Borneo on D'Bayu Travel

Kota Kinabalu

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Kota Kinabalu, usually just called KK, is the capital of Sabah on the island of Borneo. The city itself is small and easy-going. What draws people is what’s around it: tropical islands a short boat ride away, Mount Kinabalu on the horizon, and some of the best wildlife in Southeast Asia within reach.

Sandakan and the Kinabatangan River

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0800

If you came to Borneo for wildlife, this is where to go. Sandakan, on Sabah’s east coast, is the base for the Sepilok orangutan centre and its neighbours. A couple of hours inland, the Kinabatangan River winds through forest that’s home to proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, wild orangutans and the Bornean pygmy elephant.

Semporna and Sipadan

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Semporna, a small town on Sabah’s east coast, is the gateway to some of the best diving in the world. Offshore lies Sipadan, an oceanic island famous for its turtles, sharks and huge schools of fish, plus the nearby islands of Mabul and Kapalai, and the dramatic islands of Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Even non-divers come for the snorkelling and the views.

Kuching

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is one of the most pleasant cities in Malaysia. It’s small, green and easy-going, with a historic waterfront on the Sarawak River and a food scene all of its own. The real bonus is how close the wild stuff is: orangutans, proboscis monkeys and rainforest are all within a short drive.

Gunung Mulu National Park

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Gunung Mulu National Park, deep in the rainforest of northern Sarawak, is one of the most remarkable places in Malaysia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for enormous caves, including some of the largest cave passages and chambers in the world, plus the jagged limestone Pinnacles and pristine forest. There are no roads in, so you fly, which only adds to the sense of adventure.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu: a first-timer's guide

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Mount Kinabalu in Sabah is the highest mountain in Malaysia, at just over 4,000 metres. Thousands of people climb it every year, and you don’t need technical climbing skills. You do need a decent level of fitness, good planning, and a booking well in advance. Here’s how it works.