Borneo
For those with a real sense of adventure, Borneo has it in bucket loads. The world’s third largest island is divided between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei (the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak lying to the north). The laid-back little city of Kota Kinabalu (KK for short) is the starting point for any wildlife adventure in Sabah – it is also the capital. A few days here are the perfect antidote to your long journey before heading over to one of the islands or deep into the jungle.
Suggested itineraries for Borneo
These example journeys will give you a starting point from which to plan your holiday to Borneo. This collection of ideas includes our favourite combinations of hotels, regions and destinations. Every Turquoise itinerary is unique, so please treat these as inspiration and get in touch with our destination experts to create your bespoke journey and quote.
Wild Borneo Safari, Rainforest & Retreat
11 nights from £4,795 per person
Spend two nights in Kota Kinabalu at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria, then travel into the jungle surrounding the Kinabatangan…
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Stylish Singapore & Luxury Langkawi
10 nights from £3,795 per person
An ideal stopover after a luxury beach stay in Langkawi for those looking to break their journey with a few days of…
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The Ultimate Round the World Adventure
30 nights from £15,995 per person
This itinerary brings together some of the world's most iconic destinations into one unforgettable journey, taking you…
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Splendours of Vietnam & Luxury Beach
14 nights from £6,995 per person
Discover the best of Vietnam from north to south from Hanoi to Mekong Delta, including Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An and…
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Vietnam Essentials & Beach
14 nights from £5,995 per person
A two-week top to toe journey through Vietnam, staying in luxury boutique hotels. Visit Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An -…
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Thailand Jungle & Beach for Families
12 nights from £12,995 per family
Merging together some of Thailand's most enigmatic landscapes, this itinerary is ideal for families looking to enjoy…
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Hidden Thailand & the Eastern Islands
12 nights from £3,395 per person
Discover Thailand's exciting city, Bangkok before heading east of Bangkok where you’ll find islands covered in…
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Classic Thailand Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Khao Lak
12 nights from £2,645 per person
Witness three of Thailand's finest landscapes in one trip. Begin with a bang amid the city buzz of Bangkok before…
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Thailand Adventure - Bangkok, Khao Sok & Islands
14 nights from £5,775 per person
A brilliant Thailand itinerary for couples or families looking for a real mix of experiences, from buzzing city life…
View ItineraryBest time to visit Borneo
March to September is generally a lovely time to visit Malaysian Borneo, particularly Sabah, with drier weather for rainforest adventures, wildlife watching and a few days beside the sea. It’s warm and humid year-round, and even in the drier months a tropical shower is part of the rainforest experience. Rainfall tends to increase from October to February, though conditions vary across the island and wildlife can be seen throughout the year.
Where to stay in Borneo
In Borneo, where you stay is part of the adventure. Rainforest lodges and riverside retreats bring you close to the island’s extraordinary wildlife, while beach resorts and island hideaways offer a beautiful setting to unwind afterwards. We love combining a few nights in the jungle with time beside the sea, swapping early morning wildlife excursions for swims and sunset views.
Bunga Raya
As sensual and exotic as the hibiscus flower from which it takes its name, Bunga Raya is a hidden paradise just off the coast of Borneo. A secluded retreat that we think is a real hidden gem, this beautiful boutique resort is a cross between jungle-chic and being ‘at one with nature’. With the dense green jungle canopy and divine white beaches, you feel a million miles away from civilization – the reality is you are only 30 minutes from the airport making this an easily accessible island hideaway.
Gaya Island Resort
This beautiful luxury resort is set on Pulau Gaya, the largest of a cluster of five idyllic tropical islets that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, just a 15 minute speedboat from Kota Kinabalu. Part of the prestigious YTL Hotels group, Gaya Island Resort is a peaceful place with a truly lovely vibe – the perfect ending to a Borneo jungle safari.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Situated on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, Sukau Rainforest Lodge pits you right in the heart of one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo. Orangutan, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, crocodiles and silver leaf langurs are just some of the animals you can see here.
