30 independent reviews for Borneo orangutan vacation
Reviews for Borneo orangutan vacation
Bindy St Leger review 6 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole trip was fantastic. The attention to detail and not having to worry about anything (other than showing up at the appropriate times) made the trip very relaxing and rewarding. Gaya Island was so relaxing. Sepilok, he nature lodges and all the guided tours along the Kinabatangan River was very organized, informative and breathtaking. Borneo Rainforest Lodge was just a treat. Was really impressed by this place. The 3hr 4x4 journey to get there made it all worthwhile. We enjoyed seeing so many animals and learning about the environment and nature. All the guides were knowledgeable and really cared. It was such a privilege to be able to be in these places and have the most wonderful experiences.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring lots of bug repellent and just go with the flow.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes! Talking to our guides they’re all happy and proud to be able share their country with everyone. In all the places we stayed there was a conscious effort to be respectful and supportive of the animals and land as well as help the local people as much as possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10 out of 10. The whole trip was amazing!Chuck Jones review 6 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing orangutans, proboscis monkeys and long-tailed macaques in the wild.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It is going to be very hot and humid. Bring light, wick clothes and a bandana to wipe sweat. Also, many places don't give napkins, so a bandana is good to wipe hands. Spend less days on the beach and more days in Singapore, an amazing city.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we often ate in the local markets, and the lodges we stayed at employed many local people. These lodges support conservation by not cutting down trees, and using local resources.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I want to give it a 5 star vacation, but it is just too brutally hot and humid, so I will give it a strong 4. We loved everywhere we went and stayed, and the amount of wildlife that we saw was amazing! The only big thing we didn't see was a pygmy asian elephant. The food was also better than expected. and the hawker markets in Singapore and night market in Kota Kinabalu were very cool.Diane Staniforth review 26 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing a baby and mother orangutans in the Danum Valley.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
take a pair of binoculars.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fabulous.Kay Mycock review 11 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Finally seeing an oranguty2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Expect to get very wet3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Resorts claimed to have fine this but not sure how it was being achieved4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Some good times, some good animal experiences but very disappointed that the nursery at sepilok was closed with no prior notice so the ones we have sponsored for years we could not see - we should have been told I’d have changed my plans as sepilok overall was not worth the effort of going thereSteve Johnson review 29 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Orangutans at sepilok2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do not do the market tour and seafood dinner in Kota Kinabalu - whilst the market tour was interesting the dinner was very disappointing. Other tables had interesting and great looking food, we were served very sad set course. The surroundings a bit like a canteen and the entertainment was not engaging. My Nature Resort is not walkable to Sepilok sanctuary but they will organise minivan. Do visit Rainforest Discovery center as another chance to see wildlife from canopy walk.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely supported conservation and local firms used for tours - however all firms (except BFLodege) could do more to reduce plastic consumption4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Good place to visit, great wildlife, locals v welcoming. Some of the stays were not running as you would expect post Covid - notably My Nature Resort which had too few staff to cope with number of guests.Mr B Gibson review 9 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Several Sightings of Orangutans in the wild2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
When staying at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge hire a private guide. In any group of more than four it is difficult to keep close to the guide on the narrow trails to hear their comments and spot their wildlife. At RM220 per day (or RM110 per person for a couple) it is very reasonable and good value for money.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We hope so4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Good Itinerary, well organised and good value for money, although not all our friends would enjoy this type of vacationMatthew Gobey review 8 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Sharon Richenberg review 28 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Cruising down the Kinabatangan River, marvelling at the wildlife.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Prepare to be amazed.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We visited a settlement in Abai, but didn’t have any interaction with the villagers. We were pleased that all hotels and lodges provided water dispensers for refilling our own bottles. We felt that particularly at Tabin, there was an awareness of environmental concerns and a need to reduce impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fabulous.Pirkko Erichsen review 16 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
River boat cruises and lunch at Abai village2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Enjoy the tours, look out for wildlife with a good camera, try the local food3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It was and additionally well explained4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was just great. All taken care ofKate Bradley review 8 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing Orangutans in the wild for the first time at Borneo Rainforest Lodge2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take plenty of insect repellant and drink of water3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Loved every minute, was exactly what we had wantedSheena Patel review 7 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We had an amazing trip in Borneo. Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat was amazing. Having monkeys and wild pigs join breakfast in the jungle is something that will need topping!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Supported conservation by working with the environment. The guides were knowledgeable and local and had conservation high in their mind.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Everything was arranged and I felt assured that partners in the area had conservation and the environment in their agendaKamini Gadhok review 30 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was a real privilege to see the wildlife from the elephants and birds at Dunam rainforest, the probuscus monkeys and wild orangutan along the Kinabatangan river to the sun bears and orangutans in Sandakan.