Best time to visit 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.
18 THINGS TO DO IN BORNEO (MAY 31 - JUNE 09)
Canopy Walks in Borneo
See where birds fly and gibbons jump in Borneo
Watching Orangutans
Thumbs up for orangutans and their opposable thumbs
Birdwatching
Choose Malaysia if you want to see as many different kinds of birds as possible and meet colleagues from all over the world
Diving near Borneo Island
Dare to challenge a famous sea Drop Off
Pitcher Plant or Nepenthes
These plants eat insects and even small mammals
Swim with Stingless Jellyfish in Kakaban Lake
Change the way you perceive these soft and slippery jellyfish by joining their underwater dance
Longboat Ride and Longhouse Overnight
Spend a few nights with an indigenous community to learn the cultural roots of many cultures of Southeast Asia
Proboscis Monkeys
They may seem very cute because of their golden fur and tiny brown eyes, but their huge nose make them look rather weird
Pygmy Elephants
The world's smallest subspecies of elephants live in Malaysian Borneo
Bats of the Sarawak
If you are not scared of vampires, visit this four-million bat colony
Mountain Torq Via Ferrata
The world's highest via ferrata near the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo's highest peak
Banjarmasin Floating Markets
Start your morning with the freshest local fruits and vegetables for your healthy breakfast
Canopy Walks
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
Kuching Cat City
If you are a cat lover, visit this town occupied with cats while it enjoys a short break from rains
Vanilla Flowering Season
Everyone knows the sweet aroma of this flower and its beans!
Gawai Dayak (Hari Gawai)
A vibrant Dayak ethnic festival, marking the end of the harvest season in Sarawak, Malaysia and West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Gong Making in Sabah & Matunggong Gong Festival
Some tribes are distinct with dances, some with hunting, and the Rungus community has mastered its skills in making gongs
Black Orchids
Black orchids are a rare and fascinating flower not to be missed!
8 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Borneo International Kite Festival
out of rangeDragons, tigers, lizards, cats, and more! It gets very crowded up there, high in the sky
Harvest of Edible Swiftlet Nests
out of rangeHave you tried a soup made with birds? With eggs? What about soup from the whole bird nest?
Hiking in the Wild Forests of Kalimantan
out of rangeFar away from civilization, these wondering trails can take you into the middle of serenity in the Indonesian part of the Borneo Island
Sunrise on Mount Kinabalu
out of rangeYou 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!
Malay Martial Arts Silat
out of rangeAre they fighting or just dancing? It might be both, especially if they practice silat
Cap Go Meh (Tatung)
out of rangePeople dance, jump, sing, pierce their skin, and experience trance. You can join them or you can just stand aside and watch
Hot Springs Off Season
out of rangeHot springs in Borneo do not provide fancy accommodations, but their simplicity and untouched natural elements are inviting
Asam Embang (Mawang) or Jungle Mango
out of rangeThis huge type of mango can be tasted and enjoyed only in Borneo