Sepilok Nature Lodge
Sepilok Nature Lodge lies next door to the well-known Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, where semi-wild orangutans roam freely. That makes it ultra-convenient for visiting the centre but the lack of physical barrier between the centre and the resort means it’s very possible you’ll spot orangutans swinging through the trees while you’re lolling in your hammock on your veranda.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley
Borneo Rainforest Lodge is set beside the Danum River on the edge of a 438 sq. km reserve of spectacular, undisturbed lowland rainforest.
Shangri-La Rasa Ria
Just 40 minutes from Kota Kinabalu airport, Shangri La Rasa Ria boasts a stunning location on Pantai Dalit beach. Surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical vegetation, the resort offers 420 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites housed in two wings. All feature satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and even a pillow menu.
Borneo highlights
Orangutans & Rainforest Wildlife
Seeing an orangutan moving through the trees is one of Borneo’s most memorable experiences. At Sepilok, near Sandakan, learn how rescued orangutans develop the skills to return to forest life, with opportunities to watch those still receiving supplementary food arrive at the feeding platforms. We love combining a visit with time in the rainforest, where expert guides help you look for orangutans in the wild. If your journey begins in Kuching, Semenggoh offers another rewarding encounter with rehabilitated, semi-wild orangutans. Sightings depend on the animals themselves, particularly when there’s plentiful fruit in the forest.
Explore, dream, discover and embrace ...
"Don't try to see beyond the horizon - often the richest experiences are those that you stumble upon because of where you are and who you're with. Explore, dream, discover and embrace each new experience as a life-changing memory."
Sue Bell - Co Founder
Borneo travel inspiration
Arriving in Style...
There is no better way to start you holiday or honeymoon than arriving in style: whether by private helicopter over the South China Sea, or an exhilarating paraglide onto the beach – our motto is definitely start as you mean …
Lizzie Heeley
22 Jul 20134 mins read
Two magical must go destinations in Borneo
Having just returned from 10 days travelling throughout Borneo, it has now become a destination, from my point of view, that should be experience by everyone! The country has so much to offer in terms of Wildlife, Culture, Adventure, and …
Lizzie Heeley
15 Oct 20143 mins read
Borneo: Kinabatangan River vs. the Danum Valley
Borneo is all about nature and it's home to some of the most incredible wildlife species in the world. Spending a few nights in the rainforest is the highlight on any Borneo adventure and the Kinabatangan River and the Danum …
Rachel Gleave
12 Apr 20205 mins read
Celebrate your special occasion on holiday with Turquoise
At Turquoise, we have been giving honeymooners the answer to their dream holiday for almost 15 years, but with a sharp rise in the demand for destination celebration holidays, the red carpet treatment is now being rolled out to those …
Lizzie Heeley
08 Jan 20165 mins read
The Beautiful Beaches of Borneo
Caroline and I headed to Borneo full of excitement but also uncertainty, not too sure what to expect… but we needn’t have wasted our time as it exceeded both our expectations.
Lizzie Heeley
05 Dec 20114 mins read
Five remote holiday getaways
Our daily lives are so hectic these days, an increasingly important measure of our holidays is whether we felt like we really got away from the daily grind. True off-the-beaten-track destinations are getting harder to discover, but there are plenty …
Lizzie Heeley
29 Jul 20204 mins read
Our essential Borneo honeymoon experiences
From spotting wildlife on a river safari to stepping inside a yawning cave mouth, a honeymoon to the Southeast Asian island of Borneo can be a thrilling recipe for adventure. Fresh from his own Borneo honeymoon, editorial executive Rhodri Andrews …
Lizzie Heeley
22 Oct 20185 mins read
Travel Diaries: Malaysia and Borneo
Welcome to the Turquoise Travel Diaries, a collection of interviews, stories and excerpts from our fabulous team, as they travel around the world. Here at Turquoise we pride ourselves on unrivalled knowledge of the destinations in which we specialise, so …
Lizzie Heeley
18 Dec 20174 mins read
Honeymoons that combine adventure and relaxation
There's no denying that mixing both adventure and relaxation is a fantastic combination for a honeymoon. You have the thrills of exploring a country and getting under its skin, as well as unwinding on a beach to recharge your batteries …
Lizzie Heeley
09 Jul 20203 mins read
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