10 Day Borneo Itinerary: What I Did , Loved & Learned in The Land Below the Wind

Last Updated on June 15, 2025 by Oliver

For a long time, Borneo (specifically the Malaysian part) had this reputation of being hard to visit. Like… it’s Borneo. It’s the jungle. It’s not exactly set up for backpackers or solo travelers, right? At least that’s what I always thought and maybe some of you did too. I definitely had a lot of respect for the idea of going there on my own.

But now I’ve just come back from two weeks in Sabah, Malaysia and I did the whole trip alone, no tours, no groups, just me figuring it out. And honestly, it was no harder than traveling anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

Most people (myself included) come to Borneo to see the orangutans and the incredible wildlife. For others, it’s all about climbing Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu.

Because I know Borneo can feel a little intimidating, and there’s not a ton of clear info out there, I’ve put together this 10 Day Borneo Itinerary based entirely on my experience, what I did, what I loved, and what I’d do differently, so you have a solid starting point.

10 Day Borneo Itinerary – My Experience

I had the most amazing time in Borneo, but I’ll be honest, I had to figure out a lot of it as I went, and that definitely didn’t do me any favors. So this 10 day Borneo itinerary is more like the version I wish I had followed, not exactly how my trip actually went.

I made a few key mistakes. For one, I flew into Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur instead of flying straight to Sandakan, which would’ve made way more sense if, like me, your main reason for coming is to see orangutans in Borneo. I also didn’t realize that hiking Mount Kinabalu was such a big deal. I’d done a 4,000-meter hike in Peru for $90, so I was not expecting this one to cost over $600. Let’s just say there were a few things I didn’t research properly.

But in the end, I did what I really came here to do: I saw wild orangutans and it was incredible. I loved it so much I’ve already planned another trip to Sumatra, Indonesia, where you can see them too.

So yeah, this itinerary is basically my way of saying: I couldn’t find much information on Borneo before I went, so trial and error became my planning style. But now that I’ve done it myself, I hope this guide will help make your trip a lot smoother.

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Borneo Malaysia

• Mount Kinabalu Is Overpriced
  Hiking Mount Kinabalu costs over $600 USD, mostly due to limited permits. It’s not a particularly technical hike, you’re paying for exclusivity, not difficulty.
  
• Skip Kota Kinabalu if Hiking the Mountain is Not a Priority
  If you’re not interested in climbing the mountain or visiting the national park, fly directly from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan instead of flying in Kota Kinabalu, it saves a lot of time and hassle.
  
• Borneo Is Predominantly Muslim
  Sabah is very conservative compared to other parts of Southeast Asia. Dress modestly, especially in towns and villages, and be respectful of local customs.
  
• Overland Travel Takes Forever
  Buses between Kota Kinabalu and the east (Sandakan, Sepilok, Semporna) take 8–10+ hours. If you’re short on time, flying is 100% worth it.
  
• The Kinabatangan River Is a Must – But Book a Tour
  Don’t try to DIY this one. I did, and it ended up being more expensive and a logistical headache. Book a proper tour that includes boat cruises, accommodation, and meals.
  
• There’s Less Tourist Infrastructure
  Unlike Thailand or Bali, Borneo isn’t built around backpackers. You’ll need to be more self-sufficient, book things ahead, download offline maps, and be flexible.
  
• Cash Is Still King in Many Places
  Bring cash for transport, small restaurants, and rural stays, card payments aren’t always accepted.
  
• There Are No ATMs in Semporna’s Islands
  If you’re heading diving/snorkeling in Semporna, withdraw money before you go island-hopping.

10 Days in Borneo With a Guided Tour

Just a quick note, most travelers I met in Borneo were actually doing it with a guided tour. Exploring it solo still isn’t that common, probably because the infrastructure isn’t as developed as other parts of Southeast Asia. So if you’re not keen on figuring out transport, logistics, or where to stay, a tour can be a really smart choice.

If I’d had the budget, I probably would’ve done a guided tour myself. It just makes life a lot easier when everything from transport and accommodation to activities is sorted for you.

The best company for this is G Adventures. They offer multiple Borneo tours depending on what you want to see, they’re reliable, and they really focus on adventure travel, which is exactly what Borneo’s all about.

