How to get around Borneo, Malaysia

Borneo is off the beaten backpacker track, but is gaining in popularity. Because of this, it doesn’t have the tourist transport connections that other destinations do, but rest assured it is still very easy to travel. This blog post will outline exactly how to get around Borneo to all the best destinations.

If you’re looking for the perfect Borneo itinerary, see my post here.

Orangutan in Sepilok

How to get around Borneo by bus

For longer journeys, such as between Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Semporna, buses will be the best option. While there are internal flights, these are the least sustainable way of travelling and you also miss out on the incredible scenery as you cross the island. You can book all buses online on Easybook, an app and website. I booked my buses a few days before and had no trouble getting on them.

From Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan (the closest city to Sepilok), the bus cost 47 Ringgit (approx. £9) and the journey took 8 hours, including a stop for lunch at a semi-decent place. Bring toilet paper or tissues and hand sanitiser if you want to use the toilets. It was a fairly seamless journey to the Sandakan bus station. The journey back was the same, and the whole process felt very safe.

Kota Kinabalu's Islands

Taxis in Borneo

To get around within cities like Kota Kinabalu, and from Sandakan to Sepilok, the best option will be a taxi. Grab is the most common app and it provides the cheapest taxis. From the Sandakan bus station to Sepilok, the drive is about 25 minutes and it only cost £10 for a 4 person car.

Kinabatagnan River

Ferries and boats in Borneo

Island hopping off Kota Kinabalu is very popular for locals and tourists alike. There are several islands which have pristine beaches and crystal clear waters and are perfect for a beach day. Getting boats to these islands is very straightforward.

Head to Jesselton Point ferry terminal in Kota Kinabaly to buy a ticket to the islands. You can buy these on the day, and they cost between 25 and 50 Malaysian Ringgit depending on which islands and how many islands you are planning to visit. You will have people approaching you urging you to take their boat, but every company charges the same, so it really doesn’t matter which one you choose. Each of the islands are about 20-30 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu. The boat company will tell you the schedule of returning boats to ensure you’re not left there! For more on island hopping, see my Borneo itinerary here.

Sepilok

Getting around Borneo with tours

Some of the best things in Borneo are only accessible with a pre-booked tour, and these luckily come with transport too. Climbing Mt Kinabalu and the Kinabatagnan River Safari are the two major tours that I did, and it was great to have transportation organised. More on these also in my Borneo post!

Mt Kinabalu

Unfortunately, one of the most shocking things you see in Borneo, especially if you’re on buses, is the palm oil plantations. They have completely taken over vast parts of the island, which is so sad to see. It really makes you realise the impact our consumer culture has on different parts of the world. Whether you go to Borneo and see it for yourself or not, please be mindful of your decisions and don’t choose products with palm oil in them where you can avoid it. As always, look after the places you visit and remember to only leave your footprints behind :)