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A Guide for Solo Female Travellers
There’s a reason Southeast Asia is such a backpacking haven, especially for solo female travelers: it’s one of the safest places in the world to do it. Crime rates are low, people are friendly, and plenty of other backpackers can give you advice and help you navigate the unfamiliar.
But if you’re used to the well-trodden backpacking destinations like Thailand and Vietnam, visiting Malaysian Borneo might be a shock. Culturally, it’s very different from many of the other major Southeast Asian nations, and locals are not used to seeing solo female travelers.
If you’re unprepared for these differences, you might find yourself in uncomfortable or potentially unsafe situations. And sadly, this deters a lot of solo female backpackers from ever visiting the island in the first place.
However, by cultivating some basic awareness and safety practices, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy a safe visit and even have the trip of a lifetime!
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Malaysian Borneo: A Guide for Women Travellers👩🦰
Why Visit Borneo? 🦧
As the world’s third-largest island, Borneo holds about 6% of the earth’s biodiversity, despite only accounting for 1% of its land mass. Here you can see wildlife you might never see anywhere else, including clouded leopards, proboscis monkeys, and of course the famous orangutans. It’s no surprise that Borneo is at the top of every nature lover’s bucket list.
In addition to the stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife, Malaysian Borneo is also rich with culture and history. Cultural villages and longhouses offer a unique glimpse into Indigenous Bornean life, allowing you to learn from the people who have called this majestic island home for centuries. Visiting Malaysian Borneo offers unique opportunities to blend cultural and environmental tourism in one of the most biodiverse spots on earth.
Sarawak and Sabah: Malaysian Borneo’s Two States 🌏
Borneo Island is split between three countries. Malaysian Borneo, also known as East Malaysia, comprises most of the northern third of the island and is divided into two states: Sawarak to the west and Sabah in the east, each of which has a distinct cultural heritage. The tiny nation of Brunei is situated between these two Malaysian states and the lower two-thirds of the island is Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan).
What to Expect As a Solo Female Backpacker in Malaysian Borneo 🎒
If you’ve traveled to the major Southeast Asia backpacking hubs, you might experience some culture shock going to Borneo.
In Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, men tend to leave you alone. It was therefore quite shocking for me to come to Malaysia and experience near-constant harassment and attention—particularly in the cities.
If you’re a foreign-looking woman walking around on your own, you will inevitably attract a lot of attention. It’s not unusual to be randomly approached, catcalled, and even harassed. When you’re not used to handling situations like this, they can feel scary and uncomfortable.
Luckily, knowing how to avoid and navigate these situations will make a world of difference. With some basic awareness and precautionary measures, you can cultivate a sense of security and ensure you still have a fabulous trip.
“I travelled to Borneo as a solo female traveller and had an amazing experience. I used public transport and walked around Kota Kinabalu with other female backpackers and never felt unsafe. However, I always take basic safety precautions wherever I travel and avoid going out alone at night and only use Grab taxis. I would advise other women travellers to be cautious, as you usually would in major cities all over the world for example, but don’t be paranoid. I found that anyone who approached me was simply curious, not dangerous. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the incredible island of Borneo to other solo female travellers.” Lisa Barham, Writer at South East Asia Backpacker
Tips for Staying Safe in Malaysian Borneo 💡
1. Avoid the Cities
By far, the most unsafe I felt during my time in Borneo was in the cities. I experienced near constant harassment and uncomfortable situations in cities like Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. In Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur was just as bad.
The small towns and national parks were a whole different story. I didn’t get randomly approached, harassed, or made to feel unsafe. I could actually relax and let my guard down a bit.
If the idea of missing out on city life makes your heart sink a bit, then Borneo probably shouldn’t be at the top of your travel list anyway. In my experience, Borneo’s best attractions were nowhere near the cities.
So, don’t make the same mistake I did: skip the city adventures and stick to the breathtaking nature destinations. That’s where all of Borneo’s magic is anyway.
2. Tell People You’re Waiting on Your Husband/Boyfriend
People in Malaysia are not shy about asking if you have a husband or boyfriend. And whether concerned or curious or more ill-intentioned, many men will also ask if you’re traveling alone.
Here’s what I quickly learned: if people ask if you have a husband or boyfriend, always say yes. If people ask if you’re traveling alone, always say no.
Don’t be afraid to lie and say that you’re on your way to meet your husband or that your boyfriend will be back in a minute. Generally, this will quickly shut down and scare off men from bothering you further.
3. Befriend Other Women and Families
There’s always strength in numbers, which is why making friends is always a good move when you’re traveling alone. Unfortunately, Borneo has a shortage of backpackers in comparison to other parts of Southeast Asia.
So, if you’re ever alone in an uncomfortable situation, flock to other women or parents with children. Women and families are much more likely to be friendly and have a protective instinct, especially if you’re a young woman alone.
Listen to your gut, and if you’re confident you can trust someone, don’t be shy about asking for help or just for a buddy to accompany you somewhere. This strategy worked in virtually every place I visited in Borneo, and made me feel so much safer.
