Borneo overland travel Kalimantan to Malaysia is possible, but it is a slow, logistics-heavy journey that works best when you treat the Indonesian north coast and the Nunukan–Tawau sea crossing as separate stages. This guide explains how to recreate the route from Balikpapan through Samarinda and northern Kalimantan, then continue into Sabah, Malaysia. You will find realistic transport planning, border preparation, verified 2026 prices where official fares are published, places to pause overnight, and a flexible itinerary that leaves room for the unexpected.
What Haida in Lume’s journey shows
- Starting in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, rather than taking the quicker flight north.
- Travelling onward through Samarinda, using ordinary local transport and rides from residents.
- Following Borneo’s Indonesian side through towns, roadside stops and long stretches of tropical landscape.
- Accepting that hitchhiking and informal connections can be rewarding, but cannot be timed like a scheduled bus.
- Working toward Tawau in Sabah, Malaysia, as the practical gateway for continuing by sea toward the Philippines.
Watch the original journey here before planning your own version of the route.
How to get from Kalimantan to Malaysia overland
The most practical independent route begins in Balikpapan, continues north through Samarinda and toward Tarakan or Nunukan, then crosses by international ferry into Tawau, Sabah. It is not a single bus journey. Expect to combine intercity buses, shared cars, boats, ferries and, if you choose to travel as shown in the video, occasional hitchhiking.
From Balikpapan to Samarinda, start with regular road transport. Samarinda is a sensible first overnight stop because it has more accommodation, food options and onward connections than small roadside towns. From there, travel north in stages rather than committing to one ambitious day: road conditions, weather, vehicle availability and ferry timing can all change the plan.
Tarakan is a useful transport hub in North Kalimantan. Official city transport notices publish ferry schedules serving Tarakan, including services toward Nunukan, while ASDP operates the Tarakan–Sebawang crossing. Check schedules close to departure rather than relying on an old screenshot or a social-media post.
For the international step, plan around Nunukan and Tawau. Nunukan has an immigration office, while Tawau is the Sabah arrival point. Keep at least one buffer night before and after the border crossing: international sailings can be affected by sea conditions, port operations and local demand. The Nunukan–Tawau service was operating again after a temporary June 2026 suspension, a useful reminder not to build an onward flight or ferry connection too tightly.
Do not confuse this route with the land-border crossings in West Kalimantan, such as Entikong–Tebedu. Those crossings are useful for travellers heading into Sarawak, but they are not the direct route to Tawau in eastern Sabah. For this itinerary, the northern sea crossing is the logical finish to the Indonesian overland section.
If you want an activity between transport days, allow time in Samarinda for the city museum, which displays regional history, Dayak material culture and Samarinda weaving. The official tourism listing gives current opening information and admission prices.
Best time for this Borneo overland route
Borneo is hot and humid throughout the year, and rain can affect both roads and sea crossings in any season. For an overland trip, the best approach is not to chase perfect weather but to build flexibility into your plan. Avoid making a same-day chain of long road transport, a domestic boat and an international ferry.
A practical window is when you can travel with extra daylight and keep several unscheduled days available. Depart early, aim to arrive before dark and avoid depending on hitchhiking for a border-day transfer. If heavy rain is forecast, use the day to rest in a larger town instead of pushing onward along unfamiliar roads.
For broader trip-planning inspiration on travelling well when conditions are less predictable, see our Morocco Sahara travel guide; the landscapes are completely different, but the advice about conservative timing and backup plans applies equally well here.
What Borneo overland travel costs in 2026
There is no reliable fixed “Kalimantan to Malaysia overland price” because road vehicles, shared rides, accommodation and international ferry charges vary by departure point and date. For that reason, do not prepay a rigid itinerary. Carry a reserve in Indonesian rupiah before reaching North Kalimantan, then obtain Malaysian ringgit before or immediately after arrival in Tawau.
The official prices below are useful reference points for the route. They are not a complete trip budget: accommodation, meals, local road transport, port charges and the international sailing must be confirmed locally before you travel.
| Item | Verified 2026 price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tarakan–Sebawang ASDP ferry, adult foot passenger | Rp81,000 | Official ASDP fare effective from April 6, 2026. |
| Tarakan–Sebawang ASDP ferry, infant | Rp9,100 | Official ASDP fare effective from April 6, 2026. |
| Samarinda City Museum, adult admission | Rp20,000 | Official Indonesia Travel listing. |
| Samarinda City Museum, student admission | Rp15,000 | Official Indonesia Travel listing. |
ASDP states that Tarakan-side reservations for its Tarakan–Sebawang service are made through Ferizy, with bookings available up to 60 days ahead.
