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Borneo Snapshot

Borneo's climate is typical for a tropical region - generally hot and humid all year-round. Temperatures are usually in the high 20s for most of the year, dropping back to the low 20s at night. Rainfall tends to be in short, heavy bursts followed by sunshine. The 'wet season' runs from November through to February but it does rain throughout the year, although our itineraries are rarely affected. The state of Sabah is known as the 'land below the wind' as it's below the monsoon belt.
  • Borneo weather chart

Eating and Drinking in Borneo

  • Fresh Fruit: Take the chance to try fruits endemic to the region like rambutan, banana, jackfruit, salak, durian and mango.
  • Sarawak Laksa: While laksa is available all over Borneo, a spicy Sarawak laksa filled with chicken, prawns, chilli, coriander, coconut, rice noodles and lime is a filling and tasty meal to remember.
  • Seafood: Crab, prawns and whole fish are popular, particularly on the coast. Try whole steamed fish or 'otak' (fish wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over coals).
  • Tuak: This locally brewed rice wine is popular in small villages around Borneo. Try it if you dare!
  • Fish wrapped in banana leaf

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Borneo's cuisine has a distinctive Chinese/Malay influence, and with many night markets around the country, finding freshly prepared, low-cost food is simple.

Shopping in Borneo

  • Ikat Weaving: This traditional weaving process results in coloured, patterned textiles that can be used as clothing, wall hangings and home furnishings.
  • Wood Carvings: Sarawak boasts a population of talented wood carvers -wooden bowls, charms, masks and figurines are all wonderful souvenir choices.
  • Ceramics: Sarawak also has a wide range of good-quality ceramics and pottery thanks to the local populations of Chinese and Iban tribal potters, each group possessing their own distinctive style.
  • Ikat weaving

While Borneo's wild landscapes and beautiful beaches are definitely the true highlight of any visit, there are still treasures to found in Borneo's markets.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Accommodation

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Borneo you may find yourself staying in a:

  • National Park Lodge

  • Enjoy the comfort and convenience of staying in a lodge located within one of Borneo's national parks. Staying close to the action is a beautiful bonus.
Homestay

  • Longhouse Homestay

  • Spend a memorable night with the Iban people of Borneo, sleeping in a traditional longhouse.
Jungle camp

  • Jungle Camp

  • Get back to nature and camp in the wilds of Borneo. What's missing in modern conveniences is made up for in wildlife encounters, serenity and natural beauty.

Transport

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Borneo, you may find yourself travelling by:
Speedboat

  • Speedboat

  • Get out on the water and experience the thrill of a zippy speedboat ride on Borneo's pristine coastline.

  • Local Bus

  • Rub shoulders with locals and practise your Bahasa language skills when travelling on a humble bus in Borneo.
Longtail boat

  • Longtail Boat

  • A ride on the aquatic transportation icon of South-East Asia is a must when travelling on the coast of Borneo.

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