Borneo's Largest Stadiums
The island of Borneo has several great stadiums belonged to three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Borneo, also known as Kalimantan in Indonesia, is home to some of Southeast Asia’s largest and most impressive stadiums. Spread across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, these venues are not only centers for football and athletics but also symbols of regional pride and development.
From modern football arenas to historic multi-purpose stadiums, the island’s biggest stadiums have hosted international tournaments, national competitions, and cultural events for decades.
At the top of the list are Batakan Stadium in Indonesia and Sarawak Stadium in Malaysia, both with a seating capacity of 40,000 spectators. Batakan Stadium, opened in 2017 in Balikpapan, is considered one of Indonesia’s most modern football stadiums.
Its design was inspired by major European arenas and it serves as the home ground for Persiba Balikpapan. Meanwhile, Sarawak Stadium in Kuching was originally built for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship and remains one of Malaysia’s largest sporting venues.
Three stadiums share the next position with capacities of 35,000 spectators. Likas Stadium is one of Sabah’s most iconic sports venues and has been the home stadium of Sabah FC since 1983. The stadium is also known for hosting athletics and regional sporting events.
Palaran Stadium in Samarinda was built for the 2008 Indonesian National Games and became the first all-seater stadium in Indonesia. Another major venue is Aji Imbut Stadium, which serves as an important football center in East Kalimantan and was completed in 2008.
Completing the list is Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium with a capacity of 28,000. Opened in 1983, it is Brunei’s national stadium and has hosted major regional tournaments, including the Southeast Asian Games and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The stadium is named after Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and remains one of Brunei’s most important landmarks.
These stadiums reflect the growing importance of sports infrastructure in Borneo. Beyond football and athletics, they function as gathering places for communities and symbols of regional identity. As Borneo continues to develop economically and culturally, these large stadiums remain key landmarks that unite millions of sports fans across the island.