Family holidays to Borneo

Book early! Those extraordinary rainforest lodges are the only way to stay deep in the Borneo jungle, and there are only a handful of them, so they tend to get booked up quickly.

Consider turning your flight change destination into a proper 2-day stopover. A couple of nights in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore can be a great way to include some city experiences in your family holiday, before hitting the rainforest wilderness. It lets kids ease gently into a different time zone too.

Be open to the idea of all-inclusive resorts, even if they’re not usually your cup of tea. The rainforest resorts are all-in, because the nearest shops and restaurants are a jungle away! On the coast, there are several luxurious resorts which really do have everything onsite to make your family holiday stress-free, without feeling like a cruise ship.

Unsurprisingly, being a rainforest destination, Borneo’s weather is localised and complex, and most regions experience rainy days all year round. Happily, however, the high season falls between May and September, fitting perfectly around major school holidays, and visits during earlier spring will benefit from both good weather and lower visitor numbers too.

We send many families to Borneo every year, as it’s such a fantastic destination, and the feedback we get is that they feel welcomed, reassured and supported throughout their trip. It’s definitely a more adventurous destination than some, and you’ll be a good few miles from city life, so many things will be different from what you’re used to. If at any time you’re unsure of anything, our fantastic guides are always on hand to help.

When planning a trip to Asia, it’s important to consider the possible requirement for vaccinations and immunisations. Most importantly, we stress that you should contact your doctor or medical practitioner well before you depart to get their advice on any vaccinations you may need for your trip. If you’ve travelled recently and believe that you are already up-to-date, it is still worth checking as vaccinations have a varying life span. The NHS Travel Vaccinations site has lots of up-to-date information on travel vaccinations. 

Citizens of the UK, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States do not require a visa to visit Malaysia or Malay Borneo for a stay of up to three months. Notable exceptions are citizens from Greece & Portugal who can stay visa-free for up to one month only. All other nationalities should check with the Malaysian Embassy in their country of residence for the most up-to-date information. In the event of a visa being required, arrangements should be made with the Malaysian Embassy in advance of your departure to Malay Borneo.

You’ll need leech socks when walking through the rainforest to prevent any unwanted guests tagging along for a free ride! Getting them in advance can be a bonus, as you can choose the type you prefer. You can purchase the socks in most good camping and outdoor pursuit shops, or through some charitable organisations whose profits go towards rainforest conservation. If you’re visiting the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, you may find they’re a lot cheaper there than in the UK.

Prudent packing for a family holiday in Borneo is key, as getting hold of extra bits once you’re there might be a bit of a hassle – you’ll be a long way from most shops! Light, long sleeved shirts, long trousers or skirts, and perhaps a light scarf, will provide valuable protection against strong sunlight and mosquitoes, and mean that you’re prepared for any modest dress code needs too. We’d recommend bringing your own supplies of essentials, such as nappies, formula etc. as well as your preferred brand of sunscreen, leech socks (if you want to get them in advance) and a decent insect repellent. If you’re travelling with tinies, think about taking a really good baby carrier, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

There is no need to obtain Ringgit in advance of your arrival, although it is possible to do so. ATM machines are available in Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Sandakan (and also at some airports) which usually offer as good (if not better) rates of exchange than currency exchange bureaus or hotels. The symbol used for Ringgit in many shops and restaurants is $, and card payments are usually accepted.