electronic equipment), well – dry.

Disclosure: this article, Borneo Packing List contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small amount of commission if you purchase one of the linked products within a certain time frame. This comes at no additional cost to you but helps us keep the website running. We only promote products that we use or believe are of use to you. You can read more about our disclosure and privacy policy here.

Our complete Borneo Packing List:

Chances are if you’re heading to Borneo, you’re going to be eager to spend some time in the jungle to encounter some of Borneo’s incredible wildlife. Whether you’re planning a few day hikes in the rainforest, or some serious days back to back jungle trekking, there are some definite do’s and don’ts for what to wear in the jungle.

What NOT to wear in the jungles of Borneo

Let me first start with what NOT to wear in the jungle! COTTON!

I broke this rule and got away with it … this time. Don’t presume you will so fortunate.

Borneo clothing should be synthetic purely because of it’s quick drying qualities.

Cotton garments can absorb 27 times their weight in water. Cotton traps water inside its fibers, which is why it takes so long to dry out. Cotton clothes can get wet in the Borneo jungle without rain or being submerged, just purely from sweat. Remember Borneo is humid – ridiculously humid. You’re going to sweat a lot and with cotton clothes, you’ll never dry out. Your Borneo clothing should not be cotton!

Another tip is not to take clothes you care about on a jungle trek in Borneo. Borneo clothes should be technical, quick drying and light coloured. Expect they will get dirty. Very dirty. The jungle in Borneo is wet and muddy. Anything you wear will be pretty filthy after a jungle trek, particularly if you are spending any serious time in the jungle.

What to wear in the jungle

Long sleeved tops.

Chances are you’re going to be jungle trekking to some degree during your Borneo visit so you’ll need a couple of long sleeved tops which will be the mainstay of your Borneo clothing. Long sleeves will protect against scratches from rough foliage and leeches which can drop onto you from trees above, as well as from ground level. Long sleeved tops are also essential to prevent mosquito bites in the evening (or against dengue biting mosquitos in the day, generally only in the cities).

Long sleeved tops should be loose and made from synthetic, wicking away materials. Clothes will get wet quickly from sweat in the high humidity (the humidity in Borneo can be up to 90%!) and possibly from downpours. It can take days for clothes to dry so make sure to take at least 2 long sleeved tops when packing for Borneo.

I searched everywhere for a women’s synthetic trekking top with long sleeves but actually didn’t find one before I left! There seem to be lots of men’s long sleeved synthetic tops on the market but few ladies! I ended up taking a couple of large cotton shirts. Cotton is generally a big no no in the jungle – it takes forever to dry out. I was lucky, we had little, almost no downpours when we were there so I’m not sure how I would have fared if the weather hadn’t been so good.

I’ve actually now found the perfect long sleeved trekking top by Sherpa (hallelujah, you can thank me later). This is the best long sleeve top I’ve found for trekking Borneo – it’s fast drying, anti-odour and has a UPF40 rating as well. Perfect Borneo clothing and I’ll be definitely taking it on our next trip to Borneo.

Put at least two long sleeved tops on your Borneo packing list. One to wash and dry, whilst wearing the other. If you planning to spend a long time in the jungle, then take more.

Buy the perfect long sleeved trekking top here .

Throw in a couple of quick drying short sleeved tees too.

Volunteering in the rainforest, we bought wellington boots locally and paired these with leech socks. For your Borneo clothing I would NOT suggest cotton that we are wearing in this photo!

Borneo clothing – Zip off trousers

Trousers should be long, lightweight but durable and any colour but black.

Leeches infest the rainforests of Borneo and so your first priority is to prevent being bitten, which you can do by wearing long trousers and leech socks (see below).

Black trousers prevent leeches being easily seen (and quickly removed) so avoid black trousers in your Borneo packing list, and go for any other colour.

I wore Regatta’s womens Chaska zip off trousers and loved them. Lightweight but durable and with the option to zip off, these trousers were perfect for my Borneo trip. You can buy them on Amazon super cheap .

Put two pairs of long trousers on your Borneo packing list so you can wear one whilst the other is drying out. The regatta’s were great as I doubled up using them as shorts when needed.

Borneo clothing – Leech socks or long football socks

Don’t freak out but you’re likely to encounter leeches in the rainforests of Borneo. They love the wet, humid conditions found in the Borneo jungle and are always looking for a host to drop onto!

LEECHES IN BORNEO

Don’t worry, leeches do not carry any viruses – they are more of a nuisance than anything, and once they detach from your skin, the anti-coagulant properties of their saliva mean that your blood will freely run. It’s not pleasant but it’s thankfully not dangerous.

Come prepared! Leeches find it hard to get through tight woven materials so your best bet to avoid leeches are to either buy leech socks or invest in long football socks (a great tip from our guide).

Leech socks are similar to a Christmas stocking! Minnie is sporting a pair in the photo below. They go over your normal socks and trousers and have a cord which you tie up just below your knee to prevent leeches getting down. The material is of a tight calico which leeches cannot penetrate.

Leech socks are essential in the Borneo rainforest! Long football socks also work well for protection against leeches!

We bought our leech socks at the local market in Sandakan but it took us forever to find any. We’d searched high and low in the city and it was only our guide that eventually showed us where to go. We also saw they were selling them at Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat where we stayed in Sepilok, but this was the only place, apart from the market that we saw them for sale.

For peace of mind, it’s best to buy some before you set off to Borneo so you’re not flapping once you get there. You can buy leech socks on Amazon here . They will be more expensive of course buying them before you go but don’t presume, as I did, that you will easily find them once in Borneo.

Bear in mind that leech socks are better suited with wellington boots rather than hiking boots. They are quite bulky once on and so tightly woven long football socks (not black) will be better if you intend to hike in hiking shoes or hiking boots in the Borneo rainforest.

Definitely put long football socks on your Borneo packing list. You can buy good long football socks here on Amazon.

Other guides insist tobacco repels leeches ! Apparently if you soak tobacco in water for several hours and then lightly spray onto your clothes and allow to dry, leeches tend to bother you less. I didn’t try this tactic so can’t testify it works, but I’ll definitely be trying it next time.

Add a small plastic travel spray bottle onto your Borneo packing list and then just pick up a pouch of tobacco once you’re in Borneo to try this out. It might be worth it for week long treks in the jungle if you’re particularly squeamish.

Borneo clothing – Wide brimmed hat

An essential on your Borneo packing list is a wide brimmed hat, to soak up the sweat, the UV rays and keep insects at bay.

My daughter found a brilliant one from Mountain Warehouse. It folds into almost nothing and completes her jungle explorer look perfectly.

You can buy a similar one on Amazon here with UPF50 which is perfect.

Read more: Family Volunteering on the Kinabatangan River in Borneo

Borneo clothing – Shorts

Bring a pair of super lightweight hiking shorts that dry quickly to use away from the rainforest for example at a beach/dive resort. I took my Rab hiking shorts which pack down into almost nothing are dry pretty instantly. I reviewed them last year during my Tour du Mont Blanc trek . You can buy them on Amazon here.

If you’ve packed zip off trousers, you might want to omit another pair of shorts, however my zip offs are knee length and I like a shorter pair of shorts for beach wear.

Hiking shoes

Footwear is a bit tricky when it comes to thinking about what to pack for Borneo. Unless you’re climbing Mount Kinabalu or doing some serious trekking in the jungle (I mean multi-day heavy duty treks) then a pair of hiking shoes (rather than boots) would suffice in Borneo. This would mean you’re not carrying around a bulky pair of hiking boots for the rest of your Borneo trip.

Footwear for Borneo should be waterproof and breathable . It’s impossible to keep feet entirely dry so aim for a hiking shoe that has good breathability.

Make sure you can fit long football socks on with your hiking shoes to prevent leeches.

You’ll also need good traction to have some degree of grip on mud and underfoot vegetation. Remember the rainforest is wet. Even if it’s not raining, the vegetation underneath and around you will be wet.

Leech socks are generally worn with wellies and these are normally either provided or can be bought cheaply locally if you are doing any volunteering work in the rainforest.

Buy really good, waterproof, lightweight hiking shoes here .

Borneo is a rugged island. People come here for the incredible nature and diving, not for picture perfect golden tropical beaches, of which it has few.

However, it’s still worth putting a good swimsuit on your Borneo packing list as you’re sure to hit the coast a couple of times, whether you’re diving or just relaxing by the coast.

In Sabah, head to Kelambo Beach in Kudat, Manukan Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off Kota Kinabalu or Pulau Tiga (featured on TV show Survivor) to find glorious stretches of sand, whilst Derawan in East Kalimatan or Tusan Cliff Beach in Sarawak won’t disappoint.

Read more: the perfect remote beach getaway at dive resort Big Fin Divers near Kota Kinabalu

Lots of socks & underwear

I’ll reiterate again here, but I think you’ve got the gist! Put a lot of socks and underwear on your Borneo packing list! Everything takes forever to dry in Borneo. Compensate for this by taking as many extra pairs of socks and underwear as you can.

You’ll want to change your socks frequently as the damp conditions can lead to horrible foot problems. Trust me, if you walk into a pharmacy in Borneo you’ll see an amazing array of foot powders and foot medicines. Make sure you check out the other travel essentials for Borneo below and include a foot powder in your Borneo packing list!

We love seamless socks which are great for jungle trekking as blisters tend to generally appear around seams. 1000 mile specialise in the double layer anti blister sock. Check out their trekking socks perfect for the jungle here .

If you’re intending to be in the jungle for some time, consider investing in a couple of pairs of underwear that aren’t cotton.

Ex-officio do amazing trekking briefs that are super fast to dry out, or try Icebreaker merino briefs that I’ve heard rave reviews

Read more: the perfect 2 week itinerary to travel Sabah, Borneo

Ponchos are easy to throw on to dodge the occasional downpour in Borneo. Pick up a cheap one locally or invest in a more sustainable, higher quality one from your home country before you leave.

Waterproof poncho

If you have no wish to climb Mount Kinabalu then taking a wind proof technical shell isn’t really a necessity. Instead pick up a cheap waterproof poncho when you get to Borneo. They are sold everywhere, pack up small and are large enough to fit over both yourself and your rucksack.

Alternatively if you prefer to invest in a quality waterproof poncho that’s going to last for years instead of weeks, check out this excellent hiking poncho by Vaude .

If climbing Mount Kinabalu is on your Borneo itinerary, expect to add a lot more to your Borneo packing list. Your Borneo clothing will need to include some warm clothes as the Mount Kinabalu trek may start in lush, tropical jungle but ends at a very chilling high altitude! You will need layers of warm clothes for your overnight stay at either the Panal aban or Pendant huts and for summiting the following morning.

Read below what extras you should expect to add to your Borneo packing list if you’re climbing this legendary mountain.

Borneo clothing – Waterproof jacket & trousers

Take a good waterproof jacket with you to climb Mount Kinabalu. Waterproof trousers are also recommended. We took cheap waterproof trousers, and we didn’t actually need them, but I’d try to take a good quality jacket with you.

It takes two days to climb Mount Kinabalu. If you encounter rain on the first day, they will still let you climb to the overnight huts. But if it rains the following day, the morning of the summit, the park authorities will close the summit and you will not be allowed to climb.

I’d recommend pairing a good quality shell with a fleece instead of lugging a thick jacket around Borneo. Mount Kinabalu is the only place where you will need warm clothes in Borneo.

I love my trusty Arc’teryx shell – bloody expensive but worth every penny. Arc’teryx repair products for free so they last a lifetime.

Pack a good quality fleece that is lightweight and packs down well to pair with your shell jacket.

I use my trust Arc’teryx Adahy hoody . It’s packs down well and is super warm. There’s no need to buy a super expensive fleece but make sure it packs down small as you’ll be carrying it around at the bottom of your rucksack for the entire rest of your Borneo trip.

Hiking boots

Hiking boots are a must if you’re planning to climb Mount Kinabalu. Added ankle protection is advised to hike such a mighty mountain. We would highly recommend a lightweight, waterproof hiking boot such as the Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX. I’ve used them all over the world and they are amazing. They are extremely lightweight at only 420g so won’t be too much of a burden to take in your backpack either. They were a must on my Borneo packing list but only because I was climbing Mt Kinabalu. If you’re not intending to do this climb, hiking shoes would be better as an all rounder shoe for Borneo.

You can read our review of the Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX hiking boot here.

Check prices of Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX hiking boot on Amazon here .

Read more: Tips for travelling to Borneo

Borneo clothes – make sure you pack a beanie, fleece and wind/waterproof shell if you plan to climb Mount Kinabalu! It’s cold at the top!

You’ll need a beanie to summit the lofty heights of Mount Kinabalu (4,095m). Expect to start the bid for the summit at 2.30am and trust me, it’s bitterly cold as you emerge from your hut at 3,289m.

As well as protecting your hands from the cold on the ascent, you’ll also need grippy gloves for the last few hundred metres before the summit where you’ll need to haul yourself along the bare stone with the help of a guide rope. Gloves are an absolute must but don’t worry you needn’t pack any. We bought ours from the Amazing Borneo office in the Kinabalu Headquarters cheaply at 8RM each. We now use them as gardening gloves – a great souvenir!

You’ll need a head torch for the final summit of Mount Kinabalu as you’ll be setting off in the dark. A head torch is always a good idea when travelling anyway and something we never travel without. We have a small USB charged Vango Photon .

It’s also handy if you want to do a night trek or boat safari when in Borneo. Many Kinabatangan guides offer night excursions as it’s often a great way to see more wildlife. Choose a small, powerful head torch that won’t take up much room.

Buy the Vango Photon head torch here or compare prices on similar head torches on Amazon.

Read more: Vango Photon head torch review

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are definitely needed for climbing Mount Kinabalu. However, this is really the only place in Borneo you will need hiking poles so instead of packing your own and lugging them all around Borneo, I would recommend hiring them at Kinabalu National Park Headquarters when you arrive.

We booked our climb package through Amazing Borneo and were able to rent trekking poles from their office in the park headquarters. They are cheap to rent at 10RM per pole (20RM for a pair).

Read more: the benefits of trekking poles + Black Diamond Pro Trail trekking pole review

Water purification tablets

Water purification tablets are necessary for climbing Mount Kinabalu if you don’t want to carry enough water with you up to base camp.

Expect to hike 5-6 hours on the first day. There are plenty of rest stop shelters on the way up which each has a large water tank for your to fill up from – but you do need to add purification tablets to this water.

Buy water purification tablets here.

Sleeping bag liner

It’s a good idea to take a sleeping bag liner if you’re climbing Mount Kinabalu. The Panalaban and Pendant sleeping huts provide sleeping bags and liners, but in reality these are slept in every single night by trekkers. Your own personal sleeping bag liner is always handy travelling the tropics if you encounter dubious mattresses in cheap accommodation!

We really rate RAB’s silk sleeping liners – expensive but a little gesture of luxury in a tough environment can help boost your morale. Silk against skin is one of life’s simple pleasures. Avoid cotton sleeping bag liners – they are much heavier in weight and take a long time to dry if they get wet.

Buy silk sleeping bag liners here .

Read more: RAB silk sleeping bag liner review

Additional essentials to include in your

Borneo packing list if you’re going to jungle trek for a week or longer.

If you’re going to be jungle trekking for a serious amount of time, you will follow a strict wet/dry clothing regime. This involves having a specific dry set of clothes kept in a dry bag to wear at the end of the day and keeping your damp trekking clothes separate and drying them out each night. This is when your Borneo clothing absolutely need to be synthetic, fast drying with wicking away qualities . These need not be expensive.

Cycling shorts

If you’ll be jungle trekking for days in Borneo it’s recommended to include a pair of non padded cycling shorts in your Borneo packing list to wear instead of cotton underwear. Cycling shorts will stop chaffing from long days on the trail in humid conditions. It’s a top tip from jungle experts – follow it!

Buy cycling shorts here .

Seamless socks

The wet, humid environment of the Borneo jungle tend to bring blisters around the seams of socks. Avoid these by investing in a few pairs of seamless socks. We love 1000 mile socks.

Other travel essentials for Borneo

Unlocked mobile phone.

Make sure you take an unlocked mobile phone with you to Borneo. You can then buy a local SIM card to use during your holiday. One of our top tips travelling Borneo is to download the GRAB app. It’s similar to Uber and will save you a packet in Borneo. Check out our other top tips to know when travelling Borneo.

First aid kit

Make sure you take add a basic first aid kit to your Borneo packing list. Include items for the tropics such as iodine tablets and dehydration salts. Either buy a basic one and add to it, or make your first aid kit from scratch.

I always include:

painkillers (paracetamol)
anti-inflammatories (ibruprofen)
anti-diarrhea tablets (immodium – life savers on long bus journeys)
anti-septic wipes and cream
dehydration salts in sachet form
motion sickness (Bonine) good for sea sickness
anti-histamine cream ( for bites)
saline ampules (to help clean out or dehydrate eyes)
digital thermometer
iodine drops (brilliant for cuts that take forever to heal in the tropics)
triangular bandage & safety pin (for sprained/broken arms)
sterile gauze & surgical tape (to apply to bleeding wounds)

Don’t worry if you need to pick up medication whilst in Borneo. There are plenty of good pharmacies in the city centres. Sandakan has a very good pharmacy called Borneo Dispensary just opposite Nak Hotel in the city centre. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable.

Buy a travellers first aid kit here .

Personal toiletries

Make sure personal toiletries such as deodorant and face cream are fragrant free. Research has shown that mozzies and other bugs are attracted to fragrances – exactly what you don’t want in the jungle! Strong fragrances can also hamper your chances of wildlife spotting as animals can smell you long before you’ve had the chance to find them.

Extra items into your personal toiletries for your Borneo trip should be

foot powder, either talcum powder or specialist foot powder
B1 (thiamin) tablets (take 2 weeks before & during your trip to minimise mozzie bites)
tiger balm (relieves bites & helps with muscle discomfort)
mosquito repellent – it’s recommended to take jungle formulas that include DEET , however it’s best to cover up and prevent bites rather than just spraying DEET liberally.
personal medications – always take prescribed medication in the box with your name etc on
suncream (SPF50)
small plastic travel spray bottle – if you want to try homemade tobacco leech repel

The Aedes Aegypti mosquito carries dengue fever and bites in the day in urban areas. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito has stripes which distinguishes it from other mosquitoes

Mosquitoes in Borneo

Malaria in borneo – do i need to take anti-malarial tablets.

Malaria is not common in Borneo but is present in parts of Kalimatan, the Indonesian part of Borneo. There is low risk of malaria in deeply forested inland areas of Malaysian Borneo of Sabah and Sarawak, and extremely low risk in coastal areas. Have a look at this site and always c heck with your doctor before leaving.

Dengue Fever in Borneo

There is much more of a risk of dengue fever in Borneo than malaria, so bite prevention is key.

Unlike the mosquito that carries malaria, which bites in the evening or at night, the mosquito that carries dengue (Aedes aegypti) bites during the day, so it’s vital to protect yourself against mosquito bites during the day, especially in urban areas where the Aedes aegypti mosquito generally lives.

There’s no vaccination available yet for dengue, although trials are under way. So bite prevention is crucial.

Why we didn’t take anti-malarial in Sabah, Borneo

We only visited Sabah in Malaysian Borneo and only travelled to Sepilok and the Kintabatangan River to trek. We didn’t take any anti-malarial tablets, although we did meet travellers that had.

I was worried about the side effects of anti-malarial tablets, particularly for my 10 year old daughter and deemed dengue fever a much higher risk for our Borneo itinerary.

We chose to take the following actions to reduce bite risk:

take B1 tablets two weeks before and during our stay
to cover up with long trousers & long sleeved tops during day & night
to use DEET jungle strength insect repellent in the jungle
always check rooms were properly screened with close fitting gauze over window
sprayed our room before going for dinner each evening

We weren’t particularly bothered by mosquitoes and had surprisingly few bites for being in the jungle.

We stayed in a basic room in the village of Sukau on the Kinabatangan River with an en-suite and fan (no aircon).

We were very strict on getting quickly into our room quickly and not keeping the door open at all even in the day and always shut our bathroom door at night (as the vents etc were open).

We also picked up insect spray and sprayed our room before we went for dinner at night to kill any mosquitoes that may have come into the room during the day. Others used a plug in anti-mosquito repellent in their rooms.

We always had long sleeved tops and bottoms both during the day working in the jungle and in the evenings too.

If you sleep outdoors or in an unscreened room, use mosquito nets impregnated with an insecticide. The net should be long enough to fall to the floor all round your bed and be tucked under the mattress. Check the net regularly for holes. Impregnate with fresh insecticide every six months.

Vaccinations for Borneo

The World Health Organization recommends the following vaccinations for travellers to Borneo:

Adult diphtheria and tetanus
Hepatitis A

Recommended for longer-term travellers (more than one month) or those intending to trek or spend extended amounts of time in rural areas:

Hepatitis B
Japanese B encephalitis
Tuberculosis

Make sure you visit your doctor 6-8 weeks before departing for Borneo as vaccinations need at least 2 weeks to kick in before reaching your destination.

Mask & snorkel

We took a mask & snorkel with us so we could dive straight into the water without a moments notice. We snorkelled during our overnight stay on Turtle Island and at Kota Belud, a couple of hours north of Kota Kinabalu during our stay at epic dive resort Big Fin Divers (which was our favourite accommodation in Borneo – read our review here ).

You can rent mask & snorkels easily though both at Turtle Island and Big Fin Divers and other dive resorts, so it’s not so necessary to take your own.

Electronics

Phone adapter.

Borneo Malaysia and Brunei uses a UK style 3 rectangular pronged plug, whereas Indonesian Borneo (Kalimatan) uses European style two pronged plug. We use a multi USB charger for worldwide use similar to this one .

Buy an adaptor for Borneo here

I always take a power pack to charge my electronics. It enables me to keep charged even for a few days without electricity. Some of the remote lodges in Borneo do not have electricity, so come prepared. I use a 20000mAh/72Wh power bank which can charge several devices for up to 4-5 days. It’s perfect for travelling. I don’t go anywhere without this!

Bluetooth camera shutter remote

We use a bluetooth camera shutter remote regularly to enable us to take photos of all of us without having to ask someone else to take it. A bluetooth camera shutter remote is just a button you press that clicks the button of your phone camera for you remotely, so that you can be in the photo too. They are brilliant when you are in remote areas and no-one is around to press the shutter for you. They are cheap and a brilliant bit of kit. Use with the iPhone tripod below.

Iphone tripod

We take most of our photos on our iPhone. A phone tripod is a handy piece of kit that allows us to take photos remotely with our bluetooth shutter remote. We love the JOBY gorilla pod for any smart phone which grips to almost anything.

JOBY also do a gorilla pod for DSLR users too. Highly recommended piece of kit.

We always travel with bluetooth headphones so that we can switch off from our surrounding noise (and family!) and get some me time. We love the basic JBL T500BT bluetooth/wireless headphones .

Phone bungee

A phone bungee is extremely useful when you need to be hands free but want to use your phone to take an occasional snap. For example if you are walking a canopy walk high in the trees, or if you’re doing the Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata (below).

A 40-50 litre backpack is perfect to take to Borneo. Avoid suitcases, even the ones with wheels as much of Borneo is dirt tracks and jungle.

I love this Osprey 55 litre backpack – it’s ideal for travelling to Borneo. It opens like a suitcase which is brilliant for finding things easily and it pairs with the Osprey daylite travel pack which attaches to it for a day rucksack – invaluable when travelling. It has a built in rain cover too which is crucial for Borneo.

Backpack rain cover

A backpack rain cover is a must travelling to Borneo. Expect rain at any time in Borneo, even in the mild season (March – October). A rain cover is essential to make sure your backpack and contents escape being drenched. If your backpack doesn’t have an in-built rain cover, buy a separate rain cover for the appropriate size of your rucksack.

We love packing cubes and find them indispensable for travelling. We took them to Borneo & wouldn’t be without them.

Packing cubes

Okay I’m addicted to packing cubes and I swear if you try them, you will be too. Packing cubes allow you to easily segregate your belongings. This makes it super fast to find something from your backpack. In Borneo I separated my warm clothes for climbing Mount Kinabalu into one packing cube and then shoved this to the bottom of my backpack until I needed it. In another cube I had my trekking clothes, another cube was for dirty laundry, another toiletries and a smaller one for book, notebook, pencil, etc. Packing cubes normally come in a set of varying sizes and have mesh on one side to allow for ventilation and to let you see the contents.

Buy packing cubes here

Dry bags/ziplock bags

Dry bags are waterproof bags that you can put inside your rucksack to protect vulnerable items such as camera equipment or electronics. A number of dry bags will be required for jungle trekking in Borneo to keep your belongings dry from rain. Try to get a few different sized dry bags, one large to line the inside of your backpack and a couple of smaller ones for electronics and cameras.

Buy dry bags here

Ziplock bags are also useful to keep phones, paperwork, passports etc in. I always take a stash of different sized ziplocks away with us when we travel.

Quick dry travel towel

Include a microfibre travel towel in your Borneo packing list. We always have one each on our travels, they are fast drying, pack down into nothing.

Scarf/sarong

Another essential to add to your Borneo clothing is a head scarf or sarong. I never travel without out one – ever!

A large scarf comes is practical and versatile in so many ways whilst on the move, from snuggling up as a blanket on the plane or in the airport, covering shoulders in temple, or as a beach throw.

Borneo is a diverse mix of religions from Islam, Buddhism and Christianity so you may on occasion have to cover shoulders as a mark of respect if you are visiting temples.

Passport & Travel Insurance

Make sure you’ve got good travel insurance for travelling to Borneo.

If you plan to climb Mount Kinabalu make sure your travel insurance covers you to hike at such a high elevation of 4,095m. Often trekking to such high altitude requires an additional premium and does not come in a standard policy. We really rate World Nomad Insurance.

If you’ll be diving in Borneo, check out World Nomad’s specialist diving insurance.

Always print out a couple of copies of your travel insurance and distribute them around your group. That way if you’re the one that becomes ill or injured, one of your other party knows where a copy of the insurance is, rather than having to search your belongings. I also take a photo and keep it on my phone. Important documents such as insurance policy details and credit card details can also be saved on cloud based password management software such as 1Password.

DSLR camera & zoom lens

Borneo is one of the most diverse islands in the world, packed with incredible wildlife. The only way to capture decent photos of the animals you’ll see is by shooting on a DSLR camera with a zoom lens. A trip to Borneo is a trip of a lifetime, so my one piece of advice is, if you’re planning a trip to Borneo and you don’t own a DSLR camera, seriously consider investing in one. With a zoom lens you can take some fabulous shots of wildlife. iPhones and GoPros don’t really cut it here!

Even though it’s cloudy most of the time in Borneo, don’t forget to pack a pair of sunglasses with a good lens. Don’t pack anything too flash though as they are going to get dirty and well used in Borneo.

Cheap Watch

We always use a cheap Casio watch which are perfect for travelling. You don’t have to worry about theft or damage with these sturdy, reliable and waterproof watches coming in at well under a tenner.

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I signed up for a 12 day trip to Malaysian Borneo next April (2021) that includes climbing Mt. Kinabalu and this list is going to be a lifesaver for me as I’ve never climbed a mountain quite as tall nor have I spent that much time in jungle areas. Thank you so much for writing this!

Hi Maureen. Glad to have helped! You are going to love Borneo …. it’s an incredible place! I still need to write up our account of climbing Mt Kinabalu! Something you’ll never forget!

Fantastic article. Comprehensive and fab recos. Cheers!

Stay Informed, Stay Empowered: Dive into the Latest News and Advisory Updates.

Stay informed and updated on the latest travel news, latest travel update.

Malaysian border reopen starting 1st April 2022 : You may check out this page for more info Traveling 2024

Worried about travelling into different places in Borneo? Check out the tips and advisory.

Past Events

Read up about past events that has ever happened in Borneo.

Foreign Travel Advisory

Travel advisory from USA, UK and Australia on Sabah travel situation are normally based on their assesment at the time of the incident and not based on the current situation on the ground and thus tend to the side of overcaution. These travel advisories take months if not years to be downgraded regardless of actual conditions on the ground. The following are links to the travel advisories from the respective countries:

UK TRAVEL ADVISORY
AUSTRALIA TRAVEL ADVISORY
USA TRAVEL ADVISORY
SABAH TOURISM ADVISORY

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Update April 12, 2024

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Indonesia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 24, 2023, indonesia - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to terrorism and natural disasters. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not travel to:

The provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) due to civil unrest.

Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in Indonesia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting police stations, places of worship, hotels, bars, nightclubs, markets/shopping malls, and restaurants.

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions may result in disruptions to transportation, infrastructure, sanitation, and the availability of health services.

Demonstrations occur frequently and have the potential to become violent. Avoid demonstrations and crowds.

Indonesia’s revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. It is unclear how Indonesian authorities will implement the revised criminal code.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Indonesia.

If you decide to travel to Indonesia:

Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
Visit the websites for Badan Geologi (Indonesian Geological Agency, Indonesian language only) for the latest information from the Government of Indonesia on current natural disasters.
Review the CDC’s suggestions on how to prepare for natural disasters.
Be aware of your personal safety and security at all times.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Follow the Department of State Facebook and Twitter . Follow the U.S. Embassy Jakarta on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Indonesia.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Central Papua and Highland Papua– Level 4: Do Not Travel

In Central Papua and Highland Papua, violent demonstrations and conflict could result in injury or death to U.S. citizens. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Armed separatists may kidnap foreign nationals.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Central Papua and Highland Papua as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization before traveling to those areas.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Borneo (Asia)

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Borneo Tours & Vacations

Bornean Orangutan female and her baby, in a tree, in the Tanjung Puting National Park, Borneo

Anthropologists, adventure-seekers and animal lovers alike are drawn to Borneo’s steamy jungles, blissful mountains, balmy beaches and peaceful villages.

These tropical shores have a glorious diversity. Float down the Kinabatangan River, the most biologically diverse rainforest in the world; see the sun rise over Mt Kinabalu; meet mischievous orangutans in Sepilok; chow down on a tasty laksa or take in the incredible underwater scenery snorkeling in Tunku Abdul National Marine Park. Borneo’s wild bounty awaits.

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Borneo at a glance

Capital city.

Malaysia: Kota Kinabalu (Sarawak) and Kuching (Sabeh), Indonesia: Pontianak (Kalimantan), Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan

23.7 million

Malaysian Ringgit (RM), Brunei Dollar (B$), Indonesian Rupiah (Rp)

Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Chinese dialects, Dayak languages

(GMT+08:00)

CALLING CODE

Indonesia: +62, Malaysia: +60, Brunei: +673

ELECTRICITY

Malaysia and Brunei: Type G (Irish/British 3-pin), Indonesia: Type C (European 2-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Borneo

Best time to visit borneo.

Borneo's climate is typical for a tropical region - generally hot and humid all year-round.

Temperatures are usually in the low 70F ° s for most of the year, dropping back to the high 60F ° s at night.

Rainfall tends to be in short, heavy bursts followed by sunshine. The 'wet season' runs from November through to February but it does rain throughout the year, although our itineraries are rarely affected.

The state of Sabah is known as the 'land below the wind' as it's below the monsoon belt.

Culture and customs

The cultures across Borneo can vary depending on what border you’re closest to – divided into Malaysian, Indonesia and Brunei regions.

Borneo’s population is largely made up of Malay with the predominant religion being Muslim. The remainder of Borneo’s population is Chinese, Indian or belong to indigenous populations.

You may hear the word ‘Dayak’ used by locals as a general term referring to the riverine and hill-dwelling ethnic subgroups in Borneo.

Historically, most indigenous communities in regional areas lived in longhouses, though many have moved for employment in urban areas. That being said, there is still a substantial number of Dayak tribes that maintain a strong spiritual tie to the rainforest and have retained their customs and speak local dialects.

Food and drink

Rice (nasi) and noodles (mee) are dietary staples across the island and accompany most meals. You’ll find varieties of white, red and brown rice grown throughout Borneo – prepared by steaming, frying, boiling into a breakfast porridge, or cooking with coconut milk in a hollowed bamboo stick to make lemang.

Must-try foods in Borneo

1. Sarawak laksa

This Malaysian-influenced staple is a spicy broth filled with vermicelli noodles, bean sprouts, chicken slices, shrimp and coriander.

Skewers of meat (usually beef or chicken) are grilled to perfection over charcoal.

3. Roti canai

Fried roti bread that is crispy, fluffy and soft all at the same time. It might be served with savory or sweet fillings (from eggs and sardines to coconut jam and bananas), dipped into curry and lentil sauces, or enjoyed on its own.

4. Bamboo chicken

Chicken marinated in chilies, lemongrass, garlic and ginger is stuffed into a bamboo stick with rice, sealed with turmeric leaves and cooked over an open flame until all the flavors merge together.

Geography and environment

The South-East Asian island of Borneo sits just south of the South China Sea, with the Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, Makassar Strait, Java Sea and Karimata Strait also surrounding the island.

Split up between three countries (Brunei, Indonesia , Malaysia ), the regions most visited by tourists (Sabah and Sarawak) belong to Malaysia.

Home to the oldest rainforest in the world, large cave and river systems and mountains, Borneo has an incredible range of biodiversity with hundreds of species of birds, bats, plants, flowers and insects living in this ecologically precious part of the world.

Sitting 4,095 m above sea level, Sabah's Mount Kinabalu is the third highest mountain in South-East Asia and a popular trekking spot for active travelers looking for a challenge.

History and government

Early history.

Early on, Borneo was used as a port for trade, with the Chinese and Indians stopping in on the coast as a part of their trade route from 500 to 1300 AD. The Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and British were soon to follow. Because of this, Borneo now has a rich diversity of international influences to draw upon from these years of trade and interaction with other cultures.

With most of coastal Borneo falling under the rule of the Javanese Majapahit kingdom in the 14th century, the Sultanate of Brunei extended its rule in the north from the 15th to 17th century. By the 19th century, both the British and the Dutch had colonial interests in the area, with a dynasty led by James Brooke ruling Sarawak for many years. Brooke's interest in the area stemmed from his attempts at trade in the Far East and connections to the Sultanate of Brunei. Brooke's rule was fraught with controversy and battles with the Sea Dayak people, who interrupted trade and were labeled as pirates. James Brook was succeeded by his nephew, Charles, and then his son, Vyner, in this rule known as the 'White Rajahs' of Sarawak.

Recent history

Japan took control of Borneo during World War II, resulting in a high number of deaths for the local population. During the war, many British and Australian prisoners of war were sent to Borneo, with the most notorious spots being Sandakan where thousands of Allied soldiers perished due to disease, malnutrition and exhaustion.

By the conclusion of the war in 1945, Borneo was freed from the Japanese yet only two decades later, Borneo was the site of more conflict, this time between Indonesia and Malaysia. This conflict arose from the union of Sabah and Sarawak with Malaya in the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. More recently, the Sultanate of Brunei became an independent nation (in 1984).

Palm oil plantations have spread rapidly throughout Borneo in the last ten years, mainly due to the decline in the rubber industry. While these plantations have provided jobs and helped the economy in the short term, their proliferation has led to wide-scale deforestation, which surmounts to devastating habitat loss for many of Borneo's endangered species and displacement of indigenous people who rely on the forests and jungles to sustain their hunter-gatherer lifestyles.

Top 10 nature spots of Borneo

1. mount kinabalu.

Seeing sunrise from the top of Mount Kinabalu is a fine payoff for making it to the top. The climb, while strenuous, is filled with beautiful flora, interesting animals and beautiful vistas - making this majestic mountain a true natural highlight of Borneo.

2. Poring Hot Springs

Located within the Kinabalu National Park, these steaming hot pools of water provide a relaxing place to unwind after trekking Mount Kinabalu. Sliding into the open air baths is a therapeutic way to soothe your muscles - a nice outdoor reward for completing such a climb!

3. Bako National Park

The oldest national park in Sarawak may be small, but with isolated beaches, jungles, waterfalls, rock formations and walking trails, visitors will be delighted in the perfect panoramas to photograph and range of wildlife viewing opportunities on offer.

4. Turtle Island

Lying just north of Sandakan, Turtle Island Park is a haven for endangered green and hawksbill turtles. Witnessing turtles landing onshore at dusk, or baby turtles hatching, is one of life's most unforgettable moments.

5. Kinabatangan

This district of Sabah is know for its incredible array of wildlife and diversity of habitat, with limestone caves, swamps, rivers, lakes, forests and mountains all contributing to the ecological diversity of the area. Home to such rare species as the Asian elephant, the proboscis monkey and the Sumatran rhinoceros, a visit to the jungle here will guarantee some wildlife viewing thrills.

Meeting the gentle orangutans of Sepilok is a must-do for visitors to Borneo. These orange-tinged creatures are captivating, entertaining and cheeky - and watching them play, eat and interact in the jungle of Sepilok is a privilege not to be missed.

7. Headhunters' Trail

Walking in the footsteps of one of the world's most mysterious, feared and intriguing people may not be for everyone, but walking along the famed Headhunter's Trail reveals a little bit of local history as well as many wondrous natural sights.

8. Mulu National Park

Visitors should overlook Mulu National Park at their own peril. Not visiting this World Heritage-listed area would mean missing out on canopy walks and treks that reveal exotic creatures, spectacular caves and stunning limestone karst formations.

9. Danum Valley

This area of pristine lowland rainforest is arguably one of Borneo's premier wildlife hot spots. Walk the trails and spot exotic birdlife, interesting plants, flying squirrels, vocal frogs and active gibbons.

10. Gaya Island

Get away from it all and revel in the seclusion of Gaya Island, located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. See tropical fish swimming through colorful reefs, learn to scuba dive, laze on the uncrowded beaches or grab a kayak and go exploring this slice of tropical beauty.

While Borneo's wild landscapes and beautiful beaches are definitely the true highlight of any visit, there are still treasures to found in Borneo's markets.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Borneo

1. Ikat weaving

This traditional weaving process results in colored, patterned textiles that can be used as clothing, wall hangings and home furnishings.