8 Day Borneo Itinerary: Click Here to See The Tour

11 Day Borneo Itinerary: Click Here to See The Tour

12 Day Borneo Itinerary: Click Here to See The Tour

Borneo Itinerary 10 Days

Ok, now we’re actually getting into the 10 day Borneo itinerary. I’ve put this together based on how I would personally enjoy doing it, fitting in the orangutans and wildlife on the east coast and Mount Kinabalu if you want to do the hike. I placed the Mount Kinabalu trek at the end of the itinerary because I know not everyone wants to do it. So for the last 3 days, I’ll give you two options: one with the hike and one without.

Day 1: Arrive in Sandakan (Sepilok) – My First Impressions of Borneo

Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll most likely connect through Kuala Lumpur first before flying to Borneo. That’s what I did too, flew into KL, then caught a flight straight to Borneo.

It’s a long travel day, so Day 1 is really just about arriving and settling in.

Now, let me be honest: I wasn’t a fan of Sandakan itself. The town isn’t particularly charming, but it does work well as a base for exploring the rainforest and spotting orangutans.

That said,  and I actually recommend this, consider staying in Sepilok instead. It’s only 30 minutes from the airport, and it’s where you’ll find the famous Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sun Bear Sanctuary. There are some beautiful nature lodges in Sepilok that make the experience feel way more special. Definitely worth a couple of nights here to start your adventure.

Where to Stay in Sandakan Sabah
$ Sandakan Backpackers Hostel // $$ New YX Oasis Hotel // $$$ Sabah Hotel

Day 2: Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Day 2 starts bright and early and spoiler alert, it ended up being one of my favorite days of the whole trip. This is the day I visited the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, and if you’re coming to Borneo for wildlife, this is the real highlight.

Here’s exactly how I did it and honestly, I think it worked better than how most people approach it. I got there right at 9 AM when the gates open and bought my ticket. Before rushing into the sanctuary, I headed to the Visitor Information Centre first to learn more about the rehabilitation project. I highly recommend doing this, it gave me a much deeper appreciation for what I was about to see.

By around 9:30 AM, I made my way into the actual sanctuary and headed straight to the feeding platform to claim a front-row spot for the 10 AM feeding. Yes, it feels a little pushy to stand right at the front, but trust me, it fills up quickly and having a clear view is worth it.

After the main crowd left, I hung around a bit longer, and I’m so glad I did. More orangutans showed up late for the feeding, and by then, I was practically alone with them.

After that, I went to see the nursery, where you can watch the younger orangutans play and train behind the glass. Most people seem to go there first, then head to the feeding platform, but doing it in reverse really helped me avoid the biggest crowds.

Here’s the important bit:
The sanctuary is open 9 AM–12 PM and again from 2 PM–4 PM, with two feeding times (10 AM and 3 PM). I visited both sessions. In between, I grabbed lunch nearby and spent some time at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is literally next door and well worth a visit. These tiny bears are adorable and full of personality.

Where to Stay in Sepilok Borneo
$ Tanini Sepilok // $$ Sepilok Forest Edge Resort // $$$ Sepilok Nature Lodge

Day 3: Kinabatangan River Cruise – Explore the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

On Day 3, you’re heading into one of the best wildlife regions in all of Borneo, the Kinabatangan River (also called the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary). You’ll be spending the next two nights at a river lodge deep in the rainforest, which honestly felt like such a cool experience.

I recommend booking with Sukau Greenview B&B or Bilit Adventure Lodge, both are great value and well-reviewed. But there are quite a few more options along the river. Most of these lodges offer full-board stays with accommodation, transport, all your meals, and guided river cruises included in the package, so it makes everything super easy.

You’ll usually get picked up in Sepilok around midday, so in the morning, I suggest checking out the Rainforest Discovery Centre nearby. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and a surprisingly good place to spot birds and other wildlife (sometimes even orangutans).

Once you arrive at your lodge and get settled, you’ll have lunch, and later in the afternoon, you’ll head out on your first Kinabatangan River Cruise. You’ll hop in a small boat with a local guide and cruise up and down the river, scanning the treetops and muddy banks for wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and even crocodiles, a group often referred to as the Borneo Big 5.

Seeing these animals in the wild, surrounded by rainforest, felt absolutely surreal. This is the part of the trip where Borneo really starts to live up to the adventure.

