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How to Fly Comfortably to Borneo
Kenwood Travel’s Anthony discusses Borneo and Gaya Island, the hotels of Borneo and Malaysia, and how to get there feeling perky.
And don’t miss the chance of a free room upgrade on bookings at Gaya Island Resort, Borneo. Click the link at the end of this story.
Surviving the long haul flight, we all have our methods.
For some the anti-DVT exercises are an absolute must. Not for health reasons per se, rather the reassurance one’s leg is still being served by the circulatory system.
I’m a tall insomniac myself, so for me it’s a choice of bulkhead or emergency exit seats, or partial paralysis with concurrent senility. That is until everybody cottoned on and started charging extra, now red-eyes invariably come with dead-legs.
I am, however, delighted to announce a new technique – The Koumi Method. Colloquially known as the ‘Bank of Four’, the method is pioneered by Kenwood Travel’s highly intrepid Sales & Marketing Executive, Anthony Koumi.
“I had four seats and spread out across the whole row.”
So simple, so brilliant. Of course this only works on flights with a low turnout, but the results are proven.
“Ten hours’ sleep. No word of a lie. I genuinely believe that when a flight is empty, economy is better than premium economy. In premium you get a bigger seat and recline more, but can’t put the armrests up.”
The trick is to be the last to board. You may have to sacrifice the convenience of overhead storage space adjacent to you, but it affords a chance to assess the saturation of seat occupancy, and identify the gaps. Consider your jackpot the aforementioned ‘Bank of Four’.
Now, you might be tempted to go for it at this point. A bold move that could scupper your opponents, yes, but beware; it is generally airline policy to take off only with everybody in their allocated seats. Patience wins out if your counterparts stumble here. Once frogmarched back to their seat, the embarrassment will be too much for a reattempt. This is your window.
“Wait until the seatbelt signs are off, then rush to the row you spotted.”
It’s for this reason Anthony emerged “surprisingly perky” from his 24-hour journey to the island of Borneo. Waking up at 5am only to reach your destination by lunchtime the following day is a slog even by London standards.
“Easily the longest trip I’ve ever been on,” says Anthony. “We got a 10.50am flight and didn’t arrive in Kuala Lumpur until 7.10am the next day. Another short plane journey got us to Kota Kinabalu by 11.05am, and finally the hotel around 12.
“Malaysian Airlines were brilliant though, and it was all made easier by the extremely large A380.”
The new airliner seats 494 (on a one seat-one person basis).
Map of Borneo (photo: Mortadelo2005 / Creative Commons)
Gaya Island Resort
Borneo is the third largest island in the world, occupied by three nations: Indonesia, the vast, underdeveloped southern region comprising roughly three-quarters of the island; the Malaysian provinces of Sarawak and Sabah, former British colonies until 1963; and the Sultanate of Brunei, a small part of Borneo which relinquished itself from being a British protectorate in 1984.
Anthony arrived at Gaya Island Resort, a luxury hillside retreat embedded into the coastal rainforests of Gaya Island. A staggeringly beautiful spot and quite typical of Borneo luxury resorts. This small, dense jungle isle lies just off the northwest coast of Borneo, in the Malaysian territory of Sabah, near the regional capital Kota Kinabalu.
A popular resort with couples and honeymooners – they come for the scenery, but stay for the candlelit beach dinners – guests get a spacious treetop room with a view of a shimmering emerald, coral-rich ocean from the balcony.
Hillside retreats of Gaya Island Resort
“We stayed for three nights. They had some fabulous meals. I’m not a fan of fish, but there comes a time in every man’s life when you just have to say ‘when in Rome’, and of course the seafood was excellent.”
Whilst there, Anthony was lucky enough to have a nature walk with the resident guide:
“We followed a trail in the resort, so we didn’t have to leave the island. If you’re into your nature you’ll go mad over this. It’s essentially a jungle on your doorstep. There are monkeys, although no orangutans, but they didn’t want to come out to play during our walk.”
The tour lasted about an hour and a half though an extended version can add another hour onto that.
Gaya Island, or Pulau Gaya, is a part of Borneo’s Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park forest reserve and the 5-island archipelago of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The islands are densely packed with tropical flora that has developed unique ways of reaching the sunlight hitting the canopy.
“This is one of the trees we saw, a strangler fig. It wraps its roots around a host tree…”
On Your Borneo Bike
The next day, Anthony and friends headed out by bike to explore the villages of the island. As a means of absorbing the scenery this was ideal, and a welcome respite for Anthony.
“It was so nice to get a chance to see the real Borneo. What’s the point in travelling halfway around the world on back-to-back flights to sit by a pool?
“When you spend the whole time in a resort you don’t get a feel for the country. You almost forget where you are.”
The head of one village welcomed Anthony and friends into his home as if they were family. And as with any close family, this means a hearty meal and stiff booze.
A welcome meal
“He gave us rice wine to drink. It was strong and foul, like a mixture of white wine and whiskey with a mushy consistency. This was mainly due to the little bits of rice floating about.
“Afterwards he showed us his trade, walking us through his rice padi and over to the rubber trees.”
A time when Anthony was knee-high to a rice padi
The evening comprised a leisurely cruise off the coast of Borneo, the dramatic sunset brought sensationally to life by patchwork cloud cover.
“It’s much better when it’s cloudy. You get the different orange and red tones…”
Patchwork cloud captures the moment
Resident Jellybugs
The reefs that surround Gaya Island are strikingly unspoiled. To its credit, it’s not a renowned dive spot. The next day the group managed to organise snorkelling with resident marine biologist, Scott, on the house reef.
Resident marine biologist? House reef? Did they order a primordial soup of the day?
In a way, yes. Beyond directing one’s attention to the orange-striped clownfish, stingray and turtles that circle you as you explore these underwater gardens, having an experienced marine biologist on hand has more fundamental benefits:
“November is the season for jellybugs, as some of us regrettably found out,” says Anthony. “Jellybugs are essentially microscopic jellyfish. The stings are nowhere near as severe as their much larger cousins, but the resident divers and a few members of the group complained of irritations and itchiness all over their bodies.
“The irritations become worse the longer you’re exposed to them, but a bit of vinegar cures the problem. The resident divers have been suffering and since then they’ve invested in full body protective clothing.”
Malaccan Towers of Beer
The next day Anthony et al transferred back from Borneo island to the Malaysian mainland, to Malacca (aka Melaka). They stayed at The Majestic Malacca, a historic property now run by the illustrious hotel group YTL. The antiquated look and feel of The Majestic, from its Dutch colonial, mansion house exterior to its marble flooring, teakwood trim and intricate artwork was as immersive as it was impressive.
Malacca itself is a slice of old Malaysia. Once a balmy fishing village, around 1400 the first sultan established the Malacca Sultanate. Since then the region has grown and changed hands of ownership many times, including to the Portuguese, Dutch and British, until in 1946 it ceased to be a colony and joined the Malayan Union, soon to become Malaysia.
In 2008, Malacca was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and earlier this year was announced as the site of a new Malaysian spaceport.
“The highlight of Malacca was definitely the night market. It’s open from 6-10pm and is full of stalls selling all the usual and some unusual items. Plenty of toys, lighters, wallets, t-shirts, electronics, also artwork and carvings.”
That night the group ate particularly well at the hotel, retiring to a local boozer to watch a Chelsea Premiership game accompanied by metres-high towers of beer.
“It comes in this massive tower with ice down the middle to keep the beer cool.
Beer towers – who topples first?
“On the way back we took a leisurely stroll to the hotel but the girls decided to take a Tuk-Tuk, which bumbled along the street playing techno music really loud. It was brilliant!“
Having witnessed this beautiful and seldom explored island, Anthony and friends hopped back on a flight to Britain. I am remiss to report – fully booked.
“I feel pretty rough now. What day is it?”
We have a special offer of a free room upgrade for Gaya Island Resort, click the image below to view Gaya Island Resort on Kenwood Travel, and call one of our agents today on 0207 749 9275 for a booking.
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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
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
One Week in Borneo: The Ultimate Itinerary
Ben Queenborough / Getty Images
Welcome to the third largest island in the world. With only one week in Borneo , you’ll have to move quickly while taking advantage of regional flights, as overland journeys are too long and arduous in the rugged interior. The effort will be rewarded, however, with memorable people, places, and walks through rainforests teeming with biodiversity.
Seeing everything is obviously impossible, so this one-week itinerary for Borneo brings you to the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak along with a bonus visit to Brunei. Although Kalimantan, the Indonesian side of Borneo , makes up 73 percent of the island and is blessed with many tempting places, traveling there can be time consuming. Irregular flight schedules and frequent transportation delays often make short work of an itinerary without enough buffer days built in.
Day 1: Sandakan, Sabah
Kuching and Kota Kinabalu seem the most obvious choices, but travelers with a short amount of time in Borneo should consider starting their adventure in Sandakan, a city on the west coast of Sabah. The three-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur can be as inexpensive as $50 .
Numerous guesthouses, cafés, and eateries are clustered along the edge of the rainforest just west of Sandakan. For convenience, choose one of the eco-hotels near Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre ; Sepilok Nature Resort (3-star) and Sepilok Jungle Resort (2-star) are two popular places to stay within walking distance.
Begin your first day by walking to Sepilok (5 minutes); get there by 10 a.m. to catch the morning feeding, when fruit left on a platform by rangers sometimes lures shy, semi-wild orangutans within camera range. These orangutans are free to roam but are still being rehabilitated back into their native habitat after becoming orphaned or rescued from captivity. Watch the short film at Sepilok and learn all you can about earth’s most intelligent primate; sadly, they are critically endangered, and wild orangutans can only be found in Borneo and Sumatra.
