• The delight in seeing baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean at Turtle Island Marine Park.
• The pride in reaching the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
• The feeling of awe, inspired by the architecture of the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.
• The surprise of coming face-to-face with tropical fish in the waters near Sipadan Island.
• The joy in catching a glimpse of the rare pygmy elephant on the shores of the Kinabatangan River.
• The excitement in seeing orangutan families make their homes at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
• The exhilaration of zip-lining between islands at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Borneo in 1 Week (for first-timers)

The best ways to see Borneo will take more than a week, but this one-week itinerary aims to introduce travelers to the many natural landmarks that Borneo is famous for.

Travelers should consider the lengths of travel when planning their trip, as it will impact the amount of time they can spend at sites and will limit their free-time.

Days 1-3: Landing in Kota Kinabalu, travelers can immediately immerse themselves in Malaysian culture from the comfort of the city’s museums, mosques, and parkways. Travelers are encouraged to stay in this capital city for at least a day in order to acclimate to the temperature and humidity.

From there, travelers can head west to Mount Kinabalu National Park. If proper permits are received beforehand, lucky travelers can summit its peak. Otherwise, the Kinabalu Botanical Gardens or Poring Hot Springs are great ways to spend the next two days.

Days 4-6: From Mount Kinabalu, travelers can move further west to Kinabatangan River, where cruises will speed travelers along one of the most famous waterways in Borneo. Known for the numerous pygmy elephants that thrive on its banks along with wreathed hornbills and other waterfowl, travelers will encounter animals of all sizes that come to the water for refreshment.

Watch the tree-lines, as orangutans and Proboscis monkeys love to hang from there! Once on land again, travelers can explore the Gomantong Caves near Sandakan, which is located just north of the Kinabatangan River.

Days 6-8: After relaxing at a hotel or lodge in Sandakan, travelers can visit the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre that is also nearby. Permits are required, so booking guided tours of Borneo in advance ensures their availability. The orangutans may be viewed up-close, an opportunity rarely provided in the wild!

If there is time, travelers may opt to spend less time at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and instead fly back to Kota Kinabalu in order to visit Manukan Island. A large part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, coveted diving locations are found amongst a vibrant coral reef, which houses sea-turtles and other marine life. Arrangements back to home countries can be made once travelers end their journeys at Kota Kinabalu.

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Two Weeks in Borneo and Indonesia

With two full weeks of time, travelers have the chance to see more than the classic tourist locations in Borneo’s rainforests and along its waterways. As the island is divided by three countries, travelers can also visit Indonesia through its Kalimantan region on Borneo and its mainland counterpart.

It is important to note that entrance visas must be acquired when applicable, as some take time to process and may not be available during the chosen guided tour.

Days 1-3: Since Indonesia controls the vast majority of Borneo, the easiest way to access the Kalimantan region is from Indonesia’s mainland. By flying into Jakarta, travelers can not only experience one of the busiest cities in Indonesia, but also understand its history with reference to Borneo.

Flying from Jakarta out of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Pangkalanbun will finally bring travelers to Kalimantan. Once they are here, most guided tours opt to take travelers to Tanjung Puting National Park, one of the world’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. It is here that hornbills take to the skies while the elusive orangutans swing from trees along with pythons, pygmy deer, and sun bears.

Many endangered bird species make their nests along the waterways, some of which can only be found in this park. While there is more than one center for travelers to visit with the orangutans, Pondok Tanggui Camp is the most popular. Travelers can watch researchers feed and care for baby orangutans as well as interact with their larger family members. 

Days 4-6: Leaving Tanjung Puting National Park may not be easy, but travelers must do so in order to take their next flight to Palangkaraya. From there, river cruises may be chartered to visit with the indigenous Dayak tribes.

As these local people make their homes along the waters of the Kahayan River, travelers will immediately notice their “sandung” buildings, which are ornate final resting places for their people. Food may also be sampled, depending upon how much time ashore the guided tour allots for travelers. 

Days 7-9: After disembarking, travelers will leave Central Kalimantan to head to South Kalimantan. The city of Banjarbaru is the next usual stop, as it is filled with lively marketplaces, local cuisine, and historical sites. Travelers may decide to visit the nearby diamond mines at Cempaka or stay in the city to see Amanah Borneo Park, a theme park that is known for its intricate landscaping.

Days 10-12: Traveling further through South Kalimantan, travelers will encounter the small town of Negara. While it is known mostly for its swamps, it is the large herds of buffalo that populate these areas that bring the attention of international tourists. Further west is Loksado, where travelers can interact with other tribes of Dayak people who are known for their homes built on stilts.

Others can opt to fly to the city of Berau, a gateway location to the famous Maratua Island. Here, travelers can observe proboscis monkeys in mangrove trees or relax on the beaches. Still other travelers may decide to snorkel with stingless jellyfish that inhabit a small lake on the nearby Kakaban Island or see turtles make their nests at Payung Payung.

Days 13-14: From Berau, travelers can charter flights back to Jakarta or take some time to rest. After all, exploring one of the largest islands in the world is no easy feat!

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