Where to stay on the route
Use Balikpapan and Samarinda for your most comfortable nights, then move to simpler guesthouses as you head north. In Tarakan and Nunukan, choose accommodation within easy reach of the port or your next transport departure, not simply the lowest-priced room. An early ferry or shared-car departure becomes much easier when you are not trying to cross town with luggage before sunrise.
Book the first night in Tawau in advance if you are arriving by international ferry. A confirmed address can help at immigration, and it removes pressure if the crossing arrives later than expected. Malaysia’s immigration guidance says foreign visitors need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, alongside any visa or entry permission required for their nationality.
Travellers who like to plan accommodation and daily spending carefully may also find our Switzerland supermarket guide and Italy supermarket guide useful as examples of how to compare everyday costs before a longer trip.
Border, safety and practical tips
Bring a passport with plenty of validity, proof of onward travel, sufficient funds and copies of key documents stored offline. Malaysia requires foreign visitors to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, known as MDAC; the immigration department advises submitting it within three days before arrival. Check the official visa list for your nationality before you leave Indonesia, because visa requirements are passport-specific.
Keep your Indonesian entry and exit records in order. Indonesia’s immigration service states that international passengers must complete the All Indonesia arrival declaration when entering the country, so complete it correctly if your trip starts with an international arrival into Indonesia.
Hitchhiking can create memorable encounters, but it should be optional rather than essential. Travel in daylight, tell someone where you are going, decline rides that feel unsafe and never hand your passport to an unofficial helper. On ferry days, carry water, snacks, a power bank and enough cash for an unplanned overnight stay.
Finally, respect that this is a working border route used by local residents. Dress modestly, be patient in queues, ask before photographing people or port areas, and follow instructions from immigration, harbour and ferry staff without argument.
Day-by-day (how to travel it yourself)
Day 1: Balikpapan to Samarinda.
Travel by scheduled road transport where possible. Explore Samarinda, buy supplies and sleep there rather than attempting a long northbound transfer on the same day.
Day 2: Samarinda to a northern Kalimantan stop.
Use an intercity bus, shared vehicle or a pre-arranged ride. Keep the day flexible; the aim is progress, not reaching Tarakan at any cost.
Day 3: Continue north toward Tarakan.
Arrive with enough daylight to confirm onward boat or ferry information. Stay overnight in Tarakan if you do not have a secure, same-day connection.
Day 4: Tarakan to Nunukan.
Use the current local ferry schedule, then stay near the port. Confirm the next international sailing, documentation requirements and reporting time directly with authorised staff.
Day 5: Nunukan to Tawau, Malaysia.
Complete Indonesian exit formalities, take the international ferry when operating, clear Malaysian immigration and check into Tawau. Do not schedule an onward flight, dive trip or Philippines ferry for the same day.
Day 6: Tawau buffer day or onward Sabah travel.
Use this day for recovery, local transport planning or a connection deeper into Sabah. If you are continuing toward the Philippines, allow further buffer time for port schedules.
Frequently asked questions
Can you travel from Kalimantan to Malaysia without flying?
Yes. A practical route combines road transport through Indonesian Borneo with an international sea crossing from the Nunukan area to Tawau, Sabah. It requires flexibility because it is not a single through-ticket journey.
Is the Kalimantan-to-Malaysia border crossing suitable for first-time backpackers?
It can be, provided you are comfortable with changing plans, basic local transport and independent border procedures. It is easier if you use scheduled transport rather than relying completely on hitchhiking.
Do I need to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
Foreign visitors should check the official MDAC system before travel. Malaysian immigration states that MDAC can be submitted within three days before arrival.
Should I book every hotel and ferry in advance?
Book your first nights in major stops and Tawau, but keep the middle of the route flexible. Confirm northern Kalimantan transport and the international sailing close to travel because schedules and operating conditions can change.
Facts and prices verified in September 2026. Travel with Influencers is an independent fan/editorial guide, not affiliated with or endorsed by the creators featured. Watch and support the original creator: Haida in Lume on YouTube.
