Travel Guide: Belize To Borneo

Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, is a biodiverse paradise shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Getting from Belize to Borneo is a multi-step journey that typically involves flying to a connecting country and then taking another flight or ferry to Borneo. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip:

Step 1: Getting from Belize to a Connecting Country

The first step is to get from Belize to a country that offers connections to Borneo. The most common options are the United States, Mexico, or Guatemala.

Option 1: United States

Major US airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and others offer flights from various US cities to Belize's Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. From there, you can connect to a flight to Borneo.

Option 2: Mexico

You can take a bus from Cancun or Playa del Carmen in Mexico to Belize City. Alternatively, it is often cheaper to fly to southern Mexico, such as Cancún, and then take a bus into Belize.

Option 3: Guatemala

You can enter Belize by land from Guatemala. The Maya De Oro bus line connects Guatemala City to Melchor de Menchos, a town on Belize's western border. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, to Punta Gorda in Belize.

Step 2: Getting from the Connecting Country to Borneo

Once you've reached your chosen connecting country, you can continue your journey to Borneo. Here are the options for each country:

Option 1: United States

From the US, you can fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, or Jakarta, Indonesia, depending on which part of Borneo you wish to visit.

Option 2: Mexico

If you've opted for the bus from Mexico to Belize, you can then fly from Belize to your chosen destination in Borneo.

Option 3: Guatemala

Local Belizean airlines Maya Island Air and Tropic Air operate daily flights from Flores, Guatemala, to Belize City. From there, you can connect to a flight to Borneo.

Step 3: Getting Around Borneo

Borneo is a large island with limited transportation options, so getting around can be time-consuming. Here are some ways to navigate the island:

- Flying: Flying is the easiest way to get around Borneo, especially when covering long distances. Regional flights are useful for crossing between different parts of the island.

- Boat: In some cases, travelling by boat may be the best option for overland travel.

- Bus: Buses connect towns and cities on the island, but the journeys can be long and uncomfortable.

- Car: Renting a car can offer flexibility, but be prepared for challenging road conditions.

- Taxi and Motorcycle Taxi: Taxis and ojeks (motorcycle taxis) are common for getting around cities.

Flying to Borneo via Kuala Lumpur

To get from Belize to Borneo, you can fly from Belize City (BZE) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and then on to Borneo. The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo is 910 miles, and it takes approximately 9 hours to get there, including transfers.

Getting to Kuala Lumpur from Belize

The cheapest flights from Belize City to Kuala Lumpur are around $1,031 for a one-way ticket, while the most expensive are around $3,190.

Getting from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo

There are no direct connections from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo. However, you can take a train to Klia T1, walk to the Kuala Lumpur (KUL) airport, and then fly to one of the following airports in Borneo:

• Sibu (SBW)
• Bintulu (BTU)
• Mukah (MKM)
• Miri (MYY)
• Kuching (KCH)

From the airport, you can walk to your destination in Borneo. The flight duration from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, and the cheapest price is $30.

Getting Around Borneo

Borneo is divided between Indonesia (73%), Malaysia (26%), and Brunei (1%). The best way to get around Borneo is by regional flights for longer distances and boats for shorter distances. Taxis and ojek (motorcycle taxis) are common in cities, and Grab is a popular rideshare service in Malaysian Borneo.

Things to Do in Borneo

Borneo is known for its natural biodiversity and is home to some of the best diving sites and rainforests in the world. It is one of the only two places where wild orangutans still roam freely in the rainforest. Other things to do in Borneo include:

• See wildlife in East Sabah, such as the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Rainforest Discovery Centre, and Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Learn about the indigenous Dayak Culture by visiting or staying in an Iban longhouse in Sarawak, Sabah, or Kalimantan.
• Visit the Derawan Islands in East Kalimantan, a wonderland of marine life and a major nesting site for turtles.
• Explore the national parks, such as Bako National Park in Kuching and Tanjung Puting in Central Kalimantan.

Getting from Belize to Mexico by bus

Belize is located in Central America, with Mexico to its north, Guatemala to its west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to its east. The easiest way to get to Belize is by flying into the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. However, it is also possible to travel from Mexico to Belize by bus.

ADO Bus Service

The ADO Bus Line offers a daily express bus service from Cancun, Mexico, to Belize City, Belize. The bus departs from the Cancun Bus Terminal at 10:15 pm, stopping at Playa del Carmen (11:40 pm), Tulum (12:45 am), Corozal, and Orange Walk, before arriving in Belize City at around 6:30 am. The return journey departs Belize City at 8:15 pm, with the same stops in Mexico, and arrives in Cancun at 7:00 am.

The cost of a one-way ticket from Cancun to Belize City is around $65.98 (US Dollars) or 1,128 Mexican Pesos. Tickets can be purchased online, at the bus terminal, or through authorised resellers.

