Gillian Slater review 31 Aug 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the orangutans, especially in the wild. However, the whole trip was fantastic and we saw many different types of wildlife, including the Rafflesia flower.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need long sleeved trousers and shirts for all the days you are in the rainforest, due to leeches. It is very hot and sweaty, so try to take enough changes - it is difficult to dry things due to the high humidity. You also need walking boots. As it is the rainforest, many of the animals are high in the treetops and more difficult to see. We knew exactly what sort of area we were going to and thought the experience of being in primary rainforest was unbelievable, but we came across some people in a different group who obviously hadn't expected this and were disappointed they didn't see more.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. All the guides were local, and very knowledgeable. The jungle lodges mainly had a sustainable approach, although we wondered if there was an alternative way of electricity generation other than a diesel generator in Danum Valley.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a fantastic holiday. Byron, our guide, made sure that everything ran smoothly. We saw some wonderful wildlife, not just the orangutans but also many birds, pigmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and many others.
