MALAYSIAN BORNEO
This region is the heart of global biodiversity, a land of ancient rainforests, spectacular coral reefs, and a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures. This guide helps you navigate the rugged wilderness, encounter unique wildlife, and explore the captivating traditions of East Malaysia.
Why Visit Malaysian Borneo?
World-Class Wildlife: It is the best place to see iconic species like the Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, and Pygmy Elephant in their natural habitat.
Diving & Beaches: Experience some of the world’s most pristine marine ecosystems, including the legendary Sipadan Island for unparalleled diving.
Indigenous Cultures: Discover the traditions of over 30 ethnic groups, including the Iban and Kadazandusun, often with opportunities to visit a traditional Longhouse.
Smart Travel
Dry Season (April–September): This is the ideal time for trekking, climbing Mount Kinabalu, and wildlife spotting, with minimal rainfall and excellent visibility for diving.
Shoulder Season (March, October): You will find fewer crowds and competitive accommodation prices. Expect brief, heavy showers, but they are usually short-lived.
Wet Season (November–February): Although wet, the rainforest is lush, and you can find the best value. Some remote areas may have restricted access due to heavier rain.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Sabah (Land Below the Wind)
Sabah is the easternmost state, home to the imposing Mount Kinabalu and the famous wildlife corridors of the Kinabatangan River. Its capital, Kota Kinabalu, is a vibrant coastal city and a gateway to tropical island hopping.
Your Smart Tip: To secure a slot for climbing Mount Kinabalu, you must book a permit and guide months in advance, as the daily quota is strictly limited.
Sarawak (Land of the Hornbills)
Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest state, renowned for its incredible national parks, including Gunung Mulu National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and its deep cultural heritage from the Dayak people. The capital, Kuching, is one of Southeast Asia’s most charming cities.
Your Smart Tip: When visiting a longhouse, always bring a small gift (buah tangan) for the head of the community as a sign of respect and appreciation for their hospitality.
Kinabatangan River & Sandakan
Located in Sabah, the Kinabatangan River is a crucial wildlife sanctuary and one of the best places in the world for river safaris. Near Sandakan, you can visit rehabilitation centers for orangutans and sun bears.
Your Smart Tip: Book a 2-3 night river lodge package for the best chance to see wildlife, as animals are most active at dawn and dusk.
Sipadan & Semporna Marine Park
This area off the southeastern coast of Sabah is a mecca for divers. Sipadan is world-famous for its massive schools of fish, barracudas, and numerous sea turtles. Semporna is the main jump-off point for many nearby islands and resorts.
Your Smart Tip: Sipadan permits are severely restricted. You must stay at one of the associated dive resorts and book your dives well in advance to guarantee a permit.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Malaysian Borneo has a tropical rainforest climate: hot, humid, and wet year-round. Daily temperatures hover between 27ºC and 32ºC. Rainfall is common, usually in short, intense bursts, rather than all-day downpours.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: The official language is Bahasa Malaysia, but English is widely spoken in tourism. In Sarawak, local Malay dialects and various Chinese and indigenous languages are common.
Shoes Off: Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, a longhouse, or a place of worship.
The Left Hand: Do not use your left hand to eat, pass objects, or shake hands, as it is considered unclean in local custom.
Dress Modestly: Dress respectfully (covering shoulders and knees) when visiting mosques, temples, and more conservative local communities.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). The budget below is estimated in US Dollars ($).
Accommodation: Hostels ($10–$25), mid-range hotels ($40–$80), luxury resorts/dive lodges ($120+).
Food: Street food/Hawker meal ($2–$5), mid-range restaurant meal ($7–$15 per person), fine dining ($30+).
Transport: Inter-city bus ($5–$20), Grab/Local Taxi (short ride $3–$8), domestic flight (essential for inter-state travel).
Activities: National Park entrance ($5–$10), River Safari Tour (full day $40–$80), Mount Kinabalu Climb (Permit & Guide $150+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $35–$60 (Hostels, street food, public transport/Grab).
- Mid-range: $70–$120 (Hotels, mid-range dining, tours).
- Luxury: $150+ (Boutique hotels, private transfers, exclusive tours/dive resorts).
Getting Around
By Air: Flying is the fastest and most practical way to travel between major cities like Kuching (Sarawak) and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), and to smaller towns.
By Car/Bus: A good network of roads exists within each state. Long-distance buses are affordable. Car rental is available but be prepared for variable road conditions and driving styles.
By Grab (Ride-Share): The app-based ride-share service is common in cities like Kuching and Kota Kinabalu and is the most convenient way for in-city transport.
Must-Try Food
Sarawak Laksa: A complex, aromatic, and spicy noodle soup made with a rich shrimp-based paste and coconut milk. (Pronounced: lahk-sah)
Kolo Mee: A simple but addictive dry, springy egg noodle dish tossed in a flavorful sauce, often topped with char siew (BBQ pork). (Pronounced: koh-loh mee)
Hinava: A Kadazandusun delicacy of raw fish (like mackerel) cured in lime juice, mixed with chili, ginger, shallots, and the wild mango-like fruit, Bambangan.
Mee Sua: Wheat flour noodles in a light broth, often served with chicken and mushrooms. In some Chinese communities, it’s infused with rice wine.
Manok Pansoh: Chicken cooked with lemongrass, tapioca leaves, and other herbs, stuffed into a bamboo tube and cooked over an open fire—a signature Dayak dish. (Pronounced: mah-nok pahn-soh)
Nasi Lemak: Fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with spicy sambal (chili paste), hard-boiled egg, peanuts, and anchovies.
Umai: A traditional Melanau dish from Sarawak, similar to Hinava, where raw fish is cured in lime juice and mixed with onions, chillies, and salt. (Pronounced: oo-my)
Roti Canai: A flaky, flatbread often served with curries for dipping, a favorite for breakfast or a snack.
Kek Lapis Sarawak: A multi-layered, highly decorative, rich cake traditionally served during major festivals, but available year-round in Kuching. (Pronounced: kehk lah-peese)
Kuih Cincin: A sweet, deep-fried rice flour cookie, shaped like a ring or flower, popular in Sabah. (Pronounced: koo-eeh cheen-cheen)
Must-Try Drinks
Tuak: A traditional alcoholic rice wine made from fermented glutinous rice, popular with the Dayak people, often drunk during festivals.
Lang Kau: A strong, local moonshine from Sarawak. Best approached with caution! (Pronounced: lahng-kow)
Local Beer (e.g., Tiger, Anchor): Widely available in restaurants and hotels, though less common in conservative Muslim areas.
Teh C Special: A signature iced tea from Sarawak. It’s layered with palm sugar syrup (Gula Melaka), evaporated milk, and strong black tea. (Pronounced: tay see special)
Kopi O: Strong black coffee with sugar. The ‘O’ means black (from Hokkien) and the ‘C’ in ‘Kopi C’ means with condensed milk.
Fresh Coconut Water (Air Kelapa): Sold everywhere, perfect for hydration in the tropical heat.
Tapping Juice: A fresh juice made from the juice of a wild mango-like fruit, often served sour and refreshing.
Milo Dinosaur: An iced Milo (chocolate malt drink) topped with a spoonful of undissolved Milo powder for extra richness.
Sugar Cane Juice: Freshly pressed at hawker stalls, a sweet and refreshing drink.
Three Layer Tea (similar to Teh C Special): Strong black tea layered with condensed milk and palm sugar syrup.