Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Asia
Borneo in April
Excellent conditions for Kinabatangan river cruises, Danum Valley, and Sipadan diving before the summer rush.
The straight answer
April is one of the best months of the year to visit Borneo. Excellent conditions for Kinabatangan river cruises, Danum Valley, and Sipadan diving before the summer rush.
- Weather
- Highs near 90F (32C), among the driest months
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in Borneo
April is one of the best months. Highs are near 90F (32C), and it is among the driest months of the year. Conditions are excellent for Kinabatangan river cruises, Danum Valley, and Sipadan diving before the summer rush. Crowds and prices are moderate.
This month suits nearly everyone: families, divers, hikers, and wildlife lovers. It is hard to beat. Book lodges in Danum Valley and Sipadan dive permits early, since daily limits apply. If you want to see turtles nesting, come July to October instead. Easter and school breaks can fill lodges, so book ahead.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Borneo this month.
Danum Valley
Primary rainforest with some of the best wild orangutan and gibbon viewing in Borneo. Lodges are limited, so book early.
Sipadan diving
Visibility is usually good from April, and daily permits are limited.
Dry river cruises
The Kinabatangan is at its best for spotting wildlife along the banks.
What to pack for April
- Leech socks
- Quick-dry clothes
- Binoculars
- Reef-safe sunscreen
Our timing tip
Book your Sipadan dive operator early, since permits are allocated through licensed operators and sell out.
Book Borneo for April.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in BorneoOpens a hotel search for Borneo in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in BorneoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in BorneoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Borneo for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Borneo
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Feeding times draw the most visitors. The adjacent Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is worth the extra hour.
Kinabatangan River
Dawn and dusk boat cruises for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and sometimes pygmy elephants. Drier months are best.
Mount Kinabalu
Climbs require a permit, a licensed guide, and an overnight at Laban Rata. Permits are limited and book out months ahead for midyear.
Danum Valley
Primary rainforest with some of the best wild orangutan and gibbon viewing in Borneo. Lodges are limited, so book early.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Huge caves, the Pinnacles limestone spires, and a bat exodus at dusk. Reached by small plane from Miri or Kota Kinabalu.
Sipadan and Semporna
World-class diving with daily permit limits. April through December usually brings the best visibility.
Beat the crowds
- Travel in April, May, or September instead of July and August. The weather is similar and lodges and permits are easier to secure.
- Book Kinabalu permits and Kinabatangan and Danum Valley lodges early; they are the real bottleneck, not crowds on the trail.
- At Sepilok, arrive for the morning opening rather than feeding time to avoid the tour bus rush.
- For Sipadan, pick a dive operator with guaranteed permit days; other days you dive nearby Mabul and Kapalai, which are excellent in their own right.
Know before you go
- Mount Kinabalu climbs require a permit, a licensed guide, and accommodation at Laban Rata; trails can close temporarily after heavy rain or rockfall.
- Sipadan access is limited to a fixed number of divers per day, allocated through licensed dive operators.
- Turtle Islands Park allows only a small number of overnight visitors, so the few spaces sell out early in nesting season.
- During the heaviest monsoon rains (December to February), river levels rise, some jungle trails close, and boat trips can be cancelled.
Borneo in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Borneo?
April is one of the best months of the year to visit Borneo. Excellent conditions for Kinabatangan river cruises, Danum Valley, and Sipadan diving before the summer rush.
What is the weather like in Borneo in April?
Highs near 90F (32C), among the driest months.
Is Borneo crowded in April?
Crowds in Borneo are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning Borneo.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
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