2. Wood carvings

Sarawak boasts a population of talented wood carvers -wooden bowls, charms, masks and figurines are all wonderful souvenir choices.

3. Ceramics

Sarawak also has a wide range of good-quality ceramics and pottery thanks to the local populations of Chinese and Iban tribal potters, each group possessing their own distinctive style.

Festival and events in Borneo

Rainforest world music festival.

The diversity of world music is celebrated over three days each July in the heart of the Borneo jungle. Hoards of eager festival-goers flock to Kuching, Sarawak (in Malaysian Borneo) for daytime music workshops, cultural and craft displays and evening concerts by indigenous performers from all over the globe. And like every good festival, there are always plenty of food stalls serving up yummy Malaysian and Asian foods.

Borneo International Kite Festival

Each September, the seaside town of Bintulu shows us how cool kites can be. Kites of all shapes, colors and sizes fill the sky for stunning displays and kite flying competitions. Come and watch the others show off their skills, participate in a kite-making workshop or take in the cultural performances.

Gawai Dayak (Harvest Festival)

More than just a celebration of the rice harvest, Gawai Dayak is an important symbol of unity for the Dayak and is celebrated with gusto in cities and rural villages across Sarawak. Many longhouses open their doors to visitors, where they are treated to traditional costumes, ritual music and lots of locally brewed rice wine (tuak) and Dayak foods. Head to the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching for the liveliest celebrations, where parades and other festivities begin a week before the main event on May 31.

Borneo Cultural Festival

Hear, see and taste the best of Malay, Chinese and Dayak culture at this annual July festival. Lively music, traditional dances and other cultural performances take place on multiple stages over 10 days in the city of Sibu in Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo). Expect Dayak drums, Malay songs, Chinese dragon dances and lots of mouth-watering cultural eats.

Do I need a visa to visit Borneo?

Visas are your responsibility. Entry requirements can change anytime, so you must check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you visit for detailed and up-to-date visa information about your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more details.

Is tipping customary in Borneo?

Tipping isn’t customary in Borneo, but leaving a small token of appreciation is always welcome if you feel the service has been particularly good.

What is internet access like in Borneo?

Internet is easy to access in large cities and tourist areas, though it can be quite slow. Access is more limited in remote and rural areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Borneo?

Cell phone coverage is good in major cities, but there is little to no coverage in the mountains and in remote areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Borneo?

Squat toilets are common in Borneo, though some hotels and tourist areas have Western-style, flushable toilets. Carrying your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer is a good idea, as these are not always provided.

What will it cost for a…?

The currencies of Borneo are the Indonesian rupiah, the Malaysian ringgit and the Brunei dollar in each of their respective countries. Below is how much everyday items will cost in USD for ease of comparison:

Bottle of beer = USD 3
Laksa from a food stall = USD 1-2
Simple meal at a local restaurant = USD 5–12

Can I drink the tap water in Borneo?

Tap water is not considered safe to drink in Borneo. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, pack a reusable bottle that can be filled with filtered water. Your leader can tell you where to find filtered water or pack your own purification tablets.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Borneo?

Most places only accept cash, especially small businesses, though you might be able to use your credit card at larger hotels, shops and restaurants in tourist areas.

What is ATM access like in Borneo?

You’ll find ATMs in Borneo’s large cities and urban areas, though they are less easy to find in rural and remote parts.

What public holidays are celebrated in Borneo?

Since Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei all have claim to Borneo, different parts of the island celebrate different public holidays. The ones listed here are celebrated in all three nations:

1 Jan: New Year’s Day
5 Feb: Chinese New Year
5 Jun: Eid al-Fitr
11 Aug: Eid al-Adha
31 Aug: Islamic New Year
9 Nov: Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
25 Dec: Christmas Day

Please note, there are more public holidays in Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Borneo?

No vaccines are required in order to enter Borneo but some are recommended for protection against disease. Always visit your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.

Is Borneo a safe destination for LGBTQI-travelers?

Discretion is highly advised for LGBTQI-travelers in Borneo. Homosexuality is illegal in both Malaysia and Brunei, where it can be punished with long prison sentences or even death. While homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, few people are openly out. Regardless of which part of Borneo you are visiting, discretion is strongly suggested.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.

Does my trip support the intrepid foundation.

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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'Dayak' more fitting term for Borneo natives, says Kitingan

Sabah & Sarawak

Tuesday, 30 Apr 2024

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Don't celebrate PM's Labour Day gift yet, Sabah employees told

Kaamatan kicks off with focus on improving sabah's food self-sufficiency, mt ruang volcanic ash predicted to disrupt air travel in sabah til may 5.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the term “Dayak” is more fitted to identify the indigenous people in Borneo.

KOTA KINABALU: After more than two decades, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan ( pic ) is still adamant that the term “Dayak" is a more fitting representation of the natives in the Borneo island.

Responding to renewed calls by several politicians to broadly classify Sabahan natives as “momogun” to replace the “lain-lain” (others) section in official government forms, the Deputy Chief Minister explained that the term Dayak serves as a singular identification for Borneo's indigenous people.

Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick made the 'momogun' proposal during the just concluded Sabah state assembly sitting, and was supported by Rungus Cultural Association president Jornah Mozihim, citing that it is a general term for the native Dusunic, Murutic and Paitanic ethnic groups in the state.

Kitingan said while some may prefer the term “momogun”, he would rather use “Dayak” as a reference that encompasses all and is widely accepted in neighbouring regions like Sarawak and Indonesia’s Kalimantan.

“The term Dayak is widely recognised in Sarawak and Kalimantan, having been used since the 1600s to describe the diverse indigenous groups of Borneo.

"So I would prefer promoting Dayak as Borneo’s identity. All are Dayaks...there are Dusun Dayaks, Murut Dayaks. This could serve as a collective identity for Borneo.

“Maybe we should go beyond “momogun”, because only then would we be seen as having significant numbers,” he said.

He said many tribes in Sarawak had initially opposed the term, but eventually embraced it when they realised that they could maintain their distinct identities.

“You will not lose your ethnic identities, but for a collective Borneo identity, you should refer to yourself as such (Dayak),” he said.

He noted that the cultures, traditions and languages of the Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus people in Sabah exhibited similarities to their counterparts in Sarawak and Kalimantan.

“I visited a church in central Kalimantan and was surprised that they were reading a prayer in the Kadazan language. In fact, in many parts of Kalimantan, especially in the north, you will find people conversing in the Dusun or Murut languages,” he said.

Kitingan said he has been promoting the idea through the Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF), advocating for an overarching indigenous identity that encompasses all ethnicities, rather than opting for a name that competes with others.

Reflecting on his tenure as president of BDF, and later the Dayak International Organisation since 2010, Kitingan highlighted their registration with the United Nations, aiming to provide the Dayak community with a platform in the international arena and assert Borneo’s recognition as a "Dayak" nation.

“With membership spanning across the island, we have reached an agreement to establish a Dayak International Justice System.

"Our objective is for all indigenous laws of Borneo to form a unified network.

“As we secure certain rights through the United Nations, we could perhaps issue passports, allowing indigenous people of Borneo to travel freely within the provinces, and potentially developing our own currency,” said Kitingan.

He added that with the rich culture and resources in the Bornean island, it could be promoted further in the tourism industry to the organising of Borneo Cultural Festivals or Borneo Traditional Sports.

He added that to date, they only have some 4,000 registered members but believes that the numbers would be higher if direct membership to the respective associations are accounted for.

In 2016, 21 Kadazandusun Murut ethnic associations signed a declaration duringt the Momogun National Congress (MNC) to use the term "momogun' as a generic term for the Dusunic, Murutic and Paitanic ethnic groups in Sabah.

According to MNC founder Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, the term “momogun” was not coined by them but it had been used in the past

"I feel that if ‘momogun’ is used, the Dusunic, Paitanic and Murutic communities do not need to fear losing their identities as names like Kadazan, Dusun, Rungus, Murut, Lundayeh/Lundayuh, Tatana, Tobilung, Lotud, Liwan, Tindal, Sungai, Tombonuo, Bisaya, Orang Sungai/Sungoi and Begak, among others, will be maintained," he had said.

Tags / Keywords: Sabah , Dayak , Momogun , Jeffrey Kitingan , Language , Label

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Clean hydrogen’s best bet may be a rainforest state in Borneo

The Malaysian state of Sarawak is blessed with the rivers and heavy rainfall needed to create hydropower that can generate clean electricity needed for emissions-free hydrogen.

The oil-rich Malaysian state of Sarawak in Borneo is aiming to transform itself into a center for clean hydrogen energy, betting that its ability to harness an abundance of hydropower can help it defy challenges that are clouding the fuel’s prospects elsewhere.

Authorities in Sarawak "are in a way world leaders in hydrogen activities,” said Gniewomir Flis, a senior advisor at Washington-based climate policy advisory firm Kaya Partners specializing in hydrogen. "They are among the ones getting the ball rolling.”

Sarawak, a state the size of England with a population of 2.5 million, is blessed with the rivers and heavy rainfall needed to create hydropower that can generate clean electricity needed for emissions-free hydrogen. Kuching, meanwhile, is a city of over half a million people where the fuel can be much more easily adopted. The true test of Sarawak’s potential is whether it can help hydrogen commercialize on a larger scale overseas.

"We have the means to help cool down the world,” Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg, who formulated the state’s hydrogen blueprint in 2019, said in an interview.

Taking Sarawak’s hydrogen global, however, remains a costly and complex task. For one, it requires the construction of whole new infrastructure to produce the gas, transport it to customers and then burn it. Hydrogen cannot be transported on its own due to its low density, and needs to be converted into another chemical liquid compound first.

