Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Asia

Borneo in December

Wet, especially in Kuching and eastern Sabah, with flooding in some years. Regional holiday travel adds demand at month's end.

TradeoffsHighs near 86F (30C), among the wettest months

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

The straight answer

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Borneo. Wet, especially in Kuching and eastern Sabah, with flooding in some years. Regional holiday travel adds demand at month's end.

Weather: Highs near 86F (30C), among the wettest months
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Borneo

December is one of the wettest months, with highs near 86F (30C). It is wet especially in Kuching and eastern Sabah, with flooding in some years. Regional holiday travel adds demand at the end of the month.

This month suits flexible travelers and families focused on Sepilok. For better weather, April to August is best. River levels rise, some jungle trails close, and boat trips can be cancelled in the heaviest rain. Kids can still enjoy Sepilok, the sun bear center, and Kota Kinabalu's markets, but keep flexible days and pack for wet weather. Book holiday travel early, as end-of-month flights fill.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Borneo this month.

Sepilok orangutans

The rehabilitation center stays open and green.

Sun bear center

An easy, sheltered visit next to Sepilok.

Holiday season in Kota Kinabalu

The city is lively at the end of the month.

What to pack for December

Rain jacket
Leech socks
Waterproof shoes
A dry bag

Our timing tip

Book holiday travel early and keep plans flexible in case of flooding.

Book Borneo for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Borneo
Opens a hotel search for Borneo in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
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 December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

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 December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Borneo?

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Borneo. Wet, especially in Kuching and eastern Sabah, with flooding in some years. Regional holiday travel adds demand at month's end.

What is the weather like in Borneo in December?

Highs near 86F (30C), among the wettest months.

Is Borneo crowded in December?

Crowds in Borneo are moderate in December; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.