Crossing the Borneo Border: Indonesia–Malaysia Border Routes

Photo source : Badan Pengelola Perbatasan Daerah Provinsi Kalimantan Barat

Crossing the Borneo Border: Indonesia–Malaysia Border Routes

Borneo is one island shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, making it possible to experience different cultures, landscapes and communities across international borders.

The land border between Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) and Malaysian Borneo is mainly connected through West Kalimantan and North Kalimantan, with Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah on the other side.

🇮🇩West Kalimantan – 🇲🇾 Sarawak

ENTIKONG – TEBEDU

Entikong in West Kalimantan is one of the main international land crossings between Indonesia and Malaysia. On the Malaysian side, the crossing is connected to Tebedu, Sarawak.

This is an important route for travelers moving between Pontianak and Kuching by land.

ARUK – BIAWAK

The Aruk–Biawak crossing connects West Kalimantan with Sarawak.

It provides another land route between Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo and is particularly relevant for regional travel between communities on both sides of the border

.NANGA BADAU – LUBOK HANTU 

The Nanga Badau–Lubok Antu crossing connects the interior of West Kalimantan with Sarawak.

The route is surrounded by rural landscapes and offers travelers a different perspective on life in the interior of Borneo.

JAGOI BABANG – SERIKIN 

The Jagoi Babang–Serikin border crossing connects Bengkayang Regency in West Kalimantan with Sarawak.

The area is also known for cross-border community and market activities.

🇮🇩 North Kalimantan – 🇲🇾 Sarawak

LONG MIDANG – BA’KELALAN

In the highlands of North Kalimantan, the Long Midang – Ba’ Kelalan crossing connects Indonesia with Sarawak.

This route is particularly interesting for travelers interested in the remote highlands, traditional communities and the interior landscapes of Borneo.

🇮🇩 North Kalimantan – 🇲🇾 Sabah

NUNUKAN – TAWAU 

The Nunukan–Tawau route connects North Kalimantan with Sabah.

Unlike the land crossings further west, this connection involves movement across the sea between the Indonesian island of Nunukan and Tawau, Sabah.

It is an important transportation and trading link between Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo.

SEBATIK – SERUDONG

The island of Sebatik is particularly fascinating because the international border between Indonesia and Malaysia runs across the island itself.

The Indonesian side is in North Kalimantan, while the northern part belongs to Sabah, Malaysia.

The Sei Nyamuk–Serudong crossing provides an official connection between the two sides.

🌿 One Island, Three Countries

Crossing the border in Borneo is more than simply moving from one country to another.

The same rainforest ecosystem continues across political boundaries. Rivers, mountains, wildlife habitats and traditional cultures existed long before modern international borders were established.

For travelers, these border routes offer an opportunity to experience a different side of Borneo—one that goes beyond the well-known tourist destinations.

From Kuching and Sarawak to West and North Kalimantan, and from Sabah to Nunukan and Sebatik, cross-border travel reveals the extraordinary diversity of this island.

Travel Responsibly Across Borneo

International borders require proper travel documents and immigration procedures. Travelers should always check current visa, passport and border-crossing requirements before starting their journey.

One island. Three countries. Countless stories.

Discover Borneo beyond the borders.