Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Asia
Borneo in March
A smart early pick: the monsoon is fading, crowds are low, and Kinabalu permits are easier to get.
The straight answer
March is a good month to visit Borneo. A smart early pick: the monsoon is fading, crowds are low, and Kinabalu permits are easier to get.
- Weather
- Highs near 88F (31C), drier on most coasts
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in Borneo
March is a smart early pick. Highs are near 88F (31C), and it is drier on most coasts as the monsoon fades. Crowds are low, prices are fair, and Kinabalu permits are easier to get than later in the year. The forest is still lush from the rains.
This month suits hikers, wildlife lovers, and families who want good conditions without the midyear rush. It is a great choice for a Kinabalu climb. If you want the driest weather and best diving, April and May are even better. Bring leech socks for the jungle trails.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Borneo this month.
Mount Kinabalu climb
Good weather and easier permits make March a strong month for the summit. Check age limits with Sabah Parks if you bring kids.
Kinabatangan River cruises
Dawn and dusk cruises for proboscis monkeys and hornbills get better as the rain fades.
Bako National Park
Coastal trails near Kuching for proboscis monkeys and bearded pigs.
What to pack for March
- Hiking boots
- Warm layers for the Kinabalu summit
- A light rain jacket
- Insect repellent
Our timing tip
Book Kinabalu permits and your Laban Rata bed together, as soon as your dates are set.
Book Borneo for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in BorneoOpens a hotel search for Borneo in March, 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 March. 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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Borneo?
March is a good month to visit Borneo. A smart early pick: the monsoon is fading, crowds are low, and Kinabalu permits are easier to get.
What is the weather like in Borneo in March?
Highs near 88F (31C), drier on most coasts.
Is Borneo crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in Borneo; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Borneo.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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