Next, stop in at the Rainforest Discovery Centre next door. The RDC will prep you for what exciting plants and creatures you’ll see the rest of the trip. Climb up to the canopy walk suspended 82 feet above ground to look for colorful birds before checking out orchids and carnivorous plants in the Discovery Garden.
Enjoy a quick dinner nearby, then book a Grab rideshare (or request a driver at reception ) to one of the lodges in Sukau, a small village around 2.5 hours away. If you arrive in time, you can join one of the night excursions along the muddy Kinabatangan River to look for saltwater crocodiles.
Day 2: The Kinabatangan River and Sandakan, Sabah
John W Banagan / Getty Images
Wake up early to float silently along Malaysia’s second longest river, where long-nosed proboscis monkeys and other exciting wildlife live along the swampy banks. The Kinabatangan River Sanctuary is also home to pygmy elephants and rhinoceros, but seeing them requires a lot of luck.
Have a light lunch at your lodge then head back toward Sandakan by car. You'll be flying to Kota Kinabalu later in the day, so depending on the time of your flight, you have the option of stopping at the Gomantong Caves along the way. Visitors can explore the Black Cave by a network of boardwalks in this impressive cave system, which is a primary source for edible swiftlet nests (an expensive and controversial delicacy in Asia). Lots of scavengers live in the guano below; give the caves a miss if you’re creepie-crawlie adverse!
Sandakan isn’t large, so no need to spend too much time waiting at the airport. Instead, visit the war memorial park just 10 minutes away. The garden commemorates the thousands of POWs who died during the infamous WWII death marches in Borneo. Afterward, call into the English Tea House & Restaurant for a drink with nice views of Sandakan and the coast. For a proper meal, head over to Sim Sim Seafood or one of the many other seafood restaurants built on stilts along the coast.
Fly onward to Kota Kinabalu and spend the night there.
Day 3: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
EvgenyBuzov / Getty Images
Kota Kinabalu , Sabah’s capital city, has plenty of charms. But you’ll want some beach time, and leaving Borneo without experiencing the marine life would be a crime. Since getting to the Derawan Islands in Kalimantan —one of the top places in the world for marine biodiversity and nesting sea turtles—with only one week in Borneo isn't practical, head out to the conveniently located Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park instead. Hop among the five islands by speedboat, and relax on the white-sand beaches in between snorkeling or diving . Be on the lookout for whale sharks, which pass through in the spring months.
After a day of sun, return to Kota Kinabalu for some shopping and sightseeing. Go enjoy sunset and the evening street performers at Tanjung Aru , the park and beach at the southern end of town. Strolling Gaya Street and the waterfront is a good way to sample the vibe and delicious street food in Kota Kinabalu , especially on Sundays when there's a large market.
Day 4: Kinabalu Park
Nora Carol Photography / Getty Images
You won’t have the two fulls days and a night to get a permit and climb Mount Kinabalu , Malaysia’s tallest mountain (13,435 feet), but you can still enjoy the national park on the slopes. The best way to take advantage is to book one of the popular day trips that include transportation (two hours) each way.
The flora and fauna in Kinabalu Park earned it UNESCO World Heritage status . At least 800 species of orchids have been documented around Mount Kinabalu, and you’ll get to see carnivorous pitcher plants as well. Ask a ranger if there are any known Rafflesia flowers in bloom; it’s one of the largest and strangest flowers in the world. You can also watch for some of Kinabalu’s 326 documented species of birds, including hornbills, while enjoying the canopy walk.
Many tours involve a trip to the Poring Hot Springs, another hour of driving beyond the entrance to Kinabalu Park. Although going further to get boiled on an already hot day doesn't sound appealing, Poring has numerous other attractions, including a bat cave, butterfly farm, and canopy walk. If you prefer more time at the national park, ask about foregoing the hot springs.
Return to Kota Kinabalu after a long day and indulge in Malay or Indian food—choices for tempting eateries seem limitless—then pack up and prepare to fly to Brunei in the morning.
Day 5: Brunei Darussalam
TripSavvy / Christopher Larson
Brunei, the smallest country of three sharing Borneo , isn’t often on tourists’ radar. The oil-rich sultanate is barely larger than the U.S. state of Delaware, but the residents enjoy a relatively high standard of living. The infrastructure in Brunei is excellent; travelers won’t have any trouble popping in for a day to explore Bandar Seri Begawan , the interesting capital. Royal Brunei Airlines offers inexpensive, 45-minute flights to Bandar Seri Begawan from Kota Kinabalu.
Bandar Seri Begawan Airport is right in the city, and after checking into your hotel, go explore! You can opt for a tour, but the capital is compact enough to grab a map and walk or take taxis as needed. Keep in mind that Brunei is considered the most observant of Islamic countries in Southeast Asia—you’ll need to dress modestly to enter museums and mosques.
