A trip through Borneo is a chance to fully immerse yourself in the overwhelming nature and gain insight into traditional cultures. Leave a positive impact on this travel destination by responsibly searching for the rare proboscis monkeys. Our Borneo tours take you to the most special places of this impressive nature destination.
As one of the few remaining natural havens of the orang-utan, rainforest-covered Borneo is a paradise for any animal lover. Cruise the Kingabatangan River to catch a glimpse of this endangered species in the wild. Then visit the Sepilok Orangutan Reserve and explore the hidden caves of Gunung Mulu National Park in northern Sarawak. Enjoy sunrise atop Kinabalu Mountain, be a guest of the Iban tribe and stay in a traditional longhouse. Visit the Danum Valley Conservation Area, nestled in north-eastern Sabah. This is the perfect place to explore Borneo's rainforest and discover its unique flora and fauna. Or snorkel around the Sipadan Islands and relax on powder-soft sand.
Your Borneo trip will be taken care of to perfection by us. Travelling through Borneo with Avila means staying in special accommodations, a relaxed travel pace, experiencing the highlights in a slightly different way and hidden gems away from the crowds! Borneo is a fantastic travel destination for both beach and nature lovers.
Hidden gem of Southeast Asia
A tropical island shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, Borneo is known for its lush rainforests, unique wildlife and authentic culture. From the lowland jungles to the mountainous interior, the landscape is overwhelming and diverse.
Unspoilt nature and indigenous culture
Along the rivers of Sabah and Sarawak, discover the heart of Borneo: from spotting orang-utans in Sepilok to boat safaris on the Kinabatangan River. Visit longhouse villages where traditional tribes still live according to ancient customs. Inland, you will find protected rainforests such as Danum Valley and Mulu National Park, with cave systems, waterfalls and rare flora and fauna.
Vibrant cities and coastal areas
Cities like Kuching and Kota Kinabalu offer a mix of markets, street food and colonial architecture, with nearby white-sand beaches and diving havens like Sipadan. Here you can relax after a jungle adventure or explore the underwater world.
Travelling through Borneo
Travelling through Borneo is adventurous and varied. From rainforest walks and wildlife safaris to beach stays and cultural encounters, the island offers an in-depth travel experience for nature lovers, adventurers and those seeking tranquillity. Easily accessible by domestic flight, Borneo is a surprisingly versatile destination in Southeast Asia.
Borneo is a year-round tropical destination, but the best travel period depends on what you want to see and do. Here is an overview by season:
Spring (March - May): A good time to visit Borneo, with mostly dry weather and pleasant temperatures. Perfect for jungle trekking in Sabah and Sarawak, or spotting orang-utans and proboscis monkeys. Diving is also excellent during this period, with clear visibility around islands like Sipadan and Mabul.
Summer (June - August): The best travel time for most regions in Malaysian Borneo. It is relatively dry then, making it ideal for boat trips on the Kinabatangan River or expeditions to Danum Valley. Do expect more visitors at popular nature reserves.
Autumn (September - October): This period is still favourable for travel, although the likelihood of brief rain showers increases. Nature is at its greenest and animals are often easy to spot. It is quieter than in summer, making for a more exclusive experience in the jungle or on the beach.
Winter (November - February): This is the rainy season in much of Borneo. Although some rainforests can be more difficult to traverse, this is actually an impressive time for those who love lush nature. Wildlife experiences are also possible during this period, provided you choose the right regions.
Note that Borneo has different microclimates. For instance, Sarawak and Sabah are drier from March to October, while the east coast gets more rain from November to February. So for optimal travel, choose the best season based on your itinerary.
Borneo is an island where tropical rainforests, rare animal species and fascinating cultures converge. From verdant jungle to white beaches and traditional villages to vibrant cities, each region has something special to offer.
Discover the highlights of Borneo:
Whether you love adventure, nature or cultural discovery, Borneo offers an unforgettable journey full of variety and purity.
1. Do I need a visa for Borneo?
Borneo is divided between three countries (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei) with different rules. For travellers from the EU, US and many other countries, visas are usually not required for stays of up to 30 or 90 days, depending on the part you are visiting. Always check the current entry requirements for each region.
2. What is the best length of travel for Borneo?
A round trip of 10 to 14 days is ideal to experience the diverse nature, culture and wildlife, for example in Sabah and Sarawak on the Malaysian side.
3. What is the best way to travel around Borneo?
Within Borneo, domestic flights between major cities and local taxis or rental cars for short distances are the most convenient way to travel. For nature reserves, organised tours are often the best option.
4. Is Borneo easy to combine with another travel destination?
Yes, Borneo is easy to combine with Malaysia (such as Kuala Lumpur and the islands on the east coast), Singapore or Indonesia (Java, Bali). Combining with the rest of Southeast Asia is also popular.
5. Will I be comfortable with English in Borneo?
English is widespread, especially in Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak). In urban areas and tourist spots, communication is usually not a problem, although local languages and dialects are also widely spoken.
Our travel specialists are happy to help you with all your questions about a trip to Borneo.
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