Destination guideMalaysia
FROMLON
ABOUT 15 HRS ✈️
TOBKI

Holidays in Borneo

Orangutans, pygmy elephants and rainforest river cruises, with islands to finish. Here's what Borneo is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🥾 Nature & hiking, 🧗 Adventure, 🏖️ Beach
NIGHTS AWAY10 to 14
BUDGET££
BEST MONTHSMar–Aug
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Borneo at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 15 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
7 TO 8 HRS AHEAD OF THE UK
CURRENCY
MALAYSIAN RINGGIT (RM)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR UK PASSPORTS
PLUGS
TYPE G · SAME AS THE UK

Fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online before you land. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANRainy, quieter
  2. FEBShowers, a good time to go
  3. MARDrier, best time to go
  4. APRDrier, best time to go
  5. MAYDrier, best time to go
  6. JUNDrier, best time to go
  7. JULDrier, best time to go
  8. AUGDrier, busy, best time to go
  9. SEPShowers, a good time to go
  10. OCTShowers, a good time to go
  11. NOVRainy, quieter
  12. DECRainy, quieter

March to September is drier and best for wildlife, river trips and the islands. November to January is the wettest time, though rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts. It's hot and humid all year.

Things to do with the family

TICKETED

Sepilok Orangutan Centre

Watch rescued orangutans at feeding time, next to a sun bear sanctuary.

TICKETED

Kinabatangan River

Boat trips to see proboscis monkeys, hornbills and maybe pygmy elephants.

TICKETED

Kinabalu Park

Cool mountain trails, giant pitcher plants and a canopy walk below Mount Kinabalu.

TICKETED

Tunku Abdul Rahman islands

A short boat from Kota Kinabalu to snorkelling beaches.

TICKETED

Danum Valley

Deep rainforest lodges with night walks and a treetop walkway.

FREE

Kota Kinabalu night market

Grilled fish, satay and tropical fruit by the waterfront.

Borneo: common questions

Is Borneo good for a family holiday?

Yes, for families who want real jungle wildlife. Malaysian Borneo is easy to get around, English is widely spoken, and the lodges welcome children.

How many nights do you need?

Ten to fourteen nights covers Sepilok, the Kinabatangan River and a few beach days.

Do UK families need a visa?

No, British passport holders can visit Malaysia for a holiday without a visa, but must fill in the digital arrival card. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.

How do you get there?

Fly via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, the main gateway for wildlife.

If you like Borneo

Can't agree where to go next?

Put Borneo on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.

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