How Much Does a Trip to Krayan Really Cost?

Long Bawan is one of the airports in Krayan that was originally cleared and built through community cooperation, first intended as a landing strip for MAF aircraft. Photo credit: Rmsp.

By Masri Sareb Putra

Krayan is one of the most remote and least-commercialized regions in Borneo. Tucked away in the highlands near the Indonesia–Malaysia border, it attracts travelers seeking untouched landscapes, indigenous Dayak culture, and true off-the-grid experiences. But remoteness raises a critical question: how much does a trip to Krayan really cost?

This guide answers that question honestly and practically, helping you plan without overestimating — or underestimating — your budget.Where Is Krayan and Why Is It Different?

Krayan lies in the interior highlands of North Borneo, accessible mainly by small aircraft. There are no highways, no mass tourism infrastructure, and limited modern services. Costs here are shaped not by luxury, but by logistics.

 

Getting to Krayan: Transportation Costs

Most travelers reach Krayan via Tarakan, a coastal city in North Borneo.

Typical transport costs:

• Flight from Tarakan to Krayan (one way): USD 40–80
• Excess baggage fees (common on small aircraft): USD 5–15
• Charter flights (group or emergency): significantly higher

Flights are weather-dependent, so delays are possible.

 

Accommodation in Krayan

Accommodation is simple but welcoming:

• Village homestays: USD 8–15 per night
• Basic guesthouses: USD 15–25 per night

Electricity is often limited to evening hours, and amenities are minimal.

 

Food and Daily Living Costs

Food in Krayan is locally grown and sourced:

• Daily meals: USD 5–10
• Coffee, tea, and snacks: usually included by hosts

Meals are filling, organic, and culturally rooted.

 

Guides, Activities, and Local Transport

While Krayan does not require expensive tours, hiring local guides supports the community:

• Local guide (per day): USD 10–20
• Motorbike or village transport: minimal cost

Guides are essential for trekking, cultural visits, and cross-village travel.

 

Sample Total Budget (5-Day Trip)

Budget traveler:

• Transport: USD 100–150
• Accommodation: USD 50–75
• Food & guides: USD 50–80

Estimated total: USD 250–350

Comfort-focused traveler:

• Transport: USD 150–200
• Accommodation: USD 80–120
• Food & guides: USD 80–120

Estimated total: USD 400–550

 

Hidden Costs and Practical Realities

Travelers should plan for:

• Cash-only payments (no ATMs)
• Limited medical facilities
• Weather-related delays requiring buffer days

Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

 

Is Krayan Worth the Cost?

Krayan is not cheap in terms of logistics, but it offers rare value. You are paying not for luxury, but for access to one of Borneo’s most intact cultural and ecological landscapes.

For travelers seeking depth rather than comfort, Krayan is priceless.

 

Final Thoughts

A trip to Krayan is affordable for prepared travelers. Those who plan carefully are rewarded with authenticity, cultural connection, and landscapes untouched by mass tourism. Krayan is not a destination you visit casually — it is one you remember for life.