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you are clear about the purpose of your trip so that you can make the most of the time you have. Be prepared for the heat, humidity & mosquitoes and also that some of the accommodation will not have air conditioning. Be open minded in embracing the food, it’s delicious and the people are very friendly. Remember that when seeking out wildlife, you have to be patient and respect the need to be quiet, look and listen for opportunities for spotting things when you least expect it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We hope that by spending our vacation here we have supported the local economy but are aware it’s come at a cost in terms of our carbon footprint. We were pleased that at the nature resort, they are working to be eco friendly. We had purchased biodegradable soaps and shampoo so pleased that they provided this also. We were concerned about the amount of litter in the sea and the photo we took of the orangutan in the wild was sad as he was sitting by the edge of the river bank with a plastic bottle next to him & another monkey was trying to eat a crisp packet. We are not sure about how tourists can help to change the behaviors of all so we help to look after this incredible country. We are aware that there are tensions regarding the oil palm tree plantations vs the preserving the forest as there were concerns locally about jobs and the economy if a balance isn’t maintained.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent and truly memorable experience. The Abai village tour was a disappointment and the hard beds and pillows in some of the accommodation made sleeping very difficult.Carolyn Vincent review 6 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the orangutans both in the wild and in the Sepilok rehabilitation center2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't stress.... you will be well taken care of .... the trip is seamless, staff are great and the drivers and guides are quite professional3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes especially in the Danum Valley conservation area.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good... I am usually careful about choosing service providers and do not often recommend individual journeys, but I would recommend this trip by Responsible Travel and the tour operator to anyone who is interested in visiting Borneo and its wildlife.Jane Horst review 4 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Fantastic close encounters with wildlife unique to Borneo. We were lucky enough to see wild orangutans at close quarters.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be ready for the some early morning starts and invest in a camera with a good zoom facility and some comfortable binoculars. A pocket bird book is a good idea. Our guide used mine to show the group what we were hearing but couldn't necessarily see. The local guides are great, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Borneo feels very safe and the level of friendliness and customer service in the accommodation is fantastic. There was not always enough information about the walking and trekking conditions. We did one walk from Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley, that was described as a series of slight inclines with a steeper bit at the end, which turned out to be a very steep climb with a tough scramble at the end. The guide had to be asked to slow down and two of the party did not attempt the last part of the walk up to the look out point. If you are spending time in a beach resort and sea swimming and snorkelling is your big interest, check out the jelly fish season before you plan your trip.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It is hard to say to what level the lodges and hotels reduced environmental impact. The newer lodges did not use plastic drinking bottles or air conditioning, but there was no information about waste disposal, pollution or carbon footprint. Without the tourist interest, it is probable that there would be less interest in keeping large areas of habitat clear of industry and human habitation. The impact of the palm oil industry and the needs of the local population is obvious as you drive around during your stay.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a great time visiting Borneo. Our itinerary meant that we had the opportunity to experience a variety of different habitats and we were very lucky to see such a wide range of animals and birds. The friendliness of the people and the level of customer service in the accommodation is outstanding.Linda Phillips review 20 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing a wild male orangutan just a few feet away from my room at Borneo Rainforest Lodge2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for difficult walking conditions in Danum Valley and get fit before you go3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All of these4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10/10 A Great itinerary with many diverse elements. Support from overseas tour operators excellent. Superb accommodation. One of our most memorable vacations I'm sure for years to comeDavid Abramowitz review 1 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The animals...the type of people we met...The world we entered...2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring more shorts and T shirts then you think you need and less long pants. Remember mosquito repellent at least 30% deet. Go with the flow.. take naps in the afternoon...and ask if air conditioning is available where you are staying. Some places may not advertise it, but it's worth the expense.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes...4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
at least a nine out of ten.Rebecca Smith review 14 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wildlife! it was amazing! We were so lucky as we saw wild orangutans for 5 days straight, pygmy elephants, macaques, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, hornbills, egrets, monitor lizards, geckos, snakes, lots of birds, red leaf monkeys, (missed a gibbon sighting!) wild pigs, flying colugo, an owl, fireflies and snorkelled a coral reef full of beautiful coral and teeming with fish, including a little shark!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go now before it becomes too popular! The 1st flight from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad datu requires a very early (0345) pick-up, but if you tell the hotel, they will arrange a take-away breakfast for you to take with you. Get your leech socks when you're there - cheap and effective! Take small denomination cash for the lodges. Sturdy walking shoes for Borneo rainforest Lodge, but the vacation overall isn't strenuous at all. The transfers to gaya island only run every 2 hours, so check timings when arriving and departing and also whether or not this is included as we weren't expecting to pay the extra 300RM on checkout. Gaya Island is a busy family resort - bear this in mind if looking for a couples retreat.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The parts at the lodges definitely appeared to. Gaya Island resort has good credentials, however they still use a lot of single use plastic, including straws, and get through a lot of beach towels, but they employ locals, use solar power, clean the beach of plastic and debris, and provide drinking water in glass bottles in the room.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent! Amazing!Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for submitting a review on your recent trip to Borneo. We are extremely pleased to hear that you had such a wonderful time in this spectacular part of the world and that you were lucky enough to see such an abundance of wildlife during your stay. Borneo offers such a spectacular opportunity to discover the local ‘residents’, both on land and beneath the waves, and it certainly sounds like you had a very special vacation. Thank you also for your helpful tips on traveling to Borneo, this will surely come in very handy for anyone considering an adventure vacation in this wildlife-rich region.
