Hey everyone! I’m in the early stages of planning a trip to Malaysian Borneo for my partner (30F) and I (33M) and feeling a little overwhelmed by just how massive the island is. I want to make sure I don’t miss the highlights but also want to avoid making rookie mistakes.
If you’ve been, could you drop your best tips, tricks, and must-know basics for a first-timer?
Here are a few things I'm trying to figure out!
Sabah vs. Sarawak: If I can only pick one state to focus on for this trip, which one is better for a mix of wildlife, rainforests, and maybe a few nice beach days?
Getting Around: I know Borneo is huge. What’s the best way to travel between major hubs like Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Sandakan? Should I stick to internal flights, or am I able to hire a form of transport? I have experience riding Scooters and motorbikes, or cars.
Wildlife & Nature Highlights: I would really like to see Orangutans and Sun Bears (in the wild, if possible) and maybe take a river cruise. Are places like Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River the best bet, or are there hidden gems I should look into?
Gear & Packing Essentials: What are the absolute must-haves for the rainforest? Do I need heavy-duty leech socks, waterproof dry bags, or special mosquito repellent?
Best Time to Visit: Are there specific months I should target for the best weather and wildlife spotting, or is Borneo a year-round destination?
Budget & Visas: Generally speaking, is it an expensive destination to travel around? Also, do I need any special permits (like crossing into Brunei) if I want to explore multiple parts of the island?
Any advice, tour recommendations, or "things I wish I knew before going" would be incredibly appreciated!