The 9 Best Things to Do in Borneo Malaysia 2025

Last Updated on June 15, 2025 by Oliver

Like I’ve mentioned in a few of my other Borneo guides already, this island is packed with things to do. And honestly, that’s the reason most people come here. Borneo is not the place for all-inclusive beach lounging. It’s for exploring, spotting wildlife, climbing mountains, and getting properly into nature.

What I loved most was the variety. One day we were up in the cool highlands around Mount Kinabalu, and the next we were deep in the rainforest on a river safari. And then there’s the diving, which is honestly some of the best I’ve seen in Southeast Asia.

I just got back from Borneo a couple of weeks ago and the trip is still sitting with me in the best way. So to give you a better idea of what Borneo actually has to offer, here’s my list of the best things to do in Borneo, based on what I personally did, what I’d recommend, and what I think is worth your time.

Things to Do in Borneo Island – My Experience

I had such a great time in Borneo that I probably needed another vacation right after, just to recover. It’s not really the kind of place you go to lie by the pool. It’s packed with things to do, and I came mostly for the wildlife, which meant I spent a lot of time in East Sabah around Sandakan. That’s where you’ll find the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan River.

Naturally, I did both. I saw my first orangutans at Sepilok, which was already amazing and then I spotted proper wild ones on the Kinabatangan river cruise, which was even better.

I also went diving in Semporna, which honestly blew me away. I didn’t bring my underwater camera (still mad about that) but it was easily some of the best diving I’ve ever done.

I didn’t hike Mount Kinabalu. It’s a serious climb and a pretty expensive one too, so I gave it a miss. But I did try my luck with spotting Borneo’s Big 5. I managed three out of five, orangutan, proboscis monkey, and hornbill. No sign of the pygmy elephants or crocodiles this time, but maybe next round.

9 Amazing Things to Do in Borneo Malaysia

Just a heads-up, I haven’t done every single one of these myself. Some things, like the Mount Kinabalu hike, were just out of budget or not really my thing this time around but I still wanted to include them because I know a lot of people would love those experiences. So here’s a mix of things I personally did and things that are absolutely worth considering. Hopefully it helps you figure out what’s worth your time (and what you can skip).

1. Visit Orangutans in Sepilok

This is definitely one of the best Borneo things to do with family

Visiting the orangutans in Sepilok was without a doubt one of my highlights. I’m sure I saw one in a zoo as a kid, but seeing them out here, semi-wild and part of a proper rehabilitation program, was something else entirely.

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre does incredible work helping orphaned orangutans learn how to survive in the wild so they can eventually be released back into the rainforest. It’s not a zoo, it’s a proper sanctuary with a real mission, and you’ll get that immediately when you visit.

There are two main areas to check out: the nursery, where we watched young orangutans swinging around like little weirdos on a jungle gym (honestly hilarious), and the feeding platform, where some of the bigger ones come in for food at 10am and 3pm. We saw a couple of mothers with babies, which was really special.

Definitely take the time to check out the visitor center too and watch the short film. It’s worth understanding what this place is really about before just snapping your pics and heading out.

2. Spot Pygmy Elephants and Orangutans on a Kinabatangan River Cruise

This was hands down my number one highlight in Borneo and one of the coolest things I’ve done anywhere. I spent three days in the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary trying to spot Borneo’s so-called Big 5.

The Kinabatangan river cruise had been on my list for a while, and I was so glad I finally did it. It’s about two hours from Sepilok, deeper into the rainforest. From there, we set out on several small boat trips along the Kinabatangan River, slowly cruising up and down, scanning the treetops and muddy banks for signs of life.

We managed to spot three out of the big five Borneo: wild orangutans (massive win), proboscis monkeys, and rhinoceros hornbills. No sign of crocs or pygmy elephants, but we did see loads of macaques and all sorts of birds.

If you’re into wildlife, this is the thing to do in Borneo. Can’t recommend it enough.

Book Here: Sukau Greenview B&B for a Kinabatangan River Cruise

3. Climb Mount Kinabalu ( Unesco World Heritage Site)

I’ll be honest, I didn’t do this one myself. But it’s one of the most talked-about things to do in Borneo, so of course it deserves a spot on this list.

