ANSWERS TO YOUR BORNEO QUESTIONS

Faq Listing

• Can I drink tap water in Borneo?
  The water in many lodges and hotels in Borneo is actually safe to drink, but we don't think it is really worth risking it during your safari.
  
  Stick to bottled water throughout your trip, it is readily available and inexpensive. The last thing you want on that trip of a lifetime is an upset stomach when it could have easily been avoided.

• How fit should you be to climb Mt. Kinabalu?
  To find out more on the fitness and health requirements of climbing Mount Kinabalu get in touch with us.
  

• how long do I need for a Borneo safari?
  It can be difficult to find out how long you need in Borneo, with so much to see and do.
  
  We suggest you get in touch with us; it is best discussed along with your requirements and hopes for your safari..

• What are the best wildlife locations?
  Borneo is literally alive with wildlife; everything from orangutans to elephants.
  
  Give us a call to discuss the best wildlife areas in Borneo and where to go to see what you want on your safari.
  

• What is the accommodation like in Borneo?
  There is a wide variety of accommodation available for your safari in Borneo, from basic jungle lodges to luxury beach resorts.
  
  Choose depending on the experience you are looking for, or mix between them for a really varied safari!
  
  Accommodation in Borneo comes in all different shapes and sizes. As we specialise in wildlife safaris, our main interest is putting you in the best locations to experience the wildlife and so you might not always be situated in 5 star hotels. Once we find the best location to enjoy the wildlife we look for the best locally run lodge or hotel in the area. 
  
  The fantastic Borneo Rainforest Lodge set in the jungles of the Danum Valley is an incredible lodge with beautifully crafted wooden chalets surrounded by wildlife. You can often be relaxing on your private veranda watching monkeys or gibbons playing in the trees above you. 
  
  Accommodation in the Kinabatangan River region is slightly less luxurious and although normally comes with air conditioning can have a slightly more rustic feel. We like to visit Bilit over Sukau at the Kinabatangan River as it is further away from the city and so there are less lodges and so obviously less tourists making wildlife river safaris a much more pleasurable experience. 
  
  Kota Kinabalu being the state of Sabah capital is full of 4 and 5 star hotels. The Shangri-La Hotels in the area are both great places to relax before or after your international flights both with swimming pool, beach and a selection of restaurants and bars. The Rasa Ria boasts its very own nature reserve and orangutan rehabilitation centre and so offers a great introduction to Borneo’s famous ‘man of the forest’.

• When is the best time to go to Borneo?
  Borneo lies within the tropics and for this reason you should expect high humidity and rain at any time of the year.
  
  The wettest months are generally between November and February when the Northeast Monsoon hits bringing strong winds and rain and so it is best to avoid at this time if possible. Mount Kinabalu is often closed at this time of year as it can be quite dangerous attempting the climb and it won’t be much fun sitting on a white sand beach with heavy downpours all day long. Wildlife safaris during the wet season are not too pleasant either, sitting in boats for two hours during torrential rain is hardly fun and the wildlife will normally be hiding amongst the trees making it difficult to spot them. 
  Between the months of March and October is considered the dry season and so the best time to visit. It will be hot and humid throughout with temperatures rising towards the end of the season before the rains come. 
  
  The best time for orangutans is generally thought of as July and August, this is because certain trees are fruiting which attracts orangutans as they like to feed on these fruits. This makes finding them on river or walking safaris easier as your local guides will know where to look. Between March and May Whale Sharks can be seen not far off the East coast and so makes for excellent diving. From June to September is the turtle hatching season and on islands such as Lankayan, sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. There is a hatchery on Lankayan Island and so you can witness the release of hundreds of newly born Green and Hawksbill Turtles into the ocean.
  
  For more information, please head to our When to Go page for Borneo.

• Where is the best diving in Borneo?
  Borneo’s oceans are alive with colour and marine-life, from whale sharks to turtles and everything in between. Get in touch with us to find the best dive spots in Borneo.
  

• Where is the best place to see wild orangutans?
  Orangutans are often a highlight of anyone’s Borneo safari.
  
  Click here for unique and accurate advice on the best places to see wild orangutans.