What's The Weather Like In Borneo In January
The island of Borneo, Indonesia, locally known as Kalimantan, is one of the world's most biodiverse destinations. Home to vast, nearly impenetrable rainforests, towering volcanoes and pristine beaches, this is a superb destination for a variety of reasons. People can, for example, go jungle trekking, scuba diving, wildlife watching and mountaineering.
Temperature
If you're set on a January visit, on the whole, you will enjoy pleasant weather with temperatures averaging 27°C, which is the lowest monthly average temperature in the entire yearimilar to that in November, December and February, which are the other months that make up the monsoon season. At night, the mercury doesn't fall below an average low of 23°C; during the day, the temperature rises up to 30°C on average. Even though this is the "coolest" month of the year, it is still pretty hot by all accounts.
Rain
This is the monsoon season and January happens to be the year's wettest month in Borneo. A total of 443mm of rainfall falls down on the island during the month. The chance that it will rain on any January day is extremely high, ranging between 80% in the beginning of the month and 72% at the end of the month.
Rainfall may occur as heavy downpours and occasionally even violent storms, but generally speaking, there is always plenty of sunshine to be enjoyed as well. In January, there are 8 hours of sunshine on average per day, which is quite a lot when you know that there are around 12 hours of daylight per day throughout the year in equatorial locations.
This location also results in weather that, throughout the year, doesn't change all too dramatically. While this is the monsoon season and it can rain a lot, sunshine is still abundant.
Borneo Hotels In January
Grand Jatra Balikpapan
Consider staying at the Grand Jatra Balikpapan during your January holiday in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo. This world-class hotel is located in the heart of Balikpapan, only 5 minutes by car from the Grand Sudirman Complex. This luxury hotel features both business and recreational facilities, including free Wi-Fi, a great restaurant, a spa, a business centre, an outdoor pool and a pool bar.
Hotel Pacific Balikpapan
Another great place to stay in Balikpapan is Hotel Pacific Balikpapan. Situated a 5-minute walk from Balikpapan Trade Center and Balikpapan Plaza, this popular hotel lies in the heart of the action. Amenities include everything from a restaurant serving Indonesian, Western and Chinese food to a business centre, free Wi-Fi and a gym.
Hotel Ibis Balikpapan
Hotel Ibis Balikpapan features modern rooms, all equipped with air-conditioning and a private bathroom as well as a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi. This three-star hotel offers affordable accommodation and has a fitness centre, a meeting room, car rental service, restaurant and room service.
Borneo Beaches For January
Lamaru Beach
Kalimantan is home to numerous amazing beachesarticularly West and East Kalimantan have several. When staying in Balikpapan, you should absolutely pay a visit to Lamaru Beach to enjoy the 30°C-warm afternoons. Facing the Sulawesi Sea, this beautiful beach lies in Teritip Village, about 30 minutes from the city centre. It is about 2 miles long and consists of soft sand, lined by tall trees. Many beachfront shacks sell a variety of food and drinks.
Bars And Restaurants
Mesra Resto's The Beach House
In Balikpapan, Mesra Resto's The Beach House is a highly recommended beachside eatery. It is set in between the lapping waves of the ocean and a lush tropical garden, the ultimate piece of paradise. This popular restaurant is one of the icons of the city, a place you simply must visit when staying there.
Kaizeki Japanese Restaurant
For Japanese food, make your way to Kaizeki Japanese Restaurant in the Blue Sky Hotel in Balikpapan. Featuring an authentic Japanese atmosphere and décor, including Tatami rooms, this restaurant serves classic Japanese dishes.
Jack's Beachside Restaurant
Jack's Beachside Restaurant serves all kinds of Western foodnd has done so for two decades. At this restaurant, all spices are dried and ground on site and used to season their food and nearly all food on the menu is homemade.
Things To Do In Borneo In January
Tours
If you want to visit anything on the island in January, it is always a good idea to go with an arranged tour because it is typically cheaper than public transport. East Kalimantan has five cities of note; Balikpapan, Samarinda and Tarakan to name but three, all of which are absolutely worthy of a visit.
Balikpapan
Balikpapan, for instance, is a destination in itself. It is essentially the only truly cosmopolitan city in Kalimantan. Located on the east coast, this old oil city has a large population of foreigners and looks a bit Western. Clean and lively, Balikpapan has many huge shopping malls, a few fine beaches, countless hotels and a surprising nightlife. It makes for a great weekend destination, or a city to start or finish your holiday in Borneo. Major attractions in or near the city are Samboja Lodge, Bukit Bangkirai, the Crocodile Farm and the Sun Bears Environmental & Recreation Center, which is arguably the city's greatest attraction.
