Older Travelers: Is Borneo A Good Fit?

is borneo a good trip for older travelers

Borneo is a large island in Southeast Asia, shared between Malaysia, Indonesia and the nation of Brunei. It is known for its biodiversity, mountains, rivers, reefs and rainforests, which are home to endangered species such as orangutans, pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys. The island is hot, humid and rainy all year round, with temperatures ranging from 22°C in the evenings to 34°C in the daytime.

There is plenty to do in Borneo, from exploring national parks and ancient rainforests, to scuba diving and visiting local tribes. The island is a great destination for older travellers, with a range of accommodation options, from hostels to luxury tours. However, it is important to note that some activities, such as climbing Mount Kinabalu, may be challenging for older travellers.

When planning a trip to Borneo, it is important to consider the potential health risks, such as malaria and dengue fever, and take the necessary precautions. Overall, Borneo is a fascinating and rewarding destination, offering a unique blend of nature, culture and adventure.

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Where to see wildlife in Borneo

Borneo is a large island in Southeast Asia that is shared between Malaysia, Indonesia, and the nation of Brunei. It is incredibly biodiverse, with a vast array of wildlife to discover.

Kinabatangan River, Sabah

A boat safari along the Kinabatangan River is a fantastic way to get up close to the native wildlife with minimal impact. From the boat, you can observe pygmy elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, brilliantly coloured birds, and many other creatures as they come to drink and bathe.

Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah

The Danum Valley Conservation Area covers 438 sq km of tropical wilderness and is a prime location for observing orangutans in the wild. The area also offers specially constructed treetop canopy walks, which provide the chance to see primates, birds, insects, deer, and even wild cats.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah

The Tabin Wildlife Reserve is considered the largest nature reserve in Malaysia and is home to a variety of wildlife, including clouded leopards, Bornean elephants, rhinoceros, otters, deer, and civets.

Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak

The Gunung Mulu National Park is a UNESCO Heritage site, protecting the habitat of many rare species, including the Malaysian sun bear, squat frog, steam toad, and macaques. The park features an extensive cave network, including the largest known cave chamber in the world, inhabited by millions of bats.

Gaya Island

Gaya Island is an excellent spot for diving and snorkelling, offering the opportunity to get close to the vibrant and extraordinary marine life that inhabits the reefs and bays around Borneo's islands.

Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan

If you're visiting the Indonesian part of Borneo, the Tanjung Puting National Park is a must-see. A trip down the Sekonyer River offers a rich wildlife experience, including monitor lizards, crocodiles, birds, and primate species.

Deramakot Forest Reserve, Sabah

The Deramakot Forest Reserve is one of the finest places to see Borneo's rare and endangered wildlife, including clouded leopards and banteng. About 75% of the mammals found in Sabah can be spotted here.

Bako National Park, Sarawak

Bako National Park is Sarawak's oldest and smallest national park, known for its population of proboscis monkeys. It is also home to other species such as saltwater crocodiles, bearded pigs, and otters.

Paya Maga Highlands, Sarawak

The Paya Maga Highlands are a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 180 bird species recorded, including endemics such as the Bornean bulbul and Bornean banded pitta. Hornbills and eagles are also commonly spotted in the area.

Sepilok, Sabah

Sepilok is home to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can go on treetop guided walks, and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you can see sun bears up close.

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How to get around Borneo

Borneo is a large island divided between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. As such, there are a variety of ways to get around the island, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate Borneo:

Flights

Borneo is a big island, and some destinations are quite far apart with less-developed roads connecting them. For longer journeys, it is recommended to take regional flights to save time. There are several flights a day connecting the main cities and highlights of Borneo. For more remote areas, you may need to take a propeller plane. Domestic flights are relatively inexpensive and can be booked in advance.

Boats

Boats are commonly used in Borneo to cover areas not accessible by road. They are also used when the experience of cruising up the river is part of the adventure. For example, a boat safari along the Kinabatangan River to spot pygmy elephants.

Cars

Most transfers in Borneo can be done by private car and driver, which is a quick and easy way to cover both long and short distances.

Bikes

In rural areas, bikes can be hired to explore the countryside at a relaxed pace.

Walking

In places like Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, or Sandakan, you can easily walk between the main highlights.

Buses and Taxis

For areas that are a bit too far to cover on foot, local buses and taxis are available and inexpensive.

Trains

Although this option is not available on Borneo itself, if you are coming from Peninsular Malaysia, you can take advantage of the regular, inexpensive trains that make it easy to travel between towns.

Mopeds

Mopeds and small motorcycles can be hired inexpensively in popular hangouts such as the Cameron Highlands, Penang, and Pulau Langkawi, and are great for local exploration.

Taxis and Ridesharing

In Malaysian Borneo, taxis and ojek (motorcycle taxis) are common for getting around cities. Grab, a popular rideshare service, is also available.

