The best time to visit Borneo is during the dry season, which typically falls between the months of March and October.
The best time for wildlife, when there is less rain, and it is hot and humid throughout. The trees are fruiting, particularly between June and August, meaning the orangutans venture down from the trees to feast; they would eat a diet consisting of 100% fruit if they were able to! The peak tourism season is between May and September, and accommodation can be booked up well in advance for these periods, particularly in the rainforest areas such as Danum Valley where there are less lodges, making early booking highly recommended.
Despite being commonly perceived as the ‘wet’ season in Borneo, travel during these months is still completely possible, but not entirely recommended by us. This is because conditions are not favorable for the wildlife, which remains hidden in the dense jungle.
As soon as the rains start to cease, around April and May, the hungry apes can be seen swinging from branch to branch in search of plump ripe fruit, as well as for potential mates. April to August has the driest weather giving optimal chances of good sightings of orangutans in the wild. See the newborn baby orangutans starting to emerge, as they make their way out into the creeping boscage for the first time now it’s not so wet!
We would not recommend traveling at this time if you are looking to see the orangutans. High rainfall and humidity sees Borneo’s wildlife sheltering in the dense forest, meaning they are difficult to find. Diving is also not recommended as the seas can be very rough with storms brought on by the winds of the north-east monsoon.
By sticking to the north state of Sabah, it is possible to travel in January if you avoid the roads as they can be rough with the heavy rain. There may be occasional storms bought on by the winds of the northeast monsoon, but with less people holidaying, you can expect a much quieter time on safari. You will also be able to benefit from lower rates for both accommodation and travel.
Borneo lies within the tropics and Sabah has an equatorial climate. For this reason, you should expect high humidity and rain at any time of the year. The seasons do not vary as dramatically as they do in other parts of the world.
Sunny blue skies might be the norm but when it rains, the heavens open. Mount Kinabalu influences the local weather patterns considerably and ensures the surrounding region has a slightly different weather pattern than elsewhere. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. Do be prepared for rain at any time of year as you’ll be exploring rainforest, however the dry season is a lot busier and can be more expensive.
Borneo is eight hours (+8) ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Sunrise is around 06:30 and sunset at about 19:30. This varies according to date and location
Join us on this photographic safari, specialist-led by a seasoned professional in the realm of photography, Charlie Ryan. Capturing the essence of Borneo’s wildlife through his lens, Charlie’s work has been published in National Geographic, BBC, and Netflix.
From swinging orangutans and honking proboscis monkeys, to sandy beaches and exploring the jungle; this safari is perfect for families with just the right mix of wildlife, relaxation and adrenaline.
From 7000 per person
Begin you luxury Borneo adventure by venturing into the rainforests and along the river in search of proboscis monkeys, orangutans and pygmy elephants, before ending your journey relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Pulau Tiga.A wild adventure into Borneo’s jungles in search of the fascinating wildlife that call it home; from swinging orangutans to honk-nosed proboscis monkeys.
From 17500 per personBorneo is one of the few places on Earth where you can see orangutans in the wild. Head to places like Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah to observe these incredible primates up close.
Take a river cruise on the Kinabatangan River or the Borneo Rainforest River in search of wildlife, including pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and a variety of bird species.
Go trekking through Borneo's lush rainforests, like Danum Valley Conservation Area in Sabah, which offers a pristine environment for nature lovers.
Experience the fascinating nocturnal wildlife by going on a night safari in one of Borneo's national parks.
