What's The Weather Like In Borneo In December
The island of Borneo is located in Southeast Asia and bisected by the equator. This keeps the day length at a more or less a constant 12 hours throughout the year, while there are also minimal annual variations in the weather pattern. The only major variable is rainfallhere is a monsoon season and a dry season. Other weather factors, such as sunshine and temperature, remain fairly constant, with little variation in the course of the year.
Rain
December falls in the middle of the monsoon season in Borneo and is one of the two wettest months of the entire year. Receiving 435mm of rainfall in total, December is only exceeded by January when it comes to precipitation. The chance that it will rain on any given day ranges around 82% this month, between 80% at the end of the month and 84% on December 9, which is historically the wettest day of the year.
Sunshine Hours
Because this is the wettest and, therefore, cloudiest time of year, December has the lowest number of daily sunshine hours. This month, there are 7 hours of sunshine to be enjoyed on average each day, a number that, when looking at the bigger picture, really isn't too bad. November has the same number of daily sunshine hours.
Temperature
Temperature-wise, this is one of the coolest months of the year, which doesn't mean that it actually gets cool, though. The overall average temperature is still 27°C, which it is throughout the entire monsoon season. The afternoons get 31°C warm (or hot) on average, which, combined with increased humidity, might make things uncomfortable for unprepared visitors. At night, the average low temperature is 23°C, which is definitely pleasant by any means.
Borneo Hotels In December
Rattan Inn Hotel
Banjarmasin has lots of family friendly hotels, such as the Rattan Inn Hotel, which is located in the city centre, only 30 minutes away from the airport. Try out the Japanese cuisine at Sakaeru Japanese Restaurant, or relax by the pool. The hotel includes a beauty salon, as well as a spa.
Derawan Dive Resort
You can also choose to stay at the Derawan Dive Resort during your vacation in December, one of the top dive destinations in East Kalimantan. Located on the island of Derawan, this small, welcoming and laidback resort sits on a private sand beach and, as its name implies, focuses on diving holidays. In addition to its dive centre, there is a restaurant serving international cuisine, and charming traditional cottages.
Sangalaki Resort
Another recommended dive resort is Sangalaki Resort, also located just off the coast of East Kalimantan. This resort, set on Sangalaki Island, offers you exclusive privacy and an amazing beach view. Boat trips are offered daily, as well as diving or snorkeling courses and excursions.
Borneo Beaches For December
Pagatan Beach
One of the greatest beaches in South Kalimantan is Pagatan Beach. Even though this is the middle of the monsoon season, there are still 7 hours of sunshine per day, plenty of time to hit the beach. Pagatan Beach is truly superb, featuring white sand, palm trees, clear water, gentle waves and a soft sea breeze. Visitors can do a variety of activities, including beach football, beach volleyball, watersports, picnicking and fishing. The beach extends for about 2.5 kilometres.
Bars And Restaurants
Gesprek Express
If you are looking for a quick bite to eat when visiting or staying in Samarinda, consider heading to Gesprek Express. This small eatery serves a variety of filling snacks and meals. They also have a delivery and take-out service.
Mr. Pancake
Craving something sweet? There is hardly a better place to visit than Mr. Pancake, a chain restaurant in Indonesia with a branch in Banjarmasin. This recommended restaurant serves a variety of mouthwatering pancakes and delicious wafflesruly a must-visit place.
Wong Solo
Wong Solo is another chain restaurant with branches all over the country. Every city of importance has a restaurant. This is a great place to go for simple Indonesian fare, such as grilled chicken, seafood soup and vegetarian dishes.
Things To Do In Borneo In December
Pampang Cultural Village
If you visit Samarinda, definitely take the time for a detour to the Pampang Cultural Village where traditional dances take place each Sunday. This is one of the most important cultural villages of the Dayak people in East Kalimantan, a place that preserves the local culture and its traditions, as well as opens it up to visitors who can visit and learn more about the local people.
Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation
A visit or a stay at the Samboja Lodge, located in the eastern part of the island, is a highlight of any visit to Borneo in December. This is a superb place for orangutan spotting. The project in place at the lodge allows you to watch the animals and contribute to the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, while human contact with animals is minimised. The foundation manages several conservation and wildlife protection programs. Its lodge offers eco-friendly accommodation to visitors, which allows them to keep their ecological footprint and impact on the environment as low as possible.
