Borneo Adventures - From TV Screen to Once‑in‑a‑Lifetime Journey!
Based On My Own Adventures Across Sabah and Sarawak
With Race Across the World back on TV, there is a real buzz around big overland journeys and the kind of trips that feel like a true adventure rather than just a holiday. Watching the latest series, with its route from Borneo to Melbourne, instantly transported me back to my own travels and reminded me just how special Borneo is. In 1991, I spent part of a year‑long round‑the‑world backpacking trip travelling through Borneo. I explored Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan at a time when it all felt wonderfully wild and remote. There were fewer roads, basic infrastructure and that vivid sense of being a very long way from home. Looking back now, it was one of the most memorable chapters of the whole journey. I climbed Mount Kinabalu, journeyed upriver in a dug‑out canoe, stayed in an Iban longhouse and explored the vast cave systems at Mulu, including the mighty Deer Cave. Standing at the cave mouth at dusk, watching countless bats stream out in ribbons against the sky, is still one of the most powerful travel memories I have. Those experiences shaped how I see travel today - as something that can challenge, inspire and stay with you for life.
What I love is that Borneo still has that same spirit of adventure, but with many more ways to experience it. You can keep things as immersive and “back‑to‑basics” as you like or you can opt for a more comfortable journey with beautiful lodges, island resorts and expert guides. Borneo can be tailored to match exactly how you like to travel.
Highlights of Sabah
Sabah, in Malaysian Borneo, offers a brilliant mix of coastal life, mountains, wildlife and tropical islands. No two stops feel the same, which is part of its appeal.
Kota Kinabalu
Sabah’s laid‑back capital is a great place to start or finish a trip. It has a
relaxed coastal city vibe, with a busy harbourfront, colourful markets and wide‑open
views as the sun sets over the South China Sea. It is the ideal introduction
before heading deeper into the rainforest or up into the hills.
Mount Kinabalu
This iconic peak dominates the skyline and is one of Southeast Asia’s great
mountain experiences. Whether you choose to summit or simply explore the
walking trails in Kinabalu National Park, you can expect cooler mountain air,
lush highland scenery and spectacular views.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Sepilok is one of the best‑known places in the world to see orangutans in a
responsible, conservation‑focused way. Rescued and orphaned orangutans are
cared for here, with the aim of returning them to the wild. Watching them move
through the forest is unforgettable and often quite moving.
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Just next door, this impressive centre is dedicated to the world’s smallest
bear species. It offers a chance to see sun bears up close, learn why they are
under threat and understand the work that is being done to protect them.
Kinabatangan River
The Kinabatangan River is one of the wildlife highlights of Sabah. Staying in a
riverside lodge, you head out on early‑morning and late‑afternoon boat safaris,
gliding past dense jungle in search of proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles
and, with luck, pygmy elephants along the banks. The sounds of the rainforest
at dawn and dusk are magical.
Gaya Island
Just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island combines lush rainforest
hillsides with beautiful beaches and reef‑fringed bays. Stylish resorts tucked
among the trees or along the shore make it feel wonderfully secluded, yet it is
still easy to reach. It is a perfect place to relax, snorkel or simply enjoy
that “barefoot luxury” feeling at the end of an adventure.
Highlights of Sarawak
Sarawak has its own distinct character, with charming riverside cities, dramatic coastal parks and deep, ancient rainforest.
Kuching
Kuching is one of Southeast Asia’s most likeable small cities. It has a gentle
riverside promenade, heritage shophouses, temples, museums and excellent food
markets. The pace is relaxed and it makes a lovely base for exploring nearby
national parks and wildlife centres.
Bako National Park
Just outside Kuching, Bako packs a real punch for such a compact park. It
offers coastal hikes, jungle trails, dramatic rock formations and good chances
of seeing proboscis monkeys and other wildlife. It feels surprisingly wild for
somewhere so close to the city.
Mulu National Park & Deer Cave
Mulu is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its vast cave systems and dense
rainforest. Deer Cave is one of the largest cave passages in the world, and
walking through its immense chambers is an awe‑inspiring experience. In the
late afternoon, you can watch as huge numbers of bats pour out of the cave in
swirling formations across the sky.
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
This respected wildlife centre near Kuching focuses on the rehabilitation of
orangutans. Many now live semi‑wild in the surrounding forest reserve,
occasionally coming to feeding platforms. It is another fantastic opportunity
to see these incredible primates in a protected environment and to learn more
about conservation work in Sarawak.
Iban Longhouse Stays
Staying in or visiting an Iban longhouse offers a window into Sarawak’s
cultural heritage. You share space, food and stories with the community, and
gain a better understanding of traditions that have shaped life in the interior
for generations. It is a wonderfully human counterpoint to the wildlife and
landscapes.
Rainforest Trekking
Whether in national parks or more remote areas, trekking in Sarawak’s
rainforest is a chance to slow down and really absorb your surroundings. From
towering trees and tangled roots to the calls of birds and insects, it is an
immersive experience that reminds you just how ancient these forests are.
Borneo Your Way
One of the best things about planning Borneo today is the flexibility. You can still capture that feeling of real adventure, but you do not have to sacrifice comfort, safety or ease of travel unless you want to.
There is a wide choice of accommodation, from simple characterful lodges and homestays for a truly “in the thick of it” feel, to more luxurious eco‑lodges, boutique hotels and beautiful island resorts. You can have as much or as little structure as you like, with local guides on hand where they add value, and quiet free time where you want space.
From free‑spirited backpack‑style exploring to immersive small group adventures and fully bespoke itineraries, we can match Borneo to the way you actually like to travel. Whether you are an independent soul who loves flexibility, someone who prefers the social side and reassurance of a small group, or you want a carefully crafted door‑to‑door journey, Sabah and Sarawak can be shaped around you.
