Indonesia forum

I will be leaving UK around 14th Jan. I have thought of going to Kuala Lumpar for a few days and then flying to Kota Kinabalu. From there I would like to head from the Malaysian side across the border to Kalimantan and make my way via the west coast and down to Balikpapan to fly to Ujung Pandang.

Pictures I have see of the island on Google map along with the wildlife which makes Borneo so famous means I really want to go (especially the saltwater and fresh lake of Labuan Cermin). However, does this trip seem possible on the public transport available or will I just end up spending a fortune on private hire drivers? I not so bothered about the bad time of year for weather, but would be gutted if I ended up spending £50 a day on transport when there will be 1000's of other stunning places across Asia where I will be spending £10 - 30 a day for everything. I intend to live cheaply and after this make my way through Indonesia to Vietnam, Cambodia Laos and Thailand. I should have about 6k to take with me and I have no time limit - when it goes it goes. I may go to India and Nepal after that. Any advice will be really appreciated. I haven't booked flights yet but I will definitely be going in January as that’s when my house contract turns out. I can't wait!