Borneo Packing List: The Ultimate Guide To Packing

Are you worried about your Borneo packing list? Are you planning a trip to Borneo but unsure what to pack & bring?

If you’re planning a trip to the Malaysian Borneo, you are definitely embarking on an adventure, including island hopping, adventurous activities, and of course, climbing the majestic Mount Kinabalu in Sabah.  

You could head over to my article about preparations to climb Mount Kinabalu. I’ve included how exactly I packed to climb Mount Kinabalu successfully.  

I’ve traveled to Sabah and Sarawak, exploring the small 5 of Sarawak and climbing the mighty Mount Kinabalu. So, I think I’ve got some packing skills, which I’m excited to share with you, especially in tropical weather countries like Malaysia, where I live.

In this article, you’ll learn what to include in your Borneo Packing list. Regardless of the activities you’re planning to do, this article will help you get up and running!

Let’s cut to the chase and dive deep into what to bring to 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 😀

What’s The Weather Like In Borneo?

Borneo is a true gem of Southeast Asia and offers a tropical paradise unlike any other. 

Visitors flock here year-round to experience its unique wildlife, Indigenous culture, pristine beaches, towering mountains, and breathtakingly natural beauty. 

The weather in Borneo is hot and humid for most of the year, with an average temperature of 27℃ (80.6℉) to 32℃ (89.6℉). 

This means the temperature is typically warm, and humidity will either be your best friend or the worst enemy!

After doing some research, I managed to gather some information about the weather in Borneo in Malaysia:

• Dry season: March to October
• Wet season: November to February

However, weather patterns can vary, as it has become so unpredictable nowadays. You should expect high humidity and rainfall at any time of the year. 

It is always a good idea to check the weather forecast for your travel dates before heading to Borneo!

What To Bring?

You must be wondering what to pack for Borneo while you stare at your widely open luggage in the corner of your room, scratching your head.

Depending on the purpose of your trip, you may need to pack a lot of stuff, but don’t worry.

I will assist you and guide you through some of the ESSENTIAL things that you need to pack during your trip. Let’s begin with our packing list for Borneo!

1. Clothing

Look for quick-drying cotton or synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester. 

Pack a lot of quick-drying clothes because if you’re hiking, jungle trekking, or even climbing Mount Kinabalu, you may not have water available to try hand washing your clothes. 

Most importantly, you want to prevent the never-ending air drying time by selecting the right choice of materials. 

So, what to wear in Borneo? Here are my six top must-haves based on my previous trips:

• Long-sleeved tops ( Ladies | Men )

Get yourself a couple of quick-drying long-sleeved tops, which will be the centrepiece of your Borneo packing list. Long sleeves will protect you from thorny plants, the sun, bugs, and leeches.

Avoid bringing too many cotton materials; drying them takes a long time unless you are planning to drop by the laundry in the main cities.

You can also opt for short-sleeved T-shirts ( Ladies | Men )

• Convertible Hiking Pants  ( Ladies | Men )

I know that the tropical weather may hit you hard if you’re not used to our level of humidity.

But I’d still recommend that you wear long pants, especially when you’re doing outdoor activities in Borneo.

Go for a pair that is lightweight and durable in any colour but black.

PS: Long pants may reduce the number of leeches hanging onto you, but they don’t necessarily protect you 100%, especially if you are not wearing socks or a leech guard.

Leeches party in the Borneo jungle, and you should avoid wearing anything black. This helps you spot leeches easily and remove them quickly.

Yes, leeches exist here.

To be honest, I’m much more of a short-pants kind of person because I can’t stand the Malaysian heat.

So, I’d usually go for convertible pants with a zip function. It gives me the flexibility to wear them as shorts and pants.

• Leech Protection

I REPEAT – LEECHES EXIST.

These blood-sucking feeders, along with other creatures, are patrons of the rainforests of Borneo. 

They thrive in wet, moist, and humid areas because they are easier to glide and navigate on dry grounds.

And the wetter it gets, the more hungry leeches you can imagine waiting to feed on your feet and legs.

I can imagine you going, “EWWWW Maryam, stop talking about it already.” 

Well, think no further. You have two options:

• Wearing high football socks – the best method
• Wearing a pair of leech socks – the cheap prevention method

Reminder: Don’t get black colored socks! It’s easy for the bloodsuckers to camouflage under black color!