Other Bus Services

It is also possible to travel by bus from Mexico City to Belize City, via Villahermosa and Bacalar, although this journey takes much longer (approximately 22 hours and 46 minutes). This route is served by Ecobus Express and Mundo Maya Travels (MayanOz). The cost of this journey is between $90 and $130.

Travel from Belize to Guatemala by land or sea

Belize and Guatemala are neighbouring countries in Central America, and it is possible to travel between the two by land or sea. Here is a guide on how to do so.

By Land

There is only one land border crossing between Belize and Guatemala, located in the northeast corner of Guatemala and the western border of Belize. The border towns are Benque Viejo del Carmen on the Belize side and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala. The border is open 24 hours a day when travelling from Belize to Guatemala, and from 6 am to 10 pm when travelling in the opposite direction.

The most popular departure points for the border are San Ignacio in Belize and the island town of Flores in Guatemala. From San Ignacio, it is a 20-minute taxi ride to the border, costing around US$3.50. From Flores, a shuttle will take around two hours to get you to the border town of Melchor de Mencos.

Upon arrival at the border, you will need to go to the immigration office and get your passport stamped. There is no exit fee to leave Guatemala, but there is a departure tax of BZN$40 (around US$20) when leaving Belize. You may be asked questions about your stay in Belize, such as where you are staying and for how long. It is a good idea to have your itinerary and accommodation details ready.

Once through customs, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or colectivo (shared minivan) to your next destination. The colectivo station is a five-minute walk from the immigration office.

By Sea

There are two points of entry between the two countries by sea. In the south, there is daily traffic by sea ferry and small speedboats that travel between Punta Gorda (Belize) and Puerto Barrios (Guatemala). Ferries to Guatemala and Honduras are also available from Independence, near Dangriga. For those who prefer to travel by bus, Puerto Barrios is about six hours away by bus from the Belize-Guatemala border at Melchor de Mencos.

Water taxis are also available and cross a portion of the Gulf of Honduras in about two hours.

Borneo's different customs and laws

Borneo is divided between three countries: Indonesia (73%), Malaysia (26%), and Brunei (1%). Here are some of the different customs and laws you should be aware of in each region:

Malaysian Borneo

• Severe penalties for drug offences are enforced in Malaysia. Drug trafficking, defined as the possession of a certain quantity of drugs, carries a mandatory death penalty, while possession incurs a custodial sentence and possible whipping.
• Malaysia is a predominantly Islamic country. It is important to respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas. Dress modestly in conservative and rural areas, and when visiting places of worship.
• Homosexual acts are illegal in Malaysia.
• The importation of unlicensed firearms and ammunition is prohibited and can carry the death penalty.
• Nudity is not recommended, even while trekking or near sacred monuments.

Indonesian Borneo

• Drug possession, trafficking, and manufacture are serious offences in Indonesia, often resulting in lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty following a protracted and expensive legal process.
• Respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas. Be cautious of offending Islamic sensitivities, as Westerners have occasionally been harassed by fundamentalists in bars and nightclubs around major Islamic holidays.
• Gambling is illegal in Indonesia, and tourists have been targeted by organised gambling gangs.
• Always carry identification and evidence of your identity, such as photocopies of your passport and arrival card.

Brunei

• Brunei is an Islamic monarchy, and non-Muslims are expected to respect local traditions, customs, and religious rites and rituals.
• Modest dress is expected, especially for women. Casual Western clothing may be considered immodest, and revealing attire should be avoided in religious places. Shorts are acceptable at swimming pools and beaches but not in shopping centres, public places, or offices.
• It is considered impolite to eat or drink while walking in public, except at picnics or fairs.
• Muslims are forbidden from consuming pork and alcohol. Any meat consumed by Muslims must be Halal.
• It is not customary to shake hands with members of the opposite sex.
• It is considered disrespectful to touch anyone, including children, on the head.
• Avoid making too much noise after sunset, as this is the time of evening prayer for Muslims.
• Public displays of affection are generally not acceptable, and kissing in public is a taboo.
• When beckoning someone, use all four fingers of the right hand with the palm facing down.
• Kite flying is a popular traditional pastime in Brunei, with adults and children alike enjoying this ancient sport.

Getting around Borneo by plane, bus, car or train

Getting Around Borneo

Borneo is a large island divided between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The best way to get around Borneo is by plane, as the island is quite big and some destinations are far apart. There are several major airports in Borneo, including Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Sabah) and Kuching International Airport (Sarawak). Regional flights are commonly used for crossing long distances, and propeller planes are used to reach more remote areas.

Another common way to get around Borneo is by boat, especially for travelling to paradise islands off the coast or areas not accessible by road. Travelling by boat is sometimes the best option for going overland.

In cities, you can get around by taxi or "ojek" (motorcycle taxi). Grab is a popular ride-sharing service in Malaysian Borneo. For shorter distances, walking, biking, or taking local buses and taxis are all options.

Most transfers during your Borneo adventure will likely be by private car and driver, which offers flexibility and convenience for your itinerary.

Frequently asked questions