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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Explorer
Premium Borneo in Depth
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Kuching, Batang Ai National Park,Gunung Mulu National Park,Kota Kinabalu,Tunku Abdul Rahman Park,Sandakan,Kinabatangan,Sepilok+6 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Islands
Borneo
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
10% Off
From $5,660
US$5,094per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Sandakan Explorer Safari
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Sandakan, Sepilok, Kinabatangan
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Borneo Sabah
Operated in
English
Operator
Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel
10% Off
From
US$932per person
+$24 local payments
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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Explorer
Indonesia: Borneo Orangutans of Tanjung Puting National Park
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Jakarta, Tanjung Harapan, Tanjung Puting National Park,Kumai,Pangkalan Bun+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Borneo Kalimantan
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From
US$1,449per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
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
10% Off
From
US$2,106per person
+$26 local payments
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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Explorer
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
10% Off
From
US$736per person
+$9 local payments
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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In-depth Cultural
Personalized 16 Days Malaysia Honeymoon Tour, Private Guide & Car
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Manukan Island,Mount Kinabalu National Park,Sepilok,Sukau,Danum Valley Conservation Area,Bako National Park,Gunung Mulu National Park+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Borneo
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
10% Off
From
US$9,689per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
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
10% Off
From
US$1,419per person
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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Explorer
Splendours of Borneo: Kota Kinabalu to Kuching
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park,Gunung Mulu National Park,Kuching+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
BorneoMount Kinabalu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel
10% Off
From
US$1,419per person
+$24 local payments
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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In-depth Cultural
ESCORTED BORNEO ADVENTURE - PREMIUM TOUR
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sandakan, Sukau, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching
Age Range
Ages 35+
Regions
Borneo SabahMount Kinabalu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Tweet World Travel
10% Off
From
US$3,527per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
IN-DEPTH BORNEO & MALAYSIA TOUR
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Batang Ai National Park, Sandakan,Kota Kinabalu,Mount Kinabalu National Park+2 more
Age Range
Ages 35+
Islands
Borneo
Operated in
English
Operator
Tweet World Travel
10% Off
From
US$5,272per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
7-Day Orangutans in the Mist - Private Tour
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Pangkalan Bun, Kumai, Tanjung Puting National Park,Tanjung Harapan+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Borneo
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish,Dutch+3 more
Operator
Realistic Asia
5% Off
From $2,388
US$2,269per person
+$200 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Active
Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
4.8 (18 traveler reviews)
"It was a great trip with tons of great activities."
Melissa, traveled in February
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud,Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary,Pulau Libaran,Mount Kinabalu National Park,Poring+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Borneo Sabah
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
30% Off
From $2,679
US$1,875per person
Price based on Private Double Room
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Kuala Lumpur & Borneo Explorer - 11 days
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Sandakan, Sepilok,Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary,Kinabatangan,Kota Kinabalu,Tunku Abdul Rahman Park,Mount Kinabalu National Park,Poring+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Borneo Sabah
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
30% Off
From
US$2,495per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
11 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
Sabah Adventure
4.5 (25 traveler reviews)
"The tour was an excellent experience with tremendous local knowledge, especially regarding wildlife."
Emily, traveled in December
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park,Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary,Kundasang,Sepilok,Turtle Islands,Sandakan+5 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Borneo Sabah
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From $2,920
US$2,628per person
Price based on Private Double Room
26 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Wildlife
Sandakan Orangutan Experience 4D/3N
4.4 (10 traveler 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
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Borneo SabahMount Kinabalu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
10% Off
From
US$745per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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