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How to Find Cheap Flights to Borneo

By Greg Rodgers. Asia Travel Expert

Greg Rodgers is an experienced travel writer, photographer, and world nomad. In 2005, Greg traded his corporate office for a backpack and set out to see the world; he never came back.

Malaysian Borneo is perhaps one of the most beautiful and easily accessible places in Southeast Asia to enjoy the rapidly disappearing rainforest and to see endangered species such as orangutans and proboscis monkeys before they are gone forever.

Surprisingly, flights to Borneo are very inexpensive. You ll often find specials -- even on last-minute flights -- to the four main cities in East Malaysia.

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Flight prices fluctuate wildly with the seasons, however, you can often find deals for less than US $100, sometimes even as low as US $50.

See the exact location of Borneo. then learn some tips for how to get there yourself to the jungles once roamed by indigenous headhunters!

Where to Start in Borneo?

First understand, Borneo is divided into two states: Sarawak and Sabah. While the southern state of Sarawak tends to be cheaper and receives fewer visitors than Sabah, Sabah steals the show with a better tourist infrastructure and more organized attractions.

Sarawak and Sabah are separated by the small, independent country of Brunei. Crossing between the two states by bus requires multiple border crossings and passing through Brunei. Alternatively, you can fly between Sarawak and Sabah but that adds effort and expense. See getting around Sabah for options to cross between Borneo s two states with the least amount of effort.

You ll want to decide where you intend to begin your adventure before checking for flights to Borneo. Get help deciding with this Malaysian Borneo travel guide.

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• Choose between Sarawak or Sabah based upon your interests.

Finding Cheap Flights to Borneo

Many travelers mistakenly only check on flight prices between Malaysia s capital of Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. the largest city in Borneo. While you sometimes will find deals on flights to Kota Kinabalu, this popular route can jump in price -- particularly during the summer high season and driest months of February and March.

Fortunately, you can choose between four main entry points in Borneo:

• Kuching (the capital of Sarawak)

• Miri (city in the north of Sarawak)

• Kota Kinabalu (the capital of Sabah)

• Sandakan (a large city in East Sabah)

If flying directly from the US or Europe, you may find a better deal by flying into Kuala Lumpur and then booking a new ticket for the hop to Borneo. See more about finding cheap Kuala Lumpur flights .

TIP: Keep in mind that festivals such as Hari Merdeka and local festivals in Borneo will greatly affect flight prices!

Flights to Kuching

Kuching is boasted as one of the cleanest cities in Asia and the vibe there along the waterfront is both friendly and peaceful. Flights to Kuching are often cheaper than flights into Kota Kinabali. You can begin your Borneo trip in Sarawak and then make your way north by bus while visiting the various national parks. See getting around Sarawak .

Kuching International Airport (airport code: KCH) is pleasantly functional. Unlike when entering Sabah, you ll have to pass through immigration again to be stamped into Sarawak. This stamp is independent and not related to your Malaysia entry stamp; pay attention to how much time that you are allowed inside of Sarawak.

Both AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines offer cheap flights to Kuala Lumpur, while SilkAir and Tiger Airways fly to Singapore. You ll also find several options for getting up to Sabah from Kuching once you are finished exploring Sarawak.

Flights to Miri

Surprisingly, Miri in northern Sarawak has one of the busiest domestic airport (airport code: MYY) in Malaysia. Flights to Miri from Kuala Lumpur can often be found for around US $50. Flying into Miri puts you closer to the famous Gunung Mulu National Park as well as Brunei for later crossing into Sabah.

AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines run flights between Miri and Kuala Lumpur.

Flights to Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (airport code: BKI) is located just south of the city and is the second-busiest airport in Malaysia. Kota Kinabalu serves as the gateway for most tourists entering into Borneo.

AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines service flights from Kuala Lumpur. while several other airlines offer international flights to places in East Asia such as Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong .

If you intend to fly to Borneo directly from your home country without stopping in Kuala Lumpur, flying into Kota Kinabalu is your cheapest option.

Flights to Sandakan

Most people haven t even heard of Sandakan. the big city in East Sabah. and you can use that to your advantage! You ll often find cheaper flights for entering Sabah through Sandakan.

In fact, Sandakan is located much closer than Kota Kinabalu to popular attractions such as the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Sepilok Orangutan Centre. scuba diving in Sipidan, and the Kinabatangan River. You can always take the scenic bus from Sandakan back to Kota Kinabalu when you are finished exploring Sabah.

Sandakan Airport (airport code: SDK) is as small as the name indicates, but it often works out as a great option for flights to Borneo from West Malaysia. AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines carry cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur.