Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Asia

Borneo in February

Rain starts to ease on the west coast; Kinabalu often has clear mornings. Still wet in the east.

Quiet valueHighs near 86F (30C), rain easing late month

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

The straight answer

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Borneo. Rain starts to ease on the west coast; Kinabalu often has clear mornings. Still wet in the east.

Weather: Highs near 86F (30C), rain easing late month
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What February is like in Borneo

February is still wet in the east, with highs near 86F (30C), but the rain starts to ease on the west coast late in the month. Mount Kinabalu often has clear mornings. Crowds and prices are low. Chinese New Year may bring closures and a spike in regional travel, depending on the lunar calendar.

This month suits wildlife lovers and budget travelers who can handle rain. It is a reasonable month for Kinabalu, with easier permits than midyear. Families should focus on Sepilok and Kota Kinabalu. For drier river cruises and dives, wait for April through August.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Borneo this month.

Clear Kinabalu mornings

The mountain often shows itself in the early hours, great for photos.

Easier Kinabalu permits

Permits and Laban Rata beds are easier to book than in the busy midyear months.

Quiet Sepilok

Low crowds make the feeding platforms calmer.

What to pack for February

A rain jacket
Leech socks
Hiking boots for Kinabalu
Warm layers for the summit

Our timing tip

Check the Chinese New Year dates before you book, since some shops close and transport fills up in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

Book Borneo for February.

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

What's on in February

Chinese New Year

Late January to mid February, varies by lunar calendar

Kota Kinabalu and Kuching have large Chinese communities. Some shops close and regional travel spikes.

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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Borneo?

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Borneo. Rain starts to ease on the west coast; Kinabalu often has clear mornings. Still wet in the east.

What is the weather like in Borneo in February?

Highs near 86F (30C), rain easing late month.

Is Borneo crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Borneo; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Borneo in February?

Chinese New Year (late january to mid february, varies by lunar calendar).