An electric charging station for hydrogen tram. A planned autonomous, hydrogen-fuel tram line costing 5.59 billion ringgit ($1.17 billion) is slated to start operations as early as next year.

Global hydrogen use rose to 95 million tons in 2022, and less than 1% of the total was low-emissions fuel, according to the International Energy Agency.

"The fundamental challenge with hydrogen lies in its transportation logistics, as most hydrogen currently used is situated near demand centers,” said Minh Khoi Le, head of hydrogen research at Rystad Energy.

Nonetheless, two Asian countries where hydrogen is seen as crucial to the green transition have already set their sights on Sarawak as a key provider of the fuel.

South Korea’s private sector has pledged to pour billions of dollars into creating a value chain for the clean fuel, while Japan, which created the world’s first hydrogen strategy in 2017, said in the latest update in June that it aims to increase consumption of the fuel to 20 million tons by 2050 from about 2 million tons now.

The countries’ biggest energy companies are partnering with Sarawak’s new state-backed entity, SEDC Energy, to build two hydrogen plants in the port city of Bintulu called H2ornbill and H2biscus, named for the state bird and Malaysia’s national flower. The Japan-backed plant, H2ornbill, aims to convert hydrogen into methylcyclohexane, a chemical also known as MCH, to be exported to Japan. H2biscus, meanwhile, plans to convert its hydrogen output into ammonia for export to South Korea.

The two projects, slated to start commercial production in 2028 at the earliest, together aim to produce 240,000 tons of hydrogen a year. The figure rivals the stated output of Saudi Arabia’s Neom plant, set to be the world’s biggest after announcing last year it would produce roughly 291,000 tons a year from 2026.

Malaysia is attractive mainly because of the low cost of production of green hydrogen, expected to be the cheapest among Southeast Asian countries by 2035, according to BloombergNEF forecasts, and roughly 20% less than in South Korea.

"A stable supply of electricity at a low cost are the most important points” for Japan’s hydrogen goals, said Shohei Yasuda, an official at the hydrogen promotion department of Eneos, one of the Sarawak project’s partners.

Despite Malaysia’s low costs, green hydrogen still faces huge price hurdles against much cheaper fossil fuels — natural gas is currently about a quarter the price of green hydrogen produced with Western technology, according to BNEF. And that doesn’t include the cost to liquefy the hydrogen or convert it for export.

Liquefying hydrogen also requires vast amounts of energy — the process is expensive and consumes more than 30% of the energy content of the fuel, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. It’s also less dense than liquefied natural gas, so transporting it at scale would require creating new fleets of ships, infrastructure and technology.

And the technology is still in the midst of proving itself. The world’s largest green hydrogen project, located in western China, is grappling with issues around efficiency and flexibility, according to an analysis by BNEF. Its electrolyzers — machines that strip hydrogen from water — are currently the cheapest in the market but struggle to manage fluctuations in power from sources like solar.

Sarawak touts its access to unfettered hydropower as the key to prevent such problems.

"Our advantage is of course hydropower,” said Robert Hardin, chief executive officer at SEDC Energy. "We don’t have that issue of intermittent supply.”

While hydrogen’s practical use still faces many hurdles, Sarawak is powering ahead at home. Its biggest undertaking yet is a planned autonomous, hydrogen-fuel tram line costing 5.59 billion ringgit ($1.17 billion) that is slated to start operations as early as next year. The trackless tram system, built by a unit of China’s CRRC Corp., has not been put into commercial operation anywhere in the world.

Other plans in the works in Sarawak include hydrogen-powered waste collection trucks and medium-sized boats, which are a common form of commuting in more rural areas, said Robert.

With more than enough water and hydrogen to power these ambitions, Sarawak could end up looking like a model state for hydrogen, but Kaya Partners’ Flis said there is also a risk of the investments not working out and becoming white elephant projects.

Abang Johari admits that the stakes are high.

"It is a risk, but it is a calculated risk,” he said. "There is no other option, we need alternative energy, and hydrogen, ultimately, is the cleanest.”

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now.

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services.

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

Trinidad & Tobago
El Salvador
South Sudan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Papua New Guinea
Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

Afghanistan
Central African Republic
North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies.

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

Don't travel alone.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Keep a low profile.
Try not to be flashy.
Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

Bon Voyaged

15 High-Risk Travel Destinations for 2024

Posted: May 1, 2024 | Last updated: May 1, 2024

<p>The world is a tapestry of diverse landscapes and cultures, but amidst its beauty and wonder, there exist places that are fraught with danger. These perilous locales, known as the most dangerous places on Earth, offer a stark contrast to the serene and inviting destinations that most travelers seek. From war-torn regions where conflict and political unrest are a constant threat, to natural landscapes that are as deadly as they are breathtaking, these areas challenge the very limits of human survival. They encompass treacherous terrains like active volcanoes and deep, uncharted jungles, as well as areas with extreme climates, from the scorching heat of vast deserts to the frigid expanses of polar ice fields. The danger in these places is not only to the physical well-being of those who dare to venture there but also poses a threat to mental fortitude, challenging the resolve and resilience of even the most seasoned adventurers. </p>

The world is a tapestry of diverse landscapes and cultures, but amidst its beauty and wonder, there exist places that are fraught with danger. These perilous locales, known as the most dangerous places on Earth, offer a stark contrast to the serene and inviting destinations that most travelers seek. From war-torn regions where conflict and political unrest are a constant threat, to natural landscapes that are as deadly as they are breathtaking, these areas challenge the very limits of human survival. They encompass treacherous terrains like active volcanoes and deep, uncharted jungles, as well as areas with extreme climates, from the scorching heat of vast deserts to the frigid expanses of polar ice fields. The danger in these places is not only to the physical well-being of those who dare to venture there but also poses a threat to mental fortitude, challenging the resolve and resilience of even the most seasoned adventurers.

<p>In this Middle Eastern nation, the U.S. State Department’s warning is unequivocal: Yemen is engulfed in pervasive violence, rendering no area within its borders safe. The persistent and calculated activities of terrorist groups pose a relentless threat, with bombings and armed conflicts frequently targeting tourist sites, public transportation, shopping centers, and other public venues. This volatile situation has persisted for several years, a fact underscored by the closure of the U.S. Embassy in February 2015. As a result of this withdrawal, American nationals in Yemen find themselves without the safeguard of their country’s diplomatic presence on the ground.</p>

In this Middle Eastern nation, the U.S. State Department’s warning is unequivocal: Yemen is engulfed in pervasive violence, rendering no area within its borders safe. The persistent and calculated activities of terrorist groups pose a relentless threat, with bombings and armed conflicts frequently targeting tourist sites, public transportation, shopping centers, and other public venues. This volatile situation has persisted for several years, a fact underscored by the closure of the U.S. Embassy in February 2015. As a result of this withdrawal, American nationals in Yemen find themselves without the safeguard of their country’s diplomatic presence on the ground.

<p>Many travelers fantasize about visiting the vibrant castles of St. Petersburg, yet the U.S. State Department suggests a cautious approach when considering travel to Russia. Although not every region in Russia is fraught with danger, the potential for terrorist attacks and the risk of American citizens facing harassment or extortion by police officers have led to a Level 3 advisory – urging travelers to rethink their plans. For those who decide to visit, heightened safety measures are recommended. It’s advised to avoid demonstrations, stay informed with local news updates, and exercise increased vigilance in areas frequently visited by Western tourists, to navigate the complexities of safety in Russia.</p>

Many travelers fantasize about visiting the vibrant castles of St. Petersburg, yet the U.S. State Department suggests a cautious approach when considering travel to Russia. Although not every region in Russia is fraught with danger, the potential for terrorist attacks and the risk of American citizens facing harassment or extortion by police officers have led to a Level 3 advisory – urging travelers to rethink their plans. For those who decide to visit, heightened safety measures are recommended. It’s advised to avoid demonstrations, stay informed with local news updates, and exercise increased vigilance in areas frequently visited by Western tourists, to navigate the complexities of safety in Russia.

<p>This Central American nation, nestled just below Mexico, currently carries a Level 3 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. A mix of political unrest, widespread poverty, rampant drug trafficking, and a high risk of crimes such as carjacking and armed robbery contribute to its precarious safety situation. Furthermore, violent crimes, including sexual assault and murder, are alarmingly common, a situation exacerbated by the presence of numerous gangs in urban areas and along border regions. For those who choose to travel there, it is crucial to prioritize safety: staying in hotels with both door attendants and professional security staff is recommended. When exploring, it is advised to be accompanied by a security member from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute. Additionally, it is wise to avoid nighttime travel, using public ATMs, and displaying signs of wealth like wearing watches or jewelry, to mitigate risks in this challenging environment.</p>

This Central American nation, nestled just below Mexico, currently carries a Level 3 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. A mix of political unrest, widespread poverty, rampant drug trafficking, and a high risk of crimes such as carjacking and armed robbery contribute to its precarious safety situation. Furthermore, violent crimes, including sexual assault and murder, are alarmingly common, a situation exacerbated by the presence of numerous gangs in urban areas and along border regions. For those who choose to travel there, it is crucial to prioritize safety: staying in hotels with both door attendants and professional security staff is recommended. When exploring, it is advised to be accompanied by a security member from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute. Additionally, it is wise to avoid nighttime travel, using public ATMs, and displaying signs of wealth like wearing watches or jewelry, to mitigate risks in this challenging environment.

