Driving from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu

Total overland distance is approximately 375 kilometers. Driving time is approximately 6 hours. Primary compass direction is east, until the border crossing into Sabah (Merapok), after which the primary compass direction is northeast.

This route requires several border crossings - first entering the Malaysian state of Sarawak at Kuala Lurah, then crossing back into Brunei 's Temburong district via Bangar, crossing through another finger of Sarawak , Malaysia again, and finally entering the Malaysian state of Sabah at Merapok. There are two rivers along the route which have to be crossed by ferry. The capacity of these ferries is 2-4 vehicles depending on the size of the vehicles. Ferry charges are approximately RM10-00.

Parts of this route are on unimproved roads (primarily gravel, but in some places dirt). These portions of the route might become impassable to anything other than 4 x 4 vehicles during the rainy season or inclement weather. Generally the roads are7 December, 2010nd uneven surfaces.

Most immigration stations close for 2 hours between 12 and 2pm . To avoid travel delays, it is therefore important to leave BSB with sufficient time to reach Trusan and Merapok before 12 noon . Travel time from BSB to Lawas is approximately 3 hours.

The only reliable fuel available between Bangar (Temburong) and Sipitang ( Sabah ) is at Lawas, at a Shell Service Station located in town, close to the river.

Immigration forms are required to enter Malaysia and Brunei . If possible try to get a supply of spare forms from the first immigration point at Kuala Lurah, to fill out along the way. Each traveller will need three Brunei Immigration forms and three Malaysian Immigration forms for the return trip Brunei-KK-Brunei.

1. Kuala Lurah to Limbang

Cross the border at Kuala Lurah.

Forms needed :

• Passport
• Brunei immigration exit form
• Malysian immigration entry form
• Brunei vehicle / customs form

Continue toward Limbang. The road ends at a 'T' junction (N 04° 38.040' E114° 53.939'), take the left to "Bandar Limbang." It is 23 kilometers to Limbang from this junction.

Road ends at another "T" (N04° 40.211' E114º 59.047), turn left, continue following Limbang signs.

2. Limbang to Puni Ferry

Limbang Immigration Office is in the city centre, on the left hand side of the road near the river (N04º 45.220' E115º 00.511')

Stop at the immigration checkpoint.

Forms needed:

• Passport
• Malaysian immigration exit form

Depart Limbang Immigration and turn left back onto main street. Bear right (in front of the only high-rise buildings) procede through two traffic circles following the signs to Pandawan and the Limbang Airport (N04º 44.938' E115º 01.016').

Note: Limbang "airport" is a single runway, approximately 100 feet long. The runway runs alongside the main road.

The road ends at the Kampong Puni ferry. Cross the river via ferry at Puni. You are now back in Brunei , in the district of Temburong.

Stop for passport/immigration check at Puni (N 04º 41.431' E115º 02.502'). The check point is a small house on the right hand side of the road. You will need to get the Immigration chop in one house, and then go to the house next door and get the car form checked. (There seemed some confusion about this, so may not be necessary..who knows ?)

Forms needed:

• Passport
• Brunei immigration entry form
• Brunei vehicle / customs form

3. Puni to Trusan

Proceed from Puni through town of Bangar towards Trusan.

Before Trusan the road is gravel and comes to a fork. There are no signs. At the time of this survey, a pointed stick on top of an old oil drum, pointed to the left. Take the left of the fork to get to the ferry. (N04º 46.860' E115º 16.272'), cross another river via ferry, which puts you once more in Sarawak , Malaysia . (Ferry fee is RM 10)

After exiting the Trusan ferry proceed towards Lawas, Sarawak .

Note: in April 2003 the Lawas Immigration check point was moved 10 kms back towards Trusan. There is no longer any need to visit the Immigration office in Lawas.

Stop at the Trusan Immigration checkpoint (N04 o 47.15 E115 o 16.53).

It is located on the left hand side of the road as you head north, in a row of shop-houses, opposite a school. There is a sign saying 'Immigration' on the road, as well as above the office itself. It is the last shop in the row.

Forms needed:

• No forms, Passport only

(you will get a chop to enter Sarawak)

4. Trusan to Merapok

Proceed from Trusan towards Lawas. Close to Lawas the road appears to fork, stay on the main road going uphill (road is lined with palm trees) and turn right at the "T' junction. (N04º 51.117' E115º 24.358'). Proceed toMerapok, Sabah (N04º 57.482 E115º 30.349').

Stop at Merapok immigration. There are 2 separate immigration offices here. You only need one stamp, to exit Sarawak , on the way north to Kota Kinabalu.

Forms needed:

• No forms, passport only

(Travelling north you will get a chop to exit Sarawak )
(Travelling south you will need two chops - see note below)

NOTE: On the return to Brunei from KK you will need two chops at Merapok. One to exit Sabah & one to enter Sarawak . At the time of this report these two separate checkpoints were located in small houses on the right hand side (as you head north). They are both sign posted (but don't expect much assistance in locating them). If you miss a chop in Merapok on the way back to Brunei the Immigration office in Trusan will make you drive back to get it - this is not negotiable and will cost you about 3 extra hours in travelling time.

5. Merapok to Kota Kinabalu

It is approximately 162 kilometers to Kota Kinabalu from Merapok, via the towns/villages of Sipitang, Beaufort, and Papar.

Summary of Forms and Chops Needed:

These instructions were correct as at May 2003. The author accepts no responsibility if whoever ma k es up the rules changes their mind again !