This is the Best Borneo Itinerary for 5 Days (2025)

Malaysian Borneo is a must-visit destination for any nature and wildlife lover. The island’s eco-tourism initiatives and cultural heritage have seen its popularity increase with international tourists. I spent several incredible days here during my three weeks in Malaysia, including seeing the orangutans in the jungle. Here’s the ultimate 5-day Borneo itinerary for exploring this incredible part of Malaysia, including all my top tips.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means, if you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my disclaimer.

Where to stay in Borneo

As I only had a few days of backpacking in Borneo, I chose to visit Kuching in Sarawak.

This is a good base to see two of the island’s highlights – Semenggoh Nature Reserve and Bako National Park. Kuching has a range of budget-friendly accommodations perfect for backpackers. Here are some top recommendations.

I recommend choosing accommodation close to the Kuching Waterfront, as it’s convenient for getting around and also has great nightlife.

The best accommodation in Kuching

The Marco Polo Guesthouse is a family-run hostel with friendly hosts, clean facilities and a communal kitchen. Upspot Kuching Waterfront Premium Hostel is another great option. Located near the waterfront, guests can enjoy amenities like a PS5 and a co-working space within the property. 

Explore the map below to see the prices and availability for your dates:

Planning Your 5 Day Borneo Itinerary

Before getting into the day-by-day breakdown, here’s what you need to know to plan your perfect 5-day Borneo itinerary.

Your Borneo itinerary should balance city exploration with nature experiences. Plan to spend two days discovering Kuching’s cultural attractions and waterfront. One day will be with the orangutans at Semenggoh and two days immersed in Bako National Park’s pristine wilderness. This timing allows you to experience the best of Borneo without feeling rushed.

The key to a successful Borneo itinerary is being flexible with weather. Tropical downpours are common but brief, so don’t let them spoil your jungle adventures!

Day 1: Kuching Waterfront

The Kuching Waterfront is the heart of the city and a great place to start your 5 day Borneo itinerary.

This scenic promenade stretches along the Sarawak River. It’s lined with local eateries, craft markets and historic landmarks like the Astana Palace and Fort Margherita.

In the evenings, the waterfront comes alive with vibrant street performances and stunning views of the illuminated Darul Hana Bridge. Why not take a sunset river cruise on the Sarawak River. These affordable boat rides will have you floating past traditional Malay villages and lush riverbanks as the sun sets.

Book your sunset river cruise in Kuching here.

Day 2: Museums and Chinatown

In the morning, visit the Sarawak Museum, one of Malaysia’s oldest and most renowned museums. The exhibits cover everything from Borneo’s unique wildlife to its indigenous communities, for a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past.

For lunch, experience Kuching’s food scene at local hawker stalls and food courts like Top Spot Food Court.

In the afternoon, check out the quirky Cat Museum (Kuching means ‘cat’ in Malay). Located on a hilltop in North Kuching City Hall, this unique museum is dedicated to all things feline. Exhibits range from cultural depictions of cats to fun memorabilia.

Later on, wander through Chinatown, a lively area filled with traditional shophouses, local eateries, and colourful street art. Visit Carpenter Street for authentic Sarawakian dishes like kolo mee and explore souvenir shops selling handcrafted goods

Discover Kuching by bike on this best of Kuching: Heritage & Kampong Bike Tour.

Day 3: Orangutan encounters at Semenggoh

Take a full day trip to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, located just 30 minutes from Kuching. Take a local bus or join a shared taxi with others, like I did, to keep transport costs low.

This reserve was founded in 1975 to care for endangered animals, most famously orangutans. They rescued injured or orphaned orangutans, with a view to releasing them back into the wild. These days, it focuses on studying the behaviour and biology of the orangutan. It’s also home to graduates from the highly successful rehabilitation programme.

Here you can learn about conservation efforts to rehabilitate and protect these endangered primates. You’ll also walk through lush rainforest trails while expert guides share fascinating insights about the orangutans. Visit during the twice-daily feeding times for the highest chance of spotting them.

My experience at Semenggoh

As we walked into the forest, our guide reminded us that we were entering the orangutans’ home. This meant we should be quiet and respectful.

With the exception of a couple of people on their phones during the visit, everyone was in awe-inspired silence. The only words were whispers of “look – here comes another one.”

Trees bent under the weight of a powerfully muscular male as he made his way over for breakfast. Safe to say, he would attempt to fit as many bananas as he could into his mouth. Then, he heading up a tree to feast on his pickings. He casually let the peel fall to the forest floor like a nonchalant teenager dropping chewing gum litter.

I wondered how he felt having an audience watching his meal times every day. It certainly didn’t seem to bother him as he tucked into his fruit.

Day 4: Bako National Park adventure

Travel to Bako National Park, an hour’s bus ride and boat trip from Kuching. The boat ride to Bako is affordable when shared with other travellers. This park is famous for its diverse ecosystems, from mangroves to rainforests, and its incredible wildlife. Spot proboscis monkeys unique to Borneo, along with bearded pigs and monitor lizards.

Stay overnight in the park’s basic lodges for a more immersive experience. This is what I did with friends from my hostel and we loved it.