Where to Stay Kinabatangan River
$ Sukau Village View Stay // $$ Bilit Adventure Lodge // $$$ Sukau Greenview

Day 4: Kinabatangan River – Orangutans in the Wild, Elephants, and Night Cruises

Day 4 is your full day on the river, and it’s a busy one but in the best way. You’re here to see wildlife, and that means putting in some effort. I got lucky and saw wild orangutans on my very first river cruise, but I also met travelers who did five or more and didn’t see them once. So yeah, the more cruises you do, the better your chances of spotting something incredible.

Here’s what a typical day looks like:

• 6–8 AM: Early morning river cruise before breakfast
  
• 10 AM: Jungle trek with a local guide (usually not too intense, just muddy)
  
• Afternoon: Another river cruise
  
• Evening: Optional night cruise to spot nocturnal wildlife
  

This is your best shot at seeing the Borneo Big 5, especially orangutans, pygmy elephants, and crocodiles. The jungle trek adds a different vibe too, and the night cruise was one of the most atmospheric parts of the trip for me. Total adventure mode.

Day 5: Last Kinabatangan River Cruise and Travel to Semporna

Day 5 of your 10 days in Borneo is half adventure, half travel. In the morning, you’ll have time for one last Kinabatangan River cruise. I did it and it was so worth it as we saw orangutans again, and it was honestly magical. But if you feel like you’ve already had your fill of wildlife, you can skip it.

After that, arrange a transfer with your river lodge to your next destination: Semporna (also known as the Maldives of Malaysia, apparently). This is the jumping-off point for snorkeling, diving, and exploring some truly stunning islands.

You’ll probably arrive in Semporna by late afternoon, so that’s pretty much it for the day, which is exactly why I recommend squeezing in that final morning cruise at the Kinabatangan River.

Day 6: Diving in Semporna – Snorkeling or Scuba in Borneo’s Coral Reefs

Day 6 is all about the ocean. Semporna is famous for its coral reefs, and whether you’re into scuba diving or just want to snorkel, this is the place to do it. The water is ridiculously clear, the marine life is just so beautiful, and some of the islands around here honestly look like postcards.

If you’re diving, most people aim for Sipadan, which is one of the top dive sites in the world. Just note you’ll need to get a permit in advance (dive shops can help with that). But if you don’t get one or you’re not certified, there are tons of other great spots nearby like Mabul and Kapalai. These are also amazing for snorkeling.

You’ll leave early in the morning on a boat with your dive/snorkel crew, spend the day out in the water, and be back by late afternoon. It’s a full day, and honestly, one of the best ways to experience another side of Borneo.

Where to Stay in Semporna
$$ The Firefly Resort // $$$ Sea Star Resort

Day 7: Semporna to Kota Kinabalu – Fly or Take the Bus

Alright, Day 7 is where you’ve got to make a choice: do you want to head back west and finish the trip in Kota Kinabalu to hike Mount Kinabalu or chill on the nearby islands? Or are you skipping the hike and want to spend your last few days somewhere else? If you’re not into hiking, I’ve added an alternative option below.

But if you are heading to Kota Kinabalu, this is your travel day and it’s a big one. You’ll need to get from Semporna (or nearby Tawau) to Kota Kinabalu. You can fly (Tawau to KK is about 1.5 hours and super easy), or you can take the bus, which takes about 11 hours. The bus is cheap, yes, but it’s also a long, bumpy ride and kind of a mission. If you’ve got the budget, I’d fly.

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

$ Faloe Hostel // $$ The Seraya Hotel // $$$ Hyatt Kinabalu

Day 8: Mount Kinabalu Hike – Day 1 of the Climb

If you’ve decided to hike Mount Kinabalu, this is when it starts. Most people stay the night before in Kinabalu Park or nearby, since the climb starts off early in the morning. You’ll check in at the park HQ, meet your guide (it’s mandatory), and start the first half of the trek. This part of the hike takes you through lush jungle and cloud forest, slowly gaining altitude until you reach the overnight rest stop, usually at Panalaban Base Camp, about 3,200 meters up.

The hike is tough but manageable if you’ve got a decent fitness level. It’s mostly stairs and steep paths, so pace yourself. Most people get to the base camp in the afternoon, have dinner, and try to get some sleep before the summit push in the early hours of the next day.

