13 best tours to do in Borneo

Borneo sits at the edge of Southeast Asia and has become one of the go-to places for nature-focused trips that are grounded in conservation. It’s a huge island—the third largest in the world—and it’s split between Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Indonesia (which covers about 73%), and Brunei, which takes up a very small corner.

There’s a reason people talk about Borneo like it’s somewhere you should try to get to sooner rather than later. Only about 50% of its original rainforest is still standing. Decades of logging and palm oil farming have taken a toll. 

But what’s left is home to some of the rarest plants and animals on Earth—roughly 6% of all known species live here. That includes orangutans, pygmy elephants, and around 15,000 types of plants, plus more than 1,400 different species of reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and mammals. Here's our pick of the best tours of Borneo, with tips on how to get there and when to go.

1. Search for the rafflesia flower in Sabah, Malaysia

Sabah’s Rafflesia Forest Reserve exists to protect the rafflesia—the world’s largest flower.

The quest to find this rare plant begins in Kota Kinabalu, where you can take a bus upwards of 4,900 feet (1500 meters) through thick pockets of Bornean mist to the Tambunan waterfall.

Then the trail leads into the forest; scrambling through the trees, stepping around enormous buttresses, and over fallen logs, you come to a clearing. And there it is, lying on the ground in splendid isolation: the unmistakable blood-red bloom, spotted with white markings—a lone and beautiful rafflesia. It's a fantastic addition to any Malaysia itinerary.

How to get to the Rafflesia Forest Reserve

Start in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital. From there, you can either catch a public bus or arrange a private transfer to Tambunan, about 50 miles (80km) east. The drive winds through the Crocker Range and climbs to around 5,000 feet (1,500m), so expect a scenic ride through mountain roads. Once in Tambunan, head to the waterfall area, where local guides can take you into the forest to look for blooming rafflesia.

When to visit the Rafflesia Forest Reserve

Rafflesia flowers bloom any time of year, but they’re unpredictable—each bloom lasts only five to seven days. Your best shot is during the rainy season, from December to February, when conditions are a bit more favorable. It’s a good idea to check in with the Sabah Forestry Department or a local tour operator beforehand to see if any flowers are blooming.

2. Watch turtles in Sabah, Malaysia

When you see a turtle hatchling take its first steps towards the sea it becomes instantly clear what conservation is all about. You can witness this remarkable sight at the Turtle Islands National Park, which is made up of three small islands (Selingan, Bakkungan Kecil and Gulisan) in the Sulu Sea off the east coast of Sabah.

Visitors may only stay on Selingan (numbers are limited to 38 per night divided between three chalets), though you can visit the two other islands during the day. At night, a ranger will take you to watch green turtles nesting on the beach, and in the morning you’ll get the privileged chance to see their young being released into the sea.

The egg-laying season for turtles is between July and October. For entrance fees, see www.sabahparks.org.my.

How to get to Turtle Islands National Park

To reach the park, head to Sandakan on Sabah’s east coast. From there, it’s about an hour by speedboat to Selingan Island, the main base for visitors. Boats usually leave from Sandakan Jetty around 9:30am. Only 38 people can stay overnight, so it’s best to book well in advance. Most bookings come as a package that includes the boat ride, meals, and guided night walks to see the turtles.

When to visit Turtle Islands National Park

Turtles come ashore all year, but July to October is when to go to Malaysia for nesting and hatching. This is when you’re most likely to see both laying and hatchlings in one visit. Accommodations fill up fast during these months, so try to book 3–6 months ahead if you can.
 

3. Stay with a host family in the Lower Kinabatangan wetlands, Sabah

A Malaysia travel tip is that spending time with a local family in the Kinabatangan wetlands is a great way to experience life along the river while also being in the middle of one of Borneo’s richest wildlife areas. You’ll sleep in a traditional stilt house, eat home-cooked meals, and take part in everyday village life—fishing, cooking, or learning local crafts. It’s a laid-back way to get a better sense of the culture, and it also gives you great access to wildlife without needing to trek deep into the jungle.

Evening river cruises are a regular part of the experience, and you’re likely to see proboscis monkeys, hornbills, or even wild orangutans along the banks. Some travelers have even spotted pygmy elephants from the boat.

