How can you make the most of 10 days in Borneo? 

If this is the question you’re asking yourself, I’m here to tell you it’s possible and I can show you how!

If you don’t know already, Borneo is made up of three countries that are sharing the island. Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak), Indonesia (Kalimantan), & Brunei. 

In this article, I will focus on Sabah and Sarawak, two beautiful and culturally rich states in my home country, Malaysia. This way, you will get a perfect Malaysian Borneo itinerary!

The pride of Borneo is Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, the tallest mountain in Borneo & Malaysia and the 20th tallest mountain in the world. 

I went to Sabah mainly to climb this majestic Mount Kinabalu, and I can tell you that the experience was terrific!

Not only that, these two states are famously known for their natural diversity, cultural richness, adventure and outdoor activities, gastronomic delights, and warm hospitality. 

In this article, I will tell you everything that you need to know for your 10 days in Borneo. Keep reading!

Travel 10 Days in Borneo

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links. I hope you find the information here useful! Merci beaucoup 😀

Day 1: Kuching City Part One 

• Take a stroll around the Padungan Street Area 
• Dive deep into the historical district of Padang Merdeka

Welcome to the city of cats—yes, literally. Kucing is a Malay word for cat.

This is where your Borneo travel itinerary starts. 

Numerous cat statues are scattered throughout the city to do justice to the name of the city. You can make it a mission to find them all while you’re here! 

You can start your day trip in the Padungan Street area.

The area has buildings with fascinating architectural details, most of which were built in the 1920s. 

It also has some excellent coffee shops, pubs, restaurants, handicraft shops, and fruit and flower sellers. 

There’s a food court just behind the main road (Jalan Padungan), with many small stalls selling a variety of local food at reasonable prices. 

You can order their famous local dishes such as kolo mee, belacan bihun, kompia, fruit rojak, sugarcane-coconut juice, and so on.  

Next, you can head to Padang Merdeka. This place is what I’d call a museum district. 

It has many museums, such as the Borneo Cultures Museum (the second-largest museum in Southeast Asia), the Sarawak Museum, the Sarawak Art Museum, and the Islamic Heritage Museum. 

On top of that, you can admire the colorful & creative murals depicting Kuching’s rich history and culture along the street. 

Some notable locations are near the Electra House, the Open Air Market, and the Indian Street Pedestrian Mall. 

Day 2: Kuching City Part Two

Kick off your second day in Kuching with the famous Sarawak Laksa for breakfast. 

You might want to try this place that serves Sarawak Laksa, which gained global fame after being praised by the late world-renowned American celebrity chef, Anthony Bourdain. 

He loved the laksa and described it as “one of the foods served in heaven”. You can try the laksa at Choon Hui Cafe. 

You can get other variety of foods such as the popiah and kaya toast. Just give it a try a bit of everything if you can!

The next stop is the Cat Museum. It’s located 25 to 30 minutes from the Cafe. 

The museum is entirely dedicated to cats and everything about cats. It would be best if you stopped by for a visit when you’re in Kuching. It’s one of a kind. 

After spending an hour or two at the Cat Museum, you can head to the Sarawak Cultural Village. It’s located 35-45 minutes away from the museum. 

This an award-winning village that gives you an unforgettable experience of the local culture and lifestyles of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak.

There are many attractions to see such as the Bidayuh Longhouse, Iban Longhouse, Orang Ulu Longhouse, culture shows and many more things to do!

This tour could take you 3-4 hours depending on several factors, including the number of attractions you want to visit.

If you’re visiting this village in June/July, you should check out their Rain Forest World Music Festival. It’s one of the largest music festivals in Asia. 

It looks like this is Coachella, but an Asian version. You can plan accordingly to participate in this festival. 

After a long and exciting day of exploration, you might want to wind up by taking a stroll at Damai Beach, which is located 4 to 5 minutes away by car and 15 – 20 minutes by foot. 

It’s a beautiful beach with a breathtaking view over Santubong Mountain. I must warn you that the beach is not suitable for swimming. 

But this is a perfect place to take a nice, relaxing stroll, soaking in the breezy wind and watching the beautiful sunset. 

Insider tip: If you happen to be in Kuching at the weekend, you can end your night by going to Siniawan Night Market for some mouthwatering local delicacies.  This night market only opens on Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 4:30 pm to 11 pm.

Day 3: National Park or Wildlife Visits 

• Choose between rainforest hikes or seeing orangutans at Bako National Park or Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
• Enjoy your panoramic city view at Square Tower

I’ve planned your 3rd day to be increasingly exciting and adventurous.

How about you to get closer to nature and wildlife? Borneo is rich in beautiful nature and wildlife, so you can’t miss it!

You can consider going to the Bako National Park or the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. 

It’s not advisable to visit these two places on the same day because it will take approximately 6 to 8 hours to explore the park and 2-3 hours for the wildlife center. 

Bako is 30-35 minutes from the city center, and you need to take a boat from the terminal to the national park’s jetty. 

Bako National Park is home to a wide range of ecosystems and wildlife, including endangered species such as the proboscis monkey, Bornean bearded pigs, silvered langurs, and a variety of bird species. 

Do you know that in South Africa, there is what we call the Big 5 of South Africa? Well, in Borneo, we also have something similar, and it is called The Borneo Big Five. 

But do you know that we also have The Bako Small Five? There are:

• Proboscis Monkey
• Green Viper Snake
• Bornean Bearded Pigs
• Silvered Langurs
• Macaques

PSSTTT! We actually saw all 5 of them. Even our guide said we were so lucky that day. 

Not only that, the park has scenic trails with stunning views of the coastline, waterfalls, well-marked trekking trails, beaches, unique rock formations, and rainforests. 

The next option is the Semenggoh Wildlife Center. It is by far the biggest Orangutan Rehabilitation Center in Sarawak. 

In 1975, it was established as a sanctuary for Orangutans who were injured, orphaned, or being held captive as illegal pets. 

Currently, it’s a habitat for Orangutans and a place for visitors to learn about this endangered species. 

Besides Orangutans, you can also see some rare flora and fauna, including giant squirrels, gibbons, and many others. 

Visitors will be able to feed the Orangutans from 9 – 10 am and 3 – 4 pm.

Insider Tips: I highly suggest you take the return trip shuttle bus with small additional fees, especially if you arrive late!

I thought it was going to be a small, straight-to-the-point kind of walk. The man at the counter advised me to take it since we arrived right on time.

He was a savior. If I had insisted on saving a few bucks, it would have been a very long, hilly up-and-down walk. I would have also missed the highlight of the day, which was feeding the Orangutans.

Another attraction to visit on day 3 is the Square Tower, a historical local landmark. 

It’s known for its impressive architecture of its time and a cultural exploration for those visiting. 

See also  Our Summit Attack Mount Kinabalu

At the top of the tower, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the mountains of Santubong and Serapi. This is a home for a restaurant that operates only at night! 

You should check it out! That’s a total of 3 days in Borneo.

Day 4: Kuching City Part Three 

• Explore Sarawak’s history at the Sarawak Museum
• Visit the beautiful Kuching Mosque
• Experience traditional Bidayuh culture at the Annah Rais Longhouse

On the 4th day, the first stop is the Sarawak Museum.

Sarawak Museum was established by Charles Brooke, the Second Rajah, in 1860 and is one of the oldest museums in Southeast Asia. It is 8-10 minutes away from the city center of Kuching. 

The museum is the home to the indigenous pride, identity, and tradition of Sarawakians. 

It houses extensive collections of Borneo’s natural history, including specimens of flora and fauna, traditional tribal arts and crafts, and much more. 

I recommend you go there to understand Sarawak’s rich culture and history. 

The next stop is the majestic Kuching Mosque or the Old State Mosque/ Masjid Jamek. 

Located 20-25 minutes away from the city center, this mosque is one of the iconic landmarks of Kuching, and you can visit it for free!

Overlooking the Sarawak River, this mosque is a famous tourist spot, and you should definitely stop by when you’re there. 

The history of the mosque dates back to 1840, but the present structure was built in 1968. 

Another popular attraction to visit on your 4th day is the popular Annah Rais Longhouse. It’s located an hour or so from the Kuching city. 

This longhouse offers a unique and enriching experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Bidayuh people. 

You can make it a day trip, or if you want to experience staying here, there are homestays available. Also, there’s a hot spring where you can take a relaxing dip! 

We spent two nights in Annah Rais, and it was lovely to integrate with local Bidayuhs and learn about their lifestyle, culture, and especially food! 

Read also  Living the Bidayuh Modest Life

If you are looking to visit on your own, please note that there is usually no on-site guide to take you around. Our host, who is also a guide, does not live there on a daily basis.

I was discussing the bad reviews on Google with him, especially those who came for a half-day trip and only spent about 5 minutes in and out.

You’ll have to understand that the longhouse is actually a place where the Bidayuh live. It’s a housing area; therefore, there are no guides on the ground.

Hence, if you are coming on your own and need a guide to show you around, you will need to contact Mr Joseph prior to your visit.

Otherwise, you can take the half-day Annah Rais Longhouse Tour. It comes with the agent travel guide!

And that’s 4 days in Borneo.

Insider’s tip: No guides are available on-site to show you around Annah Rais. Hence, contact Annah Rais, the Longhouse person in charge (Mr Joseph), prior to your trip to book a slot with him.

Day 5: Goodbye Sarawak & Hello Sabah 

• Enjoy riverside shopping at the Waterfront Main Bazaar Street
• Say goodbye to Kuching and fly to the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu (KK)
• Explore local crafts at the Handicraft Market in KK

On day 5, the last day in Sarawak, I’d recommend you to go to the Waterfront Main Bazaar Street also known as the Kuching Esplanade.

Located 6-10 minutes away from Kuching city, there are many shops selling interesting items that you can purchase as a memento of your visit to Sarawak. 

Across the main street towards the river, you can enjoy a sightseeing trip on the Sarawak River Cruise.

However, you should check your itinerary because this cruise departs at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. 

Head to the Kuching International Airport to your next Borneo destination: Kota Kinabalu (KK), Sabah. 

After a 1 hour 30 minute to 2 hours (estimated) journey, you will reach the Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Sabah.

I suggest booking your hotel rooms in advance for your trip to avoid any hassles or situations where hotels might be fully booked.

On your first day in the city, I recommend limiting your activities because you may still be tired and jet-lagged from all the amazing explorations in Sarawak.  

So, I suggest a light and easy trip to the handicraft night market in the city.

Located opposite the main minibus station next to the Centre Point Shopping Complex in Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, this market has a variety of local handicrafts. 

From traditional food to medicines and toiletries, pearls, gemstones, and clothes, you can find almost anything. 

You can get the famous blue-eyed anchovies here! Google your way to the handicraft night market and spend your day here, as it is open from 8 am – 10 pm.

That’s 5 days in Borneo! How are you feeling so far? 😉

Day 6: Kota Kinabalu Part One 

• Embark on an island-hopping adventure in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
• Enjoy underwater adventure with scuba & snorkeling
• Stroll along The Waterfront & watch the sunset

Welcome to your second day in KK! Get ready to embark on an adventure.

You’re going to spend your day island hopping in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TAR). 

You can go for an organized tour to avoid the stress and worry of planning everything yourself or DIY. 

Book any tours that fit your budget, and enjoy your day on the island! 

If you want to DIY your trip without a guide, you can head to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal in KK, located near the city center. 

You can get there by Grab, taxi or even walking if you staying nearby. 

You can purchase the tickets to the desired islands directly from the ticket counter and don’t forget to check the schedule for departures as they may vary depending on the day and time. 

The ferry ride to most of the islands in TAR Park is typically around 15-30 minutes or even less. 

What are the islands in TAR Park you may ask? I will list down the 5-must-visit islands in TAR Park!

• Gaya Island: The largest and most popular of the five islands, due to its accessibility. It’s perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. 

There are many resorts around this island if you want to stay the night. 

• Sapi Island: During low tide, a sandbank connects Gaya Island, which means you can visit both Islands easily. 

Additionally, you can try sea walking, an activity where you wear an astronaut-style helmet connected to oxygen and walk along the ocean floor. 

The Island is said to have some small stands selling food. 

• Manukan Island: This crescent-shaped island is the second-largest of the TAR Park. Surrounded by stunning sandy beaches this island gives you excellent snorkelling spots. 

There are water sports and a few hotels and chalets. 

• Mamuntik Island: It’s a small and closest island to the mainland. Even though it’s small, thanks to its sandy beaches, you can still have fun under the sun, and is a perfect spot to relax and soak up. 

• Sulug Island: This island is deemed to be seen as the lesser-known and less-developed compared to the others. It’s also the farthest from the mainland. 

Here you can enjoy activities like snorkeling, swimming, diving, or picnicking. 

You can watch the most beautiful sunset at The Waterfront, which is accompanied by a cocktail. 

This place is called The Waterfront, and it takes about 15-30 minutes boat ride from these islands. 

You can also take a Grab to reach here. As a bonus, you can end your day by getting a foot massage, which is available right at the entrance. 

What’s better than a cocktail in your hand, getting a foot massage while watching the sunset? 😀

That’s six days in Borneo!

Insider Tip: The islands are open throughout the year; however, the ideal time to visit is during the dry season, which is from March to September. 

Day 7: Kota Kinabalu Part Two 

• Learn about Sabah’s ethnic groups at Cultural Village
• Discover local history at the Sabah State Museum
• Visit the City Mosque (Likas Floating Mosque)
• Savor fresh food at Seafood Market 

Day 7 of the trip (completes one week in Borneo) will start with a museum visit.

A trip to Borneo will never be complete without visiting its museums and learning a bit of history. 

The Sabah State Museum, located 5-10 minutes away from KK, preserves and showcases Sabah’s culture, history, and heritage. 

Next, head on to a popular cultural attraction the Mari Mari Cultural Village. Located 30 minutes from KK, this place is a must-visit.

You can learn about the lifestyles of Sabah’s indigenous ethnic groups, including the Bajau, Kadazan-Dusun, Rungus, Lundeyah, and Murut.

Here, you get to explore their traditional houses, watch cultural performances, participate in some activities, and savor their delicious cuisines. 

Your next visit will be to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque or the Likas Floating Mosque, one of the most iconic landmarks in KK. 

Boasting similar features to the Nabawi Mosque in Medina, this floating mosque is known for its distinguished architectural design, which combines modern and Islamic architectural elements. 

Surrounded by a man-made lagoon it’s open to non-muslims for a small fee. 

If you’re a seafood lover, you can end your day with a seafood feast at the Waterfront Seafood Night Market. 

You can get a variety of marine life to feed your taste buds here. In some of the stalls, you can buy what you want and ask them to cook for you! 

You can select how you want the seafood cooked from the menu and they will prepare it for you for an additional charge. 

You can try the local fruits!

Day 8: Kundasang Part One 

• Shop for local snacks and souvenirs at Pekan Nabalu
• Enjoy panoramic views at Kundasang Point View
• Visit the New Zealand cows at Desa Dairy Farm 

On day 8, you are traveling to Kundasang. A beautiful town in the mountains located 1.5 to 2 hours away from KK. 

Known for its highlands, it’s considered to be like the New Zealand of Borneo, which is home to Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Malaysia and Borneo.  

I have shared about my visit to this serene and picturesque town in Kundasang before hiking the beast. Don’t forget to check it out!

I enjoyed my trip to this little town, and I want you to add this to your list as well! 

Save This  Kundasang Itinerary (Budget Friendly)

Before reaching Kundasang town, stop by Pekan Nabalu. It’s a cute little town with a fantastic view of Mount Kinabalu. 

It’s a must-stop area, you will not miss it as it’s always crowded with people trying to take their gram-worthy shots. 

You can also take a short break before resuming your journey. 

There’s also a big area where you can have a picnic with Mount Kinabalu as the backdrop!

Upon reaching Kundasang, you can stop by the Kundasang Point View roundabout to enjoy the view of the majestic Mountain again as you can never get enough of it. 

Well, I can’t. It was so majestic and beautiful 😍

Once you’re in Kundasang, your first stop is visiting the animals at Desa Dairy Farm in the highlands of Kundasang. It’s a local milk brand popular for its dairy products. 

You can feed the cows on the farm with a small fee for the milk bottle and grass. During my visit, I fed the cows with milk and grass, it was so much fun!

You can see black and white cows like in New Zealand here. I was so excited because I had only seen the brown ones in Peninsular Malaysia. 

You will need to get your tickets on their website as they have a maximum number of visitors per day.

Day 9: Kundasang Part Two 

• Choose between an adrenaline-pumping ATV Borneo Adventure or a peaceful hike up Sosodikan Hill
• Visit the Alpaca Club

On your next day in Kundasang, you can start with an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) adventure park for a thrilling and unique experience. 

If you’re not into that, consider visiting Sosodikan Hill. You can book a tour to Sosodikan Hill with ATV Borneo Adventure or drive yourself there, as I did. 

This place is open as early as 6 am, so if you’re an early riser, you can watch the beautiful sunrise. 

This place gives you another great view of Mount Kinabalu (you just won’t get enough of it, trust me). 

You don’t need to book for this visit as you can walk in and register at the check-in counter. It’s a short hike of 10 minutes that is suitable for people of all ages. 

The last stop for day 9 is the Alpaca Club. You will get to see and touch these Alpacas in real life. 

The Alpacas stay within their fence to ensure a safe distance between themselves and the tourists, but don’t worry—there’s one outside to mingle with the visitors. 

You get to take cute pictures with those cuties! 

During my last trip, the road here was not in good condition however, there was somebody that guided us with the parking inside. 

The visitation is restricted to a limited number of people within the given slot time. So, you may need to wait for a while to see the VVIPs 😜

Day 10: Kundasang Part Three 

• Start your with a local coffee at Anooh Coffee
• Dine in a unique setting at BW Bus Restaurant
• Explore the vibrant Pekan Nabalu Weekly Market
• Say goodbye to Kundasang and travel back to KK, bringing your adventure to an end

And we have arrived on the last day of your Borneo trip 😃

Before heading back to KK, I’d recommend visiting Anooh Coffee.  

It has one of the best views of Mount Kinabalu during sunset which you can enjoy watching at their outdoor seating area.

You can also go before sunrise as they open at 6 in the morning!

It was such a beautiful memory of sipping a hot coffee with some delicious cookies under the hues of a blue, orangy sky!

You can also opt for a unique dining environment at BW Bus Restaurant, where you can dine inside a cozy air-conditioned bus. 

Sounds intriguing? 

The entrance ticket costs a fee, which is refunded when you dine in. 

Most importantly, you can take gram-worth shots and play around in the area!

Before heading to KK, you can make a pit stop at Pekan Nabalu Weekly Market, which I mentioned on day 8. 

You can get souvenirs or snacks for your friends and family before heading back to KK.

If you want, take pictures with Mount Kinabalu at the backdrop one last time before leaving the town. 

And now, head back to KK International Airport to conclude your 10 days in Malaysian Borneo and catch your flight back to your next destination!

That’s my 10 days in Malaysia itinerary and 10 days in Borneo for you! 

Note: All distances mentioned in the article are measured by car unless otherwise specified.

How to move around in Borneo?

The best way to get around Borneo is by renting a car or using Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber).

However, Grab is very limited to certain areas!

I can advise you to use Grab only when you are planning to stay in the city center like Kuching or Kota Kinabalu.

Outside of the city area, I highly suggest renting a car since it gives you the flexibility to move around easily. 

Some recommendations to consider are:

Where to eat?

When you’re visiting a new place, savoring the local cuisine is a must. I will list down the places you should try in Sabah & Sarawak & their locations.

Kuching, Sarawak:

• Top Spot Seafood Restaurant
• Cafe Cafe at the Original Car Wash
• Lepau Restaurant
• CHELUM Chocolate Cafe
• KANTIN at The Granary
• Babaganoush
• Kek Lapis Sarawak
• Kolo Mee at Sin Lian Shin on Green Road
• Magenta Restaurant at The Square Tower 

Sabah:

• The Warung Kepayang, KK
• Kedai Kopi Melanian 3, KK
• Api-Api Night Food Market, KK (Friday and Saturday Nights only)
• Restoran Sri Melaka, KK
• Jothy’s Fish Head Curry and Banana Leaf Restaurant, KK
• Restoran Syah Adilah, Kundasang
• 89 Station 小吃店 Bak Kut Teh, Kundasang (non-halal)
• Sabah Tea Resort, Ranau
• Liwagu restaurant, Ranau

Other Things To Do In Sabah & Sarawak

If you plan to swap some of the activities I listed above for something else, you can make a Borneo itinerary that works for you. 

Below, I have listed some options for you to consider: 

Sarawak: 

• Kubah National Park
• Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple | Google Maps
• Kuching Old Court House | Google Maps
• Niah National Park
• Matang Wildlife Centre
• Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park | Diving | Google Maps
• Mulu National Park
• Padawan Hiking Trails | Facebook
• Mount Santubong
• Sibu Central Market
• Jong’s Crocodile Farm
• Batang Ai National Park

Sabah: 

• Kinabatang River Safari | Google Maps
• Danum Valley Conservation Area 
• Orangutan Sanctuaries | Google Maps
• Sun Bear Conservation Centre 
• Mount Kinabalu Climb
• Zip Borneo Adventure Centre 
• Spring Garden Kundasang | Google Maps
• Tamparuli Suspension Bridge | Google Maps
• Adenna Rafflesia Garden | Google Maps
• Poring Hot Spring Canopy Walk | Google Maps
• Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
• White Water Rafting

FAQs On 10 Days In Borneo

How Many Days Do You Need In Borneo?

Two weeks. That’s how many days in Borneo you need to fully experience the culture, food, nature, and wildlife. 

So, plan for 2 weeks in Borneo to make the most of your trip, which can also include Brunei. 

Where To Avoid In Borneo?

Where to avoid in Borneo? Well, the east coast of Sabah is considered dangerous due to the past kidnappings by militants and pirates.

To resolve this issue, the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) was established to oversee security in this region.

While it’s now safer to travel to Sabah with no recent kidnapping, it’s good to be cautious.

What Is The Most Beautiful Part Of Borneo?

These are the most beautiful parts of Borneo:

• Pom Pom and Mataking Island, Sabah
• Kudat, Sabah
• Lankayan Island, Sabah
• Islands in TAR, Sabah
• Kota Kinabalu Beaches
• Pulau Tiga, Sabah
• Tusan Cliff Beach, Miri, Sarawak
• Sematan, West Sarawak
• Sipadan and Mabul Island, Sabah

Is Borneo Expensive?

Traveling here will be more expensive than the typical backpacker route through the mainland. 

Activities like scuba, safari, climbing Mount Kinabalu, wildlife cruises, and others are inherently pricey. 

However, by carefully planning and eliminating some expensive activities, you can still visit Borneo on a budget!

Conclusion

So, here’s your Borneo itinerary!

Being an adventurer myself, I can guarantee it’ll be worth it! Spending 10 days in Borneo is definitely a getaway that you deserve!

You can also make this a Borneo 1 week itinerary because everything I shared in this article can be planned as a Borneo itinerary for 1 week. 

This is the perfect guide to the best Borneo itinerary in planning your trip to Sabah & Sarawak.

I can’t wait for you to experience everything that these two states are waiting to offer you!