I didn’t quite realize how big of a deal climbing Mount Kinabalu was until I got there. At over 4,000 meters, it’s one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia, and the hike is no walk in the park. It’s a proper two-day trek and definitely a bucket list item for a lot of people.

The reason I skipped it is mostly the price. It costs around $700 USD to do the climb, which felt steep to me at the time, especially considering it’s not about difficulty, it’s more about the limited number of permits available each day.

Still, if you’re into hiking and don’t mind the cost, this is a pretty epic experience.

Book Here: Mount Kinabalu Hike

4. Scuba Diving Around Mabul and Sipadan

I did some scuba diving around Mabul and absolutely loved it. The diving scene here is super relaxed, the water is clear, and there’s so much marine life going on. I didn’t dive Sipadan itself (you need a separate permit), but even without it, the dives around Mabul were incredible. Coral walls, turtles, schools of fish—it’s all there. If you’re into diving, this should be high on your list.

5. Explore Danum Valley

To be honest, I didn’t make it to Danum Valley. From what I looked into, it’s not the easiest or cheapest place to get to. You need to stay at one of the expensive eco-lodges that organize everything for you. That said, everyone I met who did go said it was absolutely incredible for wildlife. So if budget’s not an issue and you want a proper deep jungle experience, it might be worth the splurge.

6. Island Hopping from Kota Kinabalu

I did this on a chill day while staying in KK and it was such an easy and fun way to see a different side of Borneo. You hop between a few little islands off the coast, places like Sapi or Manukan. Clear water, short boat rides, little hikes, some snorkeling, and loads of monitor lizards just casually wandering around. It’s nothing life-changing, but definitely a nice break from the jungle stuff.

7. Trekking and Caves in Gunung Mulu National Park

I didn’t get around to this one, but it’s definitely one of Borneo’s biggest adventure spots. Massive caves, hanging bridges, canopy walks, and rainforest hikes, it’s kind of a playground for nature lovers. The only thing is that you’ll need to fly in (usually from Miri or Kota Kinabalu), so it takes a bit more planning. But from everything I’ve heard, if you’re into caves and don’t mind a bit of trekking, it’s a top-tier experience.

8. Jungle and Culture in the Santubong Peninsula

This is a great area to mix some more relaxing jungle time with Sarawak’s cultural side. You can hike through rainforest trails, visit little fishing villages, and check out the Sarawak Cultural Village which gives you a peek into the different Indigenous groups from the region. I didn’t spend much time here, but if you’re staying around Kuching, it’s one of the easiest places to get that rainforest feel without going full expedition mode.

9. Spot Wildlife in Bako National Park

Bako is one of the best places in Borneo to spot wildlife without needing a week-long jungle trek. It’s super close to Kuching and packed with proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, and those creepy carnivorous plants you only ever see in documentaries. It’s doable as a day trip, but if you can stay overnight, you’ll get better wildlife sightings and those cool misty jungle mornings. Real rainforest on a budget, can’t go wrong.

10. Stay in a Jungle Lodge

Staying in a proper jungle lodge is just cool, no other way to put it. It’s often a bit of a splurge, but honestly one that feels totally worth it. Most of the time, staying in one of these lodges goes hand in hand with a wildlife experience, like a Kinabatangan River cruise or a trip to Sepilok or Danum Valley.

We stayed in a more budget-friendly place at the time, but I definitely had a bit of lodge envy. Some of the river lodges in Kinabatangan looked amazing with wooden cabins right on the river, big verandas, little piers where the boats pull in… basically the rainforest getaway of your dreams.

Next time I’d probably treat myself. I’ll link you a few great options down below so you can check them out.

Book Here: Sepilok Nature Lodge

11. Explore the City of Kuching

Kuching was such a nice surprise. It’s feels super relaxed but still interesting which is perfect if you need a break from jungle boots and mosquito repellent. 

There’s a pretty waterfront to stroll along, heaps of good food (especially if you’re into laksa), and a bunch of museums if you want to learn more about Sarawak and its history. It’s not packed with must-see attractions, but I really liked the vibe here.

12. Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village

This one’s near Kota Kinabalu and it’s a bit of a touristy setup, but still worth doing if you want a quick and easy way to learn about Sabah’s different Indigenous cultures. You walk through traditional houses, see how people used to live, and they do some demos like fire-starting and blowpipe shooting. It’s all very staged, but fun and pretty educational, especially if you’re not venturing too deep into rural areas.

Where to Stay in Borneo

I’m guessing most of you will be moving around quite a bit because that’s really the only way to see Borneo properly. But if I had to pick a few must-stay spots, I’d go with Sepilok for the orangutan sanctuary, the Kinabatangan River for the wildlife cruises, Semporna for the islands, and then somewhere a bit nicer around Kota Kinabalu to wrap things up in style. 

Here’s where I’d stay:

Sepilok Nature Lodge – Sepilok

This place is just a short walk from the orangutan sanctuary, and it really does feel like you’re in the jungle. Beautiful wooden cabins, a peaceful river setting, and way more charm than you’d expect this close to town. It’s the best option around Sepilok by far.

Book Here: Sepilok Nature Lodge

Sukau Greenview B&B – Kinabatangan River

If you’re doing the Kinabatangan River cruise (which you should), this is a great choice. They sort everything out for you, transfers, meals, wildlife cruises and your accommodation. It’s a cute little jungle lodge and it runs like clockwork and gets you right where you need to be for spotting orangutans and other wildlife.

Book Here: Sukau Greenview B&B

Mulu Marriott Resort – Gunung Mulu National Park

This is for sure one of the best-value jungle lodges I came across. You’re in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by rainforest, but you’re also at a Marriott. Bit weird, but in a good way. I’d definitely stay here again for a treat-yourself couple of nights.

Book Here: Mulu Marriott Resort

Gaya Island Resort – Near Kota Kinabalu

If you’ve had enough of bug spray and jungle boots, this is where you check in. Gaya Island Resort is a proper luxury beach resort just off the coast from Kota Kinabalu. Great pools, beautiful beach, and it’s the perfect way to hang out and be lazy after 10 days of trekking through the wild.

Book Here: Gaya Island Resort

Best Time to Visit Borneo

The best time to visit Borneo is during the dry season, which runs roughly from May to October. That’s when you’ll have the best shot at clear skies, which matters more than you’d think, since basically everything you’ll be doing in Borneo is outdoors. And it’s not just about you getting rained on… the orangutans hate it even more. When it’s pouring, they’ll be hiding out, so your chances of spotting wildlife drop pretty quickly.

Places like the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan River can get busy in June, July, and August, especially during European school holidays. Not a huge issue, just don’t leave bookings to the last minute, accommodation and tours can fill up fast.

FAQs ABout Things to Do in Borneo Sabah

What is there to do in Borneo?

Borneo is packed with activities, most of them outdoors. You’ve got jungle treks, river cruises, scuba diving, mountain hikes, wildlife spotting, and some cultural experiences too. It’s not the kind of place where you sit by a pool all day, unless it’s at the end of the trip to recover.

Is Borneo worth visiting?

Absolutely, if you’re into nature and wildlife. It’s one of the best places in the world to see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and maybe even pygmy elephants if you’re lucky. 

Where to see orangutans in Borneo?

Your best bet is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre near Sandakan for a guaranteed sighting. If you want to see them properly in the wild, head to the Kinabatangan River. I saw them in both spots and it was easily one of the highlights of my trip.

Is Borneo dangerous?

No, not really. It’s pretty safe for travelers. As always, use common sense, don’t wander into the jungle alone, and keep an eye on your stuff in cities. The most dangerous thing you’ll likely encounter is a macaque trying to steal your snacks.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Borneo

I’ve said it in just about every other Borneo article already, but I’ll say it again, I loved it. Borneo is such a unique destination, especially when it comes to wildlife. Honestly, even if the rest of my trip had been a disaster (which it wasn’t), just seeing orangutans swinging through the actual rainforest would’ve made up for everything.

I didn’t do every single thing on this list, and neither will you, and that’s totally fine. If you’re really just in it for the wildlife, focus your time on East Borneo. Plenty of people go straight to the Kinabatangan River and stay there for a week because they’re all about the animals, and I get it. So just do what interests you most and use this little guide as inspiration for your own Borneo trip.