Malaysian Borneo
Malaysian Borneo, located in Eastern Malaysia is made up of the states of Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. The area is best known for beautiful mountain rain forests, orangutan wildlife sanctuaries, paradise beaches, and spectacular underwater photography.
Tiga Island was used to film the first season of Survivor, and The Amazing Race 24.
Cultures of interest include Sea Gypsies and the infamous Headhunters of Borneo.
Please see below an extensive list of noteworthy locations in Sabah and Sarawak:
Sabah: Kinabalu Park (World Heritage Site), Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Danum Valley Conservation Area, Turtle Islands Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Sipadan Park, Pulau Tiga Park, Crocker Range Park, Tawau Hills Park, Tun Mustapha Park, Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area, Gomantong Caves, Batu Tulug, Kinabatangan River, Madai Caves, Klias River, Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Deramakot Forest Reserve, Rainforest Discovery Centre, Mount Silam Forest Reserve, Bukit Gemok Forest Reserve, Sepilok Laut Reception Centre, Imbak Canyon, and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.
Sarawak: Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park (World Heritage Site), Niah National Park, Lambir Hills National Park, Similajau National Park, Gunung Gading National Park, Kubah National Park, Batang Ai National Park, Loagan Bunut National Park, Tanjung Datu National Park, Talang Satang National Park, Bukit Tiban Natioanal Park, Maludam National Park, Rajang Mangroves National Park, Gunung Buda National Park, Pulong Tau National Park, Kuching Wetlands National Park, Wind Cave Reserve, Samunsam Wildlife Sancuary, Stutung Reserve, and Matang Wildlife Center.
Where to Base?
If in Sabah, the base can be Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan or Semporna. If in Sarawak, the base can be Kuching or Miri. Ultimately, it depends on the filming location. If locations are remote, base camp can be set up at the filming location itself.
Please contact us for recommended hotels in Malaysian Borneo that best cater to film and photography crews.
Filming Permits.
Visiting productions are required to have work permits. Film location permits are required for Malaysian Borneo and additional National Parks permits are also required. As an example, for visiting US citizens, filming permits in Sarawak will take a minimum of 4-5 weeks to process. Once film permits are approved a visa will take another 2-3 weeks to process. The visa will first need to be approved by the Sarawakien Government and then arranged through the Malaysian Embassy in the US.
When to Shoot?
Malaysian Borneo receives high rainfall throughout the year with heaviest rains from October to March. Underwater photography visibility is good year round.
Getting Around
Our Malaysian service producer / fixer organizes safe and reliable 4WD transportation. Helicopters are available but very expensive in more remote areas.
Hire Film Crew
Crew and equipment can be brought in from Kuala Lumpur. More specialised crew and equipment is easily brought in from Singapore, Bangkok or Hong Kong.
Please contact us if you are looking for a reliable film fixer or production service support in Malaysian Borneo.
Images and content courtesy of Borneo Fixer.
