Borneo Airways, Borneo in short stages
Borneo Airways Limited served British Borneo with a dense network suited to coasts, rivers, mountains and small communities.
The plan circles the island through Sabah, Brunei and Sarawak. Distances are reasonable, but tropical weather and short fields make each arrival interesting.
British Borneo seen through its small routes.
A highly varied island itinerary.
Prefer an aircraft comfortable on short fields.
GPS is useful, observation is essential.
Understanding the flight
The interest is feeling the progression around Borneo: eastern coast, mountainous north, Brunei, then the long rivers of Sarawak.
This route is not spectacular because of speed. It is spectacular because of varied approaches and isolation.
Before departure
- Choose a STOL aircraft or light regional twin.
- Fly by day: tropical rain and terrain can quickly complicate arrivals.
- Prepare manual points such as Kudat, Ranau and Simanggang.
- Keep stages short and regular to preserve the tour rhythm.
Suggested route
Experience tips
Let the scenery set the tempo: Borneo is better when flown slowly.
On inland sections, always keep a fuel and weather plan B.
Copyright Michel Lagneau 2015