Trekking

Trekking in Borneo can mean a one-hour stroll through the jungle, an overnight hike up Southeast Asia’s tallest mountain, walks in the lost world of the Maliau Basin or ancient rainforest of Danum Valley, swinging amongst the treetops on a canopy bridge, or a guided walk through a nature trail. With so many options, rich scenery to take in, and the reward of spotting wild animals and unique plants, Borneo is an incredible trekking destination.

In the west are the trails of Bako National Park where proboscis monkeys and pitcher plants are easy to spot. The caves of Niah offer a glimpse into the past with paintings, burial relics, and a human skull dating back tens of thousands of years. For those wanting to see one of the largest cave systems in the world, easy treks in Mulu National Park can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. A multi-day hike to the Pinnacles takes a bit more effort.

In Sabah, the eastern state of Borneo, you’ll find Mount Kinabalu. Watching the sun rise from the summit is an uplifting and humbling experience, one that every climber remembers long after the muscle soreness fades. You can find more information about climbing Mount Kinabalu here. Around the mountain and in nearby Poring are easy trails that anyone can enjoy. One of the smallest orchids in the world grows in this region as does the rafflesia, the largest flower on earth. Short treks on Gaya Island get visitors into the rainforest a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu and are a great option for families wanting a quick trek without too much travel.

For those really wanting a jungle trek, a trip to the Maliau Basin or Danum Valley is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These unspoiled rainforests are teeming with life and the only way to explore is on foot.

We’ve highlighted a few of our favourite itineraries and places to stay for trekking in Borneo to give you an idea of what’s on offer. To learn more and plan your trip, give us a call at UK 020 7112 0019 or email borneo@fleewinter.com.

Suggested Itineraries

Trekking the Wilds

13 Days - From £2450 per person

Get into the true wilds of Borneo with a start at the base of Mount Kinabalu, five days trekking in the Maliau Basin, and a relaxing chance to unwind on Gaya Island.

Sea and Summit

10 Days - From £1950 per person

Get a glimpse of Borneo's apes and monkeys in Sepilok and the turtles of the Sulu Sea before climbing Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. When you've finished, relax in a luxurious resort by the South China Sea.

Suggested Places to Stay

Kota Kinabalu

An easy city to see on foot, Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to Sabah. Hop a ferry to the islands, relax by the beach north of the city, tuck into a meal at the night market, and settle into the easy pace of Sabahan life. More

Tip of Borneo

Empty beaches, clear water, and fantastic villas perfect for those looking to get away from it all. The Tip of Borneo is a quiet place for a self-drive holiday from Kota Kinabalu. A longhouse homestay, traditional villages, and a jungle home to proboscis monkeys are easy day visits. Snorkel, dive, kayak, trek, bicycle, or simply sit by the water. More

Mount Kinabalu

The highest mountain in Southeast Asia offers more than an incredible hike. With multiple mountain environments and climate zones, Kinabalu Park hosts more than 300 bird species and 5,000 flowering plants including the large rafflesia. For those up for the challenge, climbing Mount Kinabalu is an unforgettable overnight hike to see the sunrise at 4,095 meters. More

Sipadan

Considered by many one of the top dive sites in the world, Sipadan Island has coral-covered walls dropping well below recreational limits. Sharks, turtles, and schools of fish that number in the thousands are routinely seen by divers and snorkelers. Only 120 visitors are allowed per day so we recommend staying on nearby Mabul and diving its macro-rich waters on your non-Sipadan days. More

Danum Valley

The largest piece of preserved virgin rainforest in Malaysia sits within the Danum Valley Conservation Area. This remote jungle hosts a magnificent array of wildlife from the largest in the region to some of the smallest. Sun bears, orangutans, clouded leopards, wild cattle, Sumatran rhino, horned frogs, flying frogs, flying squirrels, the list goes on. Previously only accessible to researchers, campers, and those with a very high budget, we've found a lodge that gets you close to the action without the hefty price tag. More

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Bornean gibbons, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and a few of the nearly extinct Sumatran rhinoceros are protected within the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. A stay here will have you trekking to a mud volcano and a waterfall, looking for birds and nocturnal creatures on night walks and drives, and if you're lucky, getting a peek at some of Borneo's incredible wildlife. More

Kinabatangan River

A trip down the Kinabatangan River to Sukau is an almost guaranteed way to see proboscis monkeys in the wild. These unique monkeys are endemic to Borneo and line the protected river corridor. Wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, silver leaf langurs, macaques, crocodiles, kingfishers, hornbills, owls, civets, and an array of other wildlife can be spotted in the region. Fireflies light up near Abai and the Gomantong Caves boast a bat population in the millions. Nearby Sepilok is the home to an Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre, both worth a visit. More

Brunei

The nation of Brunei Darussalam sits between the two states of Malaysian Borneo. Its capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, reveals the country's wealth with lavish mosques, gold towers, and carefully groomed outdoor spaces. People are friendly and when the sun sets the country's name, abode of peace, makes perfect sense. More

Kuching

Built along the Sarawak River, Kuching makes a lovely base for exploring western Borneo. Architecturally interesting with Malay, Chinese, Indian, Muslim, British, and other influences apparent, the city is pleasant to walk around and easy to navigate. Nearby Bako National Park and Semenggoh Nature Reserve are great places to see wild proboscis monkeys and semi-wild orangutans. Each can be visited on a day trip from Kuching although spending a night in Bako is well worth it. More

Mulu National Park

The caves of Mulu are some of the largest in the world and the only ways to get there are on foot or by plane. This remote rainforest is full of walking trails and caves, the latter of which can only be visited with a guide for safety reasons. For the adventurous, serious trekking options exist and for the comfort-seekers, a lovely little resort sits just outside the National Park. More

Batang Ai

Traditional culture is alive and well in Batang Ai where the Iban people still live in communal longhouses. No longer feared headhunters, the Iban have incorporated touches of modernity into their traditional way of life. Trek through the park in search of wild orangutans, walk through the canopy looking for birds, sit down with an Iban chief to learn about their culture, or just look out over the many waters for which the region is named.

Caves of Niah

With evidence of human habitation dating back more than 40,000 years, the Niah caves are a fascinating and beautiful area that can be explored on a day visit from Miri. See etchings on the wall of Painted Cave, traditional ladders for those collecting the nests of swiftlets, and huge caverns as you walk the boards and visit the small museum.

Maliau Basin

The "lost world" of Sabah, the Maliau Basin is a naturally enclosed basin drained by tributaries of the Maliau River. A multi-day trek in this dense rainforest is a challenging and rewarding way to get up close and personal with an extremely wide array of plants and animals. More