"Borneo" Top 5 Page for this destination Borneo by balhannah

Borneo Travel Guide: 66 reviews and 200 photos

Kota Kinabalu and surrounds Sabah

This is what we did in Borneo.

To see more information on things to see and do where we visited, click on the names of these Towns............

Kota Kinabalu
Sandakan
Kuching
Miri

Flew into here from Brunei, only a 20min flight and very expensive on Brunei airlines.

We visited Manukan & Mamutik Islands, which are situated just off the coast from Kota Kinabalu, with both having lovely white beaches, coral and lots of coloured fish.
Snorkelling, swimming and walking was what we enjoyed on both of these islands. An enjoyable days outing!

NEXT..... WE hired a car and went for a drive in the country.

Our 1st stop was at the Rafflesia centre. Talking to the Ranger, he said we were lucky, as the 1st flower of the season had just opened, so we went for a walk with him to the section of Jungle where the flower was located .

The Rafflesia is the largest flower in the world.

Coming down the mountains heading to Tambunan was scenic with rice paddies sparkling in the Sun!

At Kundasang, we stopped and had a look at the War Memorial. This was a nice set up in rememberance of the soldiers on the Sandakan-Ranau death march.

Coming back to KK we passed the entrance to Mt. Kinabalu, its head was in the clouds. We didn't stop as we had run out of time.

The distance of the tour wasn't long, but progress is slow because of the mountainous, windy roads, and poor conditions of the roads.

Back in KK, and on a Saturday morning, the excellent Gaya street markets are held where you find heaps of stalls and heaps of people and good souvenirs. You can buy anything here, and don't forget to barter!

Also, on the waterfront, there is a huge indoor craft market, absolutely crammed full of goods, and can be pretty hot inside on a warm day.

The Likas Mosque was very pretty, with a moat around it.

A visit was taken to the Monsopiad village (Headhunter) where we were given an insight into their lives. We also saw a dance performance, and at the end of the show, we had our photo taken with them. (on your camera.)You are shown the village with a guide who explains all about Headhunting!

Another village at KK, is at the MUSEUM. It has village huts and information on them and the people. Well done.

kota kinabalu from the air

SANDAKAN - SABAH

Caught the Air Asia flight to Sandakan.
The flight is scenic, especially looking over the ocean, and seeing all the islands.

We were met at the airport and taken to the Sepilok Nature resort.
In the afternoon, we did a city tour of Sandakan, including the large indoor Markets. A stop was made at the water village, where we were taken into one of the homes for a look.

The next day, we went to the see the Orangutans which was a short walk from our accommodation.
A big male and two five year olds were hanging around. You stand on an open platform and watch them. Quite a few people were there watching, evidently it wasn't many so our guide informed us, in high season it is jammed full!

Later on, we left by boat for our trip up the Kinabatangan river. After crossing the ocean, then we headed into the river and it wasn't long before we had our 1st close up encounter of a male Proboscis monkey.
They glide the boat in so everybody has a good look, and do not leave until everybody is satisfied. We also saw crab eating Macaques, and we were extremely lucky to see an Orangutan in the wild.

We arrived at the Sukau Lodge, which is basic, but to be expected.

Late afternoon, another boat trip, this time up the Menanggul river where we saw lots of monkeys, snake, and hornbills in this quiet river.

Leaving early morning to return to Sandakan we saw dozen s of Proboscis monkeys. This was a very enjoyable trip, and one I could quite easily do again.

market at sandakan

MIRI & KUCHING - SARAWAK

Flew to Miri.
This looks to be quite a rich city, with lots of very large homes. There wasn't much to see here, one day is enough.

Kuching, and our Hotel is right on the riverfront, a very nice Hotel and a great location.
Kuching, has a lovely riverfront esplanade, for day and nights, a nice walk. Sampans (cost $1) go to and fro across the river. On the other side is, Fort Margaretha, and the Palace.
Its easy to walk around this city. More cheap shopping was had in a large mall full of shops.

DAY TRIPS

BAKO NATIONAL PARK, ........EXCELLENT
The meal that was included wasn't much.

SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE

A must see, very well done. You walk around and see the different tribal huts and their traditions, they also do a short dance performance.
After doing the loop, go and see the show, its fantastic!

PITCHER PLANT & FAIRY & WIND CAVES

Wind cave wasn't worth seeing, pitch black so you need to take a torch. Fairy cave, was fantastic, much better than the Batu caves in kuala Lumpur, well worth the visit.

SUNSET CRUISE .........
On the Sarawak river was a nice way to see the sights from the river and to relax.

We loved Kuching.

Pros and Cons

Pros:An Island full of Flora & Fauna, not over-run with Tourist's
Cons:Road network not the best, but flying is cheap!
In a nutshell:Come before the rest of the World finds out!

Last visit to Borneo: Jun 2007
Intro Updated Jan 8, 2013
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Reviews (5)

BEST HOTEL IN KUCHING SARAWAK Hotels (5)

We had a very enjoyable stay here. When we stayed it was called the Holiday Inn, renovations were being carried out, and... more travel advice

Fruit for breakfast..plenty of choice! - Borneo

BEST HOTEL IN MIRI Hotels (5)

This is a 5* Hotel and it lived up to its rating! Set in a tranquil garden setting overlooking the ocean or the garden,... more travel advice

JUNGLE ACCOMMODATION NEAR SANDAKAN Hotels (5)

Sukau Lodge accommodation was included in our tour of the Kinabatangan River. The accommodation here was basic, this... more travel advice

Next to the Orangutan's Hotels (5)

We usually have one accommodation splurge on holidays, and this was it. Located next door to the Orangutan... more travel advice

Comments (24)

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Regina1965 Feb 27, 2013 at 1:37 AM

Such lovely hotels - I would love to go there.
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Segolily Feb 8, 2011 at 12:51 PM

It was good to see you name on all the nominations for a Barney,,,,congrats on making an impact.
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arneallan Dec 23, 2010 at 4:06 AM

Nice Page
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easterntrekker Nov 23, 2010 at 6:46 PM

Booked SEPILOK NATURE RESORT .Booking the tours with themsounds like a good idea1
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risse73 Jun 23, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Dee, what wonderful tips you've got on Borneo! It is on my wish list. Perhaps, one day I get to go too. Thanks for visiting my Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu page.
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unaS Feb 3, 2010 at 1:44 AM

How I wish I could visit Borneo and see the Orangutans in the wild! Perhaps someday peace will break out and I will be able to do so.
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robertgaz Jan 27, 2010 at 1:07 AM

Great tips... Borneo is on my 'to do' list!
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starship Jan 21, 2010 at 7:34 AM

Sounds like a terrific trip! Great intro., and accommodation tips. I would dearly love to see the orangutans and do some craft shopping here!
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Bwana_Brown Jan 20, 2010 at 3:31 PM

Borneo is an island that I've always wanted to visit, so thanks for all the excellent information in your Intro! Sounds like a lot of fun to me and you had quite an interesting array of places to stay too!!
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Acirfa Jan 20, 2010 at 4:51 AM

Borneo, one for my list of to go to places.