Borneo packing list: what to bring and wear

Planning a trip to Sabah, Borneo, and wondering what to pack? Our ultimate Borneo packing list is here to help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Borneo had always been a dream destination for me, so when our family finally set off on our trip of a lifetime last year, I wanted to ensure we were fully prepared.  With such a varied itinerary, it was crucial to pack the right clothing, footwear, and gear for every part of our 12-day adventure.

In this guide, I’ll share exactly what we packed for our Borneo trip, including advice on essentials for each activity and why they made the cut.  You’ll discover which items were must-haves, which turned out to be handy extras, and even items we realized we didn’t need at all.

Whether you’re planning a Borneo jungle trek, a family trip to Sabah, or a solo adventure exploring Borneo’s top attractions, this packing guide will help you feel confident and prepared.  Use our detailed Borneo packing list to take the stress out of packing so you can focus on planning the best rainforest adventure ever!

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Borneo’s tropical climate is hot, humid, and prone to sudden rain showers, so it’s essential to pack lightweight, quick-drying clothes.   If, like us, your itinerary is full and varied, choosing versatile clothing and gear is key to staying comfortable and prepared.

When it comes to luggage, a large soft bag or rucksack with a waterproof cover is ideal for Borneo’s unpredictable weather. However, if you prefer, suitcases work just as well for urban areas or beach resorts.

To stay organized, you could consider packing cubes for separating items like trekking clothes, swimwear, and casual outfits.  While they’re not essential items, they make finding things easier, especially if you’re moving between multiple destinations.

Don’t forget to take a smaller daypack for jungle treks, wildlife excursions, and day trips.  Plus, for trips to the beach, a foldable tote bag is a lightweight and space-saving way to carry essentials like towels, sunscreen, and water bottles.

If you’re planning a trip to Borneo, chances are high that a visit to the rainforest is high on your itinerary.  A highlight of our journey was spending three unforgettable days along the Kinabatangan River, one of the best places in Borneo for wildlife spotting and rainforest adventures.

Here are the essential packing items for enjoying Borneo’s incredible rainforests to the fullest:

The best outfit for trekking in the jungle is a lightweight, long-sleeve top and long trousers.  Whilst the tropical heat can be intense, long sleeves and trousers will protect you from biting insects and prickly plants.  Convertible trousers that zip off are particularly handy, as you can wear them as shorts later in your trip.

Opt for loose-fitting, quick-dry clothing made from synthetic materials.  Borneo’s humidity can make cotton uncomfortable, as it retains moisture and dries slowly.  Light-coloured clothing is also recommended, as it absorbs less heat and helps keep you cool.

To protect against leeches, it is advisable to wear long, thick socks or invest in specialist leech socks.  However, we managed just fine with thick hiking socks, as leech socks can be expensive.

Given that the rainforests in Borneo are likely to be extremely muddy, wellies or rubber boots are the footwear of choice.  Usually the jungle lodges along the Kinabatangan River will provide these, so you don’t need to pack them.

For jungle night walks, a strong torch or headlamp is an absolute must.  The rainforest becomes pitch-black at night, and you really will want to see your way around.

For the sunrise and sunset cruises on the Kinabatangan River, you don’t need specialist clothing.  However, these few key items will be useful.

Firstly, one of the most important essentials on our Borneo packing list was a high-quality pair of binoculars. These are indispensable for spotting wildlife like orangutans, which usually remain high in the rainforest canopy.

A good camera is also a must-have for capturing the incredible wildlife and scenery.  While we relied on our phones for general photos, we also invested in an underwater camera.  This was perfect not only for the river cruises but for snorkelling and a white-water rafting later in our trip.  The waterproof design gave us peace of mind, especially when the kids wanted to use it, as there was no worry about accidental drops into the water.