The mosques around Bandar Seri Begawan are impressively photogenic. Check out a couple before seeing Kampong Ayer, a sprawling water village that’s home to more than 10,000 people. For a glimpse of how one of the richest men in the world lives, stop in at the Royal Regalia Museum. The museum contains gifts from world leaders to the Sultan of Brunei along with other gold-covered artifacts from his eclectic life. Entrance is free.
After a day of sightseeing, sample some of Brunei’s delicious roti and curry dishes. Prepare to fly to Sarawak (two hours) in the morning.
Day 6: Kuching, Sarawak
Imaad Wahid / EyeEm / Getty Images
Arrive in Kuching, the pleasant capital of Sarawak that’s often a favorite for many travelers. The airport is located only 15 minutes south of town.
Kuching means "cat" in Malay; that’s why statues of cats adorn roundabouts. The city is boasted as one of the cleanest in Asia, and the waterfront esplanade is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Borneo. The few touts are friendly, and hassle is generally low in Kuching. If your visit coincides with the annual Rainforest World Music Festival held there every summer, watch out—it’s going to be busy!
After flying to Kuching, head 45 minutes north by car to the Sarawak Cultural Village . With only a week to spend in Borneo, you won’t have time to stay in a difficult-to-reach Iban longhouse in the jungle; fortunately, the Sarawak Cultural Village is a living museum spread over 17 beautiful acres with demonstration longhouses from the various Indigenous peoples. Spend the day learning about the Dayak tribes and their way of life in the rainforest. The daily cultural shows take place at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; the grounds close at 5 p.m.
Return to Kuching and enjoy an inexpensive seafood feast at Top Spot Food Court or one of the other nearby restaurants. We said hassle is low in Kuching, but Top Spot may be the exception as touts shout to lure you with menus. Choose a stall then order midin —a crunchy rainforest fern—as a healthy side dish; this may be your only chance to try it, as finding it outside of Sarawak is nearly impossible. If the squirming seafood at Top Spot makes you squeamish, consider trying Sarawak’s unique version of laksa , a spicy noodle soup (note: it contains shrimp).
Day 7: Bako National Park
Grant Dixon / Getty Images
If you haven’t yet managed to see an orangutan while in Borneo —nothing is guaranteed when wildlife is concerned—this may be your last chance! Go 30 minutes south of town to the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre ; feeding times are at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Much like Sepilok in Sabah, Semenggoh is home to free-roaming orangutans learning how to manage themselves in the wild again.
Otherwise, begin early before the heat of the day and head north to Bako National Park, Sarawak’s oldest and most accessible national park. Other than the Kinabatangan River, Bako is your best opportunity to see an endangered proboscis monkey in the wild. You’ll enter the park by small boat then walk the trail network to see all sorts of monkeys, bearded pigs, pythons, and other park residents. Don't worry: You don't have to trek far to see wildlife. Watch for hornbills and giant butterflies, but beware of the bold macaques that like to steal things from visitors.
If the weather on your last day is too rainy to enjoy outside adventures, go see the cluster of four interesting museums near Reservoir Park; entrance fees are $1.50 or less. The Sarawak Museum has an exhibit of human skulls taken by headhunters!
Enjoy one last, shameless seafood experience then stroll along the waterfront knowing your one week in Borneo was well spent.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. "Kinabulu Park." 2000.
A Guide to Airports in Borneo
Where to Go in Malaysian Borneo: Sarawak or Sabah?
How to Find Cheap Flights to Borneo
The Top 8 Things to Do in Malaysian Borneo
9 Top Destinations in Malaysian Borneo
The 11 Best Hotels in Borneo
Your Trip to Borneo: The Complete Guide
5 Places to See Orangutans in Borneo
The 10 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Borneo
The 12 Best National Parks in Borneo
7 Attractions and Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu
Guide to Sandakan, Malaysia's Gateway to Nature
Top 8 Places to Scuba Dive in Sabah, Borneo
The Top 12 National Parks in Malaysia
The 10 Best Hikes in Borneo
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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….
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!
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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Two weeks in Borneo: Your adventurous Borneo itinerary for the best things to do in Borneo
March 1, 2018 by Karen Turner 9 Comments
Visiting Borneo was a dream of mine ever since I was a child watching National Geographic video series about the biodiversity in Borneo. Planning my trip to Borneo took quite a bit of time as Borneo is one of the world’s largest islands with three countries.
As I only had two weeks for Borneo, I had to choose carefully what to do in Borneo. This was my itinerary for two weeks in Borneo, focusing on Malaysia and Brunei. I tried to include the best things to do in Borneo, which makes it easy to stretch this Borneo itinerary to four weeks in Borneo depending on your interests.
