Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – Borneo’s 7 top destinations in Sabah and Sarawak
The third-largest island in the world is one of Southeast Asia’s few naturally preserved areas where you can see endangered wildlife and swim in turquoise waters
With its wild orangutan population, gleaming beaches and ancient biodiverse rainforests, the Malaysian side of Borneo is overflowing with opportunities for eco-adventure.
Borneo, Asia’s biggest island, lies within the Malay Archipelago. The third-largest island in the world, it is one of the the most naturally preserved destinations in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, in a world stretched by overtourism, it still glides under the radar, away from the stomping feet of the masses.
Borneo’s 743,330 square km landmass is shared between the tiny nation of Brunei, Indonesia’s Kalimantan – which claims the southern side and bulk of the island – and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, along the northern edge.
There are amazing sights to see and things to do on the Malaysian side of this incredible island (including a 10-day Borneo Explorer tour by Stray Travel) - these are just a few of our favourites.
Kota Kinabalu
Any trip to the wild, often starts with a trip to the city. Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is typically used as a gateway to explore the rest of Malaysian state.
Yet making time to explore the Kota Kinabalu night market should be the first thing you plan to do in the city. Rough and ready but full of bargain buys – featuring clothes, electronics and trinkets – the market is a great way to soak up local culture.
Tip of Borneo