When Will Tourism In Borneo Begin?

Borneo is a popular tourist destination known for its diverse culture, stunning natural landscapes, and unique wildlife. The island is divided into two states: Sabah and Sarawak, and travelers can explore the island in two weeks or four. The best time to visit Borneo is during the dry season from March to October, with July-August being the peak tourist season.

The Sabah State Cabinet has announced that foreign tourists are no longer allowed to visit Borneo. The best time to visit Borneo is during the dry season, which offers more sunshine and lower river levels. The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation’s tourism industry.

The Tip of Borneo will only be re-opened in 2023, but the date has not been confirmed. The official website of Sabah, North Borneo, offers travel destinations, maps, activities, news, accommodation listings, and tourism directory listings. As of November 15, 2020, the border remains closed due to COVID-19.

Most people consider the May to October “dry season” as the best time to visit Borneo, as it offers warm and dry weather with low rainfall. The most inviting time to visit Borneo is from March through October, when the weather is warm and dry.

Can you drink alcohol in Borneo?

Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, is legal to consume alcohol, with Borneo being more prevalent than the mainland. Local drinks include Tuak, a gentle rice wine made with rice, milk, and water, and Langkau, a potent cousin of Tuak. Both are sold in unmarked green bottles, and their alcohol content is often unknown. It is best to sip slowly or avoid them all together. Tipping is not customary in Malaysia, except for tour guides and porters.

Tipping in restaurants is considered rude and may lead to chase afters, while tipping at a restaurant, spa, or taxi insults both workers and establishments. It is best to avoid tipping in restaurants, spas, or taxis to avoid misunderstandings and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Is travelling Borneo expensive?

Travelers in Malaysian Borneo often complain about the high cost of travel and accommodation compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Public transport in Borneo is often non-existent, forcing travellers to use taxis. To save money, it is recommended to book flights ahead of time, with Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and MasWings being the three main airlines in Borneo.

Before traveling, it is important to know the ethnic diversity of Malaysia, which means there are many public holidays like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Gawai. Traveling during these times can be difficult and expensive, and it is best to settle in one place and enjoy the festivities. If lucky, you may even get invited back to someone’s kampung to feast on barbecued python while lounging in the equatorial sun.

Many visitors to Borneo expect lush jungles and flying machines, but this romanticized version of Borneo no longer exists. The rapid development of the Malaysian economy has led to the destruction of much of the jungle in Sarawak, especially Sabah, and the conversion of it into palm oil plantations.

In summary, traveling to Malaysian Borneo can be expensive and challenging, but it is essential to book flights ahead of time and manage expectations to enjoy the local culture and traditions.

Is Borneo worth visiting for tourists?

Borneo is home to a multitude of national parks, including 30 in Sarawak. These parks offer a plethora of attractions, including dry and wet caves, beaches, jungles, and distinctive rock formations, rendering Borneo an optimal destination for tourists.

What is the best month to visit Borneo?

Borneo, a tropical island in South East Asia, is known for its tropical climate and frequent rains, making it an ideal destination for hiking, biking, or volunteering. The driest months are April to September, but showers can occur at any time. Borneo is sheltered from the worst weather in South East Asia, so monsoons and cyclones are not common.

January, February, and March are the mid-rainy season, with areas around Kuching experiencing the worst afternoon downpours. April, May, and June are the dry months, with lush flowers and jungle foliage providing a tropical backdrop for hiking and wildlife watching. July is the festival month, with local holidays causing shops and banks to close. August and September are relatively dry, but be prepared for showers. Forest fires become more prevalent during the dry summer season, so take precautions if you suffer from respiratory problems or want to avoid smog.

October, November, and December are considered Borneo’s low season, with plenty of rooms available. Mount Kinabalu’s summit can be off limits at any time of the year due to poor weather conditions, so stay updated on reports or choose alternative climbing locations.

Kate Tyler, from Odyssey World, advises against visiting the Kinabatangan River area in Sabah between December and April due to heavy rain and humid conditions. The best time to visit Borneo is from the end of April through to October, making it an ideal summer holiday destination.

Is alcohol illegal in Borneo?

Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, is legal to consume alcohol, with Borneo being more prevalent than the mainland. Local drinks include Tuak, a gentle rice wine made with rice, milk, and water, and Langkau, a potent cousin of Tuak. Both are sold in unmarked green bottles, and their alcohol content is often unknown. It is best to sip slowly or avoid them all together. Tipping is not customary in Malaysia, except for tour guides and porters.

Tipping in restaurants is considered rude and may lead to chase afters, while tipping at a restaurant, spa, or taxi insults both workers and establishments. It is best to avoid tipping in restaurants, spas, or taxis to avoid misunderstandings and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What is poisonous in Borneo?

Borneo has around 160 snake species, but most are harmless. The island has 24 venomous snakes, 19 of which are aquatic. The most venomous is the yellow-lipped sea krait, which lives off eels and small fish. Snakes are usually shy and will high-tail if they hear heavy human footsteps approaching. Hiking through the jungle with a guide can help avoid slithery critters. Bites are rare, as they are extremely timid around humans. They are not aggressive and won’t attack unless threatened.

How much does 2 weeks in Borneo cost?

The standard Borneo holiday package starts at £12, 000 for a two-week family holiday, including mid-range hotels and jungle lodges. For upscale resorts, the price starts at £15, 000. For budget travelers, simple accommodation and sharing services can potentially reduce the price to £10, 000 for a two-week holiday, excluding flights. However, if the family is traveling on a tight budget, they may be able to save by using simple accommodations and sharing services.

Can you travel to Borneo?

Borneo is a tropical rainforest island known for its orangutans, bulbous-nosed proboscis monkeys, and little pygmy elephants. The island is known for its humid climate, wild screeches, and diverse cultures, including the famous headhunting tribes. Most transport to Borneo is by bus or boat, with some tours including internal flights. Borneo offers an array of food and experiences, including a visit to the famous Borneo great apes and beach escapes tour, which has exceeded expectations. Visitors can fly into major airports like Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Sabah) and Kuching International Airport (Sarawak).

Is Borneo expensive to eat?

The typical daily budget for a stay in Sabah ranges from 3 to 20 Malaysian Ringgits (MYR) for lunch and dinner at a modest coffee shop, 10 to 20 MYR for meals at restaurants, and beverages are typically not included.

Where to avoid in Borneo?

The east coast of Sabah in Borneo is a dangerous area with a history of kidnappings and attempted kidnappings, particularly on the islands off Semporna. In 2013, a Taiwanese tourist was killed on Pom-Pom Island. In 2015, two Malaysian nationals were kidnapped in Sandakan, and one was murdered. Additionally, pirates have attacked boats in the sea, with the main aim of kidnapping tourists. To address these threats, the Eastern Sabah Security Zone was established in 2013, covering the entire eastern coast of Sabah. Boats are not allowed to sail there between 6 pm and 6 am, and increased police and military presence is expected.

Is Borneo open for tourists?

The Sabah State Cabinet has recently announced a change in policy regarding the entry of foreign tourists into the country. The new policy eliminates the requirement for foreign tourists to undergo a pre-entry screening test for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) or present a vaccination certificate as part of the entry process. Nevertheless, Chinese travelers are still obliged to undergo a pre-entry 48-hour coronavirus test.