10 Best Things to Do in Borneo

Looking for what to do in Borneo? The world’s third-largest island is shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, and is synonymous with dense rainforest, rare wildlife, coral-fringed islands and mountain peaks. Whether you base yourself in Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), Indonesian Kalimantan or tiny Brunei, the island offers some of Southeast Asia’s most memorable nature experiences.

From spotting orangutans and proboscis monkeys in the wild to diving on world-class reefs, exploring caves, staying in longhouses and cruising jungle rivers at dusk, Borneo is all about getting close to nature. Here are the 10 best things to do in Borneo to help you plan your trip across the island.

1. See Orangutans in Their Forest Home

Borneo is one of the last places on earth where wild orangutans still live in significant numbers. In Malaysian Sabah, rehabilitation centres like Sepilok near Sandakan care for rescued orangutans and prepare them for life back in the forest, with viewing platforms where visitors can quietly observe feeding sessions and treetop behavior.

For a wilder experience, guided treks and boat trips in national parks and forest reserves across Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan offer the chance—though never a guarantee—to see orangutans in the canopy. Visiting responsibly run sanctuaries and tours supports conservation work that helps protect these endangered great apes and their habitat.

2. Cruise the Kinabatangan and Other Jungle Rivers

River safaris are one of the best ways to see Borneo’s wildlife. On the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, lodges along the banks organize early-morning and late-afternoon boat trips to look for proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, crocodiles and, with luck, pygmy elephants and orangutans.

Similar experiences can be found along other rivers in Sarawak and Kalimantan, where quiet, narrow channels lead deep into mangroves and flooded forests. Watching the forest wake up at sunrise or listening to insects and frogs as the light fades gives you a powerful sense of the island’s biodiversity.

3. Trek in Primary Rainforest and Stay at Research or Eco Lodges

Borneo’s remaining tracts of primary rainforest are some of the most species-rich ecosystems on the planet. Guided hikes in reserves and parks such as Danum Valley, Maliau Basin, Gunung Mulu and remote areas of Kalimantan take you beneath towering dipterocarp trees, past lianas, fungi and countless insects.

Staying at research centers or eco lodges allows you to join night walks, canopy platforms and specialist tours focusing on birds, amphibians or plants. The experience is about immersion rather than ticking off big animals—listening to forest sounds, walking under giant trees and seeing how complex the jungle really is.

4. Climb or Hike Around Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu, in Sabah, is Borneo’s most famous peak and one of Southeast Asia’s highest mountains. Trekkers with good fitness can climb to its granite summit on a guided, usually two-day trip that includes a steep ascent through forest and alpine vegetation to a sunrise viewpoint above the clouds.

Permits and accommodation on the mountain must be booked in advance, and conditions can be challenging with altitude, cold and early starts. If you’re not climbing, the surrounding Kinabalu Park offers lower-level trails, gardens and viewpoints that showcase the region’s rich plant life, including orchids, pitcher plants and mossy forest.

5. Dive and Snorkel Borneo’s Coral Reefs

Off Borneo’s coasts lie some of the best dive sites in the world. In Sabah, islands such as Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai offer encounters with sea turtles, reef sharks, schools of barracuda and vibrant coral walls, with strict conservation measures helping to protect the underwater environment.

Elsewhere off Sabah and Sarawak, marine parks and island groups provide snorkeling and diving over coral reefs with plenty of fish life and good visibility. In Indonesian Kalimantan, less-visited islands and coastal areas also offer reef exploration for those willing to travel further off the beaten path.

6. Explore Caves and Karst Landscapes

Borneo’s interior hides vast cave systems carved into limestone hills. Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak is particularly famous, with enormous chambers like Sarawak Chamber, Deer Cave and Clearwater Cave, as well as sharp limestone pinnacles rising out of the forest.

Boardwalks and guided tours take visitors into selected caves to see stalactites, stalagmites and bat colonies, including evening exoduses of bats streaming out into the forest skies. Other caves across Sarawak, Sabah and Kalimantan offer smaller-scale but still impressive subterranean adventures.

7. Visit Longhouses and Learn About Indigenous Cultures

Indigenous communities across Borneo, including Iban, Bidayuh and various Dayak groups, traditionally lived in longhouses: extended, shared wooden structures raised on stilts along rivers. Today, some communities still maintain longhouses and welcome visitors for homestays or day visits.

Staying in or visiting a longhouse in Sarawak or Kalimantan gives you a chance to learn about traditional crafts, rice cultivation, rituals and communal living. As with all cultural visits, it’s important to go with reputable operators who have strong relationships with the communities and ensure that tourism benefits local people.

8. Explore Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Other Gateway Cities

Borneo’s main cities act as entry points and bases for exploring the island. Kota Kinabalu (KK) in Sabah combines a waterfront, markets and nearby islands with easy access to mountain and rainforest trips. Kuching, in Sarawak, has a laid-back riverside, historic shophouses and museums that make it one of the region’s most charming small cities.

In Indonesian Kalimantan, cities such as Balikpapan, Samarinda and Pontianak offer glimpses of everyday Indonesian Borneo life and connect you to inland rivers and forest regions. Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, adds another perspective, with its mosques, stilt villages and quiet streets along the river.

9. Relax on Islands and Beaches Around Borneo

Beyond its interior forests, Borneo has plenty of spots for simple beach time. In Sabah, islands off Kota Kinabalu and the east coast offer sandy beaches, clear water and snorkeling close to shore, while Sarawak’s coastal parks mix beaches with forest trails.

On the Indonesian side, parts of the coastline and nearby islands provide quieter, less developed beaches where fishing villages and simple guesthouses sit beside palm-lined shores. Balancing days of trekking and wildlife watching with time on the sand helps you experience both the active and relaxed sides of the island.

10. Support Conservation, Community Tourism and Local Food

Borneo’s forests and wildlife face ongoing pressure from logging, palm oil plantations and development, so choosing responsible experiences matters. Look for tours, lodges and operators that support conservation projects, employ local guides fairly and minimize their footprint in sensitive areas.

Along the way, seek out local food, from rice dishes and jungle vegetables to fresh river fish, noodles and snacks sold in markets and small eateries. Eating in locally owned places and buying crafts directly from artisans helps ensure your visit contributes to the communities that are most invested in protecting Borneo’s natural and cultural heritage.