Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Asia

Borneo in August

Still reliable weather and strong wildlife viewing, plus peak European holiday demand. Book early.

BestHighs near 90F (32C), some storms

Mount Kinabalu above Kundasang, Sabah, Borneo — BorneoPhoto: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Borneo. Still reliable weather and strong wildlife viewing, plus peak European holiday demand. Book early.

Weather: Highs near 90F (32C), some storms
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What August is like in Borneo

August still has reliable weather, with highs near 90F (32C) and some storms. Wildlife viewing is strong, and turtle nesting continues. European holiday demand peaks, so book early.

This month suits families and wildlife lovers who plan ahead. For lower prices, September is a good alternative. It is one of the best months for a first trip, and the Sepilok, sun bear, and river cruise loop runs at full strength. Book Kinabalu permits, Danum Valley lodges, and Turtle Islands stays months ahead, since all have strict limits. Pack light rain gear for short afternoon storms.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Borneo this month.

Turtle nesting

Nesting continues on the Turtle Islands.

Sepilok and sun bears

An easy family loop with river cruises.

Diving at Sipadan

Good visibility continues.

What to pack for August

Leech socks
Rain jacket
Binoculars
Reef-safe sunscreen

Our timing tip

Book lodges in Danum Valley and along the Kinabatangan months ahead.

Book Borneo for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Borneo
Opens a hotel search for Borneo in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Borneo
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Borneo
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Borneo for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Turtle nesting season

Peaks roughly July to October

Green and hawksbill turtles nest nightly on the Turtle Islands, where overnight visitor numbers are strictly limited.

Things to do in Borneo

Full guide

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Feeding times draw the most visitors. The adjacent Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is worth the extra hour.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Kinabatangan River

Dawn and dusk boat cruises for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and sometimes pygmy elephants. Drier months are best.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Danum Valley

Primary rainforest with some of the best wild orangutan and gibbon viewing in Borneo. Lodges are limited, so book early.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Sipadan and Semporna

World-class diving with daily permit limits. April through December usually brings the best visibility.

Tickets and tours →

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 August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Borneo?

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Borneo. Still reliable weather and strong wildlife viewing, plus peak European holiday demand. Book early.

What is the weather like in Borneo in August?

Highs near 90F (32C), some storms.

Is Borneo crowded in August?

Borneo is busy in August, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Borneo in August?

Turtle nesting season (peaks roughly july to october).