- 1 A note on choosing Malaysia and Brunei instead of Indonesia for my Borneo itinerary
- 2.1.1 Optional trip from Sandakan or Kota Kinabulu: Sipadan for diving (1-3 days)
- 2.2 Optional 2-7 days side trip: Danum Valley
- 2.3 Kota Kinabalu: Three Days, including Kota Kinabalu National Park
- 2.4 Optional day trip from Kota Kinabalu: Paragliding in Ranau
- 2.5 Optional trip from Kota Kinabalu: Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata (1-3 days)
- 3.0.1 Bandar Seri Begawan (3 days)
- 3.0.2 Ulu Temburong National Park (1-2 days)
- 3.1.1 Optional side trip from Miri: Gunung Mulu National Park (2-5 days)
- 3.1.2 Optional day trip from Miri: Gua Pari fairy caves and wind caves (1 day)
- 3.1.3 Optional side trip from Miri: Kelabit Highlands / Bario (2-3 days)
- 4.1 Optional half day trip from Kuching: Sarawak Cultural Village
- 4.2.1 Day trip from Kuching (if you’re lucky enough) (1-2 days)
- 5.1 …And that’s it for my two week itinerary for Borneo!
- 5.2 Have you been to Borneo?
A note on choosing Malaysia and Brunei instead of Indonesia for my Borneo itinerary
I’m so excited to visit Indonesia, however I found that flights to/from the Indonesian part of Borneo were pricey. SImilarly, I didn’t have the time to take slow boats around.
My friend Cherene had a fantastic experience after flying into Kalimantan seeing wild orangutans in Indonesia . My aunt was able to take an in-depth tour to Kalimantan to learn about traditional weaving in the region and we met one person who had done some intensive jungle trekking in Indonesia. However, the Indonesian side has less infrastructure, which makes it more difficult to get around Borneo without a lot of time.
Borneo in two weeks itinerary
This itinerary can be easily flipped depending on where you fly into Borneo. For me, it was cheaper to fly to Kuala Lumpur to start off my trip prior to taking an AirAsia flight to Sandakan rather than to fly into Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, or Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei).
You’ll find international flights to/from Europe and Australia into BSB (Brunei) although you’ll also find flights into Kota Kinabalu with a transfer. I leave this part of your Borneo itinerary up to you, but this was how I organized my personal trip to Borneo to minimize backtracking as well as flights. You can read my packing list for Borneo . This itinerary is not strictly for two weeks in Borneo, so I hope it inspires your holiday to Borneo no matter the length.
I’ve included a bit of side trips that are easy to do from different cities, so depending on your interests, you should be able to add/cut different things. It might not be avoidable to go to certain cities if you want to do specific activities. I was very interested in a number of these side trips, but I ran out of time.
I hope that this information about Borneo helps anyone planning their trip to Borneo by highlighting the best things to do in the Malaysian and Bruneian parts of Borneo! You could easily expand this itinerary for four weeks in Borneo, focused on travel in Sabah and Sarawak.
Beginning of your Borneo trip: Sandakan & the Kinabatangan Valley (3 days)
You can fly into Sandakan from Kuala Lumpur for as low as $20 USD. After doing my research into where best to see wildlife in Borneo, I realized that the Kinabatangan region would be the best option given my limited time in Borneo. I was hoping to see wild pygmy elephants, but unfortunately we didn’t get lucky.
Most wildlife safaris that are mid-range to luxury will pick you up from the Sandakan airport as part of their package price. I paid ~$300 (per person) for my three day two night excursion in the Kinabatangan region.
During this time, we saw hundreds of wild monkeys [including silver leaf and proboscis monkeys], spotted THREE wild orangutans, jungle trekked, and cruised along the river.
The whole experience was out of a dream and why I came to Borneo. Some people stay longer, however I felt three days in the Kinabatangan Valley was enough time. You can read more about my time in the Kinabatangan Valley, including where I stayed here.
Optional trip from Sandakan or Kota Kinabulu: Sipadan for diving (1-3 days)
I still don’t know how to dive, however diving in Sipadan is a must for divers. Sipadan is routinely rated as one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving.
Be aware that they strictly limit the number of divers that can visit Sipadan each day, so you must apply in advance for a diving permit (they go quickly). You can take a six hour bus to Somporna from Sandakan or fly from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau. You might need to reorder your trip depending on whether you choose to take the bus to Sipadan or fly.
A related note: I skipped Sipadan as I do not know how to dive and depending on pirate activity, you might want to stay up to date on what’s going off the eastern coast of Borneo if you’ll be spending extra time in this region.
Optional 2-7 days side trip: Danum Valley
I did not include Danum Valley in this Borneo itinerary as the prices were so exorbitant that I couldn’t justify paying it. I heard incredible things about spending 3 days to a week hiking in Danum Valley, but it wasn’t in my budget unfortunately. You can fly from Kota Kinabalu to Danum Valley.