4. Don’t Go Out After Dark
It seems like basic advice, but seriously, don’t do it—especially if you do choose to visit the cities. Unfortunately, like most of Southeast Asia, it gets dark pretty early in Borneo. And as inconvenient as that can be, I would plan your schedule so that you’re back at your hostel before dark. Eat dinner before the sun sets or just order food delivery on Grab. Trust me, you’ll feel so much safer that way.
5. Use Grab or Your Own Transport
Never accept rides from strangers and avoid hailing a taxi. When you need to be driven somewhere, the Grab app is the way to go. It offers you extra layers of protection by tracking your ride, removing the need to negotiate a price, and allowing you to complain or report any issues with your driver.
But honestly, when you have it available (and if you feel comfortable), I really believe that driving yourself around will be the safest transportation option you have.
I rented both a car and a motorbike in Borneo. Both were relatively easy and cheap to obtain, and I felt so much safer not having to rely on other people to get around. I also found that as soon as people saw me with my own vehicle, no one harassed me at all. Having your own quick getaway is, in my opinion, always the best option for your own security.
6. Dress modestly and respectfully
Malaysia is a much more conservative country than some of its Southeast Asian neighbors, and the reality is that you will attract much less attention if you’re dressing according to the cultural norms. Keep your shoulders, knees, and chest covered, and err toward looser-fitting clothing. It can be annoying when you’re outside in brutal heat, but it’s always best to respect local customs, and trust me, you will feel so much safer doing it.
7. Trust Your Instincts and Follow Basic Safety Practices
No matter where you’re solo traveling, it’s always important to keep your wits about you and practice the basic precautions.
Don’t accept drinks from strangers, always have your phone and wallet on you, and make sure someone you trust always has your location and itinerary, including the name and contact information for your place of accommodation.
The majority of the time, following your instincts and basic safety practices will be enough to keep you safe while enjoying your travels, wherever in the world you may be.
👉🏽 Also read: Safety Guide to Southeast Asia
Safest Places in Malaysian Borneo for Solo Female Travelers 🏞️
As a general rule, I would say that national parks and small towns are going to feel exponentially safer than any of Malaysia’s cities.
Before planning your trip, I encourage you to do your research: Is the location remote? Does it have Internet access? Does it have good reviews from other solo female travelers? Will you be in a coed dorm? All of these factors can contribute to how safe you’ll feel in a location. So, just make sure you know what you’re prepared to accept and what you can expect before you book something.
Below are just a few of the places I felt safest in Malaysia Borneo, but there are so many other gems that are worth exploring.
Bako National Park
Around 30 minutes outside the city of Kuching, Sarawak is Bako National Park, a gorgeous park that offers both green jungles and stunning rocky coastlines. There are tons of hikes you can do and lots of wildlife to observe, including proboscis monkeys and bearded pigs.
If you’re willing to rough it a little bit, I’d recommend staying in the park itself as a safer and cheaper alternative to staying in Kuching. Two or three days in this park will be perfect to get in all the good hikes and wildlife sightings.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Mulu, Sarawak is home to Gunung Mulu National Park, which is an absolute must-see and guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip to Borneo. Immerse yourself in the dense rainforest, free of WiFi to distract you from all this spectacular park has to offer.
While Mulu is incredibly safe and there are nearby hostels outside of Mulu National Park, I’d recommend staying in the park itself to fully experience the incredible nature. The accommodations will be basic, but you will receive free daily meals with delicious Malaysian and Western food options.
I’d suggest at least four to five days in Mulu to indulge in all the amazing adventures this park offers.
Ranau
Ranau, Sabah is the gateway to Kinabalu National Park, where avid hikers and adventure-seekers can climb the famous Mount Kinabalu. While I’d highly recommend climbing Mount Kinabalu, I also think Ranau and Kinabalu Park are worth visiting in their own right.
Ranau is a quaint, gorgeous mountain town with some of the crispest air you’ll ever breathe—a luxury in much of Southeast Asia. It was also one of the places I felt safest in Borneo. Everyone was genuinely friendly, helpful, and minded their own business, something I didn’t experience to the same extent throughout the rest of Malaysian Borneo.
Excluding the two-day trek up Mount Kinabalu, I’d recommend around three days in Ranau to explore Kinabalu and other nearby parks, as well as just experience local life there.
Keep in mind, though, that Ranau is not easily walkable and Grab is not readily available way up in the mountains, so you will likely want to rent your own car to safely get around.
Visiting Borneo As a Solo Female Traveller: Is It Worth It? 😍
Absolutely! With delicious food, amazing wildlife, and some of the most spectacular landscapes I’ve ever seen, I can honestly say that my trip to Borneo was one of the best I’ve ever taken.
With a simple understanding of how to stay safe and what to expect during your visit, there’s no reason any solo female traveler should be afraid to visit this magnificent island. Stay alert, trust your gut, and enjoy all the magic that Borneo has to offer!
Have you backpacked Borneo as a solo woman? Let us know about your experience in the comments.
Bethany Hansel
Deciding to take a leap of faith after university, Bethany decided to uproot her life in the United States and move to Cambodia. She’s since fallen in love with Southeast Asia and is dedicating herself to exploring all the region has to offer. In her free time, you can find her trekking through jungles, cycling through rice fields, and traveling to random hidden gems she finds on Google Maps.
