What is the weather like in Borneo Islands during December?

December brings the wet season to Borneo Islands with afternoon downpours common in Sabah and Sarawak. The Kinabatangan River area sees temperatures of 28-32°C with quick but intense rain showers. TourRadar travelers report that rain rarely disrupts wildlife activities. A traveler notes: "Despite some afternoon showers we had incredible wildlife sightings along the Kinabatangan River including pygmy elephants and orangutans."

What are the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Borneo during December?

The month offers prime wildlife encounters at Borneo's major sanctuaries. Visitors to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary can spot orangutans proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley welcomes guests with sightings of gibbons bearded wild boars and flying squirrels. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Our December visit to Kinabatangan River was incredible - we saw mother orangutans watching their babies learn to climb and multiple hornbill species during our river cruises."

What special holiday events or cultural experiences are available in Borneo during December?

December lights up with cultural celebrations especially around Christmas in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. The Mari Mari Cultural Village hosts traditional Dusun village celebrations and performances. Properties like Sepilok Jungle Resort and Bilit Adventure Lodge prepare special holiday meals. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Spending Christmas in a Dusun village was magical - we participated in traditional dances and enjoyed local festive delicacies."

What are the accommodation options available in Borneo during December?

Lodging ranges from upscale resorts to authentic forest retreats. Key options include the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley Sepilok Jungle Resort by the orangutan sanctuary and Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. A TourRadar guest reports: "The Sepilok Jungle Resort was perfectly located for wildlife viewing and despite December being peak season the rooms were comfortable and well-maintained."

How busy is Borneo during December and should I book in advance?

December marks high season particularly around Christmas and New Year. Wildlife sanctuaries at Sepilok and lodges on the Kinabatangan River typically fill up several months ahead. Booking data shows December tours run 15-20% fuller than other months. A TourRadar traveler advises: "We booked our December trip six months ahead and were glad we did as many preferred accommodations were already full."

What are the best river cruises available in Borneo during December?

River cruises excel in December especially on the Kinabatangan River. Nature Lodge Kinabatangan runs morning and evening boat trips for optimal wildlife spotting. The Sekonyer River at Tanjung Puting provides another great cruise option. One TourRadar visitor recalls: "Our December river cruises at Kinabatangan were incredible - we saw multiple orangutan families and herds of pygmy elephants along the riverbank."

Borneo Tours in December 2026

Dec '26

10 best Borneo tour packages in December

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Nature & Wildlife
Sabah Adventure
4.5 (25 reviews)
"Great variation of activities and options."
Andy, traveled in December
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sandakan,Turtle Islands+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Islands
Borneo
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $3,095
US$2,476per person
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Price based on Shared Room
26 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Premium Borneo in Depth (from Kuching to Sandakan)
3.0 (2 reviews)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Kuching, Batang Ai National Park,Gunung Mulu National Park,Kota Kinabalu,Kinabatangan,Sandakan+4 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Islands
Borneo
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
20% Off
From
US$5,630per person
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Price based on Shared Room
19 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Orou Sapulot 4 Days
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Kota Kinabalu, Keningau
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Borneo Sabah
Operated in
English
Operator
Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel
20% Off
From
US$736per person
+$9 local payments
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Nature & Wildlife
IN-DEPTH BORNEO & MALAYSIA TOUR
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Batang Ai National Park,Gunung Mulu National Park,Sandakan,Sepilok,Kota Kinabalu,Mount Kinabalu National Park+5 more
Age Range
Ages 35+
Islands
Borneo
Operated in
English
Operator
Tweet World Travel
20% Off
From
US$5,180per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Enchanting Borneo
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Kuching, Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park,Kota Kinabalu,Kota Belud,Kudat,Mount Kinabalu National Park+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Borneo
Operated in
English
Operator
Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel
20% Off
From
US$2,106per person
+$26 local payments
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Nature & Wildlife
Sarawak Secrets with Santubong Mangrove Cruise
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Kuching, Bako National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Borneo Sarawak
Operated in
English
Operator
Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,232per person
+$15 local payments
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Ancient Wonders
Journey to the Interiors - Sarawak
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Kuching, Pekan Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu,Niah Caves National Park,Miri+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Borneo Sarawak
Operated in
English
Operator
Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,811per person
+$12 local payments
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Nature & Wildlife
Splendours of Borneo: Kuching to Kota Kinabalu
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kuching, Batang Ai National Park,Gunung Mulu National Park,Kota Kinabalu,Mount Kinabalu National Park+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
BorneoMount Kinabalu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,419per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Nature & Wildlife
Tabin Wildlife Experience
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Lahad Datu, Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Age Range
Ages 6+
Regions
Borneo Sabah
Operated in
English
Operator
Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,693per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Indonesia: Borneo Orangutans of Tanjung Puting National Park
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Jakarta, Pangkalan Bun, Kumai, Tanjung Harapan
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Borneo Kalimantan
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $1,649
US$1,237per person
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Price based on Shared Room
5 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
4.8 (18 reviews)
"We had an amazing time on our adventure in Borneo. We had a great group of people with us."
Lynn, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud,Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary,Sepilok,Pulau Libaran,Sandakan,Mount Kinabalu National Park,Poring+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Borneo SabahMount Kinabalu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
30% Off
From $3,099
US$2,169per person
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Price based on Shared Room
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Sandakan Orangutan Experience 4D/3N
4.4 (10 reviews)
"From start to finish we had the best time. The orangutans were amazing as well as everything else we saw."
Brett, traveled in March
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Sandakan, Sepilok, Kinabatangan,Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Borneo Sabah
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
30% Off
From
US$745per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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River Cruise
3D2N Orangutan in Tanjung Puting with Overnight on the Boat
4.5 (2 reviews)
"Amazing experience, such a peaceful trip, the guides and all crew members were wonderful."
Anne, traveled in April
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Tanjung Puting National Park
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Borneo Kalimantan
Operated in
English
Operator
Pesona Indo
30% Off
From
US$350per person
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Price based on Shared Room
4 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
11 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
4.3 (19 reviews)
"An amazing travel experience with a new experience each day. A great trip."
Hugh, traveled in October
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Kuching, Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park,Kota Kinabalu,Mount Kinabalu National Park,Sepilok,Tabin Wildlife Reserve,Sandakan+5 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Islands
Borneo
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
From $5,593
US$5,040per person
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Price based on Shared Room
13 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Classic Borneo
4.5 (24 reviews)
"This was an excellent tour touching on the culture and wildlife of Malaysian Borneo."
Dillon, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sandakan, Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Kundasang, Kampung Kiau,Kota Kinabalu,Manukan Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Borneo SabahMount Kinabalu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From
US$3,185per person
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Price based on Shared Room
19 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
26 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
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