Best time to visit Borneo

+74
Borneo

Best time of year to visit Borneo

The hot and humid period from March through October is the best time to visit Borneo. This is when the canopy walks are at its finest and Kakabah lake, full of stingless jellyfishes, is ready to let you in.

The island’s peak season lasts from May through September, so it is better to book in advance to find decent accommodation. The temperatures rise even higher in the run-up to the wet season, which takes place between November and February. As the weather is vagarious all year round, with December and January being the wettest, the rain is not an obstacle for exploring Borneo. The island’s attractions are less crowded during this time. The nature is vibrant and the prices for rooms and flights are more than affordable. Moreover, this is when you can take in the vibe of Cap Go Meh or Gawai Dayak.

20 THINGS TO DO IN BORNEO (JUNIO 30 - JULIO 09)

Canopy Walks in Borneo

Canopy Walks in Borneo

April–June • activity

See where birds fly and gibbons jump in Borneo

Watching Orangutans

Watching Orangutans

May–October • nature

Thumbs up for orangutans and their opposable thumbs

Harvest of Edible Swiftlet Nests

Harvest of Edible Swiftlet Nests

February–April | July–September • food

Have you tried a soup made with birds? With eggs? What about soup from the whole bird nest?

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

March–June | September–November • activity

Choose Malaysia if you want to see as many different kinds of birds as possible and meet colleagues from all over the world

Swim with Stingless Jellyfish in Kakaban Lake

Swim with Stingless Jellyfish in Kakaban Lake

March–October • nature

Change the way you perceive these soft and slippery jellyfish by joining their underwater dance

Diving near Borneo Island

Diving near Borneo Island

April–October • activity

Dare to challenge a famous sea Drop Off

Longboat Ride and Longhouse Overnight

Longboat Ride and Longhouse Overnight

May–August • activity

Spend a few nights with an indigenous community to learn the cultural roots of many cultures of Southeast Asia

Pitcher Plant or Nepenthes

Pitcher Plant or Nepenthes

March–October • nature

These plants eat insects and even small mammals

Hiking in the Wild Forests of Kalimantan

Hiking in the Wild Forests of Kalimantan

July–September | November–December • activity

Far away from civilization, these wondering trails can take you into the middle of serenity in the Indonesian part of the Borneo Island

Proboscis Monkeys

Proboscis Monkeys

all year round • nature

They may seem very cute because of their golden fur and tiny brown eyes, but their huge nose make them look rather weird

Banjarmasin Floating Markets

Banjarmasin Floating Markets

all year round • activity

Start your morning with the freshest local fruits and vegetables for your healthy breakfast

Pygmy Elephants

Pygmy Elephants

June–September • nature

The world's smallest subspecies of elephants live in Malaysian Borneo

Bats of the Sarawak

Bats of the Sarawak

March–September • nature

If you are not scared of vampires, visit this four-million bat colony

Mountain Torq Via Ferrata

Mountain Torq Via Ferrata

March–July  • activity

The world's highest via ferrata near the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo's highest peak

Canopy Walks

Canopy Walks

May–September • activity

There are two perspectives from which you can look at trees—from the ground and from above. It is up to you to choose which you like more

Malay Martial Arts Silat

Malay Martial Arts Silat

July | September • event

Are they fighting or just dancing? It might be both, especially if they practice silat

Kuching Cat City

Kuching Cat City

April–September • activity

If you are a cat lover, visit this town occupied with cats while it enjoys a short break from rains

Gong Making in Sabah & Matunggong Gong Festival

Gong Making in Sabah & Matunggong Gong Festival

all year round (gongs) | October (festival) • event

Some tribes are distinct with dances, some with hunting, and the Rungus community has mastered its skills in making gongs

Black Orchids

Black Orchids

March–August • nature

Black orchids are a rare and fascinating flower not to be missed!

Asam Embang (Mawang) or Jungle Mango

Asam Embang (Mawang) or Jungle Mango

January–February | July–August • food

This huge type of mango can be tasted and enjoyed only in Borneo

6 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Borneo International Kite Festival

Borneo International Kite Festival

out of rangeSeptember 28–October 2 • event

Dragons, tigers, lizards, cats, and more! It gets very crowded up there, high in the sky

Sunrise on Mount Kinabalu

Sunrise on Mount Kinabalu

out of rangeFebruary–April • nature

You can start your lazy morning in bed with a cup of coffee, or enjoy your hot drink from a thermos on top of a mountain!

Gawai Dayak (Hari Gawai)

Gawai Dayak (Hari Gawai)

out of rangeearly June • event

A vibrant Dayak ethnic festival, marking the end of the harvest season in Sarawak, Malaysia and West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Cap Go Meh (Tatung)

Cap Go Meh (Tatung)

out of rangeFebruary 12, 2025 • event

People dance, jump, sing, pierce their skin, and experience trance. You can join them or you can just stand aside and watch

Vanilla Flowering Season

Vanilla Flowering Season

out of rangeApril–May • nature

Everyone knows the sweet aroma of this flower and its beans!

Hot Springs Off Season

Hot Springs Off Season

out of rangeOctober–April  • activity

Hot springs in Borneo do not provide fancy accommodations, but their simplicity and untouched natural elements are inviting

Last updated: