10 Must Visit Places in Borneo That Will Leave You Awestruck

One of the unique places on the Earth where you can find the air filled with a vibe of adventure. The rich-green rainforests protect the unique species of flora and fauna waiting to be explored. Being the third-largest island in the world, the beautiful surroundings of the island build a virtual paradise for the travellers who love adventure and nature. Below are the 10 must-visit places in Borneo in 2024 which will leave you awestruck!

So if you are tired of the cliched mountains and beaches, then Borneo Island might be the next adventurous getaway to discover the rare wildlife, unique Borneo Island beaches, and a gorgeous floating mosque. Hence, get scrolling down this helpful guide on Borneo Island, and witness a completely different side of this Malaysian heaven.

Orangutan, Borneo — **Credits – Unsplash**

Facts about Borneo

Third-largest in the world which is divided into four administrative regions namely – Kalimantan, Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei
Spread across an area of approximately 2,87,000 square miles
This tropical island has only wet and dry climate throughout the year majorly
The island houses around 200 ethnic groups which are also called Dayaks

10 must-visit places in Borneo in 2024

Here are 10 must-visit places in Borneo to experience with your loved ones.

Mount Kinabalu
Danum Valley
Kinabatangan River
Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu
Pulau Tiga
Sepilok’s Baby Orangutans
Kota Kinabalu
Sipidan Island
Bohey Dulang
Gunung Mulu

1. Mount Kinabalu

Topping the list of 10 must-visit places in Borneo in 2024 is Mount Kinabalu. Mount Kinabalu is the highest point between New Guinea and the Himalayas. At 4,095 meters (13,435 feet), the granite giant bosses Sabah’s skyline. Scaling this mountain usually highlights on travel itineraries to Malaysian Borneo. Hikers complete a two-day journey to the summit and stay overnight in a mountainside hostel. Next morning, hikers wake at 2 am and climb to the top for the excellent sunrise views. Moreover, Only a restricted number of travellers can hike each day and places usually fill up months in advance. Mount Kinabalu also offers more than just the hurdle and magnificent views.

2. Danum Valley

The name Borneo evokes images of rainforests, wildlife and biodiversity. Nothing meets these expectations more than Danum Valley in the eastern part of Sabah. The 130-million-year-old wilderness has changed little in its long lifetime. Flourishing environments provide environments for almost half the world’s animals and plants. It also houses orangutans, pygmy elephants and meat-eating pitcher plants. This valley is two hours drive along logging roads from the nearest town. For this purpose, the centre combines a cutting-edge analysis facility with an ecotourism destination. Danum Valley holds the second spot in 10 must-visit places in Borneo in 2021.

3. Kinabatangan River

Capturing the third spot in 10 must-visit places in Borneo in 2024 is “The Kinabatangan River” which winds 560 kilometres (348 miles) through the jungle in eastern Sabah. Millions of animals and plants exist in the verdant landscapes surrounding the muddy flow of water. Small communities of endemic probosci’s monkeys also live in certain channels. Surveys suggest, only 7,000 of the pot-bellied and long-nosed primates remain on the planet. On the other hand, One can reach the Kinabatangan River from Sandakan and do not forget to spend the night in the riverside bungalows.

4. Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital, shares its coastline with five tropical islands. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a popular day trip. Hundreds of daily tourists travel to Manukan for its beaches and crystal clear water. More adventurous people travel to Gaya, the marine park’s largest island. You can explore a floating village, hike along trails and also climb hills for picturesque views of the mini-archipelago. Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug offer deserted beaches, clear water for snorkelling and fewer people. Frequent ferries leave Kota Kinabalu’s Jesselton Point to each island. You can also go island-hopping and visit all five in a single day.

5. Pulau Tiga

Sabah’s Pulau Tiga means Three Islands, hosted Season One of reality TV show Survivor. People inclined on the day-trips visit from nearby Kota Kinabalu. You can also explore the beaches featured on Survivor and discover rare mud volcanoes. Almost every tourist leaves in the late afternoon leaving only a handful of people on the island. Therefore, this is the time when the real magic begins. You really feel like you are on a deserted island. Spend the night in the ultra-luxurious Pulau Tiga Resort in particular.

6. Sepilok’s Baby Orangutans

Sabah’s profitable timber industry leads to widespread deforestation. Orangutans tend to lose their habitats. Malicious business partners view these critically endangered orangutans as pests and actively hunt them. This leaves the young and helpless without their parents or the skills to survive alone. Sepilok rehabilitation centre embraces and cares for orphaned orangutans. Approximately 80 live inside the semi-wild park. You can visit during feeding time (10 am and 3 pm) and watch the little orange-haired monkeys swing in the branches.

7. Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu rests on the South China Sea in west Sabah. This place provides convenient access to Mount Kinabalu, tropical islands and Sabah’s highlands. The city itself is small compared to Kuala Lumpur. Nature encircles the open spaces a few minutes from the city centre. Likas Bay’s Floating Mosque is the capital’s most grand attraction. An artificial lagoon surrounds the blue and white building giving the image that it’s floating. Tanjung Aru, the city’s best beach, is a top spot to watch the famous Bornean sunset. You can also head to Gaya Street for food and entertainment. No wonder this city has made to the list of 10 must-visit places in Borneo in 2024.

Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu — **Credits – Unsplash**

8. Sipidan Island

Diving fanatics around the world know about Sabah’s Sipidan Island. The limestone pinnacle off the eastern coast stands as one of the planet’s best places for diving. PADI-certified scubas immerse into a marine world unlike any other in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, Sprawling coral reefs flourish in the unpolluted and undisturbed waters. You can take the ferry (one hour) from Semporna in East Sabah to Sipadan Island.

9. Bohey Dulang

Bohey Dulang is among the most magnificent parts of Borneo. An old volcanic eruption formed the mountainous island in east Sabah’s the Celebes Sea. This formed the magnificent lagoon known as Bohey Dulang. You can cross the small channel separating the lagoon from Bodgaya Island and follow the trails to the peak at 353 meters (1,158) feet. You can also marvel at the sapphire-blue lagoon below. Furthermore, other paths lead to natural pools, waterfalls and pristine stretches of coastline. Bajau Laut often called the Sea Nomads, live in the nearby stilted village.

10. Gunung Mulu

The last place which makes it to the 10 must-visit places in Borneo in 2024 is Gunung Mulu. Gunung Mulu (Mount Mulu) has Sarawak’s most amazing landscapes. Ragged limestone pinnacles point skywards next to towering mountains. Eerie trees tangle and twist to guard entrances into deep caves. Gunung Mulu National Park also meets all the criteria for adventurous travellers. Jungle paths lead towards the mountaintops. You can also follow the paths through the never-ending cave systems. Photographers delight in the contrasts. Inside the caves, Sarawak Chamber is the largest known cavity in the world.

Excited after reading through the 10 must-visit places in Borneo in 2024? So if exploring the rainforests and spending a vacation amidst the glories of nature is in your travel bucket list, then pack your bags and book the best Malaysia holiday package from Pickyourtrail and do not forget to spend few days at this Malay Archipelago! Leave a Whatsapp inquiry for more options!