The best accommodations - Borneo in 2025

Practical information : Accomodation Borneo

Budget & Tips

Accommodation in Borneo is extremely varied: from the basic hut in the deep forest to the small family guesthouse, from the luxury resort on a paradise island to the homestay in a longhouse, there's something for every taste and every budget. Be aware that there is sometimes a significant difference in rates between weekdays and weekends. Despite this, accommodation in Borneo is quite affordable, especially when compared with France. You'll probably need or want to treat yourself to a bit of comfort after an extended stay in the jungle under Spartan conditions.

To be booked

Book early if you're visiting Borneo around Chinese New Year, Hari Raya (end of Ramadan) or Deepavali. International events such as the Jazz Festival in Miri or the Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching can also fill hotels quickly.

What's very local

In Kalimantan, Sabah and Sarawak, there are two very different categories of accommodation: on the one hand, guesthouses, cheap but very basic in some cases (a bed, a fan, a shower and maybe a TV) and not always impeccably clean. At the other end of the scale are top-class hotels like Shangri-La, with impeccable service and tastefully decorated rooms, but unfortunately not for everyone. In between are a growing number of hotels and guesthouses, including stylish boutique hotels that combine comfort with a reasonable budget.

in the Sultanate of Brunei. You'll be spoilt for choice in this small territory of 400,000 inhabitants. Given the quality of the mid-range and high-end establishments, it's definitely advisable to treat yourself while you're here. For lovers of luxury, the Empire Hotel is a must.

Guesthouses

Guesthouse literally means "bed and breakfast", but in Borneo this word has a much broader meaning. The term homestay is more commonly used. A meeting place for backpackers, these establishments offer a wide variety of accommodation, from dormitories to air-conditioned rooms. What sets these places apart (apart from their low prices) is their welcoming, family atmosphere. They also offer practical services such as bus and train reservations, laundry facilities and Internet access.

Youth hostels

Called guesthouses or hostels, these are the cheapest options you'll find. Although guesthouses often have a more homely atmosphere, these accommodations all offer rather basic dormitory beds and a few private rooms (solo travelers will appreciate single rooms ), with shared bathrooms. For a few extra ringgits, you'll be entitled to air-conditioning. Wifi and free tea and coffee service in the common rooms (many with TVs and DVDs), ideal for backpacker get-togethers. Prices range from RM20 to RM40 for a dormitory and from RM50 to RM150 for a private room.

Campsites

In Borneo, they are mentioned, but it's very rare to use them, as guesthouse accommodation is very cheap indeed. However, you should be aware that in some national parks, such as Tawau Hills, they can be a very pleasant way to spend the night.

For food lovers

In most mid-range or top-of-the-range hotels, you'll have a choice between a local breakfast, based on rice or noodles or steamed ravioli, and a Western breakfast. Asians eat salty food for breakfast, and even in Western formulas you'll be offered eggs, sausages (beef or chicken) and beans in tomato sauce.

Smokers

Hotels are entirely non-smoking, from public areas to bedrooms, both in the cities of Malaysia and in the Sultanate of Brunei. In the jungles of Kalimantan, Sarawak and Sabah, smoking is permitted outdoors, but not in rooms. Ashtrays are placed at the entrances to the establishments to allow the most addicted to succumb to their guilty pleasure.

The best accommodations Borneo

LIME TREE HOTEL

THE MARIAN BOUTIQUE LODGING HOUSE

LE MÉRIDIEN KOTA KINABALU

THE VILLAGE HOUSE

THE RANEE

PAGANAKAN DII TROPICAL RETREAT

BASAGA HOLIDAY RESIDENCES

HILTON KUCHING

HARBOUR VIEW HOTEL

REEF DIVE RESORT

HYATT REGENCY KINABALU

TREEHOUSE B&B

THE PALACE HOTEL

THE KLAGAN

MASADA BACKPACKER

SHANGRI-LA TANJUNG ARU RESORT & SPA

CITY STAR HOTEL

JESSELTON HOTEL

MAYFAIR HOTEL

NAK HOTEL

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