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Exploring Borneo means venturing into one of the wildest and most fascinating regions of Indonesia. This island, shared by three countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei), is home to extraordinary biodiversity, ancestral cultures, and landscapes that seem out of this world.
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to prepare your trip and discover what to see in Borneo, from its jungles and orangutans to its cuisine and traditions.
Why visit Borneo?
Borneo (Kalimantan, in its Indonesian part) is one of the last refuges of the orangutan and one of the green lungs of the planet. But beyond its natural wealth, it offers deep cultural experiences for those who love wildlife, river travel, and indigenous cultures.
You can sail down jungle-lined rivers, observe orangutans in the wild, live with Dayak communities in their communal houses, and go trekking through tropical forests full of wildlife.
If you’re wondering what to see in Borneo, Indonesia, the answer includes much more than jungle, it’s an encounter with the wild and the human.
Preparing for your trip to Borneo
Before heading off on your Borneo adventure, it’s important to be clear about a few aspects. From the best time to go, to how to get there and what to pack, here’s a practical guide to make your trip comfortable, safe, and well-organized.
Best time to visit Borneo
The best time to visit Borneo is during the dry season, from May to September. Rainfall is less frequent, and jungle trails are more accessible. That said, Borneo has a humid tropical climate year-round, so you can visit at other times if you’re prepared for occasional rain.
If you want a more detailed look at Indonesia’s climate: When to Travel to Indonesia: Weather and Destinations by Month
How to get to Borneo
To reach Borneo (Kalimantan), the usual route is flying to Jakarta or Bali, and then taking a domestic flight to cities like Pangkalan Bun (to visit Tanjung Puting National Park), Balikpapan, or Palangkaraya.
There are many internal connections, with regular flights linking Indonesia’s main cities to various points in Kalimantan. The most reliable and reputable airlines for these routes are Nam Air, Garuda Indonesia, and Batik Air.
???? Tip: To visit Tanjung Puting and make the most of your time, it’s best to depart Jakarta on one of the earliest flights in the morning (5:45–6:00AM) and start the tour upon arrival. On the last day, take the final flight from Pangkalan Bun around 2PM.
What to pack for Borneo
Traveling to Borneo means heading into jungle zones, tropical climate, and remote areas. Here’s a list of essentials you should bring with you:
- Light, breathable, quick-dry clothing
- Raincoat or poncho
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Sunscreen and a cap
- Closed shoes for hiking
- Binoculars and camera
- Personal medication and basic first-aid kit
Exploring Borneo: must-do activities
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably picturing lush jungles, navigable rivers, and thrilling encounters with orangutans, but Borneo offers all that and much more. Here are some of the most special experiences you can enjoy during your journey through Kalimantan.
7-Day itinerary in Borneo
Activities and places may vary based on your interests, the weather, and the kind of experience you’re looking for, but here’s a sample route to inspire you:
- Day 1: Arrival in Pangkalan Bun. After a short transfer to Kumai, you’ll board a klotok to cruise down the Sekonyer River. First stop at Tanjung Harapan to see orangutans. At night, walk through the jungle to look for nocturnal animals and glowing fungi.
- Day 2: Visit Pondok Tanggui station in the morning. Then continue along the “black river” to Camp Leakey. Sleep anchored among mangroves, surrounded by fireflies.
- Day 3: In the morning, the klotok heads back to Kumai. Once in Pangkalan Bun, you’ll have time to stroll, visit local markets, or simply relax.
- Day 4: Domestic flight to Balikpapan. If you arrive early, enjoy a boat ride on the Kahayan River or explore nearby museums and temples.
- Day 5: Discover Dayak culture. A boat excursion will take you to traditional communities where you’ll trek the jungle with local guides and visit a typical longhouse.
- Day 6: A nature day at Kutai National Park. Explore flooded forests on foot or by canoe, home to orangutans, monkeys, and a great variety of birds.
- Day 7: Return flight from Balikpapan. End of the trip and a final aerial view of Borneo’s jungle.
