Hari Gawai (Sarawak, Malaysia)
A vibrant harvest festival celebrated by the Dayak people on June 1st. Expect traditional music, dances, tuak (rice wine), and longhouse feasts that go on for days.

Kaamatan Festival (Sabah, Malaysia)
Held in May, Kaamatan is a Kadazan-Dusun thanksgiving festival marking the rice harvest. It features traditional games, beauty pageants, and cultural performances across Sabah.

Tawau International Cultural Festival (Sabah)
This multicultural celebration in Tawau highlights the island’s ethnic diversity, from Bugis and Tidung to Chinese and Filipino performances.

Brunei National Day (Brunei)
Held on February 23rd, this national holiday features parades, traditional attire, and cultural shows, reflecting the sultanate’s pride and heritage.

Erau Festival (East Kalimantan, Indonesia)
A grand celebration of Dayak Kutai culture, blending ancient rituals, boat races, and traditional dances. Usually held in July in Tenggarong.

Isen Mulang Festival (Central Kalimantan, Indonesia)
This “Festival of Joy” features traditional sports, music, and Dayak crafts. A colorful expression of Kalimantan’s cultural richness.

Sarawak Regatta (Kuching)
A thrilling river race on the Sarawak River, featuring longboats, dragon boats, and lively festivities on the riverbank.

Miri International Jazz Festival (Sarawak)
A beloved event drawing international acts and local talent. A great blend of tropical vibes and world-class jazz.

Tadau Kaamatan (Sabah)
Not to be confused with Kaamatan Festival as a whole — this is the official public holiday on May 30–31 marking the peak of the celebrations.

Borneo Cultural Festival (Sibu, Sarawak)
Celebrates Chinese, Malay, and Dayak heritage through food fairs, dance performances, and cultural exhibitions.

• Orangutans are native only to Borneo and Sumatra – and the Bornean orangutan is larger and more solitary than its Sumatran cousin.
• The island has one of the oldest rainforests in the world, estimated at over 140 million years old.
• Borneo is home to the world’s largest flower – the Rafflesia, which can grow over 1 meter in diameter and smells like rotting meat.
• It’s the only island divided among three countries – Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
• Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia outside of Papua, standing tall at 4,095 meters.
• There are pygmy elephants in Sabah – the smallest elephants in Asia and incredibly rare.
• You can find proboscis monkeys only in Borneo, known for their huge noses and hilarious expressions.
• Over 15,000 plant species grow in Borneo, many of which are endemic and used in traditional medicine.
• The caves of Mulu National Park contain the world’s largest underground chamber and some of the longest networks.
• You can dive with turtles, sharks, and manta rays in one trip — Sipadan is one of Jacques Cousteau’s favorite dive spots.

Do you need a visa to visit the island?
Yes, depending on which part of Borneo you’re visiting. Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) allows visa-free travel for many nationalities (up to 90 days for most Western passports). Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) typically requires a tourist visa or a visa on arrival. Brunei has its own visa policy, with visa-free access for many countries for short stays. Always check the latest regulations based on your passport and travel route.

What is the best way to get to the island?
Borneo is best accessed by flying into major international hubs: Kota Kinabalu (BKI) or Kuching (KCH) in Malaysia, Balikpapan (BPN) or Pontianak (PNK) in Indonesia, or Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) in Brunei. There are frequent flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, and Bali. Domestic flights and ferries connect towns within the island.

Should I rent a car on the island?
It depends on where you are. In Sabah and Sarawak, renting a car can be convenient for exploring rural areas or national parks. In Kalimantan, roads can be rough or limited, so it's better to rely on private drivers or organized transport. In cities and towns, ride-sharing or taxis are available. Always drive cautiously, especially in rural zones.

Is the island wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessibility varies greatly. Major hotels and airports in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and Brunei generally offer accessible facilities. However, many natural attractions, jungle trails, and rural accommodations are not designed with accessibility in mind. If you have mobility needs, it’s best to arrange guided tours and stay in modern, wheelchair-friendly lodging.

What are the island’s most famous landmarks?
Top landmarks include Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, the rainforests of Danum Valley, and the cultural villages near Kuching. The Niah and Mulu caves in Sarawak are natural marvels, while Kalimantan boasts the Tanjung Puting National Park, famous for orangutans. Brunei’s Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer (water village) are cultural gems.

What are the best beaches on the island?
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park near Kota Kinabalu has some of Borneo’s most accessible beaches, like Manukan and Sapi Islands. Sipadan and Mabul offer incredible beach diving. Kalimantan’s Derawan Islands are remote and pristine. For a quiet retreat, visit Pulau Tiga (aka “Survivor Island”) or Lankayan Island for luxury and snorkeling.

What is unique about the island’s wildlife?
Borneo is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It’s the only island where you can find orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and clouded leopards. Many species are endemic to the island. The rainforests, rivers, and coral reefs make it a haven for eco-tourists and wildlife photographers.

What traditional foods should you try on the island?
Try ayam pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo), laksa Sarawak, and nasi kuning (yellow rice) in Kalimantan. Indigenous dishes like linopot (leaf-wrapped rice) and wild jungle greens are must-tries. Borneo’s seafood is excellent — grilled fish, prawns, and squid are staples. For dessert, sample kuih cincin or pandan-based sweets.

Can you drink tap water on the island?
It’s best to avoid drinking tap water unless you're in high-end hotels or restaurants with filtered water. Bottled or boiled water is recommended, especially in rural areas. Many eco-lodges provide filtered refill stations to reduce plastic waste.

What is the nightlife like on the island?
Borneo's nightlife is generally low-key. Kota Kinabalu and Kuching have rooftop bars, lounges, and night markets. Brunei is dry (no alcohol), but has cultural shows and night festivals. In Kalimantan, nightlife is limited but local karaoke bars and seafood stalls are common. In beach destinations, evenings are spent under the stars with a cocktail or local beer.

How can I stay connected to the internet on the island?
Wi-Fi is widely available in cities and tourist areas, but can be slow in rural or jungle regions. Local SIM cards (e.g., Celcom, Digi, or Telkomsel) offer affordable data plans and better coverage. It’s a good idea to download offline maps and essential apps before heading into remote zones.

What are some local souvenirs to bring home from the island?
Look for tribal beadwork, handwoven baskets, and traditional blowpipes (as décor). Sarawak pottery, carved wooden masks, and Bornean batik are popular gifts. Brunei is known for silverware and gold jewelry. Kalimantan’s Dayak crafts and woven ikat textiles make meaningful souvenirs. And don’t forget locally grown pepper, vanilla, or jungle honey.

1. Selamat Datang – Welcome
2. Terima Kasih – Thank you
3. Apa Khabar? – How are you?
4. Bagus – Good/Great
5. Makan – Eat/Meal
6. Air – Water (pronounced “ah-yer”)
7. Orangutan – “Person of the forest” (Malay origin)
8. Sarong – Traditional wraparound cloth
9. Batik – Hand-dyed cloth patterns (common in Kalimantan)
10. Longhouse – Traditional tribal communal house
11. Kampung – Village
12. Dayak – Indigenous people of Borneo (mainly in Kalimantan & Sarawak)
13. Iban – A major indigenous group in Sarawak
14. Dusun – Indigenous people in Sabah
15. Rungus – Another indigenous tribe in Sabah
16. Durian – Infamous tropical fruit with a pungent aroma
17. Laut – Sea
18. Jungle Trek – A popular term for guided rainforest hiking
19. Pasar – Market
20. Selamat Jalan – Safe travels / goodbye

• Sir James Brooke
  The "White Rajah of Sarawak," a British adventurer who became the first Rajah of Sarawak in the 1840s, influencing Borneo’s colonial history.
• Tun Mustapha Harun
  A major political leader in Sabah, instrumental in bringing the state into the Malaysian Federation. Known for supporting indigenous communities.
• Bruno Manser
  A Swiss activist who lived with the Penan tribe in Sarawak and brought international attention to rainforest destruction.
• Tan Sri Adenan Satem
  Former Chief Minister of Sarawak, admired for his progressive policies and support for indigenous rights.
• Datuk Michelle Yeoh
  Though not from Borneo, the Malaysian Oscar-winning actress has filmed and supported environmental campaigns on the island.
• Bung Moktar Radin
  A controversial but influential Sabah politician involved in regional development and governance.
• Malek Noor
  A Malaysian bodybuilding legend who inspired many in Sabah and Sarawak's fitness communities.
• P. Ramlee
  Malaysia’s legendary singer-actor who performed in Borneo during his tours, inspiring local artists and musicians.
• Agnes Keith
  American author of Land Below the Wind, documenting her life in Sabah during the 1930s. Her house is now a museum in Sandakan.
• Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri
  A prominent Malaysian politician from Sarawak, known for her work in tourism and legal reform.

• The Wild Orangutan (BBC)
  A stunning documentary that follows orangutans in the forests of Sabah and Kalimantan, showcasing the island’s biodiversity.
• Borneo: Paradise Under Siege (National Geographic)
  Highlights the ecological challenges facing Borneo’s rainforests and wildlife, filmed across Malaysian and Indonesian Borneo.
• Survivor: Borneo (Season 1, CBS)
  The first-ever Survivor season was filmed on Pulau Tiga, off Sabah, introducing the world to reality TV survivalism.
• Sacred Planet (IMAX documentary)
  Features aerial and immersive scenes of Borneo’s rainforests, caves, and indigenous cultures in high-definition grandeur.
• Expedition Borneo (BBC)
  This wildlife series follows scientists exploring untouched parts of Borneo, discovering rare and new species.
• The King and I (1956 film)
  Though not fully shot in Borneo, certain jungle scenes were filmed in Borneo to evoke Southeast Asian wilderness.
• Great Asian Railway Journeys (BBC)
  The Borneo segment explores Sabah’s railway lines, culture, and colonial history, hosted by Michael Portillo.
• Borneo Death Blow (Animal Planet)
  A reality survival show that filmed adventurers braving Borneo’s jungles, focusing on traditional survival techniques.
• Orangutan Island (Animal Planet)
  A heartwarming series on orphaned orangutans at a sanctuary in Kalimantan, featuring real-life conservation heroes.
• Borneo's Secret Kingdom (Smithsonian Channel)
  A visually rich exploration of the Kinabatangan River, revealing rare animal behavior and seasonal changes.