Planning a trip to Borneo? Before heading off into the jungle and discovering the world straight out of the Jungle Book there are a few things to make sure you do before you go. When traveling to a new country, questions such as “Do I need a visa for Borneo?” and “What vaccinations do I need?” often pop up, and we’re here to answer them for you.
To make this post as useful as possible for planning a trip to Borneo we’ve put the top 12 things you need to do in time order, starting with what takes the longest and therefore the things you need to do first!
Of course, this is a guideline and you may already have the correct travel vaccinations or international driving permit, however we hope you find our Borneo Travel advice useful and have the trip of a lifetime amongst the orangutans and pygmy elephants.
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First Things First
I haven’t included booking your flights, accommodation or an in-depth guide to planning your trip, as hopefully you’re well underway with that. If not however, we have a full itinerary blog you can use to help plan and we also have a blog sharing all the best places to stay in Sepilok.
If possible book your flights in advance as you will find cheaper rates, we use WayAway as a comparison website for flights.
Tip: Check your passport is in date and has at least 6 months left on it.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Borneo Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Borneo. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Backpacking Travel Checklist
Travel Vaccines
It is important to look into the different vaccinations or ‘shots’ you need for the places you are travelling. Some vaccinations need 2 or 3 doses spread 28 days apart and therefore it is essential you get this sorted with plenty of time before your departure date.
The vaccinations needed for Borneo according to the NHS include:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- hepatitis A
- Typhoid.
It is also recommended that you are up to date with a rabies vaccination. In terms of Malaria tablets for Borneo it will depend on your itinerary but most of the country is low risk, it’s best to chat to your healthcare provider for advice before going on the trip.
Further check what vaccinations you need on the NHS travel website.
NHS Travel Vaccinations for SE Asia
In the UK you can get DPT, Typhoid and Hep A/B on the NHS, you just need to make an appointment at your surgery.
How Much Do Travel Vaccinations Cost?
For Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis you will have to visit a travel clinic or pharmacy. We went to ‘City Doc’ and be warned these are NOT cheap. A course of 2 Rabies jabs and 2 Japanese Encephalitis jabs cost around £480 each! We will also need to go back to get a booster in 6 months time for even more money! It is worth remembering this cost when you’re budgeting for your time away.
International Driving Permit
There are different types of international driving permits depending on what countries you are visiting. In South East Asia 1949 and 1968 are the most popular and you’ll need to check which one you need for the country you are in. We got both permits as plans change and they’re only £5.50 each!
For Malaysia you need the 1949 IDP, this lasts for 12 months.
Where To Get One?
To get an IDP you need to find your closest PayPoint shop. You can find this over on the PayPoint website. You will need to take with you:
- Full GB or NI driving license
- £5.50 fee
- Standard passport photo (correct size)
- Passport
Exchange Some Money
The local currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and cash is predominately used in Malaysian Borneo. ATM’s are readily available in large towns but can be scarce in more rural areas. Always withdraw cash before heading off on an adventure!
What About A Travel Card?
We also recommend using Revolut, or Monzo as your travel card. This can easily be controlled on the app plus it has good exchange rates too!
We also love our AMEX Gold card which we use to collect air miles and redeem free flights!
Read more about our favourite travel cards
Borneo Travel Insurance
This is something you may be tempted to skip but shouldn’t. Although it costs a bit it means you can travel with peace of mind. Check to see what activities the insurance covers especially if you plan to go snorkelling or diving. You may also want to check for lost luggage, trip cancellation and natural disasters.
Make sure you have a copy of your travel insurance to hand with all the details and information or if you’re with SafetyWing everything you need will be on their app.
We recommend SafetyWing, a travel insurance company for digital nomads, created by digital nomads, who are as passionate about adventure as we are. They offer affordable insurance policies covering you worldwide!
Plan Your Itinerary
Borneo is a natural paradise with gibbons swinging from tree to tree and the morning flight of hornbills overhead. To help plan your perfect trip we have shared a 2 week, 3 week and 1 month itinerary that features all of the highlights Malaysian Borneo has to offer. Plus we have created a Sabah pinned map just for you!
What To Pack For A Trip To Borneo
I like to start gathering what I’m taking in advance so I can see what I am missing and still have time to order it or go shopping. I put all the items I want inside my backpack to check the weight and to see if they fit. You may have heard the common phrase, ‘layout what you need then take half the clothes and double the money’. You definitely end up wearing less than you expect and remember you can always wash your clothes or buy something out there.
Some top things to take to Borneo include, leech socks, LifeStraw, mosquito spray and bag cover for those unexpected downpours.
Don’t forget a Head Torch for the Night walks!
Book Flights Out Of The Country
To enter Borneo you need to have proof of onward travel, such as a flight showing you exit from the country within 90 days or within your visa validity.
Gather Important Documents
Important Documents to take:
- Passport (with 6 months on it)
- Photocopy of passport, drivers license, birth certificate
- Travel Insurance
- Any tickets/boarding passes
- International Driving Permit (IDP)
Visas
If you need a visa or not for Borneo will depend on your nationality, however a lot of countries including Citizens from the UK, EU, USA, Australia and Canada plus other countries are granted 90 days visa free!
Submitting An Arrival Card
All foreign travellers entering Malaysian Borneo are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). You can access and fill out the MDAC through the official Immigration Department of Malaysia website. This can be done within three days prior to your arrival.
SIM
e-SIM
When travelling abroad we would recommend looking into an e-SIM such as Airlao. This would mean you have data as soon as you arrive. You can activate a mobile plan without having to visit a local shop and getting a physical SIM.
You also have the ability to swap to different plans which is particularly useful if you’re visiting multiple countries within Southeast Asia.
Airalo removes the hassle of physical sims every time you land in a new country.
Physical SIM
If your phone isn’t compatible with an e-SIM then it’s always best to grab your SIM as soon as you arrive in the airport. This means you can use it to help you get to your accommodation. You will need to pick a plan and they will give you a SIM to put into your phone, in Borneo we recommend Celcom.
Remember to keep your UK/US SIM safe throughout the rest of your travels!
Essential Items You Need For Borneo
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
The week sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high DEET percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes.
Binoculars To Spot The Wonderful Wildlife
You’re most likely heading to Borneo for the wildlife. Don’t miss out on seeing these amazing animals up close and pack a good pair of binoculars!
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
Top Tips For Travelling Borneo
If you’re visiting Borneo, here’s our top tips:
- Try Nasi Lemak – The national dish of Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is fresh grated coconut and steamed rice served on banana leaves.
- Book flights in advance – they can become expensive if you leave it last minute… Also don’t forget your Apple Airtags to track your bags.
- Don’t skip the Kinabatangan River – It may be pricey but this is where you’re going to see most of Borneo’s wildlife, including wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.
- Dress for the jungle – Pack long sleeve, lightweight materials that cover you from mosquitos but will also keep you cool. Don’t forget your Raincoat as tropical downpours are frequent.
