Travel Guide Borneo
The fourth largest island in the world, Borneo is located in Southeast Asia. Known for its rugged beauty, the destination is shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and, for a small part, the state of Brunei. To the north are the two Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. In the south, most of the island is occupied by Kalimantan, the Indonesian part. A very small landlocked portion in the northeast is the territory of the Sultanate of Brunei. Tourists are not only attracted by Borneo's beautiful beaches, but also by the biodiversity of its old-growth rainforest, which is home to an endemic species of orangutan, clouded leopards and remarkable carnivorous plants. The island peaks at 4,095 meters above sea level at Mount Kinabalu, located in the state of Sabah. A travel guide will help you discover the wonders around. Off the coast of Borneo, there is the famous diving spot ofSipadan Island. For snorkeling, head to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Sabah. The biodiversity of Borneo is unfortunately threatened by deforestation (fires and fires) and the progression of oil palm plantations. The capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, is home to the majestic Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque with its 29 golden domes and the immense Nurul Iman Palace, residence of the ruling sultan, and... beaches. All in all, on this heavenly island, you can swim, dive, climb, cycle while enjoying an exceptional environment. But don't look for the acromentulas, giant spiders endowed with speech, originating from the Borneo jungle of Harry Potter's world. They don't exist for real!
What to visit Borneo?
Suggested addresses Borneo
When to go to Borneo?
When to go to Borneo? Borneo can be visited all year round. Of course, the rainy season (October/May) does not allow for as comfortable a trip as during the dry season in this hot and humid tropical region. The rain falls in torrents, but intermittently, and the sun always comes back in the end. The best time to go to Indonesia is between May and October depending on the island you are visiting. The ones closest to Australia are the least humid of the archipelago. It rains less, and all activities are possible (especially volcanoes climbing, forest walks, temples visits), you can enjoy better the landscapes which are not lost in the mist... But the high tourist season means higher prices everywhere, even if they remain reasonable, beaches are crowded, as well as the famous monuments The locals usually take their vacations in June or July.
Weather at the moment
Like the other equatorial islands, Borneo has a humid climate almost all year round with regular heavy rains. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 33°C throughout the year. Storms cause heavy flooding and frequent landslides.
Indonesia is a cheap destination where you can stay in very good hotels for much lower prices than in France, including luxury hotels. But beware of cheap accommodation where comfort is sometimes very, very spartan, so don't hesitate to pay more. It is easy to exchange and cash payments are preferred, except in the most tourist sites where you can often pay by credit card. Tipping is not mandatory.
No visa is required for stays of less than 30 days in Borneo, Indonesia. However, a return ticket or other proof of departure from the country will be requested by the Indonesian authorities. Travellers must present a passport valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry and with blank pages to affix the visa. Important: the passport must be in very good condition or it will be rejected immediately. On the Malaysian side, French, Belgian, Swiss, Luxembourgish and Canadian nationals are automatically issued a three-month tourist visa upon arrival. Customs may ask you to present your return flight ticket to ensure the effective duration of your stay. For Brunei, no visa is required for a stay of less than 30 days (import of alcohol strictly prohibited).
There are no mandatory vaccinations for Borneo, but some vaccinations are recommended, including diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine, including rubella-mumps-measles in children, and tuberculosis vaccination. Depending on the travel conditions and the place of stay, vaccinations against typhoid, rabies and viral hepatitis A and B may also be recommended. For stays in rural areas, a vaccination against Japanese encephalitis may be necessary. Beware of malaria and dengue fever. It is best to drink filtered or bottled water.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Borneo? Our advice & tips
Most tour operators and travel agencies offer Borneo. This island is large and the possibilities of stays and tours are numerous. In addition to the seaside resorts, there are themed tours based on culture and/or nature and the discovery of towns and villages. It's up to you to choose, according to your desires!
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationIt is possible to visit Indonesia and Malaysia alone. But you need to be well informed about the social and political situation, remain vigilant, especially in the poorest areas, and comply with the laws in force. Several direct flights from Europe to Bali from where you can take an domestic flight to Borneo. To get to the jungle, it is best to bring a local guide with you.
Borneo is criss-crossed by buses whose prices vary with the comfort offered but they are generally very cheap. Taxis and minibuses are also available. For total freedom and an in-depth discovery of local life, the rental of two-wheelers, with or without a motor, is ideal, but beware, traffic can be dangerous, especially in the city, when you are not used to it.
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Other destinations Borneo
- Pulau Sipadan
- Pulau Kapalai
- Vallee De Danum
- Sanctuaire De Kinabatangan
- Parc National De Batang Ai
- Parc National De Kubah
- Kuching
- Kelabit Highlands
- Parc National De Turtle Islands
- Pulau Mabul
- Batang Ai National Park
- Parc National De Kinabalu
- Parc National De Gunung Mulu
- Parc National De Bako
- Sepilok
- Parc National De Tunku Abdul Rahman
- Parc National De Bukit Labir
- Parc National De Niah
- Pulau Mataking
- Tawau
- Sandakan
- Sibu
- Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
- Kampung Annah Rais
- Parc National De Similajau
- Pulau Labuan
- Parc National De Pulau Tiga
- Parc National De Crocker Range
- Kota Kinabalu
- Parc National De Gunung Gading