Pandan Pandan Island Day Trip
A 3km paddle from Bigfin gets us to the beautiful little uninhabited island of Pandan Pandan. Uninhabited, yes—but far from deserted, as we quickly discover.
Backpacking Borneo
Here, you’ll find all of our blog posts covering our backpacking journey around Sabah, Malaysia on the island of Borneo.
Highlights include the Sabah capital of Kota Kinabalu, beach hopping Kota Belud and Kudat (the Tip of Borneo), jungle treks and close encounters with orangutans in Sandakan, and more.
Pantai Merakit & Bigfin Dive Camp
Back in paradise. Rounding out our two weeks in Malaysia with—you guessed it, more Borneo beach time!—at a remote, off-the-grid dive camp.
Adventures on the Kinabatangan
Three days exploring one of the most diverse habitats in the world—the Kinabatangan river basin—home to Borneo’s highest concentration of wildlife.
I Get Chased by an Orangutan (Seriously)
A morning at world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre offers a close-up view of these amazing apes—which turns out to be a bit too close for some of us.
Sandakan Town
Sandakan is Sabah’s gateway to the jungle. Not known for much else these days, this unassuming town’s myriad trekking agencies and backpacker hostels belie Sandakan’s unique history and quirky offerings.
Taking a Bush Plane into the Jungle
Our experience taking a DHC-6 Twin Otter across Borneo’s northernmost region of Sabah, Malaysia from Kudat to Sandakan. 40 minutes in a plane won out over 10 hours in a bus over rugged terrain.
Kudat Day Trip: Secret Beach
Kicking things into high gear, as the search for the perfect beach continues. Today’s contender, a little-known beach in the extreme north of Borneo.
Kudat Peninsula: Sunsets & Beaches
A last minute change in plans takes us to the north of Borneo—and by north, I mean the tippy-top north—rumored home to the island’s most beautiful beaches [and sunsets].
Kota Kinabalu: Arrival in Borneo
Finally arriving on Borneo—just in time to witness one of Sabah, Malaysia’s world-famous sunsets and grab some delicious island eats.
Petronas Towers & Jalan Alor Night Market
We make our necks sore and our tummy’s very happy making our way around some of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic landmarks.
Exploring the World’s Largest Aviary
Comprised of 20 enclosed acres, Kuala Lumpur’s KL Bird Park is home to 3,000 birds representing 200 colorful species, and quite unlike anywhere else on the planet.
Kuala Lumpur
We set off to explore a new country: Malaysia!
Two weeks in Borneo with a stopover in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Bound for Borneo
We’re off to Sabah, on the Malaysia side of the island of Borneo! Last year, we opted to stay Laos-side to experience (i.e. endure) Lao New Year. This year, it’s beaches, baby!