River Travel

Traveling by river in Borneo is one of the highlights of the island. Journeys such as the 3-hour river trip to Taman Negara National Park from Kuala Tembeling offer an evocative jungle journey.

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What to eat and drink in Borneo

Borneo's food and drink scene is a melting pot of cultural influences, from Malay to Chinese and indigenous Dayak delicacies.

What to Eat

Borneo is known for its street food, and seafood is a must-try, given its many miles of coastline and rivers. Patrons flock to cavernous food courts and seafood restaurants built on the water. Empurau, a fruit-eating fish from Sarawak, is one of the world's most expensive edible fish. Midin, a jungle fern that stays crunchy after being cooked, is a healthy green that is hard to find outside of Borneo.

Borneo also has a wide variety of unique fruits, including mangosteens, rambutans, red dragon fruit, longans, salak (snake fruit), and langsat. Durian, a large, spiky fruit with a strong smell and a creamy texture, is also available from June to August.

Some of the most popular dishes in Borneo include:

  • Sarawak Laksa: A spicy soup made with chilli paste, coconut milk, and thin noodles, topped with beansprouts, chicken, and prawns.
  • Kolo Mee: A stir-fry dish of yellow egg noodles, barbecued pork, and vegetables.
  • Mee Sua: Wheat rice noodles in a large broth laced with wine, usually served with chicken and mushrooms.
  • Lok Lok: Delicious skewers of fish, meat, or vegetables that are deep-fried or boiled and eaten with sweet and sour or satay sauce.
  • Tahu Sumbat: 'Stuffed tofu'—fried tofu cubes sliced open and stuffed with cucumber and bean sprouts, then drizzled with spicy chilli sauce.
  • Nasi Campur: 'Mixed rice'—rice mixed with tofu, jackfruit, or veggie fritters. The contents vary from region to region.
  • Hinava: A traditional dish of the Kadazan-dusun people, consisting of sliced raw mackerel mixed with lime juice, birds' eye chilli, onions, and ginger. Squid and prawns can also be used.
  • Soto Banjar: A take on the Indonesian noodle soup, soto, made with shredded chicken, half-boiled eggs, potato pancakes, spring onions, and a unique local spice paste.
  • Butod: Sago worms, a fatty protein source prized by the Melanau of Sarawak and Kadazan-dusun of Sabah.
  • Linopot: A staple of Kadazan-dusun wedding ceremonies—a cake of rice or mashed yam wrapped in tarap leaves, often served with other Kadazan-dusun dishes.
  • Umai: The Melanau people's version of hinava, using an indigenous sour fruit called asam paya to cure the fish.
  • Manok Pansoh: Chicken cooked in bamboo tubes over hot coals, covered with tapioca leaves.
  • Kuih Pinjaram: A chewy cake with a hint of pandan herb, a favourite snack in Brunei and Malaysian Sabah.
  • Kek Lapis Sarawak: A colourful, layered cake that originated in Jakarta, Indonesia, but was given a psychedelic twist by the Sarawakians in the 1970s.

What to Drink

Borneo is home to the Dayak, who brew tuak, a type of rice wine, for marriages or cultural festivals. It is traditionally made from sticky rice, water, sugar, and a starter base called ragi, and has an alcohol content of around 20%. It is also possible to find alcoholic drinks in most hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners.

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How to stay safe in Borneo

Borneo is a large island in Southeast Asia that is shared between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. It is considered a safe destination for older travellers, with a rich biodiversity, incredible food, and friendly locals. However, there are some safety precautions to be aware of when visiting Borneo. Here are some tips to stay safe during your trip:

Health and Vaccinations

  • Consult your doctor for specific recommendations on vaccine requirements and health-related issues.
  • Malaria and dengue fever are present in Borneo, so consider taking anti-malarial medication and using insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
  • Tap water in towns is treated but it is recommended to stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Street food is generally safe and a great way to experience local flavours, but choose busy stalls with high food turnover to ensure fresh and well-prepared food.

Crime and Security

  • Be cautious of bag snatching and pickpocketing, especially in cities and tourist areas. Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
  • Avoid wearing or carrying valuables when possible, and leave them in a hotel safe if available.
  • Decline invitations from strangers and never leave your food or drinks unattended in bars and restaurants.
  • Stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings of people.
  • Avoid travelling at night in remote areas, and consider booking local tours and guides to directly support communities and ensure your safety.

Wildlife and Nature

  • Stick to marked trails when exploring to avoid getting lost and reduce the chances of encountering dangerous animals.
  • Avoid swimming in open water unless you know it is safe, as saltwater crocodiles are present in rivers, mangroves, and coastal areas.
  • Wear long trousers and sleeves when walking in the jungle to prevent insect bites and leech bites.
  • Be cautious around dogs, as they can pose a threat in some areas.
  • Avoid harassing or getting too close to wild animals, especially orangutans, sun bears, and primates.

