15 Must-Visit Attractions in Borneo

From a distance, the breathtaking Kota Kinabalu city mosque appears to be floating on water. In fact, that’s an illusion created by a lagoon, lending an air of intrigue. Visit by day to soak up the reflections in the crystal-clear water; come by night to enjoy the illuminations. Opened in 2000, it was designed to resemble the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, which is the final resting place of Muhammad. It’s a remarkable site.

Here’s to a day of adventure: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, off the tropical coastal city of Kota Kinabalu, is surrounded by mountains and ocean. The cluster of five idyllic outcrops has been protected since 1974, when the Sabah government recognised the need to safeguard the area and its delicate marine life. Organised boat tours take you island-hopping, and you can get stuck into aquatic and land-based activities.

The Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve was established to protect endangered orangutans, so you can get up close and personal with these wonderful creatures in their natural environment. Heading deep into the jungle, you can witness baby orangutans being fed buckets of fruit and milk by park rangers. While they’re being rehabilitated, the animals are not fully accustomed to foraging for food, so they come to these platforms twice a day.

Malaysia’s tallest peak, Mount Kinabalu, reaches a height of 4,095m (13,435ft). Apart from being one of Southeast Asia’s most challenging climbs for hikers, the views of this majestic peak from a distance will humble any visitor. With deep roots in Sabah’s ancient paganism and featuring on the state emblem, it is among the must-visit attractions in Borneo. Climbers should plan trips at least six months in advance; limited spots sell out fast. Alternatively, you can climb the more easily accessible Maragang Hill for superb views of Mount Kinabalu.

The first location of the hugely successful TV series Survivor, Pulau Tiga (Three Islands), is near Kota Kinabalu. Join tours from the capital or visit independently for the chance to experience a desert island, see mud volcanoes and go snorkelling. Less budget-conscious travellers can spend the night at either Gaya Island Resort or Pulau Tiga Resort.

Borneo is an ecotourism paradise. Virgin rainforest covers most of the island’s surface, and Danum Valley in northeast Sabah provides the ultimate jungle experience. Located deep in the rainforest, the area boasts accommodation, jungle activities and in-house scientists, as well as expert local guides. Lucky visitors might spot wild sun bears, orangutans and Borneo elephants.

For diving enthusiasts, the Mantanani Islands, 90km (56mi) north of Kota Kinabalu, are one of the must-visit attractions in Borneo. With more than 20 diving sites – of which some remain relatively unexplored – as well as three shipwrecks, visiting the islands promises a memorable experience. Divers might even see the occasion dugong.

Sarawak’s claims to fame are their vast networks of cave systems. Niah National Park contains some of the more intriguing caves in the state, within a two-hour drive from Miri. Not only are the mystical caverns photogenic, but they are also the location of one of Asia’s oldest archaeological sites. Bones believed to be 40,000 years old have been discovered here.

Brunei Darussalam covers a tiny slither of land on Borneo sandwiched inside Sarawak. Its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, has the floating Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, the stilted Kampong Ayer and the Sultan’s opulent displays at the Royal Regalia Museum. Aside from being among the world’s least visited countries, Brunei offers a very different experience to Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan.

The Tip of Borneo in Kudat, in the far-north of Borneo, sits approximately 170km (105mi) from Kota Kinabalu, providing stunning views of the South China Sea. Steps lead down to the rocky outcrop which forms the end of Borneo. Most people stay the night in Kudat and enjoy the sunset and unobstructed views of the stars on a clear night. Nearby Kelambu Beach rates among the best beaches in Sabah.

Most Sabahans view mountainous Kundasang as a retreat from the stifling heat. But the small town in Ranau, around two hours from Kota Kinabalu, provides some of the most spectacular scenery in Borneo. Surrounded by mountains and rainforests overlooking Mount Kinabalu, the region offers several opportunities to take scenic photographs and admire the mountain views. Many tourists spend the night in one of the homestays overlooking Kinabalu in the near distance. Other activities include relaxing in the Poring Hot Springs and experiencing the biodiversity of flora and fauna in Kinabalu Park.

A short drive from Kota Kinabalu in Penampang sits the Monsopiad Cultural Village, named after a renowned warrior who lived more than 200 years ago. Several legends surround Monsopiad, the headhunter, who eventually became addicted to killing and collecting heads. Today, the Cultural Village, constructed from traditional material, acts as a living museum.

Off Semporna, in the Celebes Sea, Sipadan Island has a reputation for being one of the best diving locations in the world. Rising more than 600m (1,969ft) from the sea bed, the world beneath the waves features underwater caves, hard and soft coral along with incredible marine biodiversity. You can expect to see both green and hawksbill turtles, manta rays and huge schools of barracuda.

The state of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo is best known for its caves. The Unesco-listed Gunung Mulu National Park is home to the largest natural chamber in the world, the Sarawak Chamber, along with the largest cave passage, known as Deer Cave. There are also three mountains with an altitude higher than 1,500m (4,921ft) here, creating a mesmerising environment.

Labuan, also called the Pearl of Borneo, is the largest of seven islands off the Sabah and Brunei coast. It’s best-known by locals for its duty-free status, and with divers for being home to four shipwrecks. The state also has a bird park, water villages, beaches and golf clubs.