Last reviewed: April 2026

If you’re wondering whether it is safe to travel to Borneo right now, you’re not alone.

It’s a question we’re increasingly being asked, often alongside concerns about remote travel, wildlife, and headlines about parts of Sabah. So let’s answer it clearly.

Yes. Borneo is safe to travel to, and our clients are travelling there now and having exceptional experiences.

What matters is understanding where you go, how you travel, and having the right people organising it.

Quick facts at a glance

• Is Borneo safe right now? Yes, particularly in the main Malaysian regions of Sabah and Sarawak
• Are there areas to avoid? Yes, small parts of eastern Sabah, which are not on standard itineraries
• Are flights running? Yes, via hubs like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur
• Will my trip run smoothly? Yes, with the right planning and support

What’s happening right now with travel to Borneo?

Travel to Borneo is operating normally.

The only broader factor to be aware of is occasional disruption to flight routes between the UK and Southeast Asia, linked to global events affecting airspace in the Middle East. Airlines are adjusting routes where needed, but in practice, travellers are reaching Borneo without issue.

For official UK government guidance, you can check the latest Foreign Office advice here:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malaysia

Is Borneo safe for tourists right now?

Yes. Borneo is safe for tourists right now.

The vast majority of travel focuses on the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, which are well set up for visitors, particularly those interested in wildlife and nature. Travellers are:

• moving freely between regions
• staying in well-run lodges and hotels
• visiting national parks and conservation areas without issue

From a safety perspective, it is a straightforward destination when planned properly.

Where is safe to go in Borneo?

The key point is that Borneo is a very large island, and not all areas are relevant to travellers.

The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to some islands off the far eastern coast of Sabah, near the Philippines. This relates to historical security concerns in the Sulu Sea region. In practice:

• these areas are remote
• they are not part of standard travel routes
• most visitors never go anywhere near them

The places most people travel to, such as rainforest lodges, river systems and wildlife areas, are entirely separate from these regions.

This is where understanding geography matters, and where specialist planning makes things much simpler.

Is it safe to travel around Borneo?

Yes, it is safe to travel around Borneo. What makes Borneo slightly different is not safety, but logistics. It is:

• spread out
• often remote
• dependent on careful coordination of flights, boats and guides

That is part of what makes it so rewarding. But it also means that having a well-structured itinerary is essential to making the trip feel smooth and enjoyable.

Still weighing up Borneo?

If you’re considering Borneo and want a clear, honest view of what it’s like right now, we’re very happy to talk it through.

No sales pitch. Just a straightforward conversation about how the trip works, what to expect, and whether it’s the right fit for you.

You can also explore our Borneo holidays on the Experience Travel Group website.

Are flights to Borneo affected right now?

Yes, some routes have been adjusted, but flights to Borneo are operating normally. There are no direct flights from the UK, so journeys typically connect via:

• Singapore
• Kuala Lumpur

Airlines are continuing to run these routes, and where changes are needed, they are usually handled without major disruption to the overall trip.

Why booking with Experience Travel Group matters in Borneo

Borneo is not a destination where you want to piece things together as you go. A well-run trip depends on:

• the right sequencing of locations
• reliable local logistics
• expert guiding in wildlife areas

For example, a typical Borneo itinerary might involve:

• a domestic flight into Sabah
• a transfer by road and then boat into a rainforest lodge
• time structured around wildlife activity, river levels and local conditions

If one part shifts, the rest needs adjusting quickly. That is what we handle.

Our team plans these trips in detail, works with long-standing partners on the ground, and keeps a close eye on how things are running in real time. The aim is simple: you experience the depth of Borneo without having to think about the mechanics behind it.

What this looks like in practice

Most of the time, this is invisible to the traveller. But it becomes clear in moments where things need adjusting.

For example, changes to domestic flight timings, river conditions affecting boat access, or shifts in lodge availability are all things that can happen in Borneo.

Handled well, they do not affect your experience. Handled badly, they can disrupt it. Our role is to make sure it is the former.

A quick word on travel insurance

Most travel insurance policies do not cover disruption caused by war or conflict, including flight changes linked to airspace restrictions. However:

• medical emergencies are usually covered
• some insurers offer support on a case-by-case basis

We always recommend checking your policy in advance and understanding what is and is not included.

What is Borneo like as a destination?

Borneo is not the easiest destination in Asia. And that is exactly why it is so rewarding.

This is not about ticking off sights. It is about spending time in one of the oldest rainforests on earth, moving at a slower pace, and experiencing wildlife in its natural environment. You might:

• track orangutans through dense jungle
• travel by boat along quiet river systems
• wake to the sounds of the forest rather than a city

It is immersive, sometimes unpredictable, and deeply memorable.

Should you still travel to Borneo?

Yes. If Borneo appeals to you, there is no reason not to travel.

The key is to approach it with the right expectations and the right structure around you. When that is in place, it becomes one of the most rewarding trips you can take in Asia.

If you’re considering Borneo and want a clear, honest view of what’s possible right now, just get in touch.