Philippines

While much of the Philippines offers a safe experience for travelers, caution is particularly advised in its southern regions, especially the beach areas, as highlighted by Gobbels. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for these parts due to an uptick in kidnappings. Specifically, on the large island of Mindanao, in areas like Zamboanga and the Sulu Archipelago, there’s a risk of encountering the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group), an ISIS-affiliated terrorist organization notorious for its kidnap-for-ransom activities. In Manila, the capital city, there is an increasing trend in pickpocketing and some violent crimes. Gobbels advises that walking might be safer than driving in these regions due to the high rate of accidents and limited emergency response services.

<p>Cairo holds the unsettling distinction of being the most dangerous city for women globally. Despite a gradual easing of political tensions, the city remains fraught with challenges for both local and visiting women, primarily due to prevalent violence and deeply entrenched cultural norms. The efforts of numerous women’s rights organizations to enhance street safety are ongoing, but meaningful change is progressing slowly. For those determined to travel to Cairo, it is strongly recommended to engage with a reputable and trusted tour operator to navigate the city’s complex social landscape with greater security and awareness.</p>

Cairo holds the unsettling distinction of being the most dangerous city for women globally. Despite a gradual easing of political tensions, the city remains fraught with challenges for both local and visiting women, primarily due to prevalent violence and deeply entrenched cultural norms. The efforts of numerous women’s rights organizations to enhance street safety are ongoing, but meaningful change is progressing slowly. For those determined to travel to Cairo, it is strongly recommended to engage with a reputable and trusted tour operator to navigate the city’s complex social landscape with greater security and awareness.

<p>Madagascar, when compared to other African nations, boasts a relatively lower crime rate. However, the country is not without its challenges. Political instability in the region has led to increased unemployment, which in turn has sparked a rise in robberies and muggings. These incidents are particularly prevalent in densely populated areas such as airports and street markets. Additionally, there is a concerning trend of violent highway robberies, including car thefts, targeting travelers on major roads like RN7, RN27, RN10, and RN1B. Visitors to Madagascar should be especially cautious in these areas and remain vigilant to ensure their safety.</p>

Madagascar, when compared to other African nations, boasts a relatively lower crime rate. However, the country is not without its challenges. Political instability in the region has led to increased unemployment, which in turn has sparked a rise in robberies and muggings. These incidents are particularly prevalent in densely populated areas such as airports and street markets. Additionally, there is a concerning trend of violent highway robberies, including car thefts, targeting travelers on major roads like RN7, RN27, RN10, and RN1B. Visitors to Madagascar should be especially cautious in these areas and remain vigilant to ensure their safety.

<p>Situated in the Malay Archipelago of Southeast Asia, this island is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, and a diverse array of wildlife, including leopards and orangutans. While the natural scenery is captivating, the political situation presents significant risks. During the election period in early May, there were heightened concerns regarding the kidnapping of foreigners. Additionally, areas of the island renowned for their diving experiences are identified as particularly perilous due to the current political unrest.</p>

Malaysian Borneo

Situated in the Malay Archipelago of Southeast Asia, this island is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, and a diverse array of wildlife, including leopards and orangutans. While the natural scenery is captivating, the political situation presents significant risks. During the election period in early May, there were heightened concerns regarding the kidnapping of foreigners. Additionally, areas of the island renowned for their diving experiences are identified as particularly perilous due to the current political unrest.

<p>In a ranking by worldatlas.com of the 50 most dangerous cities globally, Brazil notably had 17 cities on the list, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and safety awareness for travelers. Beyond issues of personal security, health risks are also a significant concern, particularly regarding water pollution. This is true even for renowned beach destinations like Ipanema. A study revealed that exposure to just three teaspoons of beach water in these areas could potentially lead to viral or bacterial infections, highlighting the critical importance of caution in both urban and natural environments in Brazil.</p>

In a ranking by worldatlas.com of the 50 most dangerous cities globally, Brazil notably had 17 cities on the list, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and safety awareness for travelers. Beyond issues of personal security, health risks are also a significant concern, particularly regarding water pollution. This is true even for renowned beach destinations like Ipanema. A study revealed that exposure to just three teaspoons of beach water in these areas could potentially lead to viral or bacterial infections, highlighting the critical importance of caution in both urban and natural environments in Brazil.

<p>The recent relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem has intensified the already volatile atmosphere in the region, marking it as a potentially hazardous destination. Despite the celebratory nature of the embassy’s opening ceremony, significant violent protests broke out in Gaza, located just 50 miles away. This area, revered as one of the world’s holiest, continues to attract numerous visitors. However, in light of the current situation, the State Department advises travelers to remain highly vigilant and well-prepared for any eventualities when visiting this region.</p>

The recent relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem has intensified the already volatile atmosphere in the region, marking it as a potentially hazardous destination. Despite the celebratory nature of the embassy’s opening ceremony, significant violent protests broke out in Gaza, located just 50 miles away. This area, revered as one of the world’s holiest, continues to attract numerous visitors. However, in light of the current situation, the State Department advises travelers to remain highly vigilant and well-prepared for any eventualities when visiting this region.

<p>This once-idyllic beach resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast has seen a drastic transformation from its former status as a white-sand party haven. It now falls under a Level 4 travel advisory, placing it in the same risk category as countries like Iran, Syria, and North Korea. The primary reason for this alarming classification is its reputation as the murder capital of Mexico, plagued by an extensive network of gangs that operate blatantly in the area.</p>

This once-idyllic beach resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast has seen a drastic transformation from its former status as a white-sand party haven. It now falls under a Level 4 travel advisory, placing it in the same risk category as countries like Iran, Syria, and North Korea. The primary reason for this alarming classification is its reputation as the murder capital of Mexico, plagued by an extensive network of gangs that operate blatantly in the area.

<p>The Big Island of Hawaii, commonly known as a romantic haven for honeymooners, has recently emerged as a potentially perilous destination. This shift in perception is largely due to the eruption of the Kilauea volcano, which has led to a declared state of emergency. Visitors to the island now face risks including toxic gas emissions, emerging fissures, unpredictable lava flows, and frequent earthquakes. While attractive airline deals to the island may become more prevalent, travelers should carefully consider these significant natural hazards before planning their journey to this otherwise enchanting destination.</p>

The Big Island of Hawaii, commonly known as a romantic haven for honeymooners, has recently emerged as a potentially perilous destination. This shift in perception is largely due to the eruption of the Kilauea volcano, which has led to a declared state of emergency. Visitors to the island now face risks including toxic gas emissions, emerging fissures, unpredictable lava flows, and frequent earthquakes. While attractive airline deals to the island may become more prevalent, travelers should carefully consider these significant natural hazards before planning their journey to this otherwise enchanting destination.

<p>The striking contrast in wealth and social class in India contributes to the risks of scams and theft. However, it’s the country’s medical safety concerns that heighten its danger level. The U.S. State Department currently assigns India a Level 2 travel advisory, which urges travelers to “exercise increased caution.” This advisory is primarily due to significant health risks, including severe air pollution, and the prevalence of diseases like typhoid, as well as various food and waterborne infections. Additionally, India has reported cases of the Nipah virus, a rare but serious infection. For those who have their hearts set on visiting iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, it’s crucial to be well-informed and prepared to navigate these health and safety challenges. </p>

The striking contrast in wealth and social class in India contributes to the risks of scams and theft. However, it’s the country’s medical safety concerns that heighten its danger level. The U.S. State Department currently assigns India a Level 2 travel advisory, which urges travelers to “exercise increased caution.” This advisory is primarily due to significant health risks, including severe air pollution, and the prevalence of diseases like typhoid, as well as various food and waterborne infections. Additionally, India has reported cases of the Nipah virus, a rare but serious infection. For those who have their hearts set on visiting iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, it’s crucial to be well-informed and prepared to navigate these health and safety challenges.

<p>has garnered notoriety for its exceptionally high crime rates, particularly in the realms of kidnapping and armed robbery. The city’s dire economic situation, coupled with political instability, has fostered an environment where such criminal activities are rampant. Visitors and locals alike face a constant threat in this urban landscape, where the risk of falling victim to these crimes is significantly elevated.</p>

Caracas, Venezuela

has garnered notoriety for its exceptionally high crime rates, particularly in the realms of kidnapping and armed robbery. The city’s dire economic situation, coupled with political instability, has fostered an environment where such criminal activities are rampant. Visitors and locals alike face a constant threat in this urban landscape, where the risk of falling victim to these crimes is significantly elevated.

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

San Pedro Sula, Honduras, has been infamously referred to as the ‘murder capital of the world’, primarily due to its alarmingly high homicide rates. This grim title reflects the city’s intense struggles with gang violence and drug trafficking, which are major contributors to the pervasive sense of insecurity and danger. The city’s challenging socio-economic conditions further exacerbate the situation, making it a particularly hazardous environment for both residents and visitors.

<p>The nature of violence in Mogadishu includes attacks by Al-Shabaab targeting government and security officials, foreign forces, and civilians. These attacks often take place in busy locations such as hotels, restaurants, and teashops, resulting in numerous civilian casualties.</p>

Mogadishu, Somalia

The nature of violence in Mogadishu includes attacks by Al-Shabaab targeting government and security officials, foreign forces, and civilians. These attacks often take place in busy locations such as hotels, restaurants, and teashops, resulting in numerous civilian casualties.

<p>Libya remains a highly dangerous destination due to ongoing conflict and political instability. Recent clashes in Tripoli, the capital, have underscored the precarious security situation, with deadly encounters between major armed groups resulting in significant casualties, including civilians. This instability is undermining the country’s preparations for elections, which are crucial for establishing a unified government and military, and essential for lasting stability. The lack of unified political leadership and the presence of various armed groups, including the Libyan National Army and militias with differing allegiances, further complicate the security landscape.</p>

Libya remains a highly dangerous destination due to ongoing conflict and political instability. Recent clashes in Tripoli, the capital, have underscored the precarious security situation, with deadly encounters between major armed groups resulting in significant casualties, including civilians. This instability is undermining the country’s preparations for elections, which are crucial for establishing a unified government and military, and essential for lasting stability. The lack of unified political leadership and the presence of various armed groups, including the Libyan National Army and militias with differing allegiances, further complicate the security landscape.

