Sports and leisure activities Borneo
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Practical information : Move & Laze around Borneo
Budget & Tips
Hiking. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking on the trails of the national parks, whether Kinabalu, Gunung Mulu or the other parks of Borneo. If you want to be sure of not running into anyone, Endau-Rompin National Park is the place to go. The heat and humidity make long walks even more difficult, so make sure you're well hydrated (drinks with a high electrolyte content are recommended).
Scuba diving. With its tropical climate and large number of islands, Borneo is a natural paradise for divers. Most of the dive sites are off the coast of Sabah. The coral reefs are fairly well preserved and the underwater fauna is highly diversified (tropical fish are well represented, as are numerous species of shark and turtle, manta rays...). What's more, prices are very reasonable and it's an opportunity to pass a first level (PADI centers are the most represented) in three days. More experienced divers should head for Pulau Sipadan, THE dive spot on the island, popular with divers from all over the world. The dives are deeper, the current can be strong, but the rewards are endless (turtles, barracudas, hammerhead sharks, tuna, manta rays and all the more traditional tropical fish). For muddy water diving, head for Pulau Mabul.
Sea and river fishing. You'll find it easy to hire boats to take you out to sea in Borneo's major port towns. From March to June, you can go deep-sea fishing at Miri in the state of Sarawak or at Labuan in the state of Sabah. Borneo's freshwater rivers are teeming with fish. We strongly advise you to join an organized group for this type of fishing.
Caving. The Mulu caves, a Unesco-listed site, and the Niah caves, where evidence of human presence dating back tens of thousands of years has been discovered, will delight experienced speleologists.
Golf. Borneo boasts a large number of golf courses, especially in the two Malaysian states. The Damai Golf and Country Club in Sarawak, at the foot of Mount Santubong in the tropical rainforest, should suit all golf enthusiasts. It's pleasant to play a course surrounded by lush vegetation or offering a view of the sea.
MOUNTAIN BIKING. Mountain biking options are available for outdoor sports enthusiasts. In Sabah, Bike Borneo offers several day and multi-day tours.
What's very local
Soccer and badminton are the most popular sports on the island, where field field hockey, cricket and table tennis are also popular. But locals also enjoy more traditional activities:
Silat. It's a refined martial art, with fluid yet precise movements, akin to dance. Originating in Malacca, it has been practiced since the 15thcentury . It is often performed to the rhythm of drums. Associated with the Islamic religion, silat is said to develop spiritual strength. Competitions are organized throughout the year. It is also performed at ceremonies and weddings.
Sepak takraw. This is a South-East Asian discipline similar to volleyball, involving juggling a rattan ball with the lower limbs only. The sport is played in Malaysia and Indonesia, but also in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. The playing field can be a circle with a diameter calculated in proportion to the number of players on each team, with or without a net. An official discipline and a regular activity among friends in parks, it's a sport that's fun to watch, as players often attempt spectacular shots.
Badminton. Particularly popular with Indonesians and Malaysians. The average player is always happy to use the smallest available space to make the shuttlecock fly.
Kite flying. The wau bulan, or moon kite, can be up to 3 m wide and 500 m high. Kite festivals attract participants from all over the world.
The spinning top. This hobby requires dexterity, timing and strength. The spinning top (gasing) can weigh up to 5 kg and be the width of a dinner plate. Competitions between villages are held every year. The best throws can last up to two hours.
Your documents please
It isgenerally compulsory to have a recognized diving certification to participate in diving activities in Indonesia. Beginners can also take courses run by certified instructors to obtain their certification. Popular certification agencies include PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc. Make sure you have your certification up to date before diving. Some regions may require dive insurance to cover medical expenses, evacuation and decompression treatment in the event of an accident. Check whether your travel insurance covers accidents or whether you need to take out specific insurance.
For motorboat navigation: a navigation license is required to pilot a motorboat. License categories vary according to boat size and distance from the coast. Training and examinations are required to obtain these permits. Boats must also be equipped with life jackets for all passengers, a fire-extinguishing system, distress signals, a locating device and a first-aid kit.
To be booked
Advance booking is essential for ascents of Mount Kinabalu, due to high demand and a limited number of (compulsory) guides.
Plan to spend at least 3 days in the Sipadan region (Mabul, Semporna...) in Sabah if you hope to obtain a permit to access the island.
Tourist traps
Always choose a recognized and certified diving school to avoid any problems.