Essential information

Malaysian Borneo has three main airports; Kuching in the west (Sarawak) and Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan in the east (Sabah).

You can fly into any of these with Malaysian Airlines via Kuala Lumpur, where you can take a stopover to explore the city if you’d like to. Alternatively, Singapore Airlines fly into Kuching and Kota Kinabalu with a stopover option in (you’ve guessed it) Singapore. Speak to your travel specialist if you’d like to visit either of these great cities before or after your Borneo adventure.

Other routes are available, usually via the Middle-East with the likes of Emirates, Etihad or Qatar Airways. These routes will have two stops before arriving in Borneo.

Unless you already have flights booked, your Rickshaw travel specialist will be happy to arrange your flight tickets on your behalf. Read more about the advantages of booking flights with Rickshaw here.

Entry to Malaysia is pretty straightforward for most nationalities, including UK citizens, and there are no additional requirements for travelling on to Malaysian Borneo (although you will get a separate stamp in your passport).

If you’re just travelling for leisure then you don’t need to apply for a visa in advance, and you’ll usually be granted a 90-day stay. On arrival, each member of your family will need to present a valid passport with at least one blank page, as well as evidence of onward travel (e.g. your return flight ticket). The expiry date of your passport must be at least 6 months after your arrival.

One additional requirement to be aware of is the Digital Arrival Card, which should be completed within 3 days of your arrival in Malaysia.

You can always check the latest UK travel conditions on the FCDO website. If you own a passport issued by another country, please check with your relevant embassy before travel.

The currency in Malaysian Borneo (and Malaysia generally) is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR or RM). You can get exchange money before you travel but there’s no real need to – you’ll usually get just as good rates at the airport or at an official bank ATM. Just beware of your bank’s foreign withdrawal fees, and note that most cash machines will also charge a small fee.

Many shops and restaurants will accept card payments but you will need some cash for local spending, especially outside of the main cities and tourist areas.

You should also be aware of the local tourist tax (currently MYR10 or about £2 per room per night). This must be paid locally and in cash.

For more detail on money and costs, check our Borneo money guide.

Borneo is generally a safe destination for families, with good health and safety standards across the tourism industry. We carefully check the tours and activities we include, using trained guides and reliable equipment. When booking independently, it’s worth checking reviews and making sure equipment looks safe and well maintained. Take care when crossing roads, follow local advice around tides and swimming, and keep valuables secure in busy places. Petty theft is the main concern for visitors, so use ATMs inside banks where possible and keep passports and important documents safe.

Malaysian Borneo has good medical facilities in larger towns, although things are more basic in remote jungle areas. Bring any essential medication for you and your children, along with plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent. Stick to bottled drinking water and wash hands regularly, particularly before eating. For vaccinations and specific health advice, speak to your doctor or travel nurse before travelling and check the latest guidance on the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Borneo is warm and humid, so light, loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics are ideal. Pack a light rain jacket, sturdy trainers or walking shoes for jungle walks, sandals for the beach and a couple of lightweight layers for cooler mornings and air-conditioned transport.

Family packing essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, swimwear, mosquito repellent, refillable water bottles, a universal adaptor, chargers, a small first-aid kit, essential medicines, bank cards and copies of important documents. A small daypack and waterproof bag are also useful for jungle trips.

Borneo is a great place for families to try something new, with plenty of rice and noodle dishes, fresh fruit, grilled meats and vegetables. Look out for local favourites such as Sarawak Laksa, Mee Sua and Kolo Mee. Dishes can be spicy, but you can ask for them to be made milder using “tidak terlalu pedas” (not too spicy).

Fussy eaters will find familiar options in larger restaurants, while fresh fruit makes an easy snack on the go. If anyone has allergies, carry a card explaining them in Malay to avoid confusion. Vegetarians are well catered for too, although check ingredients carefully as shrimp paste is commonly used. Malaysia is predominantly Muslim, so alcohol isn’t a big part of everyday culture, although it’s available in many hotels and tourist-friendly restaurants.

Malay is the main national language, although English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas and by younger people, so you should have no trouble getting by. Learning a few simple Malay phrases is always appreciated and can be a fun way for the kids to interact with local people.

Malaysia is a multicultural and multi-faith country, with family at the heart of everyday life. As Borneo is predominantly Muslim, it’s important to be respectful of local customs, particularly during Ramadan. Dress modestly, keep voices down in public and always use your right hand when giving or receiving things. Avoid touching someone’s head and, when sitting, try not to point your feet or the soles of your shoes towards people. A little cultural awareness goes a long way and you’ll find Malaysian Borneo warm, welcoming and family-friendly.