Discover Malaysian Borneo’s Top-rated Attractions

Visit the orangutans in Malaysian Borneo’s treetop sanctuaries. Image source: Adobe Stock

Experience Malaysian Borneo’s exotic natural attractions and global cuisine while you observe wild animals in their natural habitat, climb karst mountains and visit some of the world’s largest caves. Whether you want to experience the exciting event line-up of Visit Malaysia 2026 or you’re just looking for a getaway with a difference, start your tropical escape by flying direct from Perth to Kuala Lumpur!

Discover the nature, wildlife and culture of Malaysian Borneo

Malaysia’s two largest states, Sabah and Sarawak, are on the island of Borneo. Take time out to discover Malaysian culture, national parks and traditional food in the area. The region’s many attractions suit a variety of travellers, whether you’re planning solo travel in Southeast Asia or seeking a more family-friendly destination.

What to see in Sarawak: Historic natural landmarks, exotic animals and meals in motion

Home to several indigenous groups, orangutans and giant, other-worldly flowers, Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest state. While you holiday in Malaysian Borneo, visit towering rainforests, prehistoric rock art and some of the world’s largest caves. Enjoy family-friendly cultural experiences and try local cuisine, blending Chinese, Indian and Malay flavours.

Escape into nature or encounter animals

Check out ancient sites in the Great Cave at Niah National Park, with remnants of human activity going back 40,000 years! Stroll through forests, cool off in waterfalls, or visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at Gunung Mulu National Park for a challenging mountain trek. There you’ll see hanging stalactites in Deer Cave, one of the world’s most extensive cave passages and home to millions of bats.    

Visit Matang Wildlife Centre’s sun bears, the world’s smallest bear, and binturongs, cat-like mammals that smell like popcorn! Take a leisurely nature walk to see the waterfalls.  

Enjoy quirky family adventures

Bond as a family while you participate in arts and crafts workshops, cook and join villagers in a sing-along at Sarawak Cultural Village.  

Uncover the history of cats at the popular and elaborate Kuching Cat Museum with over 4,000 feline-related artefacts.  

Watch the crocodile action at Jong’s Crocodile Farm and Zoo during feeding time, and meet the cassowary, a bird sometimes described as a living dinosaur.

Savour delicious Sarawak cuisine

Taste laksa, noodles in spice-filled broth, topped with seafood, vegetables, chicken and egg. Try kolo mee, another popular speciality, made with egg noodles, barbeque pork and a light, savoury sauce. 

For interactive dining, take the Kuching Bike and Cook Tour, blending cuisine with Malaysian village exploration. Learn about local ingredients and join a cooking class.  

Visit a kopitiam for local coffee and a variety of Chinese, Malaysian and international cuisine. For breakfast, try toast with kaya, a creamy coconut jam. 

Hikers climb Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia. Image source: Adobe Stock.

Things to do in Sabah: Waterway excursions, insect escapades and village cooking   

Natural adventures and delicious food are among the highlights of what to do in Malaysia’s northern region of Borneo. Get involved in a marine-based or rainforest activity, meet some of Malaysia’s rare animal species and treat your taste buds to regional specialities.

Reefs, rocks and rescued wildlife

Dive or snorkel Sipadan Island Park, one of the most biodiverse locations on the planet. This tiny island paradise is teeming with hundreds of marine species!   

Hike through rainforests at Mount Kinabalu National Park and climb Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak. Relax afterwards in the natural hot springs at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Watch young orangutans being cared for at Sepilock Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a globally recognised sanctuary.

Family fun from caves to coastlines

At the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park's jewel-like cluster of islands, you can walk through the jungle, go underwater to see marine life up close or relax with a picnic. Cruise the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest waterway and one of the many wildlife-viewing places to visit in Malaysia with family. Spot pygmy elephants, owls and the long-nosed proboscis monkey.

Take a guided tour through Gomantong Caves, housing thousands of bats, spiders and centipedes. Look for edible bird nests, a Southeast Asian delicacy!  

Enjoy gastronomic delights 

Try tuaran mee, fried handmade yellow egg noodles topped with pork, green veggies and egg rolls, served with chilli sauce. Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village and taste lihing, one of Malaysia’s many rice wine varietals, with a sweet, earthy finish. Join a Malaysian cuisine expert to shop at community food markets, learn about local ingredients and cook in an intimate village setting.  

The twin Petronas Towers, part of Kuala Lumpur‘s distinctive skyline, Malaysia. Image source: Adobe Stock

How to spend one night in Kuala Lumpur on a stopover

Wondering what to do in Malaysia’s capital en route to Sabah or Sarawak? Enjoy Kuala Lumpur’s leafy parks, delicious street food and architecture before setting off!  

Visit dazzling urban attractions

Catch city views by day or night from the skybridge or observation deck at the twin Petronas Towers. Dine on global delicacies at Jalan Alor, a well-known foodie district.

Explore parks and caverns  

Make the most of the daylight hours and admire the greenery from a suspended bridge at Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park. Around 30 minutes from the city centre, climb over 200 stairs to Batu Caves, with its curious primates and dramatic caverns.   

Enjoy the fresh flavours and colourful cuisine of Jalan Alor Street Food Market, Kuala Lumpur. Image source: Adobe Stock

Plan for a smooth journey

Start your trip with these helpful preparation tips. .

Where to stay 

Make your holiday even more memorable by choosing accommodation with a twist. Browse these unusual and unique stays in Southeast Asia for inspiration.

Travel updates and information

Stay informed about documentation requirements and safety updates with Smartraveller, and subscribe to email updates for your destination.

Fly from Perth on a tropical getaway to explore Malaysian Borneo 

World-renowned natural wonders and mouth-watering Asian cuisine, along with unforgettable wildlife encounters and cultural village experiences, make Sabah and Sarawak attractive destinations for travellers seeking a memorable adventure. With over 30 weekly departures, fly Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, or Air Asia direct to Kuala Lumpur from Perth, then onward to Sabah or Sarawak. With Perth Airport parking, driving to the airport is stress-free. Shop online or in-store at Perth Duty Free for last-minute necessities while waiting for your flight. Start planning your holiday in Malaysia today!