Kota Kinabalu: Three Days, including Kota Kinabalu National Park
Kota Kinabalu is the largest city on Borneo and it has a lot to offer. To see the main city sights, visit the spectacular Kota Kinabalu national park (which has its own ecosystem), learn about local culture, and snorkel/dive on Gaya Island, you’ll need about three days.
A must is going around the Kota Kinabalu night market, which is a great place to try local specialities, although I must say that I am taken with laksa. You can read a good itinerary for three days in Kota Kinabalu here.
Optional day trip from Kota Kinabalu: Paragliding in Ranau
We spent a day going on a day trip to Ranau, which has a lot of tragic history from World War II relating to prisoners-of-war, with a day trip that we booked once we were in Kota Kinabalu.
I highly recommend stopping along the way to try fresh fruit and local indigenous specialities in the region. Be sure to visit the memorial prior to going paragliding in the hills of Ranau.
Paragliding is one of those once in a lifetime experiences that I recommend that anyone should try out. You’ll understand how it feels to soar in the air like a bird!
Optional trip from Kota Kinabalu: Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata (1-3 days)
If you’re considering climbing Mount Kinabalu to do the via ferrata , you’ll need at least 2-3 day extra days and quite a bit of cash as it’s a fairly pricey activity.
I chose not to climb Kinabalu due to the cost, but it’s recommended that you take a 3D2N trip to Mount Kinabalu as your trip might be cancelled if the weather is not right and you’ll have an extra night to summit to the top if the weather is not great the first day. Not going is a big regret of mine.
At minimum, consider visiting Kota Kinabalu National Park as a day trip.
Brunei Darussalam (3-5 days total)
There’s a good flight connection between BSB Brunei and Kota Kinabalu as well as Kuala Lumpur. We flew Royal Brunei Airways.
I’m always shocked to hear that people spend so little time in Brunei when I found Brunei one of the most fascinating places that I’ve visited in the world.
Brunei is a great place for cultural travel as Brunei as they have their own rich culture and history in addition to a water village that deserves UNESCO recognition The mosques are pretty spectacular too ! You can read travel tips for Brunei here.
Bandar Seri Begawan (3 days)
A lot of people rush through their time in Bandar Seri Begawan as they find it boring . (I disagree.) The capital city of Brunei Darussalam has free attractions, a UNESCO-worthy water village that is living history, friendly people, lively night markets, and delicious food .
You may not find alcohol in BSB, but Brunei is perfect for the traveler ready to immerse themselves in a different culture. You can read the best things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan here .
Ulu Temburong National Park (1-2 days)
You’ll need to book an excursion from Bandar Seri Begawan to get to Ulu Temburong National Park, one of the most well-maintained virgin rainforests in the world .
In order to get to Ulu Temburong National Park, you’ll take a stunning ferry ride through the rainforest prior to taking a traditional longboat. The area around the park is home to the Iban people, who have their own culture and history.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Iban people, I recommend spending more than a day here as a day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park means that you won’t have time to properly learn about Iban culture! Be sure to visit in time for the Harvest festival if possible. You can read tips for visiting Ulu Temburong National Park here.
Miri (1 day)
You can take a bus from Brunei to Miri. You’ll find the bus departing daily in the mornings. Ask any tourist information desk for bus departure information or book your tickets online.
Thanks to Ying Ying for the fantastic tour of Miri. I was lucky enough to have a local guide to Miri, which is where Shell was founded. Oil is a key industry in Miri still and Shell still has a very strong presence in this city (as well as a private beach club).
Miri isn’t too large although a car is essential as the bus from Brunei comes in at an inconvenient place. Miri is a great base for various trips around Sarawak and a great place to try Sarawak laksa in case you haven’t yet…
Miri is one of the only places in the world where you can try the Bario pineapple outside of Bario as well as Kelabit food. You’ll need to visit The Summit Cafe to try Kelabit food.
Optional side trip from Miri: Gunung Mulu National Park (2-5 days)
Although the flight from Miri to Mulu National Park is only thirty minutes, this flight is often canceled and delayed due to visibility. As a result, you need at least 1-2 days built into your Borneo itinerary to ensure that you have enough time to visit Mulu with taking into account possible flight delays. (Flights are inexpensive.) Be sure to bring enough cash to cover food and tours.
Gunung Mulu National Park is one of Borneo’s gems without question although you need to have a more flexible schedule to visit this national park.
Gunung Mulu National Park is most famous for its pinnacles, which can be seen via three days/two night trek. Similarly, each night, you can see the bat migration out of the caves of over three million bats.
It should be noted that most of the tours require at least two people. If you’re into caving, you must do one of the adventurous cave tours at Gunung Mulu National Park, which can be booked online in advance. There’s also trekking that can be done from the park headquarters as well as a canopy walk.
