If you’re wondering what to pack for Borneo in September (a great month weather-wise, and a good general list for other months!) here’s the short answer: lightweight short and long sleeves, breathable pants, serious bug spray, quick-dry everything, fully body rain gear, and a dry bag. But that’s just the beginning! Borneo is hot, humid, […]

A river safari in Borneo is one of those experiences that looks unreal in photos—orangutans swinging above the river, elephants on the banks, mist rising off the water at sunrise. But it’s also remote, time-intensive to get to, and the jungle = giant leeches, malaria and dengue fever-carrying mosquitos, sudden downpours—you get the picture. So […]

If you’re trying to figure out the best time of year for a river safari in Borneo, here’s the honest answer: there isn’t one single perfect month, and Borneo is a year-round destination! But there are better times depending on what you care about most. Weather, river levels, wildlife visibility, and even how crowded the […]

If you’re googling “Is Borneo safe for solo female travelers?” I’m going to guess two things: I went to Borneo solo for a river safari and I’ll say this: it was one of the safest solo trips I’ve done, but there are still some things (unexpectedly massive jungle leeches, rainforest weather, etc) you need to […]

If you’re considering visiting Borneo, Malaysia and wondering, “How much does a river safari in Borneo cost?” you’re in the right place! A river safari in Borneo typically costs between $100–$600+ per person, depending on the length of the safari, accommodation level (dorm, moderate ecolodge or luxury chalet), and what extras you decide to include […]

If you’ve been asking yourself, “What wildlife can you see on a river safari in Borneo?” let me tell you—Borneo is one of the best places in the world to see absolutely iconic animals in their natural habitat! Like everything in nature, wildlife is unpredictable and sightings are never guaranteed. But with experienced guides on […]

Borneo is one of those places you feel like you already know before you ever arrive—thanks to endless Animal Planet clips, National Geographic documentaries, and iconic images of orangutans swinging through the jungle. But actually visiting Borneo, especially the Malaysian state of Sabah, is a very different experience than watching it on a screen. As […]

This year, I boarded my first scuba diving liveaboard in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. I’ve been diving for 15 years, but the idea of being stuck in tight quarters at sea with no escape never appealed to me—until the temptations of manta season at one of the most spectacular dive sites on Earth convinced me […]