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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.

25 things to do in Borneo

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?

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

Sunrise on Mount Kinabalu

February–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!

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

Black Orchids

March–August Nature

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

Malay Martial Arts Silat

July | September Event

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

Hot Springs Off Season

October–April Activity

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

Asam Embang (Mawang) or Jungle Mango

January–February | July–August Food

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

Watching Orangutans

May–October Nature

Thumbs up for orangutans and their opposable thumbs

Pitcher Plant or Nepenthes

March–October Nature

These plants eat insects and even small mammals

Banjarmasin Floating Markets

all year round Activity

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

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

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

Cap Go Meh (Tatung)

February 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

Canopy Walks in Borneo

April–June Activity

See where birds fly and gibbons jump in Borneo

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

Vanilla Flowering Season

April–May Nature

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

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

Diving near Borneo Island

April–October Activity

Dare to challenge a famous sea Drop Off

Pygmy Elephants

June–September Nature

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

Bats of the Sarawak

March–September Nature

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

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

Borneo International Kite Festival

September 25–29, 2024 Event

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

Mountain Torq Via Ferrata

March–July Activity

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

Gawai Dayak (Hari Gawai)

early June Event

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

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