Borneo Travel Guide

Things to do while touring Borneo

Encounter orangutans at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre

A visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is one of the most moving wildlife experiences in Southeast Asia. Set in 43 square kilometres of protected rainforest near Sandakan, Sepilok cares for orphaned and injured orangutans, nurturing them through a structured rehabilitation programme before releasing them back into the wild. Watching these extraordinary great apes swing through the canopy to the mid-morning feeding platform, where young orangutans learn foraging skills at their own pace, is an encounter that stays with you long after you leave.

Cruise the Kinabatangan River on wildlife safari

The Kinabatangan River is Borneo’s longest river and one of the world’s great wildlife corridors. Gliding silently through the rainforest by boat, morning and evening, you’ll have the chance to spot Borneo’s legendary ‘Big Five’: orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, rhinoceros hornbills and crocodiles, all in their natural habitat. Dawn cruises offer spectacular birdwatching, as kingfishers, hornbills and herons emerge from the riverside foliage, while twilight safaris bring with them the chance to spot crocodiles and giant otters in the fading light.

Explore Kinabalu Park and the highland trails

Kinabalu Park is Sabah’s most celebrated natural landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its exceptional biodiversity. Dominated by the brooding, granite summit of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak, the park’s cool montane forest is home to over 5,000 plant species, including some of the world’s most spectacular orchids and the extraordinary Rafflesia, the largest flower on earth. The nearby Kundasang War Memorial stands as a deeply moving tribute to the Allied prisoners of war who perished on the infamous Sandakan Death March of 1945.

Discover indigenous culture at Mari Mari Cultural Village

Set in lush jungle just outside Kota Kinabalu, the Mari Mari Cultural Village offers an immersive and respectful introduction to the living traditions of Sabah’s indigenous communities. Traditional homes representing five ethnic groups, the Bajau, Kadazan-Dusun, Lundayeh, Murut and Rungus are brought to life by knowledgeable guides who demonstrate fire starting, blowpipe craft and traditional tattoo art. A cultural performance and a meal of traditional and fusion dishes complete the experience.

Visit the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, the five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park offer a beautiful and accessible escape into Borneo’s coastal world. Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and white-sand beaches make Sapi and Gaya Islands particular favourites for snorkelling, swimming and rainforest walks. The park is one of Malaysia’s most visited marine protected areas, and its proximity to the city makes it an ideal day trip after exploring Kota Kinabalu’s markets, waterfront and heritage sites.

Borneo frequently asked questions