How to get to the Lower Kinabatangan wetlands

The main gateway is Sandakan. From there, it’s a two-hour drive south to villages like Sukau or Bilit. Many homestay programs will pick you up directly from the airport or your hotel in town. If you're on a tighter budget, public buses run daily. The final leg is usually by boat along the Kinabatangan River, and you’ll often start seeing wildlife even before you reach the homestay.

When to visit the Lower Kinabatangan wetlands

March through October is the drier season, which makes it easier to spot wildlife near the riverbanks. If you're traveling between November and February, expect wetter conditions. The forest floods during this time, and boat-only access can make for a different kind of experience. May to July tends to be the sweet spot, with decent weather and plenty of animals around.

4. Explore Kinabalu National Park beyond the summit trails, Sabah

Sabah holds no more impressive sight than Gunung Kinabalu (Mount Kinabalu), 50 miles (85 km) northeast of KK and plainly visible from the west coast.

Revered as “aki nabalu” (home of the spirits of the dead) by the Kadazan/Dusun, it’s 6,800 feet (4,095 meters) high and dominates the 285 square miles (750 square kilometres) of Kinabulu National Park, a World Heritage Site renowned for its ecology, flora and geology.

Although there are other hikes within the park, the prospect of reaching the summit fires the imagination of Malaysian and foreign tourists alike. If you dash headlong up and down Gunung Kinabalu and then depart, as many visitors do, you’ll miss out on many of the national park’s riches.

Its diverse terrains have spawned an incredible variety of plants and animals, and you are far more likely to appreciate them by taking some of Borneo tours in this region.

How to get to Kinabalu National Park

Kinabalu National Park is about a two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, around 55 miles (90 km) inland. You can catch a bus or shared minivan from the northern bus terminal, or rent a car if you want more flexibility. 

Once you reach the park, head to the headquarters to pick up maps and get details about the lesser-used trails—not just the summit route. There’s a whole network of paths through montane forest that don’t require permits, though taking a Borneo tour can be a great way to see what you might otherwise miss.

When to visit Kinabalu National Park

You can visit any time of year, but March through August tends to be drier, making it easier to hike. If you’d rather skip the crowds who come for the summit, try going in September or October when things are quieter. For the clearest views and best chance of seeing wildlife, plan to be on the trails early—between 6 and 10am is ideal.

5. Snorkel and hike around Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and Gaya Island, Sabah

Just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is made up of five small islands—close enough to town for a day trip, but a world away in feel. It's easily one of the best places to visit in Malaysia. You’ll find clear water for snorkeling and short forest trails if you want to stretch your legs. It’s a good mix of ocean and jungle in a compact area.

Snorkeling is beginner-friendly, with calm waters and plenty of reef life. You’re likely to find clownfish, rays, and the occasional reef shark. If you head inland, you might come across monitor lizards, macaques, or even hornbills in the trees. It’s easy to split your day between swimming and hiking, and because the islands are close together, you can hop between them without much hassle.

How to get to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and Gaya Island

Ferries leave from Jesselton Point in central Kota Kinabalu throughout the day. It takes about 15–20 minutes to reach the closer islands like Sapi, or 25 minutes to Gaya. An open return ticket gives you some flexibility to move between islands or head back whenever you’re ready.

When to visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and Gaya Island

The dry season—February to April—is the best window if you’re hoping for clear water and calm seas. Weekdays are quieter, while weekends can be busy with local families.

6. Walk the rainforest canopy in Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei

Ulu Temburong is one of those places that really feels remote. Getting there takes some effort, the park is only accessible by boat, and they’ve kept it that way to help protect the rainforest.
The main draw is the canopy walkway. It's about 150 feet (50 meters) above the ground, so once you're up there, you’re looking straight across the treetops. It’s a sturdy aluminum structure, and it gives you a good chance of seeing birds like hornbills, flying lizards, and butterflies flitting through the jungle canopy.

The Borneo tour through the park usually includes a boat ride past small villages, rapids, and dense jungle. It’s great if you want to experience the rainforest without doing long, strenuous hikes.

How to get to Ulu Temburong National Park

Start in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei’s capital. From there, take a 45-minute speedboat to Bangar town. Then it’s a longboat ride upriver through mangroves and jungle, which takes another 30 to 45 minutes. Most people book through a local tour operator in Bandar, who’ll handle permits, transportation, and guides.

