1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Difficult to say, climbing mount Kinabalu or seeing the orang-utangs and proboscis monkeys, I think.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Rent warm clothing for Mount Kinabalu, as it all takes up a lot of luggage space. Leave the tour on the road back from Sukau (i.e. don't return to Sandakan for the flight back to KK) and go to Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley and experience the rainforest with your own personal guide. Go from there to Semporna and dive and see the turtles in the water. Buy the Insight Pocket Guide to Sabah.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Difficult to tell, but the guides were well aware of how fragile their environment was, and the delicate balance between tourism and conservationism.

4. Any other comments?

First of all I would like to thank "David" , who I think was French, from the operator's on-line telephone service - he was more than helpful and got us sorted our quickly and efficiently after we had been let down by Vantage Tours, an American organisation who cancelled our Borneo tour less than a month before we left.

The trip was organised via a Malaysian tour operator, part of the big Mayflower group. They were superb, we can hardly fault them. The guides were excellent and very flexible, willing to change schedules if possible to suit our needs, the transport always turned up exactly on time, the accommodation was exactly as described and the places visited were all breathtaking in their beauty and animal and plant life. Once again, both operators could not be faulted. Thanks for a great holiday!

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The highlight of the trip was climbing the mountain. It was a tough climb but was well worth it to see the beautiful sunrise, not to mention the spectacular scenery every step of the way. The sense of achievement on returning made the pain of it all pale to insignificance.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Don't expect luxury on this trip. Remember your on holiday so go with the flow, the guides are excellent and will look after everything. People in Sabah have a very laid back attitude so patience is required, especially in restaurants. Don't forget to take your sense of humour with you! If intending to climb the mountain its best to increase fitness beforehand and be realistic about your own limitations, it’s not a stroll in the park, but definitely worth an attempt.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

The trip did benefit local people. This is most evident in Sandakan where it seemed like the entire community showed up at some stage to either entertain, guide or feed us! Also the homestays obviously benefit from tourists.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Overall this was a great holiday. There was a very good balance between activities and time to relax. There was endless fresh air, wildlife, scenery and fantastic people. I recommend this holiday for people who love nature and don't mind being right in the thick of it... there is a night in a hammock in the jungle after all!