Book your day trip to Bako National Park here.

During the day, you can hike trails that lead to secluded beaches and stunning cliff views. Here you can marvel at the park’s signature sea stacks and rock formations.

In the evening, why not embark on a night-time jungle trek. You can read more about my experience below.

My experience at Bako National Park

We decided to attempt one of the park’s many treks – a short escapade to a secluded beach cove.

Clambering over rocks and huge tree roots, we were surrounded by abundant jungle life, soaking up the rainwater. Huge leaves, exotic red flowers and armies of ants – there was so much to see.

When we reached the bay, we found a lonely and beautiful place. It felt like we’d crash landed from a plane onto a deserted island and would have to fend for ourselves.

Luckily, all we had to do was to walk back through the well-marked jungle trek and head for the café.

However, even in the cafe, we were not safe from the whims of the wildlife. Here, the park’s resident long tailed macaques greedily grabbed whatever food or wrapping was not carefully hidden away. At one point we even saw one open the café doors and head inside to steal packets of Oreos. Clever critters.

That evening, I hesitantly signed up for a Borneo nature night trek (I’m not a big fan of the dark).

We took our torches and followed the guides to see what nocturnal creatures we could spot. It was fantastic. Huge green stick insects, spiny black and white bugs, sleeping kingfishers on branches, tiny poisonous tree frogs, jumping spiders – we saw the lot. Even a green viper, Borneo’s third most venomous snake after the cobra and the sea snake.

Spying on them under the glow of our torches made it seem almost dreamlike and their colours even more vivid.

Day 5: Return to Kuching

Spend the morning exploring more of Bako National Park’s trails. In the afternoon, it’s time to return to Kuching.

Use the evening to enjoy Kuching’s food scene one more time or explore more of the city.

What to eat in Kuching

Kuching, like the rest of Malaysia, is a food lover’s paradise, with affordable and flavourful dishes at every corner.

When you’re backpacking in Borneo you’d be mad to miss local dishes including Sarawak laksa. This is a spicy, coconut-based noodle soup topped with prawns and chicken. Believe me, it’s super tasty.

Head to local hawker centres, like Top Spot Food Court, for a feast that won’t break the bank.

Getting from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching

Kuching, located in Sarawak on the island of Borneo, is not connected to Peninsular Malaysia by land. However, getting from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching is straightforward and affordable. Here’s how to make the journey:

There are many cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching available daily. The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Once you arrive at Kuching International Airport, getting to the city center is easy. If you’re going by taxi, expect to pay around MYR 20–30 ($4–7). Public buses operate between the airport and city centre, but they are infrequent.

Book a private transfer in advance from Kuching International Airport to your hostel here.

Frequently asked questions for a Borneo itinerary

Q: What’s the best time to visit Borneo?

A: The best time is during the dry season from March to October. However, Borneo has a tropical climate year-round, so brief rain showers are common but shouldn’t deter you from visiting.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Malaysian Borneo?

A: Most tourists can enter Malaysia visa-free for 30-90 days depending on nationality. Check current requirements before traveling as regulations can change.

Q: How much should I budget for 5 days in Borneo?

A: Budget travelers can expect to spend around $65 USD per day including accommodation, food and activities. This can vary based on accommodation choices and tour bookings.

Q: Is it safe to travel solo in Borneo?

A: Yes, Malaysian Borneo is generally very safe for solo travellers. Kuching is particularly backpacker-friendly.

Q: Do I need special vaccinations for Borneo?

A: Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations. Common suggestions include hepatitis A & B, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis. Malaria risk is low in urban areas but check current health advisories.

Q: Can I use my phone/get internet in Borneo?

A: Yes, Malaysia has good mobile coverage and WiFi is available in most accommodations. Consider getting a local SIM card for better rates.

Q: What’s the local currency and can I use cards?

A: The currency is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Cards are accepted in cities, but bring cash for national parks, local transport, and small vendors.

Q: What should I wear for jungle trekking?

A: Wear long trousers, a long sleeve top and closed-toe shoes with good grip. Light, quick-dry fabrics work best in the humid climate. Make sure to bring insect repellent.

Q: How physically demanding are the activities?

A: Most activities are suitable for average fitness levels. Bako National Park has trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Choose routes based on your comfort level.

Final thoughts on the best Borneo itinerary for 5 days

So there you have it – a 5-day Borneo itinerary showcasing the best of Malaysian Borneo’s wildlife, culture and natural beauty. From the riverside city of Kuching to orangutans and ancient rainforests, it’s an incredible introduction to one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

The highlight for me was undoubtedly the orangutan encounters at Semenggoh. Watching these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a truly humbling experience that will stay with you forever. Combined with Bako’s incredible jungle treks, these 5 days provide the perfect taste of what makes Borneo so special.

Memories of watching orangutans feast on bananas, trekking through rainforest and spotting exotic creatures under torchlight will be the highlight of any Malaysia adventure.

Happy travels, and prepare to fall in love with the wild heart of Borneo!

Want to see more of the country? Find out the best 3-week itinerary for Malaysia.