• Shorts

Bring some super lightweight short pants that breathable ang dry quickly, like these comfy quick dry shorts with zippers!

They’re super practical when you need to put something on quickly, whether it’s for a hike or just for chilling by the beach watching the sunset. 

• Undergarments

Bring a lot of these! Drying clothes in Borneo can take ages, and you don’t want to end up wearing something wet inside. 

So, don’t forget to pack extra pairs of these! You can consider getting my favorite trekking briefs (top rated in Amazon!), which are breathable, durable, comfortable, and chafe-free! I’ve personally worn them during hikes around Malaysia.

Alternatively, you can opt for this affordable and breathable underwear. It’s high quality for a very good value! 🙂

For men, I’ve got you! My husband is always on the go with me. He is simple and straight to the point.

He told me these boxer briefs are EXRTA COMFYYY. It keeps everything inside cool, light and in place 😛

And ladies, don’t forget to choose the right sports bra for your trip, considering the activities that you will be doing.   

• Waterproof jacket

Rain showers are frequent in Borneo, so pack a lightweight jacket.

2. Outdoor Gear

• Wide-brimmed hat: To protect you from the strong Borneo sun. 

• Trekking pole: This provides stability and support. I had one with me when I climbed Mount Kinabalu.

• Poncho: This one can come in handy, given the unpredictable weather in Borneo. I was totally drenched when I completed my trail in Mount Kinabalu, even with a poncho on!

• Backpack cover: Get one of these to protect your backpack and its contents from rain and dust. 

• Headlamp: This is a must when you’re doing activities in the early mornings, going for caving activities, and late evenings in low-light conditions. 

• Climbing Gloves: These gloves protect your hands from scratches, rope burns, and other unfortunate incidents during your adventurous activities.

• Polarized Sunglasses: Protect your vision from the sun and perhaps flying insects that can go into your eyes! 

• Backpack: You can bring a backpack or a suitcase with wheels. Avoid heavy luggage on boat journeys. I’m currently using an American tourist backpack and a 35L backpack from Cotopaxi!

Are you ready for your Borneo backpacking? 🤩

3. Health 

You should consult a travel clinic or your doctor before your trip to Borneo to determine the specific vaccinations you’ll need. 

The World Health Organization recommends some routine vaccines before traveling that you should check and talk to your doctor. 

However, I managed to round up some commonly recommended vaccinations for Borneo as follows:

• Adult diphtheria and tetanus
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid

Getting the right vaccinations is important for a safe trip. This is non-negotiable.  

So, do what is best for you and consult your doctor or a travel clinic to determine which vaccines are necessary for your health and itinerary. 

Reminder: Schedule an appointment 4-6 weeks ahead of your trip. This gives enough time for vaccinations that require multiple doses or waiting periods. 

Also, most vaccinations take at least 2 weeks to become fully effective, so consider this as well. 

4. Electronics And Gadgets

Some electronics and gadgets suggestions for your trip:

• Phone lanyards: Bring this with you so that you won’t have to always hold on to your phone or worry about misplacing it. I bought mine from a French local brand called La Coque Françaises.

• Earphones: You can get some me time by switching off from your surroundings whenever needed. 

• Phone Tripod: It’s a handy piece of kit that allows you to take hands-free photos and videos throughout your journey.

• Portable charger/Powerbank: Comes in handy when there’s no electricity and also keeps your devices charged during your activities.

• Camera / Camera Tripod : This is a portable device that allows you to take photos without asking strangers to do it for you.

• Universal adapter: Borneo Malaysia & Brunei use plug type G, a UK-style 3 rectangular pronged adapter. Bring a multi-USB charger with you if you’re going to the Indonesian Borneo as well. 

5. Documents And Money

• Passport (Non-Malaysian) / IC (Malaysians)
• Visa (if required for your nationality)
• MDAC (for foreigners arriving in Malaysia, you need to fill this form 3 days prior to arrival)
• Travel insurance document
• Copies of your passport (in case of original getting lost)
• Copies of your itinerary
• Booking confirmations (flights, accommodation, tours)
• Vaccination records (if required)
• Bring extra cash in local currency (Malaysian Ringgit)
• Debit or credit cards (Wise is widely acceptable in Malaysia)

6. Cosmetics

Yes, you read that right, my dearest girlfriends. Bring some light lip balm or powder while you’re out and about.

I regrettedly didn’t bring any when I climbed Kinabalu, so I looked like some pale zombie.

Light recommendations to pack in your day backpack:

• Sunscreen – my all time favourite
• Daily Moisturizer with SPF
• Lip balm / Lipstick

Bonus tips: 

• Look for travel-sized versions of your favorite products or store them in those travel-sized bottles to save space in your luggage. 
• Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen every 1.5-2 hours if you’re under direct sunlight.
• Avoid wearing heavy makeup. It’s likely to melt or smudge in the heat and humidity.
• You’ll most likely put your hair back into a bun or ponytail, so avoid any fancy hair-styling equipment or products.
• Avoid strong fragrances as the scents can attract insects.

7. Footwear

• Socks 

Bring a lot of these! The monsoon season starts in November and usually stays up until January. 

However, as I mentioned earlier Borneo’s weather can be unpredictable. When I went in August last year to climb Mount Kinabalu, there were occasional downpours which made my socks wet and my feet ice cold 🥶

So, pack lots of socks! Get seamless socks to prevent blisters when you’re jungle trekking. 

•  Insole heat patch warmer

This heated insoles SAVED my cold-iced feet during my climb at Mount Kinabalu. You don’t need this if you’re planning on casual hikes.

• Flip flops: To wear when you’re at the beach chilling or walking around your accommodation.

• Hiking shoes

This depends on your specific activities.

If you’re going to climb Mount Kinabalu or do some serious hiking or trekking, you should consider a pair of sturdy shoes that survive your entire journey. 

8. Other items

Now let’s look at other things that you can consider in your Borneo travel checklist:

• Tupperware & cutleries: To pack your lunch when you’re trekking.

• Binoculars: For wildlife viewing.

• Daypack:  To carry your essentials.

• Toiletries travel bag: To keep your toiletries and save space in your luggage.   

• Water bladder: To sip your water without taking out your bottle every time.

• Earplugs:  If you’re a light sleeper like me, get one of these babies!

• Energy gel: These will keep you charged and energized.

• Watch: Get a cheap watch, and leave your fancy watch at home.

• DSLR camera & zoom lens: A compact camera or your phone camera will do, but consider these if you want to do some serious photography

• Scarf/sarong: It’s versatile and can be used in any way. You may need this to cover your shoulders or knees as a sign of respect when entering religious sites in Borneo. 

• Packing cubes: You can use this to separate your items, making them easy to find. 

• Dry bags/ziplock bags: You can get either one of these to protect your valuable items and electronic gadgets.

• Quick dry towel: Ideal for Borneo’s humid weather.

• Swimwear: Pack a swimwear if there’s a beach or swimming pool (if available) at your accommodation. 

What Shoes Do You Recommend?

I personally use Decathlon’s QUECHUA Women’s waterproof hiking shoes wherever I go now, whether for short jungle trekking or long hiking sessions. I love it as it is affordable.

If you have extra bduget and looking into something more robust, you can look into Salomon hiking boots ( Ladies | Men ).

It’s perfect for avid hikers looking for durable long-term shoes for long hikes. I’ve been wanting to buy one, but my piggy bank is not ready yet 😛  

Their hiking boots are known for their technical soles, which provide exceptional traction on various terrains, waterproof and breathable features, ankle support and stability, and comfort. 

Suggested Read: Mount Kinabalu Packing List – Everything You Need

What To Not Bring?

There are some things that I wouldn’t recommend you bring on your jungle trekking Borneo trip. It’s important to pack light and pack only the essentials. 

So, let’s find out what they are:

1. Expensive Jewelry And Valuables:

This is absolutely unnecessary and you can take it out of your list. If you’re traveling to the Borneo rainforests, you’re definitely getting muddy and tanned with all the activities. 

Most importantly, you don’t want to grab anyone’s attention with those expensive pieces of jewelry. Your safety is important, so please keep this in mind. 

However, if you are planning a romantic date with your loved one, you can definitely bring some simple jewelry that is not eye-catching to elevate your look. 

2. Heavy Winter Clothing

As mentioned many times in this article, Borneo’s weather is hot and humid. Bringing your heavy winter clothing would be impractical. 

3. Unnecessary Gadgets

Avoid bringing any bulky electronics unless you have a specific need for them to avoid adding weight to your luggage. 

4. Heavy Books

I’m a reader myself, and I love reading books on my vacations. However, avoid bringing heavy physical books with you. 

Take one with you, and you can always get another one at a local bookstore to fill in your time. Alternatively, you can opt for e-books.

5. Excessive Toiletries

Focus on bringing travel-sized toiletries that will last long for your stay. Bring only the most important ones. 

You can keep your body oil or butter at home because the weather in Borneo will make you regret applying them! All you need is a good sunscreen! 😉

6. Prohibited Items

Research and educate yourself on the items that are prohibited in Borneo. This might include certain wildlife products, drugs, or specific plants.

Some of the prohibited items are animal skins, ivory, weapons, pornographic materials, firearms, drugs, narcotics, and plants that carry pests. 

It’s always recommended to check the immigration websites of the Borneo country that you’re visiting to avoid bringing any prohibited items. 

Here are some resources for further research:

• Malaysia 
• Indonesia
• Brunei

8. Large Amount Of Cash

Carry a moderate amount of cash with you. Keep some for emergencies hidden somewhere in your luggage. 

Otherwise, I wouldn’t recommend carrying a large amount of cash for safety reasons. 

9. Fancy Clothes

You will definitely won’t wear that fancy dress of yours for jungle trekking in Borneo. I can guarantee that! 

Focus on packing the essentials that I shared above to ensure your safety and comfort throughout your stay. 

Having said that, it doesn’t mean you can’t pack a nice dress if you planned a romantic dinner waiting.  

Of course, you can pack one fancy and comfortable dress!

10. Cooking Equipment

This will only add weight to your luggage. Your accommodation will prepare your meals during your stay, so you don’t need to worry about it. 

If you’re on a specific diet, you can check with the accommodation if they can arrange that. 

11. Sleeping bag

A sleeping bag is not needed because your accommodation will arrange it for you. Pack this only if it’s absolutely needed. 

How is your packing list for Malaysia coming along? Are you taking notes?

I hope you are 😉

Watch Our Kinabalu Vlog: What Kinabalu Summit Attack Did to Us!

FAQs On Borneo Packing List

1. How Do You Prevent Leeches In Borneo?

Protect yourself from leeches by doing the following things:

• Wear long pants tucked into leech-proof socks or regular socks tucked into your boots or shoes
• Apply insect repellent to your clothes and shoes 
• Rub a pinch of tobacco on your socks or detergent soap on your socks and trousers
• Wear closed shoes, not sandals

2. Can I Wear Shorts In Borneo?

YES! You can wear shorts in Borneo as it’s acceptable in the city; on trips to the interior, shorts and T-shirts may be more appropriate.

You can also opt for shorts when you’re hanging around the beach and not doing any outdoor activities in the wild. 

3. What Is The Dress Code For Borneo?

Borneo has different races such as Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity. You can find regions where Muslims live predominantly. 

So, some women cover their arms and knees and wear a tudung (head scarf), while others dress conservatively but still bare their limbs to a modest degree.

Foreign women are not expected to wear a head scarf but they are expected to cover their heads, shoulders, and knees when entering religious sites. 

4. Do I Need Leech Socks For Borneo?

YES! A thousand times YES! Leech socks are recommended.

Do yourself a favor and get a leech sock for yourself and your loved ones. 

Leeches don’t carry viruses, but once they are detached from your skin, they leave a small wound that bleeds freely, which can be messy, unpleasant, and inconvenient during outdoor activities. 

5. What Is The Dress Code For Borneo?

The dress code in Borneo is generally modest, especially for female visitors. 

You might have freedom in the city, but in rural areas and religious sites, you will have to dress modestly to respect local culture and customs. 

What Clothes To Pack For Borneo?

For Borneo’s hot and humid weather, it’s advisable to pack some lightweight cotton clothing. 

In this article, I provided an extensive list of the types of clothes to pack for Borneo, which will definitely help you!

Time To Pack Your Bags!

There you go! You have a jungle packing list with you now!

So, start packing for your trip, and I hope you have a wonderful and memorable trip!

Let me know in the comments below what other essential items you’ve packed for your trip that I might have missed! 

Additionally, let me know if there’s anything else essential you’d recommend for a packing list for Borneo!

#backpackingborneo