When to visit Ulu Temburong National Park

Try to go between February and August—there’s less rain, and the trails are usually easier to manage. Mornings are best, both for wildlife sightings and the cooler temperatures. If you want to get an early start, it’s worth staying overnight nearby. 
 

7. Spot rare wildlife in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah

Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a government-owned tract of land twice the size of Singapore, holds a single resort managed by a private company.

It’s around 27 miles (44 km) northeast of Lahad Datu airport, where the reserve office is based, of which the last 15 miles (25 km) is unsurfaced. Although just eleven percent primary dipterocarp forest, Tabin is one of the best things to do in Malaysia to see wildlife.

Local Borneo tours offer opportunities to come across pygmy elephants, macaques, or wild boar as they cross the tracks from the forest to the plantations in search of food. Orangutans can also be spotted, and even the rare clouded leopard. Birdwatchers can look out for such endemic species as the Bornean bristlehead, blue-headed pitta, and all eight local species of hornbills.

A visit to Tabin will typically include a walk to a mud volcano, used by animals as a mineral lick; a nearby tower allows guests to observe the scene, and you can even sleep there by arrangement. Serious trekkers can explore the virgin forest of the Core Area, although this is not part of the normal schedule.

How to get to Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Fly into Lahad Datu, which has connections from Kota Kinabalu. Tabin’s office is right in Lahad Datu town. From there, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to the reserve, including a rough stretch on a 4WD road. Most people book through Tabin Wildlife Resort or tour operators based in Sabah’s larger cities, which makes logistics much easier.

When to visit Tabin Wildlife Reserve

The best time is during the drier season—March through October—when animals tend to gather near water and trails are less slippery. Early mornings and late afternoons are when you’re most likely to see wildlife, so give yourself at least three nights. March to April and September to October tend to have good conditions without too many visitors. If you’re coming for birds, February to April is especially active.

8. Visit an Iban longhouse in rural Sarawak, Malaysia

If you’re curious about Iban culture and want something real—not a performance for tourists—Nanga Sumpa is a good place to go. It’s a functioning longhouse, home to around 30 families, and travelers are welcomed through a long-standing community partnership. You’ll stay nearby at a simple jungle lodge and take part in everyday activities like fishing, cooking, or gathering jungle produce.

The longboat ride to get there—about two hours up the Ulu Ai River—feels like stepping into another rhythm. The experience is relaxed but immersive, and people are genuinely welcoming without putting on a show. It’s best suited to travelers who are open-minded, curious, and interested in learning.

How to get to Nanga Sumpa longhouse

Start in Kuching and drive about four hours to the Batang Ai reservoir. From there, it’s a longtail boat ride upriver. Borneo Adventure is a good place to book your Borneo tour, they have worked with the community for years. Most people book a multi-day package that includes everything—transport, accommodation, meals, and guides.

When to visit Nanga Sumpa longhouse

The dry season (May to September) is the most reliable time, especially for river travel and jungle walks. June 1–2 marks the Gawai Dayak harvest festival, which is a rare chance to join in a community celebration—but it gets booked out far in advance. Avoid the peak rainy season (December to February) when river conditions can get tricky. 
 

9. Tour the caves and jungle of Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak

Gunung Mulu, Sarawak’s premier national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is named after the 7,795 feet (2,376 meters) mountain at its heart. The park’s best-known feature, however, is atop another mountain, Gunung Api – the dozens of 150-foot-high razor-sharp limestone spikes known as the Pinnacles.

The park also contains the largest limestone cave system in the world. It was formed when surface water eroded vast amounts of material, dividing the limestone belt that runs southwest–northeast across the middle of the park into separate mountains as well as carving cave passages within.

Attractions aside, Mulu is a national park like no other in Sarawak, for the simple reason that it has been privatized. While the Sarawak Forestry Corporation remains in overall charge, most things to do with tourism, including accommodation, are now run by Borsarmulu, the firm that owns the Royal Mulu Resort.

Local Borneo tours are timetabled and formatted, and you can explore a few parts of the park unaccompanied. The tours are certainly well run, the guides are better communicators than at any other Sarawak park, and close supervision has helped prevent the poaching of valuable plants.