Optional day trip from Miri: Gua Pari fairy caves and wind caves (1 day)
The Gua Pari fairy caves and the wind caves are an easy day trip from Miri. Many tours will include both caves on a day trip from Miri. Be sure to wear good footwear as the caves have many bats (which usually means bat poop) as well as many steps. It’s possible to visit both caves independently.
Optional side trip from Miri: Kelabit Highlands / Bario (2-3 days)
For those interested in cultural travel, Bario needs to be on your list. I was lucky enough to try Bario pineapple and rice while I was in Miri.
Bario is a remote community that can be reached by plane from Miri. It is the main settlement for the Kelabit tribe. It’s a great base for adventure travel if you’re interested in cultural travel as well as trekking.
We heard amazing things about Bario and I want to go to Bario on my next trip, not just for the pineapple (which was pretty delicious). I tried Kelabit food while in Miri and it was delicious as well as quite different than what I was used to. Bario recently got electricity.
Kuching (2 days)
I was entranced by Kuching, which has a mix of ethnic groups. I loved the blend of cultures, the architecture, the cats ( Kuching means cat in Malay ), and the food .
Kuching is the gateway to Sarawak and anyone interested in learning about the many indigenous tribes of Malaysia will be fascinated by Kuching. You’ll also find a lot of fantastic food in Kuching!
If you intend to visit Bako National Park, you’re better off staying in the city of Kuching prior to your departure. Kuching is perfect for 1-2 days of relaxing, non-stop eating, and admiring the city’s adorable shops.
Although I’m not a fan of Uber, it was very easy getting around Kuching via Uber with lots of friendly drivers. Take the shuttle bus to Bako National Park from Kuching! You can easily find budget flights from Miri to Kuching.
Optional half day trip from Kuching: Sarawak Cultural Village
Sarawak Cultural Village, very close to Taman Negara Santubong, is a “living museum” where you can see traditional architecture via seven traditional houses and learn about life in the longhouses. It’s certainly a must-see if you’re interested in cultural travel as it’s a great introduction to the rich culture and history of the region’s ethnic groups.
Optional trip from Kuching: Taman Negara Santubong (2-3 days)
We stayed outside of Kuching. The mountain and rainforest close to Kuching (Santubong National Park) is relatively untouched and great for trekking (you need a guide), however it’s best noted that it’s expensive getting from this area to Bako National Park without a taxi.
It’s possible to hire a boat to take you from Taman Negara Santubong to Bako National Park via most of the resorts, but this is not a cheap option. I’d recommend doing this as a day trip from Kuching instead of staying overnight.
Day trip from Kuching (if you’re lucky enough) (1-2 days)
In Gunung Gading National Park , you can see one of the world’s largest and rarest flowers in bloom. We were told that you need to need to ask around carefully beforehand to ensure that the rafflesia is in bloom prior to going there. You don’t have that much time to see them if they’re in bloom, so keep an eye out.
Bako National Park (3 days)
Bako National Park is one of the gems of Borneo and you must put Bako on your Borneo itinerary. A lot of people come here as part of a day trip from Kuching, however if you don’t stay overnight, you’ll miss out on the most incredible experience of all: 10 ringgit ($2.50 USD) wildlife night walks with the experienced rangers who will help you spot flying lemurs and other creatures of the night.
The trekking in Bako National Park is fantastic, so even if you have limited time (and can only do a day trip to Bako National Park), be sure to go hiking.
The more remote parts of the island and longest hikes on Bako National Park require taking a boat with one of the rangers to the starting point of the hikes, so be sure to bring extra money for the boat ride to/from the park as well as any additional boat rides that you intend to take.
I think that Bako National Park is one of the easiest ways to experience nature in Borneo even if you’re not a big hiker as some of the trails are easy enough (boardwalk only ) that even non-hikers can enjoy some of the unique ecosystems on the island.
Within Bako National Park, you’ll find seven distinct ecosystems, remote beaches, amazing views, and not that many people considering that this is one of Borneo’s most famous national parks.
It’s still rainforest, but I loved that the park had such drastically different ecosystems compared to other parts of Borneo that I visited during my trip. After visiting Bako National Park, it’s easy to fly to a number of cities in Malaysia from Kuching via AirAsia as well as continue your trip deeper into Sarawak.
You can read my tips for visiting Bako National Park here.
…And that’s it for my two week itinerary for Borneo!
- Click for my tips on a realistic guide to pack for Borneo.
- Tips for visiting Brunei
Have you been to Borneo?
About Karen Turner
New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.
Reader Interactions
March 10, 2018 at 10:44 am
Such an extensive list and research. I’m definitely saving this later. As I live in Thailand, I might actually be able to execute this in the not too distant future.
March 10, 2018 at 6:39 pm
Borneo looks incredible! Your photos capture the colors and vibe perfectly! Thanks for sharing.
March 10, 2018 at 6:50 pm
Borneo is so high on our bucket list! Dying to get there. Bako National Park looks insanely good – and the night walk sounds like a totally unique experience. Thanks for sharing!
