Hot Springs Off Season in Borneo 2024-2025
Hot springs in Borneo do not provide fancy accommodations, but their simplicity and untouched natural elements are inviting
Best time: October–April
Soaking your tired back and legs in warm bubbling water among Borneo's natural beauty is very often what many travellers really need. So, when visiting Borneo, do not sidestep its hot springs which still haven't gone through extreme modernization.
There are three places which are well worth the visit. The most well-known by tourists and locals is Poring Hot Spring located in Kota Kinabalu Park. It's hard to resist it after a day of walking around the huge park or even after climbing the summit of the Mount Kinabalu. Its water has a high level of sulphuric minerals and is believed to have healing powers. That is why this is the most crowded among the hot springs here.
The area of Kuching city has two spots with hot springs. One is near the village of Annah Rais. This location remains mostly untouched with only slight decoration from stones. The water can be super hot, so you might find yourself moving back and forth between the river to balance your temperature. There are even little fish that provide your feet with a gentle cleaning in the river.
Another spot was just recently opened and is called Kampung Panchor Hot Spring. This place is managed by a local village, and due to its good conditions, it welcomes more and more tourists every month.
It is, of course, hard to enjoy hot springs if the area is too crowded, so try to go there during low season between October and April, and also avoid public holidays.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit the hot springs in Borneo?
The peak season for the hot springs in Borneo is between May and September, but the most advisable time to visit is during the low season between October and April, when there are fewer visitors. It is advisable to avoid public holidays when the hot springs get overcrowded and less tranquil.
Where are the hot springs located in Borneo?
There are three hot springs worth visiting in Borneo: Poring Hot Spring, located in Kota Kinabalu Park, which has the highest number of visitors; the hot spring near Annah Rais village in Kuching city; and Kampung Panchor hot spring, also in Kuching city.
Are the hot springs in Borneo crowded?
Poring hot spring is the most crowded hot spring in Borneo. It is best to visit during the low season between October and April and avoid public holidays, while Kampung Panchor hot spring attracts more tourists due to the efficient management by the local village. Annah Rais hot spring, however, remains mostly untouched by visitors.
What are the healing powers of the water in the Poring Hot Spring?
The water in Poring hot spring is believed to have healing powers, thanks to its high level of sulphuric minerals. Several visitors have attested to its effectiveness in treating a range of conditions, such as joint pain, skin problems, respiratory issues, and more.
Are there any unique characteristics of the hot springs in Annah Rais?
Annah Rais hot spring is well-known for its unique stone decoration, as well as for the very hot water that visitors relax in. In fact, many visitors move back and forth to the nearby river to cool down. The river also has tiny fish that provide a gentle cleaning for the feet, as the site remains mostly untouched, providing a natural and therapeutic ambiance.