Diving in Borneo
If you want to dive some of the best marine sites in Borneo, Indonesia, you can add the Derawan Archipelago to your trip, with Maratua Island as the main attraction.
The Derawan Archipelago, on Borneo’s east coast, is a little-explored paradise where each island has something unique: Green turtles in Derawan, manta rays in Sangalaki, and a jellyfish lake in Kakaban make it a one-of-a-kind destination. The waters are clear, warm, and teeming with life.
Maratua offers deep walls, current-swept channels, sharks, and huge schools of barracuda. Few tourists and lots to discover, ideal if you’re looking for something different in Indonesia.
The best way to dive Derawan and Maratua is with a liveaboard.
Activities you can’t miss in Borneo
Besides the suggested itinerary, there are experiences every traveler should consider to connect deeply with the nature, wildlife, and local culture in an unforgettable way.
- Spotting wild orangutans – one of the most thrilling experiences of the trip.
- Cruising in a klotok through jungle rivers – a peaceful, authentic way to explore the environment.
- Trekking through the rainforest – where you might see proboscis monkeys and tropical birds.
- Visiting Dayak communities – to learn about their traditions and ancestral architecture.
- Swimming in hidden jungle waterfalls – for something refreshing.
- Visiting wildlife conservation centers – dedicated to protecting endangered species, guided by specialists.
- Swimming in the jellyfish lake (they don’t sting) on Kakaban Island.
- Diving with manta rays in Sangalaki and sharks in Maratua.
Discover the home of the orangutans
Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the best places in the world to see orangutans in the wild. Thanks to conservation and rehabilitation work, you can observe them at respectful distances as you cruise along the river.
Camp Leakey, founded by Dr. Biruté Galdikas, is an iconic center in this effort. This park is definitely a key highlight if you’re wondering what to see in Borneo, Indonesia.
Want to discover Borneo’s orangutans with us?
Cuisine in Borneo
Eating in Borneo is also a way to explore the island. The food is simple but full of nuances, made with local ingredients and traditional techniques.
Typical dishes you can’t miss
Some of the most representative dishes worth trying during your trip:
- Soto Banjar: chicken soup with noodles, spices, and egg
- Ayam Cincane: grilled chicken with spiced sauce
- Ikan Bakar: grilled fish marinated with herbs
- Nasi Kuning: yellow rice with local side dishes
Markets and street food
In cities like Banjarmasin or Pontianak, you’ll find floating markets and street stalls where you can try snacks like satay, martabak, or stuffed pastries. Street food in Borneo is simple but delicious, with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Culture and traditions of Borneo
Learning about its cultures, peoples, and customs is an essential part of the journey and allows you to better understand the island’s richness and diversity.
The dayak culture
The Dayak are Borneo’s indigenous peoples, with a rich tradition of craftsmanship, symbolic tattoos, ritual dances, and traditional architecture (communal houses or longhouses). Many villages are open to visitors and happy to share their way of life.
Language and religion in Borneo
In Kalimantan, Indonesian is mainly spoken, though many local languages exist. The majority religion is Islam, but there are also Christian communities and animist beliefs among the Dayak. This diversity enriches the cultural experience of the place.
Frequently Asked Questions about the trip
Is it safe to travel to Borneo?
Yes, Borneo is a safe destination for travelers. As in any remote area, it’s important to follow basic advice, such as traveling with local guides, respecting natural environment rules, and having travel insurance that covers jungle activities.
Read all our safety tips for your trip in our complete Indonesia guide.
How many days do I need to see Borneo?
We offer a 3-day experience that lets you enjoy the essence of Borneo: sailing in a klotok, venturing into the jungle, and seeing wild orangutans. It’s the perfect option if you’re short on time but don’t want to miss the best of this place.
If you’d like to spend more days on this incredible island, it’s best that we plan a custom trip together. That way, we ensure a perfect experience for you, tailored to your schedule and preferences.
We hope this guide on what to see in Borneo, Indonesia, has been useful for planning your next adventure. At Karang Travel, we specialize in Indonesia and can help you design a tailor-made itinerary, by boat, combining nature and culture, or focused on wildlife watching.