Family Holidays in Borneo

This was a good trip but could have been even better. Highlights were seeing orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants in their natural setting.
On day 2 trip notes state a day trip to Bako NP and we left hotel at 7.45am. Unfortunately we were back at hotel by 1.30pm and this included an hour spent having lunch at Bako. Felt that if Exodus weren’t giving us the day trip promised then they could have added in an optional afternoon trip perhaps to Semenggoh to see orangutans.
On day 5 you fly from Mulu NP to Kota Kinabalu and meet new guide as Exodus have recently changed the trip so that you have different guides in Sarawak and Sabah. This is difficult for both group and guide as you no sooner meet new guide than you have a free day in KK (unless you choose the snorkelling day trip option). Unfortunately the hotel in KK has no outdoor space or swimming pool and Exodus need to upgrade this hotel to make free day more comfortable.
Stay in longhouse on Day 7 is a one-off experience and some on group really didn’t enjoy the basic facilities on offer. Unfortunately day 8 was a Sunday and the tea factory was closed so this spoiled the tea factory visit as there is no atmosphere being shown round an empty factory.
When i booked trip we were meant to get an included lunch on day 8 because the Gomantong Caves were closed to the public. This was outwith Exodus control so this was an acceptable compromise however in July the caves were open to public. Exodus cancelled the “free” lunch on Day 8 but we then had to pay to enter Gomantong caves when we visited on Day 10. Seems a stupid example of penny pinching on a fairly expensive trip.
On the nights of days 10 and 11 we stayed at Nature Lodge on Kinabatangan River. No mosquito nets were provided in the rooms and most of the group were bitten. Food at Lodge was included but was fairly basic and poor quality. Three river cruises were included whilst staying at Nature Lodge but entire group was charged 60MYR a head for the final cruise because they took us upstream in search of pygmy elephants. It seemed unnecessary to charge group this extra £100+ as we had an included cruise, were not out for any longer than we would have been and probably used the same amount of fuel. Also didn’t like that it was compulsory- if entire group didn’t agree then trip to find elephants wouldn’t happen.
Borneo rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley was lovely but unless you opted out of arranged activities it was full on for the entire visit and exhausting.
My main concern on this trip was the amount charged for single supplement. This is not something that you give much thought to until you find yourself travelling solo. On this holiday paying the supplement only gets you your own room for 10 nights as you have to share for 2 nights at Mulu NP and Rainforest Lodge in Danum. The other 10 nights are spent in fairly average hotels and a quick check of prices showed that the entire cost of a room in these hotels was fractionally less than the single supplement. Given that the basic tour cost includes accommodation surely the single supplement should only charge the additional 50% cost of the room. I and other solo travellers on trip definitely felt ripped off by single supplement charged.

Linda Stalker Borneo Wildlife Discoverer

An incredible two weeks on Borneo and the Malaysian peninsula. The first part of the trip involves several days of wildlife cruises, whilst staying deep in the jungle, to search for orangutans, elephants, crocodiles and various exotic birds. We were fortunate enough to spot lots of interesting animals under the guidance of our fantastic leader, Jeffry. The second half of the trip involves visiting various towns and cities on the peninsula, including Malacca, famous for its street market, Kuala Lumpur, and Georgetown, a colonial town on Penang Island. There are plenty of opportunities for tours, sampling traditional food and shopping. Finally, the tour moves onto Langkawi for a relaxing end to the holiday. This serene island, featuring pristine beaches, wonderful restaurants and vibrant nightlife allowed my group plentiful free time to enjoy another part of the country before flying home. A wonderful holiday that encapsulated everything Malaysia has to offer.

Joe Figueiredo Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula

This was an excellent trip with plenty of variety due to having a week of nature, the culture of the Malaysian Peninsula and the idyllic relaxing Island of Langkawi. Melaka was excellent. I loved all the buzz. The Batu temple was amazing. Then there was the tranquillity of the Sandakan memorial.

Natasha Challoner Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula