How to Travel Between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo

Malaysia is split into two distinct regions: Peninsular Malaysia, where you’ll find Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and the Cameron Highlands, and Malaysian Borneo, home to Sabah and Sarawak’s rainforests, orangutans, and diving hotspots. Visiting both gives you the full Malaysian experience—but with the South China Sea in between, you’ll need to plan how to get there.

  1. By Air – The Fastest and Easiest Way

Flying is by far the most practical option. Dozens of daily flights connect major cities in Peninsular Malaysia with Borneo’s hubs.

Main Routes:

  • Kuala Lumpur (KLIA/KLIA2) → Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) (2h30m)
  • Kuala Lumpur → Kuching (Sarawak) (1h45m)
  • Penang → Kota Kinabalu (3h)
  • Johor Bahru → Kuching (1h45m)

Pros: Quick, affordable (low-cost airlines often under USD $40 one way), frequent.
Cons: Adds carbon footprint; prices rise during peak holidays.

  1. By Sea – The Slower, Old-School Route

Ferry routes once connected Peninsular Malaysia to Borneo, but regular passenger services are no longer practical for long distances. However, ferries still operate between Labuan (off Sabah) and Brunei/Sarawak towns, and between Sabah’s east coast and the Philippines.

Pros: Scenic, adventurous.
Cons: Limited routes, not time-efficient compared to flying.

  1. Overland Within Borneo

Once you arrive in Sabah or Sarawak, you can travel overland by bus, car, or boat between towns and across borders (e.g., from Kuching into Indonesian Kalimantan or from Kota Kinabalu into Brunei).

Pros: Good for exploring Borneo once you’re there.
Cons: Does not replace the need for a flight from Peninsular Malaysia.

  1. Combination Trips – City + Jungle

Many travelers pair a city break in Kuala Lumpur or Penang with an eco-adventure in Borneo. For example:

  • KL + Kota Kinabalu: Urban buzz followed by Mount Kinabalu climbs and island-hopping.
  • Penang + Kuching: Food capital plus Sarawak’s cultural villages and national parks.

Travel Tips

  • Domestic flights are cheap: Low-cost carriers make it affordable to hop between regions.
  • Plan for luggage fees: Budget airlines keep fares low but charge extra for checked bags.
  • Mind the weather: Borneo’s dry season (March–October) is best for trekking and diving.
  • Book early for festivals: Flights sell out quickly during events like Gawai and Kaamatan (harvest festivals).

The only real way to cross between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo is by air—but that doesn’t mean the journey is ordinary. With short, affordable flights, you can easily combine Malaysia’s vibrant cities and cultural heartlands with the jungles, mountains, and dive sites of Borneo. It’s like visiting two countries in one trip—without ever leaving Malaysia.