South Sudan

South Sudan is considered a dangerous place to visit due to a combination of factors, including ongoing violence, political instability, and severe humanitarian crises. The country has been experiencing chronic intercommunal clashes and violence between armed groups, particularly in the Upper Nile, southern Central Equatoria, and southern Unity states. These conflicts have led to significant displacement of people and serious human rights abuses, some of which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.

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USDOT Alerts Passengers That Starting Today, Southwest Airlines Must Provide Compensation for Delays and Cancellations Within Their Control

DOT’s historic enforcement action against Southwest earlier this year requires the airline to provide $75 transferrable vouchers to passengers affected by delays and cancellations within the airline’s control that cause passengers to reach their destination three or more hours after their scheduled arrival time

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is reminding passengers that starting today, Southwest Airlines must compensate them with a transferrable voucher worth at least $75 for any controllable cancellation or delay that causes passengers to reach their destination three or more hours after their scheduled arrival time. Southwest is required to provide this compensation as part of DOT’s recent historic enforcement action holding the airline accountable for its 2022 holiday meltdown that stranded millions of passengers across the country.

“After the 2022 holiday meltdown, our department held Southwest Airlines accountable—and now the airline is required to compensate passengers for lengthy delays and cancellations that they cause,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “We're pleased to bring these benefits to passengers, and further show the flying public that the Biden-Harris Administration has their back.”

When Compensation is Required Southwest is required to provide compensation if:

A flight was cancelled or delayed within seven days of the scheduled departure date;
Passengers arrived at their destination three or more hours later than planned; and
The delay or cancellation was caused by something that Southwest could control, such as a maintenance or staffing issue.

Passengers will not be eligible for compensation if the cause of the disruption was not within the airline’s control, such as bad weather.

How to Request Compensation

Per the agreement with DOT, Southwest has created an easy-to-find online form (southwest.com/delayform) for passengers to request compensation.
Passengers must submit requests within one year from the date of the delayed/cancelled flight.
If passengers enter erroneous information on the form, they will get an error message, and a chance to edit and re-submit the required information
Southwest will respond to the customer via email within 30 days of receiving a voucher request form and if the consumer is eligible, Southwest will follow-up with a voucher for that consumer.
The vouchers will be transferrable and will be valid for at least one year after the date of issuance.

DOT will be closely monitoring Southwest’s compensation program to ensure that passengers get the relief they are owed. The airline must submit an annual report to DOT every May for the next three years detailing the voucher expenditures.

In 2022, under Secretary Buttigieg’s guidance, DOT created an Airline Customer Service Dashboard known as FlightRights.gov to help airline passengers understand what they are entitled to receive when a delay or cancellation was within the airlines’ control and create standards that the Department can enforce. DOT has updated the Airline Cancellation and Delay dashboard to reflect Southwest’s mandated compensation program.

Find more information on DOT’s $140 million enforcement action against Southwest Airlines for the 2022 holiday meltdown here .

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

Just last week, DOT announced two final rules that require airlines to provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when owed and protect consumers from costly surprise airline fees . These rules will significantly expand consumer protections in air travel, provide passengers an easier pathway to refunds when owed, and save consumers over half a billion dollars every year in hidden and surprise junk fees.
As mentioned above, DOT launched the flightrights.gov dashboard, and now all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov.
Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.
DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.
DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.
In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.
DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect consumers from surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, as the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.
Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.
Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity. The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

Consumers may file an airline complaint with the Department here .

Significant additional resources in place as US 50 bridge inspection continues

Travel advisory.

Inspectors continue conducting work on the US 50 middle bridge over Blue Mesa Reservoir

Noticias: Importantes recursos adicionales disponibles a medida que continúa la inspección del puente US 50

Montrose, Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties —Crews are making progress on the inspection of the US Highway 50 bridge that crosses Blue Mesa Reservoir at Dillon Pinnacles. Lightweight scaffolding is now in place on the center span of the bridge which expands the methods workers can safely and easily reach the underside of the bridge. The local access route on County Road 26 continues to be in place along with regular maintenance and repairs to prevent damage to the road. CDOT has brought on Kiewit Infrastructure Co., a private sector construction contractor, to support inspection and repairs for the bridge, as well as work on CR 26. Kiewit crews have unique steel bridge expertise and capability to bring additional resources to the engineering teams on site at the bridge and on the local access detour route. At the bridge site, CDOT has also established improved communications coverage, including a web camera viewable on COtrip.org. Rain, snow and thunderstorms are in the forecast through the remainder of the week, and may affect inspection operations and the condition of CR 26.

The bridge was closed on Thursday, April 18 due to safety concerns about a crack identified during a special inspection. Crews are continuing the special inspection to identify if there are more structural concerns with the bridge.. It is critical that inspection work is safe for crews. Establishing access to all sections of the bridge has been time consuming and has required extensive logistics as only a limited amount of weight can be on certain sections of the bridge. CDOT is doing everything possible to keep crews safe while also accessing all parts of the bridge. Scaffolding is now in place to provide access to areas that previously were only accessible by crews harnessed to ropes. Scaffolding is lightweight while still providing enough support for crews to carry out other steps, such as paint removal and ultrasonic testing. Tarps are in place to catch paint or other debris from reaching the reservoir.

During this inspection process, additional areas of concern have been found since the middle bridge closed last Thursday, April 18. The severity of these concerns and the specific repairs that may be needed will be determined after ultrasonic testing results are confirmed. Ultrasonic testing reveals what defects are below the surface of the steel welds and inform key decisions for the bridge. As the inspection continues, engineering teams are working through potential repair options. The goal is to be prepared to carry out repairs as quickly and safely as possible. CDOT is working through multiple repair scenarios that are each being refined as testing is completed.

Lightweight scaffolding is now in place on the center span of the bridge

Kiewit is also assisting with daily road repair on County Road 26. The county road has limited infrastructure and must be regularly monitored and maintained to support commuter traffic in the mornings and evenings. As of Thursday evening, more than 3.5 miles of road base material had been placed on the roadway to maintain the local access route. Crews are closely watching incoming weather and are prepared to deal with any road damage that is worsened by wet and muddy conditions.

Commuters should continue to anticipate pilot car operations on County Road 26. Commercial vehicles exceeding a 16,001 gross vehicle weight rating are prohibited. Trailers of any kind are also prohibited from using this route. Aside from the limited morning and evening commuter hours, the road will remain closed at all other times for the ongoing restoration work needed to ensure the road remains safe for travel. Please see below for the County Road schedule.

CDOT has also placed communications equipment and cameras at the bridge, which can be viewed on COtrip using this US 50 cameras link . Limited cell service should soon be available near the southern section of CR 26, which is remote.

CDOT and partner agencies held a virtual public meeting the evening of Tuesday, April 23, to provide the latest info to the community about the US 50 Blue Mesa bridge closure. The meeting was recorded and can be viewed in English at this link: US 50 Blue Mesa Bridge Emergency Repairs Public Meeting 4-23-24 . CDOT is posting the Spanish language recording as soon as it is available.

Traffic Impacts

US 50 is closed between Montrose and Gunnison
Recommended alternate routes are I-70 to the north or US 160 to the south
Westbound travel - 6:30 to 7 a.m. and 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Eastbound travel - 7:30 to 8 a.m. and 7:30 to 8 p.m.

Crews will continue work on County Road 26 to ensure it can be used as a local access route

Contact Information

For additional information, please contact the team.

Call the project information line at 970-648-4423
Email the project team at: [email protected]
Visit the project website at: bit.ly/us50bridge
Fact Sheets: County 26 Local Access (English) , Ruta de acceso local en la County Road 26 (Espanol)

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter , Facebook , Instagram and YouTube

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

IMAGES

Borneo Travel Guide
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Travel Advice
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Travel to Borneo

COMMENTS

Malaysia Travel Advisory
If you decide to travel to Malaysia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Review the Country Security Report for Malaysia. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Your Trip to Borneo: The Complete Guide
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Malaysia
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home. Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace. While at your ...
Travel advice and advisories for Malaysia
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10 Things to Know Before Traveling to Malaysian Borneo
Both malaria and dengue are a concern in parts of Borneo. The only way to avoid dengue is to use bug repellant, but there are a variety of drugs to prevent malaria. Some tablets are taken weekly, some daily; some you start two to three days prior to your trip, others start a week or two before. People react differently to all the drugs, so ...
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Our Brands. Award-winning Borneo Specialist since 1991, offering unforgettable wildlife and nature tours in Sabah, featuring exotic cultures, lush jungles, and thrilling adventures. Check out our latest updates, events, promotions, and deals by following our social media today! Whenever you're ready, get in touch with us via the form below for ...
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USDOT Alerts Passengers That Starting Today, Southwest Airlines Must
Media Contact. Press Office. US Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 United States. Email: [email protected] Phone: 1 (202) 366-4570 If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Significant additional resources in place as US 50 bridge inspection
A limited, local access route is in place for travel in place during the following designated travel times: Westbound travel - 6:30 to 7 a.m. and 6:30 to 7 p.m. Eastbound travel - 7:30 to 8 a.m. and 7:30 to 8 p.m. Crews will continue work on County Road 26 to ensure it can be used as a local access route Contact Information