How to get to Gunung Mulu National Park

You can fly to Mulu from Kuching or Kota Kinabalu—there’s a small airport just a few minutes from the park entrance. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also the river route: start in Miri and take a combination of express boats and longboats up the Tutoh and Melinau rivers. Just note that everyone needs a permit to enter the park.

When to visit Gunung Mulu National Park

March to August tends to bring drier weather, which makes it easier to explore the caves and do hikes like the Pinnacles or the canopy walk. It does rain year-round, though, so pack accordingly. If you're aiming to stay in the park or do one of the multi-day treks, it’s a good idea to book well in advance—there aren’t many places to stay, and things fill up quickly.

10. See orangutans in the wild at Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan

One orangutan has the strength of seven men. To see these rare creatures in the wild (from a respectable distance) go to the lowland rainforest of the Tanjung Putin National Park in Kalimantan, home to one of the largest buffooneries of orangutans in the world. Stay at Rimba Lodge, a simple and comfortable 35-room lodge by the Sekonyer River, from where you can hire guides and walk into the park…cautiously.

For details about visiting the park either on your own or as part of a tour group, as well as information about volunteering with the Orangutan Foundation, see www.orangutan.org.uk.

How to get to Tanjung Puting National Park

Fly into Pangkalan Bun, then take a short taxi ride to Kumai port. From there, hop on a traditional klotok boat for a few hours upriver to reach your lodge. Most people book a package that includes the boat, a guide, accommodation, and the required permits for visiting the orangutan viewing areas—it simplifies the whole process.

When to visit Tanjung Puting National Park

May through September is usually the best time to go—less rain and more chances to see orangutans near the feeding stations. That’s when food is harder to find in the wild, so the animals are more likely to show up. Try to avoid December to February, since heavy rain can make boat travel harder and trails can get pretty muddy.

11. Cruise the Kinabatangan River 

Sabah’s longest waterway, the 348-mile (560 km) Kinabatangan River, ends its journey to the Sulu Sea southeast of Sandakan Bay. Whereas logging has had an impact on the river’s ecology upstream, the area covered by the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary offers some of the state’s best opportunities for seeing wildlife—days of trekking in Sabah’s jungle reserves may yield paltry rewards by comparison.

Day trips from Sandakan and Sepilok are possible with local Borneo tours, but book at least a one-night package to get an evening and a morning crack at the river or a trek. With a few exceptions, most lodges are located either in or around the villages of Sukau or Bilit, from either of which you can visit the Gomantong Caves, where edible swiftlet nests are harvested. 

How to get to Kinabatangan River

Start by flying into Sandakan. From there, it’s about two hours by car to riverside villages like Sukau or Bilit. Many lodges will arrange transport from the airport or Sandakan city. If you’re already visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Centre, some lodges can pick you up from there too. 

Public minivans are an option, but they’re infrequent. Day trips from Sandakan and Sepilok are possible with tour operators like SI Tours, but book at least a one-night package to get an evening and a morning crack at the river or a trek.

When to visit Kinabatangan River

March through October is generally the easiest time to navigate the river and see wildlife, especially from June to September. During the wetter season (November to February), animals are still around, but flooding can make some trails and boat routes harder to access. A few lodges even close temporarily if conditions get rough, so check ahead before you go.

12. Go trekking in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah

The Danum Valley is “perhaps the last area of primary lowland forest in Southeast Asia that remains truly pristine”. That glowing description isn’t from a tour operator brochure but from the South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership, an international scientific collaboration that’s been based here since the 1980s—and you can meet their biologists if you stay at the field center.

Wildlife includes bearded pigs, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, elephants, and more than 320 species of bird, and the area is also home to the world’s tallest known rainforest tree, a 300-foot (94-meter) Shorea. Be aware that, as ever, spotting animals in dense jungle is a challenge.

There are just two (very different) places to stay here, located apart from each other. Packages at the slick, pricey Borneo Rainforest Lodge include the services of professional guides who accompany you on a 300m canopy walkway, a 3km trek to a burial cliff and a night drive, for example.

At the prosaic Danum Valley Field Centre, it’s possible to trek to waterfalls up to three hours away, and rangers can be hired as guides – though their skills in this area vary.

