RoadAtlas
Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia — Scenic
Southeast Asia

Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway

Malaysia

In short: Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway is a 1,080 km scenic road trip in Malaysia, typically driven over 10-14 days, best in June to September. Highlights: Miri, Lambir Hills National Park, Niah National Park.

Distance
1,080 km
Duration
10-14 days
Best Season
June to September
NotableModerateScenicEV-friendly

This Sarawak section of the Pan-Borneo Highway runs from the Brunei border near Miri to the Indonesian frontier at Tebedu, linking coastal cities, rainforest interiors, and river towns. It is a practical overland showcase of Borneo’s changing landscapes, with frequent stops for caves, national parks, and local food.

~1 refuel
~3 charges
Practical notes
Expect long, low-traffic stretches with frequent construction zones and occasional heavy rain. Start with a full tank in smaller towns and avoid driving after dark where wildlife, logging traffic, and poor shoulder lighting can make conditions more demanding.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Miri — Departure — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
Departure
Miri
Start by the coast in Sarawak's oil city, with beaches, cafes, and an easy launch onto the highway.
Hotels
Bintulu — City — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
City
Bintulu
A practical refuel stop with a coastal edge and busy food courts. It breaks up the long eastbound drive nicely.
Hotels
Sibu — City — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
City
Sibu
A river city known for markets, noodle shops, and hotel stops. It is one of the best places to sample inland Sarawak food.
Hotels
Sri Aman — City — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
City
Sri Aman
A laid-back river town set between long highway stretches. It is a useful overnight base before the final push south.
Hotels
Tebedu — Arrival — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
Arrival
Tebedu
Finish at the border town near Indonesia, where the road narrows into a frontier crossing. A quiet endpoint after a long, changing journey.
Hotels

Things to Do

Lambir Hills National Park — Nature — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
Nature
Lambir Hills National Park
Rainforest trails lead to waterfalls and huge dipterocarp trees. A quick jungle break just outside Miri.
Niah National Park — Nature — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
Nature
Niah National Park
Walk to giant limestone caves and ancient archaeological sites. The forested approach makes the cave system feel remote.
Lambir Hills Waterfall Trail — nature hike — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
nature hike
Lambir Hills Waterfall Trail
Hike through dense lowland rainforest to a series of waterfalls. The short trails make it one of the easiest jungle stops on the route.
Great Niah Cave — cave and archaeology — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
cave and archaeology
Great Niah Cave
Explore the vast limestone caverns and boardwalks of Niah. The site is famous for prehistoric remains and dramatic cave chambers.
Tua Pek Kong Temple — cultural landmark — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
cultural landmark
Tua Pek Kong Temple
Visit one of Sibu's best known temples near the riverfront. It adds a quick cultural pause to the highway trip.
Lemanak River Longhouse Visit — culture — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
culture
Lemanak River Longhouse Visit
Take a detour for a longhouse experience and river scenery near Sri Aman. It offers a direct look at Iban community life.

Where to Eat

Ayam Penyet Ria — Indonesian — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
Indonesian
Ayam Penyet Ria
A reliable place for spicy ayam penyet and rice meals in Miri. Good for a quick, familiar stop before heading inland.
Tao Yuan Seafood — Seafood — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
Seafood
Tao Yuan Seafood
Popular for fresh seafood and large shared dishes in Bintulu. It suits a long drive day when you want a proper sit-down meal.
Ah Pan Mee — Chinese noodles — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
Chinese noodles
Ah Pan Mee
Known for Sarawak-style noodles and simple breakfast plates in Sibu. A strong stop for an early noodle refill.
Sibu Central Market — Local market food — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
Local market food
Sibu Central Market
Packed with kolo mee, kampua mee, and fresh snacks from local stalls. Best visited in the morning for the widest choice.
Sri Aman Food Court — Local food court — Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway — Malaysia
Local food court
Sri Aman Food Court
An easy place to mix rice dishes, noodle bowls, and drinks on the road. Handy for a no-fuss lunch or dinner stop.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway drive?

The Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway covers 1,080 km from start to finish.

How long does the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 10-14 days on the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway?

The recommended season for the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway is June to September.

Where does the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway start and end?

The Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway runs from Miri to Tebedu.

What are the main stops on the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway?

The Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway passes through Miri, Lambir Hills National Park, Niah National Park.

Can I drive the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 3 EV charges) along the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway, based on its 1,080 km length.

Is the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway EV friendly?

Yes — the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway safe to drive?

Expect long, low-traffic stretches with frequent construction zones and occasional heavy rain. Start with a full tank in smaller towns and avoid driving after dark where wildlife, logging traffic, and poor shoulder lighting can make conditions more demanding.

What scenic tier is the Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway?

The Sarawak Pan-Borneo Highway is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.