Reviewed 13 Jun 2013 by Rob Skinner
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
If we had to name a specific high I think it'd have to be the private river cruises that we went on from the Abai Jungle Lodge. They were each so magical, romantic and different - I can't describe how wonderful they made us feel. But in truth the trip was packed with moments like this - hearing a turtle breath, seeing pygmy elephants up close and wild!!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The decisions made with regards to accommodation, activity, length of time between things, choice of guide etc were all absolutely brilliant.
And the organisation was amazing! We really did feel like royalty, being welcomed and helped from place to place with such consideration and seamless precision.
Only thing I'd say was - this trip was so luxurious I think it's being slightly miss-sold as 'on a shoe string!' Also maybe try and give Kota Kinabalu a miss.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so - I think the eco-tourism model is really excellent and, flights aside, I really did feel the environmental impact of the trip was minimal. Also, our money did seem to go to wicked local tour companies and hotels rather than multi-nationals and the tree planting project should hopefully build some ties between visitors and the river people living in Abai village.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful!
Reviewed 21 Apr 2013 by Jenny Sanders
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I enjoyed every aspect of my holiday. However, diving among turtles, in the beautiful turquoise waters of Lankayan Island, was definitely a particularly exciting and memorable moment.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ensure you pack plenty of loose and cool clothing. A good camera and binoculars are invaluable.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Throughout the trip I was made very aware of the environmental issues affecting the wildlife of Borneo. I was involved with a tree planting project and I also helped release baby turtles back into the wild. Tour guides and those people employed at the different resorts were mainly local people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had an absolutely fantastic holiday that ran like clockwork. All the local people were delightful and could not do enough to help. Borneo is a very beautiful place and I hope to go back very soon. I would not hesitate in recommending this holiday.
Reviewed 03 Feb 2013 by Martin Kent
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This holiday provided was a fantastic insight into Borneo. Starting in Kota Kinabalu gave an insight into Malaysian Borneo, from eating wonderful local food, to seeing monkeys in the trees surrounding the town, to sitting sipping a Tiger while watching the sun set over the harbour. No time to rest as we headed to a jungle lodge, spending time watching wildlife via boat trips on the river or night time walks seeing the most amazing creatures, the odd crocodile, wild orang-utan, proboscis monkeys etc
Accommodation was superb for the location and there was definitely a romantic air about the setting. At Sepilok we watched from our luxury chalet as hornbills passed the window followed by kingfishers and other colourful birds. But the highlight here was seeing the orang-utans at the rehab centre, what a great sight to see them feeding. And finally our most special time was spent on Lankyan Island, a paradise of turquoise sea and white sands, walking into the warm seas and seeing the most fantastic range of marine wildlife all feeding on the protected reefs circling the island just inches from your feet!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Having a skilled travel consultant with personal experience of the country you aim to visit made planning and experiencing the holiday great. She took the time to personally get to know what we wanted and expected for our trip and designed a package accordingly and wow was it great! Think about what you want and what is important to you (for us it was wildlife and the sea, opportunity for snorkelling etc) and a clear idea of your budget and talk this over with a consultant.
Ethical issues are central to the companies approach and were evident in the planning and in the holiday itself.
In respect of this holiday I recommend you heed advice given about what to take, what to do and not to do and you can't go far wrong.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
In all destinations it was apparent that local people were involved in the delivery the services which made our holiday so great and inclusions of such events as planting trees to replace those lost in the rainforest at a local village is an illustration of support to the environment accommodation was sensitive to the environment eg river lodge chalet made from local resources and locally grown food served for meals. Buying handmade craft gifts from local villagers contributed to their economy, local guides with so much information were used, awareness of risks to the coral reefs were stressed to us tourists, oh and adopting a orangutan, so yes, this holiday did I believe benefit local people and their environment and support conservation by many means.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
There are two factors to this holiday - the planning/delivery and the content, it ran so smoothly with absolutely no hiccups at all in any transport/accommodation areas it made every minute enjoyable. All those involved in the delivery were amazing people with no issue about anyone!
