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Getting around Borneo
Air travel is the quickest and most convenient way to move around Borneo, particularly given the island’s vast size and dense rainforest. Regular domestic flights link the main cities in Malaysian Borneo, including Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau in Sabah, and Kuching, Miri and Sibu in Sarawak.
There are also frequent flights between Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei, making it relatively easy to travel between the different parts of northern Borneo. Several airlines operate these regional routes, with flight times typically under two hours.
In Indonesian Borneo, domestic flights connect major cities across Kalimantan, including Balikpapan, Samarinda, Pontianak and Banjarmasin, with onward connections to Jakarta and other Indonesian destinations. While distances can be considerable, air travel helps make journeys across the island far more manageable.
Road travel is possible across much of northern Borneo, with highways linking major towns in both Sabah and Sarawak. Travellers can drive between the two Malaysian states via the Pan Borneo Highway, although the route passes briefly through Brunei and requires border formalities.
Sarawak also shares several land border crossings with Indonesia's Kalimantan region. The main crossing used by travellers is at Tebedu in Sarawak, which connects with Entikong in West Kalimantan on the road between Kuching and Pontianak. Other crossings include Biawak–Aruk and Lubok Antu–Badau, though these are generally quieter and used mainly for local or regional travel. Sabah, however, does not have a direct road connection with Kalimantan, as dense rainforest and mountainous terrain separate the regions.
Road quality varies across Borneo depending on the region and distance from major cities. In Malaysian Borneo, main highways connecting cities such as Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Miri are generally paved and in reasonable condition, although sections of the Pan Borneo Highway may be under construction. Secondary roads leading into rural areas or national parks can be narrower and occasionally rough.
In Brunei, road infrastructure is modern and well-maintained, with smooth highways linking Bandar Seri Begawan to other parts of the country.
In Indonesian Kalimantan, major roads connecting cities such as Balikpapan, Samarinda and Pontianak are generally paved, but road conditions can deteriorate in more remote areas, particularly during the rainy season when flooding or mud can affect travel. Across parts of Borneo, heavy tropical rains can occasionally make mountain or rural roads temporarily impassable, particularly in forested interior regions.
Road classification systems differ slightly between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, but they broadly follow similar structures. Major highways and federal or national roads connect key cities and towns, while state or provincial roads link smaller settlements and rural areas. Local roads provide access to villages, plantations and remote communities.
In many parts of Borneo, especially in the interior, smaller roads may be narrow or unpaved. Travellers heading into remote rainforest regions or national parks may need four-wheel-drive vehicles, particularly during periods of heavy rain.
Car hire is available in the main cities of Malaysian Borneo, particularly in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, where several international and local rental companies operate from airports and city centres. Hiring a car can be a convenient way to explore nearby national parks, coastal areas and rural towns at your own pace. In more remote regions or when travelling on smaller roads, a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be advisable.
In Brunei, car hire is also readily available, particularly at Brunei International Airport and in Bandar Seri Begawan. Many visitors choose to rent a car as public transport is limited, and the country's compact size makes driving a practical way to explore.
In Indonesian Kalimantan, car hire services are available in larger cities such as Balikpapan, Samarinda and Pontianak, although options may be more limited than in Malaysian Borneo. Visitors sometimes hire cars with drivers, which can be a practical option for longer journeys or travel into less familiar areas.
Taxi services are available in most major cities across Borneo, although availability and systems vary between Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.
In Sabah and Sarawak, taxis operate in cities such as Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Vehicles do not have a standard nationwide colour, though many airport taxis are clearly marked and operate on fixed fares for trips from the airport. In city centres, taxis can sometimes be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi stands, but ride-hailing services such as Grab are widely used and often more convenient.
In Brunei, taxis are limited in number and are typically found at hotels, shopping centres or Brunei International Airport. There is no standard taxi colour scheme, and street hailing is uncommon; most taxis operate through phone bookings or hotel arrangements. Ride-hailing services such as Dart operate in Brunei and are commonly used by visitors.
In Indonesian Kalimantan, taxis operate in larger cities including Balikpapan, Samarinda and Pontianak. Taxi fleets often belong to specific companies and may have identifiable colours or branding depending on the operator. Many taxis use meters, though fares should be confirmed in advance where meters are not available. Ride-hailing services such as Grab and Gojek are widely used in Indonesian cities and are often the easiest way for visitors to arrange transport.
Cycling is possible in parts of Borneo, particularly in cities and coastal areas, but it is not widely used as a primary means of transport for long-distance travel. In urban centres such as Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Bandar Seri Begawan, cycling can be a pleasant way to explore nearby neighbourhoods or waterfront areas.
However, distances between towns can be considerable, and road conditions, heavy rainfall and high humidity can make long journeys challenging. In some areas, narrow roads and fast-moving traffic may also present difficulties for cyclists. As a result, cycling in Borneo is generally better suited to short local rides or organised cycling tours rather than as a practical way to travel between destinations.
Coach travel is a common and affordable way to travel between towns in Malaysian Borneo. In Sabah, long-distance buses operate between major destinations such as Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau. In Sarawak, regular services link cities including Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.
Some cross-border bus services also operate between Sarawak, Brunei and parts of Indonesian Kalimantan, although schedules may be limited. In Indonesian Borneo, long-distance buses connect major cities such as Pontianak, Samarinda and Balikpapan, but services can be slower due to long distances and varying road conditions.
Driving regulations across Borneo vary slightly between Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, but many rules are broadly similar. Traffic drives on the left in Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Brunei and Indonesia (Kalimantan). Seat belts are compulsory for drivers and front-seat passengers, and the use of mobile phones while driving is generally prohibited unless using a hands-free system.
Speed limits vary depending on the road type. In Malaysian Borneo and Brunei, typical limits are around 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas and up to 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural highways. In Indonesian Kalimantan, speed limits are usually lower and may not always be clearly posted, particularly on smaller roads.
Traffic laws are enforced by police in all three jurisdictions, and drivers are expected to carry valid licences and vehicle documentation at all times. Alcohol limits are low, and drink-driving laws are strictly enforced. Visitors planning to drive should familiarise themselves with local regulations and conditions before setting out.
In Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), motorists can contact roadside assistance services operated by organisations such as the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM), as well as insurance providers and private towing companies. Assistance is generally available in major towns and along main highways, though response times may be longer in rural areas.
In Brunei, roadside assistance is usually arranged through insurance providers, vehicle dealers or private towing companies rather than a national motoring organisation. Drivers experiencing mechanical problems typically contact their insurance company or a local workshop for assistance.
In Indonesian Kalimantan, formal roadside assistance networks are limited outside major cities. Motorists commonly rely on local mechanics, towing services or help from nearby towns.
Visitors renting vehicles should obtain emergency contact numbers from their car-hire company before travelling, as many rental firms provide their own breakdown assistance or can arrange recovery if needed.
Foreign visitors wishing to drive in Borneo must hold a valid driving licence from their home country. In Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) and in Brunei, licences issued in English are generally accepted for short visits, though an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, particularly if the licence is not in English.
In Indonesia (Kalimantan), foreign drivers are typically required to carry both their national driving licence and an International Driving Permit. The IDP must correspond to the same vehicle category as the licence held.
Drivers should also carry their passport, vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance when driving. Visitors hiring a vehicle will usually need to present their passport and valid licence at the rental counter, and should ensure they have copies of the vehicle's registration and insurance papers while on the road.
Kota Kinabalu and Kuching both have small networks of public buses linking the city centres with suburbs and nearby districts, though services may be infrequent and routes limited. As a result, many visitors rely on taxis or ride-hailing services to get around.
In Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, buses connect the city centre with surrounding areas, but services are relatively infrequent, and most travellers use taxis or ride-hailing services.
In Indonesian Kalimantan, larger cities such as Balikpapan and Pontianak have local minibuses and shared vans operating on fixed routes, alongside taxis and app-based ride-hailing services such as Grab and Gojek.
Rail travel in Borneo is extremely limited. The only passenger railway on the island operates in Sabah, Malaysia. The Sabah State Railway runs a line between Tanjung Aru (near Kota Kinabalu) and Tenom in the island's interior, passing through towns such as Papar and Beaufort. The service is primarily used by local residents but also attracts visitors travelling through rural landscapes and river valleys.
There are currently no passenger rail services in Sarawak, Brunei or Indonesian Kalimantan.
In Sarawak, regular boat and express boat services run along rivers such as the Rajang, connecting towns including Sibu, Kapit and smaller settlements further inland. Similar river transport is found in Kalimantan, where boats travel along large river systems such as the Kapuas and Mahakam, serving communities deep in the interior.
In Sabah, water transport is less central to everyday travel, though boats are used to reach offshore islands and coastal areas.
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