March 10, 2018 at 11:30 pm
What an amazing collection of experiences, especially all the time with nature and animals. And the cultural village sounds like a great way to learn more about local history and perspectives. What an incredible way to explore Borneo!
[…] Click for tips on things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan, visiting Ulu Temburong National Park, my complete Borneo itinerary, or an insider’s guide to […]
[…] in mind that my itinerary for Borneo was a diverse one, including a mix of cities as well as trekking. I’d say that I spent most of […]
[…] in Brunei? Click for general tips on travel in Brunei (including what to wear in Brunei), my itinerary for Borneo, and non-boring guide to things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei with a unique […]
[…] Click for my complete itinerary for Borneo! […]
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- Asia Holidays
- Malaysia Holidays
- Borneo Holidays
Borneo Adventure - 8 Days / 7 Nights
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Please wait while we find your dream holiday, we are currently searching for live availability and prices.
Book now for a last-minute escape or look to the future and plan a getaway for 2025, before you continue.
There is some important information we would like to share with you as you continue your booking.
Essential Lobnya
Lobnya Is Great For
Eat & drink.
Art & history
- Boutique-Hotel Mona
- Iceberg House
- Villa Mini Hotel
- Sharl Aznavur
- Restaurant Venezia
- Moscow Defensive Line 1941
- Monument Veteran 1943
- Temple of the Divine Savior
- Cultural Center Krasnaya Polyana
- Temple-Chapel of St. Matrona
- Asia Holidays
Asia All Inclusive Holidays
Bali Holidays
Grand mirage resort & thalasso spa bali.
One of the most renowned and popular all inclusive resorts in Asia, Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Spa offers non-motorised watersports, activities, All Inclusive package and added benefits for longer stays.
- Complimentary Upgrade to Premiere Ocean Room
- Stay 7 Pay 6
Langkawi Holidays
The danna langkawi.
- Stay 4 Pay 3
Samabe Bali Suites & Villas
Samabe Bali Suites & Villas offers a luxurious all-inclusive programme including 24hr butler service, watersports, meals, drinks and much more.
- Special Offer
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Discover the partners who share our journey
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Why Kenwood Travel?
- Travel expertise Tailor-made holidays specialist since 1977
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Kenwood Travel uses cookies to improve your website experience. By continuing to browse this website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Please visit our cookie policy for more information. Accept/Reject
Please wait while we find your dream holiday, we are currently searching for live availability and prices.
Book now for a last-minute escape or look to the future and plan a getaway for 2025, before you continue.
There is some important information we would like to share with you as you continue your booking.
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7 nights Bed and Breakfast including British Airways flights from £1,375 per person. As one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, Borneo Holidays will provide visitors with encounters from a huge range of animal and plant species. There's a vast amount of natural beauty here to be discovered so let Kenwood Travel be the gatekeeper to ...
Kenwood Travel's Anthony discusses Borneo and Gaya Island, the hotels of Borneo and Malaysia, and how to get there feeling perky. ... click the image below to view Gaya Island Resort on Kenwood Travel, and call one of our agents today on 0207 749 9275 for a booking. Share this: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ...
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 ...
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 ...
Day 1: Sandakan, Sabah. Kuching and Kota Kinabalu seem the most obvious choices, but travelers with a short amount of time in Borneo should consider starting their adventure in Sandakan, a city on the west coast of Sabah. The three-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur can be as inexpensive as $50 .
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.
Contents. 1 A note on choosing Malaysia and Brunei instead of Indonesia for my Borneo itinerary; 2 Borneo in two weeks itinerary. 2.1 Beginning of your Borneo trip: Sandakan & the Kinabatangan Valley (3 days). 2.1.1 Optional trip from Sandakan or Kota Kinabulu: Sipadan for diving (1-3 days); 2.2 Optional 2-7 days side trip: Danum Valley; 2.3 Kota Kinabalu: Three Days, including Kota Kinabalu ...
Day 3-4 Kuching. Our first stop in our two weeks Borneo itinerary was Kuching. Kuching itself is not one of the highlights of Borneo, there is not much to do in the city, but the many side attractions we can do from Kuching will keep us busy for these 2 days. Macaque in Bako National Park.
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Temple of the Divine Savior. 2. Temple-Chapel of St. Matrona. 3. Lobnya Park of Culture and Recreation. 4. Chamber Stage, Lobnya Drama Theater. 5. Hyperboloidal Water Tower.
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Things to Do Restaurants Flights Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars More. Add a Place Travel Forum Airlines Travelers' Choice Help Center. Plan Your Trip to Lobnya: Best of Lobnya Tourism. Essential Lobnya. Do. Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. See all. Temple of the Divine Savior. 26.
Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from Moscow Paveletsky Station to Lobnya right here. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators ...
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