Secondly the content.... it was amazing.. A day didn't go by without me having a 'moment' ... A time when something astounds me!!! After the wonderful 11 days we moved to independent travel to other neighbouring places/countries and this endorsed the comfort and pleasure we had had from our Borneo trip. We cannot recommend this holiday enough!
Reviewed 19 Mar 2013 by Lydia Badia
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The entire trip is memorable, but I suppose the 2 nights in the river lodge were
especially good fun. We saw a lot more wildlife than I ever imagined. I
particularly liked our guide Basri who took great care of us and ensured we saw
as many animals as possible.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a good pair of binoculars and a telephoto lens camera!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. Everywhere we went, we were taken care of by local employees. Not an
expat to be seen. Protecting the environment and conservation seemed to be the
number 1 priority with all the guides and hotel staff. They are proud to be
educating the tourists on what is being done to preserve Borneo's creatures.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A memorable holiday for me and my son. I will definitely book through responsible
travel again and have recommended you to many friends!
Reviewed 16 Mar 2013 by Ian Newton
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were so many memorable parts of the holiday it is difficult to pick just one. The most memorable elements were:
Snorkelling alongside turtles and cuttle fish around Lankayan Island
The evening boat trip on the Kinabatangan River seeing proboscis monkeys, orangutans, kingfishers and fireflies.
The beauty of an early morning boat trip to Pitas Lake
Seeing a mother and baby orangutan at Sepilok (amongst many others)
The fantastic service at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Visit Manukan and Manutik islands during your time in Kota Kinabalu. Beautiful beaches and snorkelling and large monitor lizards inland.
Make use of the 'Happy Hours' at Shangri La Rasa Ria resort. Drinks there can be very expensive.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, tourism gives an incentive for the local government to restrict the expansion of Palm Oil plantations in favour of maintaining the forests and wildlife. It also provides employment to benefit the local people and increase their commitment to the wildlife.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely superb. Every day was memorable. Definitely one of the best holidays of my life.
Reviewed 09 Jan 2013 by Emma Beardsmore
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Climbing Mt Kinabalu was exhausting but unforgettable and the river wildlife spotting cruises at night were another highlight
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Use lots of insect repellant and also travel light as you are on the move a lot
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Money spent in markets and cafes went to local people and Lankayan island was run with consevation in mind.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant!
Reviewed 09 Sep 2012 by Jane Pyatt
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Travelling up the Kilabatan river in the boats seeing the way of life along the river bed.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't take too much clothing, as you are always on the move.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. There was an air of conservation and care for the world around us on this trip and evidence that there are organisations out there really trying to make an impact.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Having travelled many corners of the world, this holiday / experience was the most encompassing and rewarding trip I have encountered.
Reviewed 30 Jul 2012 by Nina Welch
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all amazing but Lankayan Island was a definite highlight. It looked and felt like paradise and it was great to be a part of the work they are doing to protect the turtles. Our guide for the Abai based jungle trip (Junior) was also outstanding in his strength of character and knowledge of the area and its wildlife. His enthusiasm was infectious. The riverboat cruises were a highlight- it was great to see the animals and birds in their natural habitat. We were very impressed with the efficient & friendly service we received everywhere we went.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t hesitate. It is an amazing adventure. Binoculars essential for the jungle. Smart clothes needed for Rhasa Rhia resort.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it was obvious everywhere we went that efforts were being made in all of these areas.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The best holiday ever!
Reviewed 02 Nov 2012 by Victoria Goode
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Lankayan Island was idyllic. From the moment of getting off the boat and walking down the jetty towards this stunning island, seeing a shark swim by beneath our feet, I was hooked! If you love snorkelling, you'll love Lankayan.
Getting up close and personal with the orang-utans at Sepilok was a highlight, and Sepilok Jungle Lodge is a lovely place to stay.
An unexpected highlight was doing the night jungle walk at Sepilok. It was terrifying but exhilarating with leechs
galore, snakes, hideous creepy crawlies, treacherous paths etc!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The boat trip to Lankayan is quite rough - take seasickness prevention measures if you suffer from that. Take long sleeved shirts and long trousers in light flowing fabrics, for night-time mosquito bite prevention. Give yourself a relaxing
time for the first few days as the jet lag can be quite severe (I was a zombie for the first 3 days). If you're going to Lankayan (and you should!) don't bother with Selingan Turtle Island - you can see turtles laying and babies being released into the sea at both places but it's much more relaxed and nicely done at Lankayan. Go and have the beef/wasabi dish at BB Cafe in Beach Street in Kota Kinabalu - one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted!!
There's not much to do in the evenings at any of the Jungle/island lodges so take plenty of books/games.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed in independent, Borneo-owned lodges and of course our guides were locals.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a great holiday. It's a very long way to travel and involved 8 flights, which is quite tough, but it's a unique and beautiful place with fantastic wildlife. The company we booked through were absolutely fantastic and everything was perfectly organised - HIGHLY recommend them.
Reviewed 05 Sep 2012 by Sarah Critchley
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing pygmy elephants. Never expected that didn't even know they lived there. Then 10yards away there were 2 playing in the river...amazing.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take cash, plenty of mosquito repellent, long trousers and tops for the evenings
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely felt like we were genuinely contributing to the community at the tree planting. Often these things your never quite sure where your money's going. You can see that things are geared up for conservation and preservation every thought aimed at no frills with max comfort approach.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A dream come true, seeing my favourite ape in its natural environment and so much more. I may never be able to afford a holiday like this again. It was worth every penny.
Reviewed 15 Aug 2012 by Nik Landy
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trips on the river from the Abai Jungle Lodge to spot wildlife. We saw Pygmy elephants, Orangutans, Proboscis monkeys, Macaques, Crocodiles, Eagles, Hornbills. The list goes on and on and on. Lankayan Island was a great way to end a busy holiday. Totally relaxing, very luxurious and mind blowingly beautiful.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take binoculars! We didn't take any and wish we had. Bring a good long lens and a decent camera (and maybe an underwater one for Lankayan).
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I don't really think a long haul holiday could really reduce environmental impact in any way, but all the lodges seemed very sustainable, and used local staff. The tree planting/lunch project at Abai benefited the local villagers directly, and was great. Seeing the jungle in all its glory has made us appreciate how important conservation of these areas is.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had an absolutely brilliant time. Our teenage daughter loved it so much it even overshadowed having to share a room with us! The sheer volume of wildlife we saw amazed us. The guides were fantastic, and well...I'll stop now as I'm in danger overusing exclamation marks!!
Reviewed 08 Aug 2012 by Andrew Thomas
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
My personal favourite was the turtle experience, both on Selingan and Lankayan. Lankayan is stunning - the most picturesque place I have ever stayed, and to see a gigantic turtle slowly heaving her way up the beach in the dark one evening right near our chalet was magical! The staff also go around informing all guests each day when there is to be a baby turtle release so you have plenty of
opportunity to see little hatchlings making for the open seas.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't forget your binoculars especially for the trips on the Kinabatangan river. Also try to travel as light as possible, it makes it much easier when moving from place to place!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we took part in the tree planting ceremony at Abai which helps to replace the trees which have been cut down in the jungle and Terrye, our guide, is from the village. The lodge also sources the food locally, and the villagers actually cooked our lunch one day! Also, conservation fees are paid to access some areas (included in the holiday cost).
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A fantastic and unique holiday! All the tour and lodge staff were friendly, polite and keen to please, and all arrangements were impeccable. Lankayan was the ideal place to end the holiday - such a beautiful place!
Reviewed 10 Feb 2012 by Emily King
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Spending time on the Kinabatangan River and seeing wild Orangutans.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ensure you don't end up visiting the Sepilok reserve twice on your itinerary. Visiting as a day visitor and again for an overnight stop is a waste of a day.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. All staff and employees we met were local malaysians. The river lodge we stayed in bought produce from the local villages and used natural detergents to reduce pollution in the river.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - we had a great time.
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