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.
Borneo Trips
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Activities in Borneo
The Borneo Big 5
Orangutan: Witnessing an orangutan in its natural habitat is one of the most incredible wildlife experiences you can have. Our tours are designed to take you closer to their natural environment so that you can observe how they behave in the wild. Danum Valley is one of the best places in Borneo to see orangutans in the wild as you walk along lofty rainforest canopies.
On our Borneo Wildlife Discoverer trip, you’ll also get to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary where orphans are rehabilitated so they can be released back into the wild. It’s fascinating to see these beautiful animals close up and learn about how they’re trained to climb.
Pygmy Elephant: If you’re going on one of our wildlife holidays to Borneo, this magnificent animal is probably at the top of your list of things to see. Bornean elephants, also known as pygmy elephants, are indigenous to Borneo and are much smaller that Indian elephants as well as being behaviourally and physically different.
On our tours, we take you to some of the best elephant-viewing locations. The Kinabatangan River is home to one of the largest populations of pygmy elephants. They often come down to the river to drink and this is an amazing sight to behold. Danum Valley is another great place to go in search of the pygmy elephant in Malaysia and is one of Asia’s last remaining lowland rainforests.
Proboscis Monkey: The proboscis monkey is endemic to Borneo’s rainforests, and it can be identified by its extraordinarily large nose, which they use to attract their mates. You’re most likely to find the proboscis monkey swinging through the jungle canopies or climbing trees around rivers and mangroves. Our Borneo wildlife trips include a visit to Bako National Park which is renowned for its proboscis monkeys. The only way you can reach here is by boat and the entire adventure is unforgettable. You can also visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary where they are cared for in the heart of Semawang’s mangrove forests.
Estuarine Crocodile: Found slinking through mangrove swamps and mudflats that can be found along the rivers of Bako and Santubong, the Estuarine Crocodiles are saltwater crocodiles and are the world’s largest river predator which can grow to over 6 metres in length. While you wouldn’t want to get too close up (although you could probably outrun one in a race!), to see them in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience. Our holidays incorporate trips to Sarawak and the Kinabatangan River providing you with the best opportunities to spot these deadly creatures in the wild.
Rhinoceros Hornbill: Our Borneo tours are brimming with wildlife and the country is home to a staggering eight species of hornbill. The rhinoceros hornbill is found in rainforests and lowlands of Borneo and Sarawak has been nicknamed the ‘Land of the Hornbills’ and since 1998, the rhinoceros hornbill has been under protection. It was believed by the people of Sarawak that this majestic bird had mythical powers and often they were sacrificed by pagans who wore their unusual and distinctive yellow and orange beak on a necklace. On our Borneo Wildlife Discoverer trip, you’ll visit Mulu National Park, home to 262 species of bird, including the rhinoceros hornbill.
Linda Stalker Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
Joe Figueiredo Borneo & the Malaysian PeninsulaAn 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.
Natasha Challoner Borneo & the Malaysian PeninsulaThis 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.
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