Book cheap flights to Borneo

Borneo experiences a tropical climate. Rainfall patterns can be unpredictable, but the most rainfall generally occurs between November and March. The best time to visit Borneo is during the ‘dry season’, which spans March to October. March to May is the best time to visit if you want to swim with whale sharks; February to April offers the best conditions for climbing Mount Kinabalu; April to July is the best time for jungle trekking and orangutan encounters; turtle season begins in June and culminates in August as baby turtles hatch and make their way towards the ocean; and October is the prime time for diving in Sipadan. Notable events include the Harvest Festival, Chinese New Year, Rainforest Music Festival, Borneo Cultural Festival, Borneo Arts Festival and Borneo International Kite Festival. For cheap flights to Borneo, the best time to visit would be during the rainy season.

South African passport holders do not require a visa to visit the Malaysian (Sabah and Sarawak) states for stays up to 90 days and the Indonesian (Kalimantan) states for stays up to 30 days. A visa is required to enter the Nation of Brunei. The nearest representation is in Cairo (Egypt).

You will need to ensure your passport has a validity of at least six months and two blank pages for entry stamps. You will also need to check if transit visas are required for connecting flights.

The Embassy of Brunei is situated in Cairo (Egypt).

Address: 23-A, Mohamed Mazhar Street, Saray Al Sultan Tower, Mezzanine Floor, Zamalek

Phone: ( 20) 2 2736 6651 / ( 20) 2 2737 3664 / ( 20) 2 2737 3665

Although Borneo is considered a safe travel destination, you should exercise the usual precautions and use common sense as you would in any other unfamiliar country. It is recommended that you follow the media for updates on the security situation throughout your trip and obtain travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses.

Piracy has been an issue along the east coast of Sabah in recent years. You should remain extra vigilant when travelling around this part of Borneo and monitor the media for security updates. Only make use of licensed and reputable transport companies when travelling around the island. Avoid venturing into isolated and poorly-lit areas at night (particularly if you are alone) and avoid flashy displays of wealth. You should familiarise yourself with the local laws and customs before arriving.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from an infected country. Borneo is at risk for malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus and other insect-borne diseases, so precautions should be taken to avoid mosquito and insect bites. Immunisations against Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis A & B, cholera, typhoid and rabies are recommended. Recommended routine vaccinations include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, meningitis, varicella, polio and influenza. Stick to bottled water.