MileHacker Logo
Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Iconic Landmarks

Southeast Asia's highest peak, Mount Kinabalu (Sabah, Malaysia), an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its exceptional biodiversity. A challenging multi-day expedition takes you to its 4,095 meters.

Wildlife centers like Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre offer close observations of orangutans during feeding times. Kinabatangan River river cruises are good for spotting diverse wildlife, including proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.

Cultural & Royal Icons

  • Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (Brunei): One of Southeast Asia's magnificent mosques, a symbol of Brunei's Islamic faith.
  • Istana Nurul Iman (Brunei): Official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, the world's largest residential palace. Only open during Hari Raya.
  • Sarawak Cultural Village (Malaysia): Features traditional longhouses and cultural performances.
  • Kapuas River (Indonesia): Indonesia's longest river, central to life and trade in West Kalimantan.

Visitor Information & Tips

Access & Fees

  • Hours: Most national parks and rehabilitation centers have daily opening hours.
  • Fees: Charge entrance fees, often higher for foreigners.
  • Guided Options: Guided tours are available and often recommended for wildlife or cultural insight.

Best Viewing & Photography

  • Wildlife: Visit early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. Bring a zoom lens.
  • Mosques: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Check visiting hours.
  • Photography: Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in cultural villages.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Sarawak Museum Complex (Kuching): Extensive ethnographic, archaeological, natural history collections.
  • Sabah Museum (Kota Kinabalu): Sabah's history, culture, natural history, ethnobotanical garden.
  • Brunei Museum: Focuses on Bruneian history, Islamic arts, natural history, oil and gas.
  • Borneo Cultures Museum (Kuching): New, state-of-the-art museum on Sarawak's cultural heritage.

Historical Sites

  • Archaeological Sites:

    Niah National Park (Sarawak) with Niah Caves, evidence of human habitation 40,000 years ago.

  • Historical Districts:

    Kuching's Old Town with colonial buildings, shophouses. Bandar Seri Begawan's Kampong Ayer (water village).

  • Religious Sites:

    Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (Brunei), City Mosque (Kota Kinabalu), Tua Pek Kong Temple (Kuching).

  • Memorial Sites:

    Kundasang War Memorial (Sabah), Labuan Island WWII historical sites.

Natural Attractions

Borneo's natural attractions are a major draw, boasting vast parks, scenic landscapes, and incredible wildlife.

Explore Borneo's Nature

  • Kinabalu Park (Sabah)

    UNESCO World Heritage Site with diverse flora, carnivorous pitcher plants, orchids.

  • Bako National Park (Sarawak)

    Famous for proboscis monkeys, diverse ecosystems, unique rock formations.

  • Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak)

    UNESCO site renowned for spectacular cave systems (Sarawak Chamber, Deer Cave) and karst formations.

  • Taman Negara Gunung Palung (Kalimantan)

    Important lowland rainforest habitat for orangutans and diverse wildlife.

  • Scenic Viewpoints & Waterfalls

    Summit views from Mount Kinabalu, Tawai Waterfall (Lahad Datu), picturesque coastal viewpoints.

  • Wildlife Viewing

    Sepilok, Semenggoh (orangutans); Kinabatangan River, Labuk Bay (proboscis monkeys); Danum Valley (pygmy elephants).

Geological Features

Explore impressive cave systems like Niah Caves and Mulu Caves. Gomantong Caves (Sabah) are known for swiftlets and bats.

Beaches & Islands

Tanjung Aru Beach (Kota Kinabalu). World-renowned dive sites: Sipadan, Mabul, Gaya (Sabah), with beautiful beaches.

Lakes & Waterways

Many small lakes, some within national parks. Extensive river networks (Kinabatangan, Rejang, Kapuas) support rich ecosystems.

Hidden Gems

Beyond well-known attractions, Borneo holds many hidden gems. Discover off-the-beaten-path locations and local favorites.

  • Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre (Sabah): Learn about the smallest bear species.
  • Mari Mari Cultural Village (Sabah): Glimpse into Sabah's ethnic diversity through traditional houses and demonstrations.
  • Maliau Basin Conservation Area (Sabah): "Sabah's Lost World," remote and pristine rainforest with exceptional biodiversity.

Additional Attractions

Borneo also offers emerging destinations and unique local experiences for intrepid travelers.

Derawan Islands (East Kalimantan, Indonesia) feature stunning dive sites, including an unique jellyfish lake on Kakaban Island. Interior regions of Kalimantan are slowly opening up to adventure tourism, presenting new opportunities.

Local Favorites

Seek out local markets, neighborhood eateries, or smaller community-based tourism initiatives.

Experiences

  • Explore traditional wet markets.
  • Dine at neighborhood eateries.
  • Visit community-based tourism projects.

Emerging Destinations

The interior regions of Kalimantan are opening up for adventure tourism.

Opportunities

  • New opportunities for intrepid travelers.
  • Research current accessibility and tour options.
  • Experience pristine rainforests away from crowds.

National Park Highlights

Borneo's national parks are biodiversity hotspots, offering unique encounters.

Parks

  • Kinabalu Park: Home to diverse flora.
  • Bako National Park: Proboscis monkeys and unique rock formations.
  • Gunung Mulu National Park: Spectacular cave systems.
  • Tanjung Puting National Park (Kalimantan): Orangutan encounters.

Wildlife Spotting Zones

Borneo is a premier destination for wildlife viewing.

Prime Locations

  • Sepilok & Semenggoh: Orangutan rehabilitation.
  • Kinabatangan River & Labuk Bay: Proboscis monkeys.
  • Danum Valley & Tabin Wildlife Reserve: Pygmy elephants.

Historical Significance

WWII Heritage

  • Kundasang War Memorial: Commemorates Sandakan Death Marches victims.
  • Labuan Island: Significant WWII historical sites and memorial park.

Ancient History

  • Niah Caves: One of Southeast Asia's important archaeological sites.
  • Evidence of human habitation dating back 40,000 years.

Final Sightseeing Tips

For attraction tickets, consider booking in advance, especially for popular sites or during peak season.

Online Ticket Booking

Book attraction tickets via GetYourGuide for convenience and to secure entry, especially for popular sites.

Plan Routes

Group nearby attractions to optimize travel time and see more in a day.

Morning Visits

Arrive early at popular sites to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.

Cultural Immersion Sites

Sarawak Cultural Village

A living museum demonstrating the diverse ethnic groups of Sarawak, with traditional houses and daily performances.

Visit Official Site

Mari Mari Cultural Village

Visit Official Site

Kampong Ayer Water Village

Brunei's historic water village, a collection of stilt houses that have existed for centuries, offering boat tours.

Longhouse Stays

Deep cultural immersion living with local communities in traditional longhouses, often arranged through local tour operators.

Wildlife Rehabilitation

Witness conservation efforts for Borneo's unique wildlife.

Orangutan Centers

  • Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (Sabah): Rescues and rehabilitates orphaned orangutans.
  • Semenggoh Wildlife Centre (Sarawak): Known for semi-wild orangutans that appear for feeding sessions.

Other Wildlife Sanctuaries

Protected environments for endemic species.

Specialized Sanctuaries

  • Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary (Labuk Bay, Sabah): Close-up viewing of these unique primates.
  • Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre (Sabah): Focuses on the smallest bear species.

River Cruise Experience

A river cruise along the Kinabatangan River is a top wildlife viewing activity. Go at dawn or dusk for best animal sightings.