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Is Borneo a Country?

If you follow my instagram, you know I’m obsessed with this stuff! From ‘how many countries in the world‘, to ‘how many continents‘ to even asking in Svalbard, Bali or Dubai are countries?! I mean, I spent 11 years visiting every single country, so it’s kind of understandable that I’m a little weird about this stuff, right? So when people ask me is Borneo a country, I can simply send them here to find out the real answer. So… is Borneo a country?! No. Borneo is categorically NOT a country. In fact, the island of Borneo belongs to 3 different countries.

I get this question a lot when people are planning their adventures in Southeast Asia, and I totally get why there’s some confusion. Borneo is one of those places that feels like it should be its own country, given its immense size and incredible diversity. But here’s the deal—Borneo is not a country. Let me break it down for you.

3rd largest island in the world

Borneo is actually the third-largest island in the world, after Greenland and New Guinea (where I climbed Puncak Jaya). But despite its massive size, it’s divided among three different countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Yep, you heard that right—three!

Borneo belongs to 3 different countries:

• Malaysia:

The northern part of the island is split into two Malaysian states—Sabah and Sarawak. These states are part of what’s known as Malaysian Borneo. If you’re flying into places like Kota Kinabalu or Kuching, you’re in Malaysia.

• Indonesia:

The southern part of the island, known as Kalimantan, belongs to Indonesia. This makes up the majority of Borneo’s landmass. Kalimantan is less developed compared to the Malaysian side but offers some seriously off-the-beaten-path adventures.

• Brunei:

Tucked away on the northern coast of the island is the tiny sultanate of Brunei. It’s small, but it’s got a lot of charm—and oil wealth, but that’s another story.

Kuching, Sarawak, Kalimantan

When you’re planning a trip to Borneo, you’re actually planning a trip to one (or more) of these three countries. The vibe, culture, and even the language can change drastically depending on where you are on the island. One minute you might be exploring the vibrant streets of Kuching in Malaysian Sarawak, and the next you could be trekking through the wild jungles of Kalimantan in Indonesia. And if you’re really ambitious, you might even pop into Brunei for a day or two to check out its opulent mosques and quiet, pristine rainforests.

Why Visit Borneo?

First… to see wild Orangutans in Borneo. That is epic! As is climbing Borneo’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu.

And of course, whether it’s diving with sea turtles in Sipadan, trekking to see wild orangutans in the rainforests of Kalimantan, or exploring the unique culture of the indigenous tribes in Sarawak, Borneo offers experiences you just won’t find anywhere else. The island is an adventurer’s playground, full of raw, untouched wilderness, unique wildlife, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

How to visit Borneo (as cheaply as possible!)

The Malaysian part of Borneo is MUCH easier to visit than the Indonesian part. And the Brunei part is tiny (and a little boring).

To visit Malaysian Borneo is super easy and cheap. Fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s Capital (or Singapore), and from there you can get cheap domestic flights for $50 or less to Kuching. Done.

Final Thoughts

Borneo isn’t a country, but it’s definitely one of the most incredible places you can visit in all 47 countries of Asia. It’s a melting pot of cultures, landscapes, and experiences that span across three very different nations. Whether you’re looking for luxury or roughing it, Borneo has something for every traveler. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and a spirit of discover, you’re going to need both. But as for the 11 countries in South East Asia, Borneo doesn’t add to that number.

Safe travels, and get ready to be blown away by this extraordinary island!