Preparing For Our first Road Trip From Kota Kinabalu to Bintulu

One of the best ways to truly experience the beauty of Borneo is by hitting the road and driving through its scenic routes. Our upcoming road trip from Kota Kinabalu (KK) to Bintulu is something I’ve been looking forward to — a journey that promises adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and valuable family time.

In this post, I want to share how we're preparing for this road trip, the essentials we’re bringing, and a few tips to ensure the drive is as smooth as possible.

1. Border Crossing Preparation: EES and Brunei INRS Portals

Since our road trip will take us through Brunei, border-crossing preparations are crucial. 

Based on my research and info from my colleagues and family, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure everything is in order before we hit the road.

Brunei Darussalam Exit and Entry System(EES) Portal

The Brunei Darussalam Exit and Entry System(EES) is mandatory for those entering Sarawak by land, especially at the border checkpoints. Here’s how we get ready:

1. Access the EES Portal:
   Visit EES Portal to register and submit your travel details.

2. Documents to Prepare:

   • Passport details
   • Vehicle registration number
   • Driver’s license
   • Travel dates and destination information

3. Submit in Advance:
   We complete our EES submission at least 1-2 days before our travel date to avoid delays at the border.

Brunei INRS Portal

To transit through Brunei, we need to register with Brunei's Immigration and National Registration System (INRS). Here’s our process:

1. Access the INRS Portal:
   Go to Brunei INRS Portal for registration.

2. Documents Needed:

   • Passport details (for all passengers)
   • Vehicle information (plate number, car model, etc.)
   • Travel itinerary (entry and exit dates)

3. Health Declaration:
   Brunei may still have health or COVID-related entry requirements, so we ensure any necessary declarations are completed.

4. Print or Screenshot Confirmations:
   After submitting on both the EES and INRS portals, we print out the confirmations or take screenshots to show at the border checkpoints.

Tips for Smooth Crossings

• Double-check all documents before departure.
• Ensure passports have at least 6 months’ validity.
• Have some cash in Brunei Dollars (BND) for tolls or small purchases.
• Be prepared for potential vehicle inspections at checkpoints.

2. Planning the Route

The journey from KK to Bintulu covers around 500 km (depending on the route) and can take 10-12 hours by car. We plan to break it up with rest stops and maybe an overnight stay, ensuring we don’t get too tired, especially with our kids on board.

Our rough route plan is:

• Kota Kinabalu → Beaufort → Lawas (rest stop here!)
• Lawas → Miri (potential overnight stay in Miri)
• Miri → Bintulu

3. Vehicle Preparation

A long drive means the car needs to be in top shape! This will be done by my husband as I don't know anything about cars. 

Here's our checklist for vehicle prep:

• Oil change and fluid check: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid — all topped up.
• Tire inspection: Proper inflation and tread condition are crucial.
• Spare tire & tools: Just in case of a flat!
• Battery check: No one wants to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery.

We also ensure our insurance and road tax are up-to-date and keep a copy of our car documents on hand.

4. Packing Essentials

Here’s what’s on our packing list:

• Snacks & Water: For energy boosts and hydration. We pack plenty of easy-to-eat snacks for us and our son.
• First Aid Kit: Always a must for any road trip.
• Entertainment for the Kid: Books, toys, and some offline videos to keep him happy.
• Comfort Items: Pillows, a light blanket, and extra clothes.
• Power Banks & Chargers: To keep our phones and gadgets charged.

5. Safety and Navigation

From my colleagues info, we will need Google Maps and also download offline maps in case we lose signal. We’ve also marked key petrol stations, rest areas, and places to eat along the way.

For safety:

• Share our itinerary with family members.
• Drive during daylight for better visibility and safety.
• Take regular breaks to stay refreshed.

6. Food Stops & Sights to See

One of the best parts of a road trip is the food! We're excited to stop at:

• Lawas for their delicious kolo mee.
• Miri for a seafood break.

We also plan to enjoy the lush scenery of the Lawas and Limbang rivers, and the rolling hills as we cross into Sarawak.

Final Thoughts

This road trip from KK to Bintulu feels like a mini adventure — an opportunity to bond, create memories, and enjoy the beauty of Sabah and Sarawak. 

If you’ve made this drive before, feel free to share any tips or recommendations!

We can’t wait to hit the road!