Despite legends of warring tribes and headhunters, Borneans are openhearted people who are eager to help visitors and to enjoy an interesting conversation with a stranger. Hospitality is a Bornean custom, and service in resorts as in street stalls is exceptional.

The climate in Borneo is generally hot and humid. Temperatures are more moderate and rain is less likely from January to April, making this a popular time for travel. March to July are the best months for diving.

Most travelers come to Borneo for sunrise hikes through the rainforest more than for the nightlife. Still, you can find lively bars, nightclubs, and live music in major tourist cities. Kota Kinabalu’s waterfront is especially fun.

Borneo’s culture is a mix of local tribal customs, immigrant traditions brought by Chinese and Indian merchants, regional influences, and the legacy of European colonization. The diversity of language, cuisine, and religion is most apparent in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

You can hear Borneo’s linguistic flair on any crowded street. Malay, Chinese, Hindi, and several tribal languages, such as Iban and Kadazan, are all widely spoken. English is used for some administrative purposes and is usually spoken in tourist establishments.

According to ancient Chinese manuscripts, trading posts existed on Borneo as early as the first millennium. The island’s wealth and strategic position attracted adventurers throughout the ages, from sultans to English traders and Japanese gunships.