How to Spend 3 Weeks in Borneo: Epic Itinerary

How to spend 3 weeks in Borneo: epic itinerary. Borneo is an incredible place to visit. This remote South East Asian island is home to a plethora of weird and wonderful wildlife.

Borneo boasts huge rainforests where you can trek through the jungle, hoping for a glimpse of the orange man of the forest: the orangutan.

There are also beautiful white sand beaches with world-class scuba diving spots.

Despite this, Borneo remains somewhat off the beaten track for most travellers to South East Asia. Possibly due to a reputation for being hard to access and expensive.

When I visited I found that not only was Borneo much easier to get around than expected, it was also much cheaper than I’d anticipated. So, definitely add Borneo to your bucket list. Read on for my guide on how to spend 3 weeks in Borneo: epic itinerary.

Remember to buy travel insurance for your trip. Receive a 5% discount on Heymondo travel insurance.

Where is Borneo?

Borneo is a huge island (the 3rd largest in the world) in South East Asia. The territory of the island is shared between Malaysia, Indonesia and the tiny sultanate of Brunei.

This post is about Malaysian Borneo, which is the north of the island. Malaysian Borneo is made up of 2 states: Sabah and Sarawak. The Indonesian part of Borneo is known as Kalimantan.

How to get to Malaysian Borneo?

The easiest way to get to Malaysian Borneo is to fly first to Kuala Lumpur (peninsular Malaysia) or Singapore and then catch a connecting flight.

There are also a number of other routes depending on where you are coming from. For example, I have flown directly to Borneo from both Indonesia and Hong Kong.

For the best flight prices, I recommend using a dedicated flight search engine like Skyscanner.

Malaysian Borneo has the following airports:

• Kota Kinabalu (KK) (Sabah) – international (main gateway to Sabah, island hopping)
• Sandakan (Sabah) – domestic (orangutans at Sepilok, Kinabatangan River cruises)
• Tawau (Sabah) – international (Sipidan, Mabul, or Kapalai for diving)
• Kuching (Sarawak) – international (orangutans at Semenggoh)
• Mulu (Sarawak) – domestic (Mulu National Park, hiking and caving)
• Miri (Sarawak) – international (Borneo Jazz Festival)

Note that some of these “international” airports are still very small, and maybe only have 1 or 2 international flights per week e.g. to nearby Singapore.

Kota Kinabalu (KK) is the most popular entry point to Malaysian Borneo for tourists.

👉 Find cheap flights to Borneo here.

How do I Travel Around in Borneo?

Fly: The most convenient way to travel around Borneo is to fly. Domestic flights are incredibly cheap, meaning you don’t necessarily even save much money by taking the bus. Do note however that some airlines charge quite a bit for checked baggage, which can almost double your ticket cost. Use Skyscanner for the best flight prices.

Bus: There are bus routes available if you have more time. This is obviously more environmentally friendly, and if you have the time it’s a great way to see more of the country. You can book bus tickets in advance via 12Go.com.

Drive: The roads in Borneo are generally quite good, so it’s also possible to get a hire car or a motorbike and travel around yourself. Do note that the distances are quite long and there will be large areas with poor phone signal, so I’d recommend not doing this completely alone unless you’re quite confident and prepared. Also – when it rains, it rains heavily. So check the weather!

Grab: Grab is a Singaporean rideshare app (like Uber) that is used all over South East Asia. Prices in Borneo are pretty cheap and Grab works in most urban areas. I recommend downloading the app before you go so that you can set it up and make sure that your payment method is working. (Use a WISE card so that you can be charged in the local currency without fees).

Boat: You’ll need to travel by boat from Semporna if you’re visiting the diving islands in the south such as Mabul.

How Much Time Should I Spend in Borneo?

This 3 week Borneo itinerary is for people who want to see the best of both Sabah and Sarawak. There’s enough to do that you could easily stretch it out to 4 weeks.

If you’re more pressed for time, you can have a lovely holiday spending just 1-2 weeks in Sabah. Read my How to Spend 2 Weeks in Borneo: Sabah Itinerary post.

You can easily combine Borneo with Peninsular Malaysia: read my How to Spend 3 Weeks in Malaysia: Epic Itinerary post.

If you’re backpacking around South East Asia longer term, there’s no reason why you can’t visit Borneo twice to see different sections, which is what I did. If you book in advance, flights between Borneo and peninsular Malaysia, Singapore or Indonesia are not that expensive.

3-Week Itinerary for Malaysian Borneo: Map

Days 1-2: Kota Kinabalu (KK)

Kota Kinabalu (KK) is the easiest place to kick off a trip to Malaysian Borneo. The airport is fairly small but you can get cash and SIM cards there. I then recommend just getting a Grab to your accommodation as it’s cheap in KK. (Also – although KK is generally safe, I wouldn’t advise wandering around alone after dark).

There are some beautiful islands just off the coast of KK. Spending a day island hopping is the perfect introduction to your time in Borneo. The boats leave from KK’s Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and only take 15-20 minutes to reach the islands. You can buy your boat tickets there on the day.

There are five islands in total – Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug. I personally chose to visit Sapi Island and spent a whole day swimming and lazing on white sand beaches.

Remember to pack your sun cream! There was a simple restaurant on the island with plastic tables and chairs – I had a large plate of delicious noodles and some juice. You can also opt for a Guided Snorkeling Day Trip.

If you’re after culture, I can recommend booking a trip to the Mari Mari Cultural Village. Here you can learn about traditional Bornean life and ethnic cultures. You can watch cultural demonstrations such as blowpipe making, fire starting, and tattooing.

Other notable sights include the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu), which appears as though floating on water.

Mount Kinabalu: KK is also the starting off point for climbing Mount Kinabalu, Borneo’s highest peak. Note that these tours are generally quite expensive as you need a guide, transport and permits etc. Example 2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climbing tour.

Days 3-4: Sandakan and Sepilok

Sandakan, in the north-east, is a great place to base yourself for visiting the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) and Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), all of which are based nearby at Sepilok.

You can visit all 3 centres in one day as they are within walking distance of each other. There is also some accommodation at Sepilok itself, which is a 30 minute drive from Sandakan. You can get from Sandakan to Sepilok by bus or by Grab. (Or book a tour with transfers).

If you would like a private guide, you can book a Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour. Note that tours like this are much more expensive than just visiting the centres independently, however a guide will be able to explain about the wildlife and conservation efforts in a lot more detail.

Sandakan itself has quite a few accommodation options. I stayed at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel and can happily recommend it if that’s your vibe. There’s a large shopping mall nearby and several restaurants by the seafront.

See also: How to Spend a Day in Sandakan, Borneo: 24 Hour Itinerary

Days 5-8: Kinabatangan River

Book a 3-day 2-night (3D2N) cruise package for the Kinabatangan River. This is where you have a chance to really see Bornean animals and birds in the wild.

Sightings include proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, various birds, and, if you’re lucky, rare Bornean elephants.

Note that as all the animals are wild, sightings are not guaranteed. Most Kinabatangan River cruise packages include several guided river boat outings and 1-2 short jungle walks, often including a nighttime jungle walk.

👉 Read my more detailed Kinabatangan River post.

Transfers from and back to Sandakan. Travel onwards to Tawau / Semporna.

Days 9-15: Mabul Island

Now for the really relaxing part of your holiday! From Semporna, you can take a boat out to one of the nearby islands such as Mabul island and stay at a resort there.

This part of Borneo is paradise if you’re into scuba diving or snorkelling. I saw countless turtles while snorkelling around Mabul island. From Mabul you can join dive trips to the famed Sipadan Island, where if you’re lucky you’ll see swirling schools of barracuda.

I can recommend Scuba Junkie as a dive company / resort. The resorts will generally help you arrange transport from Tawau airport if needed. For Sipadan, you’ll need a Sipadan permit – so best to book in advance.

Note: Some governments still advise against travel to this part of Borneo. Check your own government website (e.g. UK version here) and if you decide to go, make sure that your travel insurance still covers you (government warnings can void travel insurance). If you have questions, I recommend contacting your proposed accommodation provider in this region of Borneo directly.

Days 16-19: Gunung Mulu National Park

Mulu has its own airport which is a short drive from the national park itself. Most accommodation options in the area are organised by the Mulu National Park authority, and they can arrange an airport transfer for you.

You can organise activities directly through their website, which is cheaper than using a third party provider.

Examples of activities in Mulu National Park include adventure caving, sunset cruise along the river, visiting Deer Cave to see the bat exodus and hiking and trekking, including climbing the Mulu Pinnacles.

These limestone spikes are so famous that they feature on Malaysia’s 100 Ringgit banknote!

👉 Read my detailed post How to Hike the Mulu Pinnacles.

Days 19-21: Kuching and Semenggoh

Kuching is the biggest city in Sarawak and famous for an extreme love of cats! There are even cat statues! Wander around the riverside area and marvel at the Musical Fountain when it comes to life every evening at 8:30pm.

The nearby Semenggoh Wildlife Centre was my favourite place to see Orangutans, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch sight of an alpha male. Bako National Park is another good day trip.

Other Route Options for How to Spend 3 Weeks in Borneo: Epic Itinerary

This post How to Spend 3 Weeks in Borneo: Epic Itinerary is just one example of how you could split your time when visiting Borneo. Your route will also depend on your precise dates and what flights are available.

It would also be possible to start off in Kuching and do Kuching – Mulu – KK – Sandakan and finish off on Mabul Island for scuba diving. However the reason I arranged it in the format above is that I think it’s better to adjust to Borneo’s hot and humid climate first before doing trekking in Mulu National Park. Having the diving holiday in the middle also splits up the time in the jungle nicely.