How to get to Danum Valley

To reach Danum Valley, you’ll need to fly into Lahad Datu in eastern Sabah. From there, it’s a 2–3 hour drive into the rainforest, with the last stretch on rough logging roads. You can’t just show up on your own—access is restricted, and you’ll need to book through one of two places: the Danum Valley Field Centre or the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Both arrange pickups from Lahad Datu and require advance reservations.

When to visit Danum Valley

March through October tends to bring drier weather, which means better trail conditions and more chances to see wildlife. That said, this is a true rainforest, so you can expect rain year-round. The drier months just make things a bit more comfortable. 

13. Hike the coastal trails of Bako National Park, Sarawak

East of the Santubong Peninsula, and no further away from Kuching, a second peninsula is occupied by the fabulous Bako National Park, named for its location at the mouth of the Bako River.

Sarawak’s oldest national park (once a timber reserve, it attained its current, fully protected status in 1957), it’s also among its most memorable.

Its steep coastal cliffs, offering huge vistas over the South China Sea, are thrillingly different from the rest of the predominantly flat and muddy Sarawak coastline, and there are opportunities to spot proboscis monkeys, swim in jungle streams or at isolated sandy coves, and hike through terrain that takes in rainforest, mangrove, and kerangas, with pitcher plants easily visible on some trails.

Bako is such a gem that trying to pack it all into one day is not ideal, though you can make a go of it if you set out early from Kuching and pay a boatman at the park to take you out to a remote beach, then walk back to the park headquarters; this gives you a good taste of the park without having to do a trek in both directions. 

How to get to Bako National Park

From Kuching, grab a taxi or bus to Bako Village (about 45 minutes), then take a boat to the park—roughly 20 minutes depending on the tides. Boats run during daylight, but they won’t go if the weather’s rough.

When to visit Bako National Park

March to October is generally the best window for hiking—less rain means less mud. April through June tends to be quieter. December and January can be a washout, so it’s best to avoid those months. If you want to skip the crowds, aim for weekdays—weekends can get busy

14. Dive the reefs around Sipadan, Sabah

Sipadan is one of those rare places that lives up to the hype. It’s a true oceanic island, not connected to the mainland, which makes it unique in this part of the world. The marine life here is wild—huge schools of barracuda, reef sharks, sea turtles, and the occasional hammerhead if you’re lucky. 

Only 176 diving permits are issued per day, so the reefs are protected and don’t feel overrun. This one’s best for experienced divers, and yes, it’s worth planning for. This is where you'll find some of the best beaches in Malaysia.

How to get to Sipadan

First, fly into Tawau, then drive to Semporna (about 1–2 hours). You’ll base yourself on one of the nearby islands like Mabul or Kapalai, since no one’s allowed to stay on Sipadan itself. Boats from these islands head to Sipadan daily—provided you’ve got a permit. Those are limited and usually go through dive resorts, so book as far in advance as you can.

When to visit Sipadan

Diving’s good year-round, but April through December is usually the clearest. Visibility can hit 100 feet (30m) or more on a good day. July and August have stronger currents, which also bring a better chance of spotting hammerheads. January through March can be a bit rougher at sea, but dives still go ahead for those who don’t mind choppier conditions.

15. Meet rescued orangutans at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah

Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre gives you a chance to see orangutans up close while learning how conservation actually works on the ground. 

The orangutans here are mostly orphans or have been injured, and the goal is to help them relearn how to live in the wild. You’ll see them during the twice-daily feeding sessions—usually around 10am and 3pm—when they swing in from the surrounding forest. It’s a simple setup: wooden platforms and forest boardwalks where you can watch without getting in the way.

Right next door, there’s also the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. These little bears—technically the smallest bear species in the world—are also being rehabilitated after being rescued from captivity or deforestation. Taking local Borneo tours of these centers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most.

How to get to Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre

The easiest way is to fly into Sandakan, then hop in a taxi—it’s about a 20-minute ride from the airport. If you’re coming from Kota Kinabalu, plenty of tours include Sepilok as part of their route. Public buses also run regularly from Sandakan town center. If you want to beat the crowds, staying overnight at one of the nearby jungle lodges makes it easier to arrive before the big groups roll in.

When to visit Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre

Sepilok is open all year, and the feeding sessions stick to a consistent schedule: 10am and 3pm daily. Between February and April, you might see fewer orangutans because there’s more food available in the forest and they don’t need the extra handouts.