If you are on a day trip to one of the cities, such as Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu, or one of the animal sanctuaries, comfort should be your priority.  Loose, breathable clothing and comfortable footwear are essential for navigating the heat and humidity.  We found waterproof walking shoes to be a great choice, as they kept our feet dry during rain showers and on muddy trails.

A sun hat and sunglasses are also useful for protecting yourself from the intense tropical sun.  Given Borneo’s high humidity, packing quick-dry clothes is a must to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Luckily, packing for kids was easy —shorts and t-shirts were perfect for every outing!

For myself, I preferred summer dresses, which were lightweight and easy to pack into a bag.  I highly recommend Ayacucho, a sustainable clothing brand known for its quick-dry range that offers UPF 50+ sun protection as well as mosquito-repellent properties.  However, any comfortable dress will do fine.

For ladies, it’s practical to bring a scarf, which you can use to cover your shoulders when visiting temples or cultural sites.  A cross-body bag is also a good idea for carrying your phone.  I picked one up dirt cheap in one of the markets in Singapore.   It’s also useful to have a light cardigan for the cooler evenings.

Borneo is home to lush rainforests, and when it rains, it really rains! A lightweight, disposable poncho is incredibly practical for staying dry during sudden downpours. We didn’t need them whilst trekking in the jungle, but found they came in very handy for getting to breakfast at the Nexus Beach Resort during a heavy morning shower.

Obviously, don’t forget to pack plenty of comfortable underwear, socks, and nightwear.

For our white-water rafting trip on the River Kiulu, we kept it simple by wearing swimwear and lightweight t-shirts.  I also opted for a pair of swim shorts, essential for undignified climbing in and out of the raft!

A must-have for any water activity in Borneo is a microfibre towel. These compact, fast-drying towels take up minimal space and are ideal for rafting trips or other outdoor excursions.

To keep our belongings safe and dry, we used a dry bag, something we highly recommend for any water activities. We also invested in waterproof phone pouches to protect our devices.  While these aren’t strictly essential, they turned out to be incredibly useful. We ended up using them again for our snorkelling trip and while on Turtle Island.

During your trip to Borneo, you’ll likely want to make the most of the gorgeous beaches, so don’t forget to pack swimwear and goggles.  Aqua shoes are another useful item to add to your Borneo packing list, as you’re bound to take part in water activities like, especially for activities like snorkelling  and white-water rafting.  However, although these are helpful for protecting your feet in rocky muddy areas, they’re not essential, and they can be tricky to dry in the humid climate.

We also took our own snorkelling sets, which we used in Kota Kinabalu and on Turtle Island.  Once again, these aren’t essential, as snorkelling gear is easy to rent at most locations.  A waterproof camera, on the other hand, is a must-have for capturing the incredible marine life in Borneo’s clear waters.

Whether you’re swimming, snorkelling, or enjoying other water-based activities in Borneo, these packing essentials will help you make the most of your time in the water.

Although we didn’t climb Mount Kinabalu, we can recommend a few essential items you’ll need to pack.

A waterproof jacket is a must, as weather conditions on Mount Kinabalu can change quickly, and you’ll want to stay dry during rain showers.  Temperatures can drop in the evenings, so bringing a warm fleece or jacket is highly recommended for the cooler nights at higher altitudes.

Walking poles are also useful for providing extra stability on the steep and rocky terrain.

In addition to clothing and footwear, there are several important items that should not be overlooked when preparing your Borneo packing list.

The most crucial item is your passport!  If you are traveling from the UK, USA, or Australia, you won’t need a visa to enter Borneo, but always check the specific entry requirements for your country before you go.

Travel insurance is essential for any trip, especially to remote destinations like Borneo.  It’s a good idea to take a photo or photocopy of your passport and insurance policy, so you always have the details available if needed.

You’ll also need a combination of cash and a credit card for payments during your travels.  The official currency in Borneo is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM), and other currencies are generally not accepted.  Make sure you have enough local currency on hand for smaller purchases or in more remote areas.

If you’re traveling from the UK, you’ll be pleased to know that Borneo uses a UK-style plug with three large pins, so no need to pack an adaptor.  However, if you’re coming from elsewhere, be sure to check if you need a plug adaptor for your devices.

For long-haul flights, we packed a few travel essentials to make the journey more pleasant.

We bought noise-cancelling headphones, which were a game-changer for blocking out noise during the long flight to Singapore and beyond.

My husband also invested in a neck pillow, which provided much-needed support and comfort during the flight.  I wish I’d taken one too!

As mentioned earlier, one of the most important accessories for wildlife spotting in Borneo is a good pair of binoculars.  Plus, if you’re keen on spotting scorpions at night, consider packing an ultraviolet (UV) torch—our kids were thrilled to see the scorpions glowing in the dark!

Wee didn’t take a phone bungee, but some would find it a useful accessory to ensure your phone stays secure, especially during river cruises.

A portable power bank is another essential item for your Borneo packing list.  It was incredibly useful for keeping our phones charged while out exploring.  A reusable water bottle is also a good idea.

As for staying connected, consider purchasing a local SIM card for better coverage and cheaper data rates during your time in Borneo.  A local SIM will make it easier to access maps and stay in touch without high roaming fees.

It’s important to pack a basic first aid kit for your trip to Borneo. We included the following essentials in our kit:

• paracetamol and ibuprofen
• dehydration tablets
• plasters
• antiseptic cream
• bandages
• antihistamine tablets + Piriteze (for kids)
• travel sickness tablets
• Sanitising hand gel

Don’t forget your personal wash kit, but take care to avoid overly fragrant products that may attract insects.

Lastly, it’s important to pack high-factor sunscreen and lip balm with sun protection.

Before travelling to Borneo, it’s essential to visit a travel nurse at your local surgery well in advance of your trip.  This is particularly important if you plan to visit more rural or remote areas.  The nurse can provide tailored advice based on your travel itinerary and health needs.

For example, we didn’t require malaria tablets, as we were visiting low-risk areas, and our doctor confirmed that they wouldn’t be prescribed.

However, it’s crucial to check with your own travel nurse about your specific itinerary and personal health requirements.  Some regions might require malaria prevention or other medications, so always follow the doctor’s advice.

In terms of vaccinations, we made sure to get the necessary ones, but it’s always best to check with your doctor or travel nurse for the latest recommendations. Common vaccinations for travellers to Borneo may include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus, among others.

One of the most important items to pack for your Borneo trip is a high-quality mosquito repellent containing DEET.  This is essential for protecting yourself from mosquitoes, especially when exploring jungle areas or the outdoors.  We also brought mosquito-repellent bands, as an extra precaution.

Another precautionary measure was taking mosquito repellent coils for our hotel room, although we ended up not needing them.  However, they can be useful if you’re staying in more rural or jungle accommodations, where mosquitoes are more prevalent.

As an added precaution, we treated our jungle clothes with anti-mosquito spray before our travels.  You can also find specialized clothing treated with mosquito repellent, which provides an extra layer of protection while hiking or trekking.

Luckily, we didn’t encounter many mosquitoes or get bitten at all in the jungle. This is probably because we were so diligent with our inspect spray.  However, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully, especially when applying repellent on children, as most can only be applied every 8 hours.

Despite our best efforts with repellent, we did get bitten by other insects, and we found bug bite and sting relief spray to be excellent for relieving the itching.

• Prioritise practicality over style!
• Don’t take your best clothes – be prepared for clothes to get muddy or damaged.
• Avoid jeans – they are difficult to dry in the humid weather
• Leave your valuables behind
• Stick to essential clothing – the lighter the rucksack, the easier it will be for you to travel

More information for your visit to Borneo:

• 12 day Borneo itinerary:  the ultimate travel guide
• The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
• Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
• The fantastic animals in Borneo

Pin for later:  A complete Borneo packing list: what to bring and wear

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