Further Exploring: What Else to Do in Malaysian Borneo

If you’re planning a longer adventure in Malaysian Borneo, you’re in for a journey packed with raw beauty, rich tribal cultures, and otherworldly landscapes. Beyond the well-known highlights, there’s so much more to discover across the two states of Sabah and Sarawak.

In Sarawak, don’t miss the chance to explore the staggering limestone caves of Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can hike through rainforest, float down underground rivers, and witness one of the world’s largest cave chambers. For cultural depth, spend time in Kuching, a laid-back city that’s a gateway to longhouse communities and orangutan sanctuaries.

If you’re craving even more off-the-beaten-path magic, consider a river journey through Sarawak’s interior, or trekking in Bako National Park, where proboscis monkeys roam cliffs and mangroves.

Be sure to check out my other posts about travelling in Malaysian Borneo for more travel stories, practical tips, and inspiration to help you shape your own wild, unforgettable adventure.

👉 Find cheap flights to Borneo here.

Group Tours in Borneo

Explore the wild heart of Borneo with G Adventures – from orangutan sanctuaries and jungle rivers to tribal villages and Mount Kinabalu, these small group tours are perfect for adventurous travellers.

Journeys: Best of Borneo

View Tour

Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu

View Tour

Borneo – East Sabah Adventure

View Tour

Call of the World is proud to promote G Adventures: recognised for their “G for Good” ethos, ChildSafe certification for robust child-welfare protections, leadership in sustainable travel & climate action and ethical partnerships with community projects worldwide.

Further Exploring: What Else to Do in Peninsular Malaysia

If you’re extending your trip through Peninsular Malaysia, there’s a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and landscapes waiting to be uncovered. From glittering cities to serene highlands and palm-fringed islands, this part of the country offers a beautifully diverse travel experience.

Explore the colonial charm and street art of George Town in Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vibrant blend of cultures and legendary street food.

Or head into the hills for a cooler escape in the Cameron Highlands, where tea plantations roll into the mist and time slows down among strawberry farms and mossy forests.

Be sure to check out my other posts on travel in Malaysia for insider tips, cultural highlights, and hidden gems across the peninsula.

Practical Guidance for Borneo, Malaysia

Hopefully you have found this guide on How to Spend 3 Weeks in Borneo: Epic Itinerary useful. I have also included some practical guidance below so that you can get the boring stuff sorted and make the most of your trip!

Withdrawing Cash in Malaysia in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

To withdraw cash at the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into Malaysian Ringgit (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then withdraw cash in Malaysia without hidden fees.

Wise is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).

Get your WISE card here.

Best Travel Insurance Providers for Borneo

A non-negotiable for me is making sure that I have adequate travel insurance for the duration of my trip. Here are two excellent travel insurance providers that I highly recommend for solo travellers or families visiting Borneo:

1. Heymondo Travel Insurance

I personally use Heymondo for all my trips, and it’s one of the easiest and most reliable travel insurance options I’ve found. Their app is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to access your policy, make claims, and contact support directly from your phone.

Heymondo offers excellent coverage, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. I highly recommend it for anyone planning to visit Borneo.

Why choose Heymondo?

• Comprehensive coverage: Offers medical, cancellation, and baggage coverage.
• User-friendly app: Manage your policy easily from anywhere.
• Global assistance: 24/7 emergency assistance available.

👉 Purchase Heymondo travel insurance here.

2. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

For digital nomads, long-term travellers, or those planning an extended stay in Borneo, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is an excellent choice. It’s specifically designed for globally mobile individuals, and their flexible plans can be tailored to suit your travel style.

SafetyWing covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip interruptions, and even COVID-19-related issues, making it ideal for travellers who need long-term protection.

Why choose SafetyWing?

• Flexible plans: Ideal for long-term travellers or digital nomads.
• COVID-19 coverage: Includes coverage for COVID-19-related disruptions.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive rates for extended travel coverage.

👉 Find Out More About SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

What Time of Year Can I Visit Borneo?

• March to October: Dry season. The busiest (and most expensive) period is July and August as the conditions are great and it coincides with the summer holidays in Europe. Best to book ahead for these months. Generally clear skies and less rain, but note that rain is possible at any time of year.
• November to February: Wet season. While there are still plenty of good days, generally expect heavy rains. If you’re scuba diving, note that Sipadan closes for a month each year (usually November) for conservation.

Plan Your Trip to Borneo: Useful Travel Resource Links

Planning your next trip? These are my travel tools I use to book fast, travel safer and stress less.

✈️ Pro tip: Set these up before your trip so you can hit the ground running.

Pin it for later…

Was this Borneo travel guide about How to Spend 3 Weeks in Borneo: Epic Itinerary useful for you? Save it on Pinterest and follow along on Instagram for some escapism and more adventure tips.

Have you been to Borneo? What was your favourite spot? Anything you’d like me to add to this How to Spend 3 Weeks in Borneo: Epic Itinerary? Let me know in the comments!