Safari

The Kinabatangan River area in eastern Sabah is renowned as having one of the highest concentrations of wildlife and biodiversity in Borneo. The narrow strip of dense jungle along the banks of the river is home to the entire Bornean Big Five. If you are eager to see animals in the wild, this area is the place to go. Eco-resorts are springing up around the river, offering jungle stay and river safari packages. Three days on the Kinabatangan…

Archipelago

In the far east of Borneo, just off the first Philippine islands, lies a little paradise on earth - the Semporna Islands. While the town of the same name is a dirty and uninteresting harbour, the series of adjacent small tropical islands with their pristine beaches and rings of coral reefs are considered one of the best dive sites in the world. [btn "Search for accommodation in Semporna" https://www.booking.com/city/my/semporna.cs.html?aid…

Village

A small settlement on the edge of the jungle is the first stop on your journey to explore the local wildlife. Thanks to local rescue stations, you can come face to face with orangutans and Malayan bears, plus there's a great Rainforest Discovery Centre with treetop trails and plenty of activities. [btn "The best accommodation in Sepilok" https://www.booking.com/city/my/sepilok.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sabah-sepilok] Sepilok is really just a…

Mountain

Climbing the unique Mount Kinabalu, a 4,095-metre high granite massif, is a highlight of many visitors to Borneo. There is a relatively easy, if physically demanding, trail leading up to the top, allowing you and other hikers to watch the sunrise on this unique peak. Although the climb up Mount Kinabalu may be appealing to many travelers and is undoubtedly a unique experience, reservations need to be made many months in advance and the famous…

National Park

The huge Kinabalu National Park surrounds Borneo's highest mountain and is definitely worth a visit even if you don't plan to climb to the top. The national park includes a number of trails through the misty mountain forest, canopy walk, hot springs and many other attractions. Kinabalu National Park can be entered from several sides, with each part of the park offering different points of interest. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Sabah" https:/…

City

The city of Kota Kinabalu on the west coast of the island is the gateway to Borneo for most visitors. Arriving in the modern metropolis, you'd hardly guess you were standing on an island of dense tropical jungles, skull hunters and wildlife. Still, the city of Kota Kinabalu is worth a brief visit before plunging into the whirlwind of Bornean adventure. Here you'll find an excellent dining scene, especially top-notch fish and seafood,…

Village

Nowadays, tourists hardly come across a traditional ethnic village in the Bornean jungle anymore. If you still want to learn about the culture, history and gastronomy of the indigenous people of Borneo, head to the cultural village of Mari Mari. This living open-air museum is a collection of examples of the traditional life of Borneo's main ethnic groups. Each tour lasts 3 hours and includes dance performances, various craft demonstrations,…

Archipelago

Within sight of Kota Kinabalu' s boardwalk lie five tropical islands, surrounded by coral reefs that make for an ideal day trip from Kota Kinabalu. Today, they are a very popular tourist destination, so in addition to the beautiful beaches and clear water, you'll also find crowds of (mostly local) tourists in brightly coloured vests in the water. It's best to take a day trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. You can also find accommodation on three…

City

Sandakan is the largest city in eastern Borneo and acts as a base for exploring the wildlife of the area. The harbour itself is rather smaller, but you can soak up the local atmosphere and see a few sights. [btn "Book a hotel in Sandakan" https://www.booking.com/city/my/sandakan.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sabah-sandakan] Sandakan is a great base for trips to Sepiloku, the Kinabatangan River and also to some of the islands. What to see in…

Natural formation

The Danum Valley is a unique protected area, where you will find one of the greatest biodiversity in the world. As well as the usual Bornean species such as orangutans and kahau nosati, there are also chances to spot shy marmots or even the unique puff adder leopard. A visit to the Danum Valley is subject to early booking and careful planning; you certainly can't just come here. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Sabah" https://www.booking.com/region…

City

The small port town of Lahad Datu is the gateway to the lesser-known jungle areas where wildlife watching is common. Tours from here take in the Danum Valley, home to one of the oldest jungles in the world, and the Tabin Nature Reserve, famous for its high chance of spotting Bornean elephants. [btn "Book accommodation in Lahad Datu" https://www.booking.com/city/my/lahad-datu.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sabah-lahaddatu] Accommodation in…

Natural formation

This interesting nature reserve is home to many Bornean animals. In the past, it was even possible to see the now extinct Sumatran rhinoceros. Today, the reserve is primarily a place where you have the best chance of spotting elephants in all of Borneo. Tabin Nature Reserve is mainly made up of secondary forest and mangroves, the experience of the local nature is so completely different from the Kinabatangan River or the Danum Valley. [btn …

City

The forgotten northern tip of Borneo with the town of Kudat is the place to experience the true tropics. Beautiful long beaches, wild coves and peaceful life under the hot sun. The area also has historical significance, Kudat was one of the first towns in Borneo and many interesting ethnic tribes still live in the area today. [btn "Book a hotel in Kudat" https://www.booking.com/city/my/kudat.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sabah-kudat] What to…

Island

Looking for paradise on earth? You don't have to, just head to the island of Mantanani. A perfect stretch of white sand, fringed by lush tropical jungle, you'll be surprised by clear water and beautiful coral reefs. This beautiful island is the perfect place to go for a few days of relaxation, or to end an adventurous holiday full of wildlife watching and tropical jungle trekking. [btn "Accommodation on Pulau Mantanani" https://www.booking…

Island

The tiny island about 45 minutes from the mainland of Borneo has become a popular place for tourists to go to learn more about sea turtle conservation. The local marine park offers a two-day package, which if purchased will contribute to local turtle conservation while you watch the eggs being laid and enjoy the beautiful beaches and snorkeling during the day. The turtles lay eggs all year round, but the best time to visit the island is…

Natural formation

The unique ecosystem of tropical wetlands interconnected with mangroves is an interesting place to go to observe unique animals. The kahau wearing monkeys are the main attraction here, but evening boat trips to watch the glowing fireflies are also popular. The advantage of the Klias Wetlands is its great location, which makes it an ideal day trip from Kota Kinabalu. [btn "Book a hotel in Sabah" https://www.booking.com/region/my/sabah.cs.html…

Natural formation

Do you want to experience Borneo as it used to be before the advent of modern times? The ancient rainforest around the Maliau River basin will allow you to do just that. This area was opened to tourists in 2014 when the access road was paved. [btn "Book a hotel in Sabah" https://www.booking.com/region/my/sabah.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sabah-klias] Some of the most popular activities in the Maliau River Basin include wildlife watching,…