Day 9: Mount Kinabalu Hike – Reach the Summit and Descend

This is the big day. Summit hikes usually start around 2 a.m., so you’ll be hiking in the dark with a headlamp to catch the sunrise from the top. The final stretch is rocky, steep, and exposed, but people say it’s absolutely worth it once you reach the summit at 4,095 meters. The sunrise views from Low’s Peak over the clouds are what you came for.

After enjoying the view, you’ll make your way back down to base camp for a quick breakfast and then descend all the way back to the park entrance. It’s a long, hard day, your legs will definitely be sore but the sense of achievement makes it one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Day 10: Explore Kota Kinabalu and Fly Back to Kuala Lumpur

After the Mount Kinabalu hike, you’ll be absolutely shattered, so take it easy today. I’d recommend staying somewhere near the airport or along the waterfront in Kota Kinabalu. That part of town has some nice restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls, and it’s just generally a good area to hang out after all the hiking.

If you’ve still got some energy left (seriously, kudos if you do), you can check out the Kota Kinabalu Floating Mosque or take a little stroll by the ocean. Otherwise, just rest up, grab a good meal, and get ready to fly back to Kuala Lumpur or wherever you’re heading next.

Alternatives for a Borneo Itinerary 10 Days

Alright, like I mentioned earlier, if you’re not planning to hike Mount Kinabalu, then honestly, I don’t think Kota Kinabalu is really worth a visit at all. So if that’s the case, here are a few ways you could tweak your itinerary instead.

One fantastic option is to just spend an extra night (or two) along the Kinabatangan River. I only stayed for two nights, but loads of people go for three or more. You’ve got different river lodges to choose from in Sukau or Bilit, some are even deeper in the jungle, which is perfect if you’re really into wildlife and want to increase your chances of spotting orangutans, elephants, or even clouded leopards if you’re super lucky.

Another alternative is to head to a different conservation area. The Danum Valley Conservation Area is supposed to be absolutely incredible, but it’s definitely more of a splurge since you’ll be staying at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Or, if you’re after something a bit more off the grid, the Maliau Basin Conservation Area is another option for  wildlife and nature lovers.

And then there’s Semporna, I met quite a few travelers who ended up staying there way longer than planned. The scuba diving here is amazing, you can go island hopping and snorkeling. You could easily stretch your time there to three nights or more, especially if you treat yourself to one of the overwater bungalows.

FAQs About 10 Days in Borneo Travel Tips

Is there a 7 Day Borneo itinerary?

Yep, absolutely. But if you’ve only got a week, I recommend focusing on one major highlight. Personally, I’d choose Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River. That way, you still get to see orangutans and elephants in the wild without rushing all over the place.

What is the best Sabah itinerary?

Well, I think the one in this article is pretty good. It really depends on what you’re into, but for me, the focus would be on wildlife. Make sure you give yourself enough time in Sepilok and along the Kinabatangan River.

How should I spend one week in Borneo?

That depends on if you’re into hiking, go for Mount Kinabalu. If you’re a diver, head straight to Semporna. And if wildlife is your thing, go for Sepilok and Kinabatangan.

Is Borneo worth visiting?

100%. Borneo is wild, rugged, and honestly, one of the most unique places I’ve been to in Southeast Asia. Seeing orangutans in the wild was one of my all-time travel highlights.

Where’s the best place to see orangutans in Borneo?

The easiest place is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. But if you want to see them in the actual wild, your best shot is on a Kinabatangan River cruise.

Final Thoughts on 10 Days in Borneo ( Sabah Itinerary 10 Days )

I absolutely loved Borneo. I wouldn’t call myself a hardcore wildlife traveler, but when I get the chance to see animals in the wild, especially in a way that feels ethical and respectful, I’m all in. This Borneo itinerary packs in a lot, for sure, but I also think it’s totally doable if you’re up for an adventure.

You can definitely mix and match things depending on your style, and if you’ve got a couple extra days, even better. Give yourself 12 days if you want a little wiggle room. But even in 10, you can cover a lot of ground and still have an epic experience.

Hopefully this 10 Days in Borneo itinerary helped give you some inspiration for your own Borneo adventure.

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