Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Asia
Borneo in November
Rain increases everywhere. Still workable for Sepilok and short river trips; rough seas can affect island and dive trips.
The straight answer
November is a month of real tradeoffs in Borneo. Rain increases everywhere. Still workable for Sepilok and short river trips; rough seas can affect island and dive trips.
- Weather
- Highs near 87F (31C), heavy rain as the monsoon starts
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What November is like in Borneo
November brings heavy rain as the monsoon starts. Highs are near 87F (31C). It is still workable for Sepilok and short river trips, but rough seas can affect island and dive trips. Crowds and prices are low.
This month suits flexible travelers focused on orangutans. For diving and hiking, April to August is better. Families can still enjoy the Sepilok and sun bear centers, which sit side by side, plus a short Kinabatangan river cruise. Leech socks and quick-dry clothes will make jungle walks much more pleasant. Keep island and dive days flexible, since rough seas can cancel them.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Borneo this month.
Sepilok
Orangutan feeding times continue year-round.
Short river trips
River cruises still run, with lush green banks.
Low prices
Good deals on lodges.
What to pack for November
- Rain jacket
- Leech socks
- Waterproof shoes
- A dry bag
Our timing tip
Keep buffer days in your plan in case boat trips are cancelled.
Book Borneo for November.
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- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in BorneoOpens a hotel search for Borneo in November, 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 November. 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 November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Borneo?
November is a month of real tradeoffs in Borneo. Rain increases everywhere. Still workable for Sepilok and short river trips; rough seas can affect island and dive trips.
What is the weather like in Borneo in November?
Highs near 87F (31C), heavy rain as the monsoon starts.
Is Borneo crowded in November?
November 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 November
Before you book.
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