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As mentioned in our overview of Malaysia, the country is split into two main parts. Its capital, Kuala Lumpur, lies on the western side, which is also known as Peninsular Malaysia. Across the sea, on the island of Borneo, lie the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. As East Malaysia shares no land borders with Peninsular Malaysia, tourists visiting from the west can only get to Sabah or Sarawak via plane.
An Expatbets guide to Malaysia highlights how the beautiful geography and natural wonders have helped the country become a popular tourist destination, especially with backpackers. And the beauty of Malaysian Borneo offers makes it well worth the trip.
With ancient rainforests stretching for miles, Borneo is home to thousands of flora and fauna species, including the parasitic Rafflesia flower and the endemic orangutan. Adventure-seekers can get a thrill out of climbing Southeast Asia’s highest peak, the 4,095 meter-tall Mount Kinabalu in Sabah. And that’s only scratching the surface. Below, we’ll go over a few of the best activities tourists can do when visiting Malaysian Borneo.
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Go Hiking At Bako National Park
Despite the relatively small area it covers, Bako National Park in Sarawak features a wide range of biomes, from lush rainforests to jungle streams, coves, and beaches. Bako is home to a number of colorful species, including the famous big-nosed Proboscis Monkeys, bearded pigs, long-tailed macaques, and monitor lizards.
With many walking and hiking options available, Bako National Park’s extensive trail system allows tourists to take in the beautiful landscapes of Sarawak at their own pace. Adventurers can immerse themselves more deeply by taking one of the trail’s full-day trek tours, while travelers with stricter itineraries can opt for a short walk.
See Baby Orangutans at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
The great orangutan once ruled the forests of Indonesia and Malaysia. However, poaching, habitat destruction, and deforestation have decimated populations, leaving the species critically endangered. In areas near oil palm estates in Sabah, orangutan populations had dropped by up to 30% within a 15 year period, according to a 2019 assessment by the World Wide Fund for Nature.
Orangutans remain seriously threatened by habitat loss, forest fragmentation, and other human pressures. Although conservation efforts continue, their population estimates vary between studies, and protecting the remaining natural habitats in Sabah remains essential.
Fortunately, many organizations have stepped up to protect Borneo’s orangutan populations. Today, tourists that want to show their support can even visit rehabilitation centers and learn about the different ways people are trying to help.
Get educated on the issue while witnessing these beautiful apes up in person by visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a facility in Sabah that was built to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans. Here, visitors can watch the baby orangutans play at their outdoor nurseries. The extra funding from tourists helps keep the center’s facilities running.
Witness More Wildlife at Kinabatangan
You can also watch wild animals in their element by touring the protected Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary can be found along the Kinabatangan River, which is the second-largest river in Malaysia.
Sustaining some of the world’s richest ecosystems, the Kinabatangan River is favored as one of the top wildlife-watching destinations in Asia. Among the forest trees, you’ll find primate species like the aforementioned orangutans and Proboscis Monkeys. You might even catch herds of pygmy elephants drinking by the river bank. Tourists can immerse themselves in Kinabatangan’s biodiversity by taking one of the sanctuary’s many available guided boat tours.
Go Scuba Diving At Sipadan
In 2000, the New Seven Wonders of Nature Votes Committee listed Sipadan Island as one of the 77 best and most magical landforms in the world. A haven for marine life, the waters of Sipadan are home to over 3000 species of fish.
Divers may encounter a number of unique marine animals, including sea turtles, leopard sharks, eagle rays, and jackfish. The elusive whale shark may roam the waters occasionally, but you’d have to be lucky to spot one. Naturally, the island has become one of Asia’s most popular spots for scuba diving. Dive marshals all over the island help to monitor the safety of marine life while educating tourists on diving rules and regulations.
Practical note (2026): Diving at Sipadan requires an entry permit issued under Sabah Parks regulations. Permits are limited and should be arranged in advance through a registered diving operator. Booking a hotel or an ordinary diving package near Semporna does not automatically guarantee access to Sipadan. Check the current permit arrangements and the official list of registered Sipadan dive operators before confirming your trip. Also, review the latest security advice for the offshore islands of eastern Sabah.
Climb Mount Kinabalu
Standing at an impressive 4095 meters above sea level is Sabah’s Mount Kinabalu, one of the tallest mountains in South East Asia. Because the mountain is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Kinabalu Park, the government and other organizations have implemented strict protection measures, which strive to maintain the area’s integrity and beauty. Like most places in Borneo, Mount Kinabalu boasts rich plant and animal biodiversity. In fact, more plant species can be found in Kinabalu alone than in Europe and North America combined.
Adventurers who want to climb Mount Kinabalu must arrange a climbing permit, a licensed mountain guide, insurance, and overnight mountain accommodation. The standard summit itinerary takes two days and one night, with places limited by the park’s booking system and available mountain accommodation. Some official packages include the permit, insurance, meals, and overnight stay, while guide fees and certain additional charges are paid separately. Reservations should be made well in advance through the official Sabah Parks climbing information, where current booking periods, prices, and availability are published.
Is It Safe To Travel To Borneo?
Malaysian Borneo is open to international travelers, and most of its popular destinations in Sabah and Sarawak can be visited under normal tourism arrangements. However, visitors should check the current entry requirements, including whether they need to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival.
One particular area requires additional attention: the islands and maritime areas off the eastern coast of Sabah. Due to the historical risk of kidnapping, several governments maintain specific travel advisories for offshore destinations, including popular diving locations near Semporna and Sipadan. The exact geographical coverage and warning levels vary between countries, so check your government’s current advice before arranging island excursions.
For current information, consult the official Sabah Tourism Board advisory and the UK travel advice for Malaysia. Despite these precautions, Borneo remains an extraordinary destination for exploring tropical rainforests, mountains, wildlife sanctuaries, and marine ecosystems.
Get more inspiration from the video below!
Take a look at some books about Borneo:
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Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.
So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.
And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.
Enjoy!
Krasen and Ying Ying
Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually. So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration. And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality. Enjoy!