Transportation

  • Use reputable transportation services, such as Grab, for getting around in cities.
  • Consider flying into major airports such as Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Sabah) or Kuching International Airport (Sarawak) for easier access to different parts of the island.
  • For longer distances within Borneo, regional flights or boat travel may be more convenient.

Remember to always follow local laws and cultural norms, stay informed about the latest travel advisories, and purchase comprehensive travel insurance to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Borneo.

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What to pack for a trip to Borneo

Borneo is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 22°C in the evenings to 34°C in the daytime. The temperature hovers around 27-32°C all year round, and the whole island is basically a wet, overgrown greenhouse on a hot summer's day. The rainy season is between November and February, with peak rainfall usually in December and January.

With that in mind, here is a packing list for a trip to Borneo:

  • Rain gear, including a lightweight rain jacket with a hood, and a poncho (long and sturdy, not thin plastic).
  • Sturdy hiking boots with good tread.
  • 3-4 short-sleeved lightweight shirts.
  • 2 long-sleeved lightweight shirts, for protection from the sun and insects.
  • 2 pairs of lightweight, tightly-woven long pants.
  • 1-2 pairs of shorts or lightweight zip-off pants (leeches can enter through zippers).
  • Waterproof sport sandals.
  • Extra shoes that are easy to remove, as some lodges require guests to remove shoes when entering.
  • Socks made of wool or other moisture-wicking material (cotton socks are not recommended).
  • A swimsuit, as some accommodations have swimming pools, and there are opportunities for swimming in jungle rivers.
  • A compact umbrella.
  • Binoculars, for wildlife viewing.
  • A water-resistant daypack, to carry camera equipment or other gear.
  • A waterproof cover for your backpack.
  • A reusable water bottle.
  • A headlamp or small flashlight, for night walks/activities and walking on dark boardwalks.
  • A quick-drying small hand towel.
  • An outlet adapter and/or power converter.
  • A quick-drying washcloth, as accommodations may not provide these.
  • Toilet paper, as this is not always available in public restrooms.
  • Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment. Repellents containing DEET are the most effective against mosquitoes, but be aware that DEET can damage plastics, clothing, and equipment.
  • Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF15).
  • Anti-bacterial gel or towelettes.
  • Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags, for wet or dirty clothing, and to protect camera equipment.
  • Hiking poles (optional).
  • A hairdryer, as these are not always available at accommodations.
  • Waterproof hiking boots.
  • Casual slip-ons or sneakers, for travel days and casual dinners.
  • Water shoes, for water activities and walking on beaches.
  • A lightweight sweater for travel days, and to cover up if needed.
  • Sports bras.
  • A swimsuit and cover-up. Malaysian Borneo is a majority Muslim country, so it is best to have a sarong or cover-up with you at the beach or hot springs.
  • A maxi dress or long skirt, for nights out, casual dinners, and exploring cities.
  • A shawl, which can double as a scarf, travel blanket, or cover-up.
  • Basic toiletries, including any medications you may need.
  • Blister band-aids, for trekking or climbing.
  • A disposable shower cap, to cover hiking boots during transit.
  • Bug spray and anti-itch cream.
  • Hand sanitizer, for everyday use, especially on long travel days and when using public restrooms.
  • Toilet paper/wipes.
  • Lip balm with SPF, for mountain summits.
  • Essential oils, for digestive issues.
  • Reusable plastic baggies, for wet swimsuits, dirty laundry, extra toiletries, or to double as a dry bag for your phone.
  • A backup phone charger.
  • A fitness tracker or waterproof watch.
  • A camera with a zoom lens, for wildlife encounters.
  • An adapter, as Malaysia uses UK plugs.
  • A head torch, for the mountain summit and any night walks.
  • A hat, either a beanie-style hat for mountain hikes, or a brimmed hat for sun protection.
  • Hiking socks.
  • Waterproof gloves, for mountain summits.
  • A quick-dry towel, for treks, in case you come across a swimming hole or waterfall.
  • Headbands, to keep hair out of the way during climbing, trekking, or rainstorms.
  • A collapsible tote bag, to double as a market tote, beach bag, or camera bag.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Extra underwear and socks.
  • Collapsible umbrella.
  • A portable clothesline, for outdoor activities or washing articles of clothing.
  • A backpack cover, to keep your pack dry during mountain climbs and jungle treks.
  • Books or card games, for downtime.
  • Snorkel gear, if you plan to snorkel every day.
  • A dry bag, for boats and island hopping.
  • Binoculars, for wildlife spotting.
  • A bird-watching book, for jungle river cruises.

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