However we were concerned to hear that you were inadvertently charged for your resort speedboat transfers on check out. This transfer was included in your stay and the charge should not have been passed on to you. We do apologise for this oversight and have arranged a refund of the MYR300.
I would also like to thank you for your comments on the unnecessary use of single use plastic items at Gaya Island Resort. I contacted the resort to ask for their feedback on this matter and they have advised that the resort is extremely proactive in their movement to remove all plastic from the resort. As a first step the water bottles in the rooms have been replaced with glass bottles, and the Food & Beverage department is in the process of moving away from all plastic items such as straws. On a broader note regarding the resort’s impact on the local environment, guests are given the opportunity to participate in voluntary work with the environmental team to do reef clean ups in the area and the resident marine Biologist Scott Maybeck and his team provide an educational programme to local schools teaching them the importance of recycling and the impact of plastic on the marine environment.
Pippa Finlayson review 14 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying at Borneo Rainforest Lodge and on our final hike getting to see a wild orangutan waking up and having his breakfast!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Share with the team what you like and what you don't. We were very transparent with Stef which enabled her to literally book our dream vacation.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I really valued staying in accommodation where it was clear that they had a big effort on environmental pollution and/or their local community. Whether this was how the accommodation was constructed or trips and organisation with the local villages - it was really great.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was a dream vacation for us. With the added bonus of getting to see some very special and endangered wildlife. I can't thank Responsible Travel enough.Eivind Thomsen review 24 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Orang-utans in the wild, - fabulous guides, the incredible beautiful rainforests - and an amazing birdlife.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
- have an open mind - enjoy the wilderness - and get the upgraded rooms at Borneo Rainforest Lodge....3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes, and we were impressed by the Sanctuaries in Sepilok - the different marine research centers at Gaya Island - and the general attitude of conservation at all lodges...4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great experiencePenny Morgan review 23 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the Oragutans in the wild, a amazing experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Borneo has a lot to see so make sure you pack into your vacation as much as you can.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I would like to think that our vacation benefited the local people. We were very impressed at how much knowledge the local people had of their county and the wildlife.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our vacation was everything we hoped for and more.Charlotta Hickie review 14 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting different areas of the jungle and rain forest and being immersed in it. The flora and fauna is superb and the wildlife mesmerising.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I was worried about what to take. My big suitcase was no problem with fabulous help all the way. I was so pleased I had taken my walking boots as they were essential in the Danum Valley. A cheap, light raincoat or poncho and a light rucksack for walks would have been great. We had bigger and heavier things and it's just so hot and sweaty, you end up resenting it! Long trousers and long sleeved tops for the evenings to avoid bites. 50% jungle formula DEET (other brands are available...) and bite creams/antihistamine. Have cash to tip guides etc -they are amazing. Allow time on arrival to get over travel and jet lag - relax and enjoy a good hotel for 2 - 3 days.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Part of the vacation cost went to the local projects such as the orang-utan sanctuary. We were taken to a village where we planted trees and were able to buy a few things they had made. The small eco team at the Gaya Island Resort are doing amazing things but could receive more support from the hotel and probably guests. Many people we met were so pleased we had come to their country and seemed to be on a mission to get us back - with friends! They certainly know the value of tourism. Of course, the flight out there has a big environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was a unique vacation for us. It was challenging on many levels: the heat, leeches, other bites, dangerous animals and fish and the length of the journey. However, I loved it and it has given me an amazing insight into another part of the world. The people are delightful and the the chance to see such variety of plants, animals and environments was superb.Caroline Davison review 18 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
River lodge and cruises and Danum valley - seeing the wildlife was amazing2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack breathable Lycra top for excursions3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, absolutely4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation was fantastic, but the 5* resort at the end needed more research. Would also like to have been advised about snorkelling with the turtles in Borneo which I heard was amazing - would have loved to include that too.Kath Tunstall review 28 Mar 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing Orangutan up close in the wild2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Dont be afraid of leeches - its so worth it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We planted trees to help the reforestation project, supported a local village, adopted an orangutan and stayed in eco friendly accommodation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent on all frontsStephen Reed review 12 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Probably the most memorable part was the inability of Malaysia Airlines to fly anywhere on time which spoiled the object of the vacation which was to see and observe Orangutan's in both their natural habitat and the sanctuary. Traveling over 40 kilometres up river by boat to a remote settlement has to rate as a must to do before you die!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
To be brutally frank. don't fly with Malaysia Airlines. Not before you can organise decent air travel that avoids the delays which spoilt so much of the trip. We arrived at our first hotel late approx. 4.30am to be picked up at 9.00am the following morning having first had breakfast. It would have been useful to know that breakfast was also served on the train. Could have slept for another half an hour had we known. Also in our opinion the rushed initial visit to the sanctuary was so unnecessary as we had another when staying at the 'My Nature Resort' which was taken at leisure and was a great deal more successful. There was too much repetition involved in this particular location. The journey to the Hot Springs, or local baths as they turned out to be was a very long journey for a disappointing venue although the aerial walkway was interesting giving amazing views over the jungle terrain on the way as was the visit to the world heritage site. Our guide was exceptional and extremely knowledgeable which made the visit so interesting. One has to question if six hours traveling there and back was worth it as the next day we travelled by plane to Sandakan. Another hour or so on the previous days traveling and we could have been there already. In our opinion this part of the trip was badly organised. The plus side has to be the stay at Abai Jungle Lodge although at the speed you are traveling the chances of seeing any wildlife on the way is limited, this was not a cruise more like a race. At the resort we had a first class guide named Shiro who really knew his job and was an exciting person to be with, lucky us, a good guide is absolutely essential as one is looking for the wildlife which is as equally determined as you are to find it, not to be seen. There were other parts which seemed to be more 'wasting time' rather than moving from place to place for the benefit of the customers. These were clearly covering the gaps whilst other customers were being moved elsewhere. This was a shame as for us the local company Borneo Adventure Ltd was excellent at meeting us and moving us between venues despite the delays created by the airline.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We spent half a day in the local village planting trees that formed part of the income for some of the villages, we also had dinner with them which brought them into our activities which obviously benefited them financially, it was a pleasure to be able to talk and react with them. It is apparent that the local environment and the river people benefit from this interaction.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Regrettably it fell at the first hurdle, the airline. If you remove that from the equation and reorder the vacation then it rates highly. Apart from the airlines tardy punctuality and change of flight times which we understand changed the order of the itinerary, the journey is into another world, that of Boneo and its people was a true pleasure, we would like to return and will keep an eye on any future possibility.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Mr Read.
Thank you for the feedback on your recent trip to Borneo, we appreciate you taking the time to report back on the vacation.
We are extremely sorry to hear about the problems you encountered with Malaysia Airlines on your vacation. As the national carrier of Malaysia we have a long-standing relationship with
the carrier and have infrequently experienced problems with them with regards schedule changes and flight cancellations.
As you know we did encounter problems with your flights before you departed the UK which we dealt with as soon as we were notified to ensure the continued smooth running of your
vacation. For you to experience further problems after you had left the UK is very disappointing for us and we will be feeding this back to Malaysia Airlines as soon as possible.
Aside from the problems with the airline we are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your Borneo vacation and were able to experience the culture and enjoy various wildlife encounters along the way.
Tim Harrison review 27 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Trekking from Riverside lodge up to the view point and watching both orangutan and gibbons almost at eye level in the trees before walking down to a refreshing dip in the Jacuzzi stream and waterfall. Followed by the most fantastic freshly cooked food and night walk. A truly amazing day.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Not to be frustrated as days there is little wildlife to see. Enjoy the rainforest for what it is.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We understand the fees for staying in the forest help with its conservation whilst doing no damage.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An amazing experience, probably the best vacation ever!Peter Green review 19 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole package was outstanding, with every element well thought through. If I had to identify some highlights I might pick out spotting the pygmy elephants on the Kinabatangan River, watching the flying squirrels fly at MY Nature Resort, wildlife of all sorts in Danum Valley, the canopy walk at Danum Valley and the beautiful beaches at Rasa Ria and Gaya. We saw orang-utans, macaques and hornbills at almost every location we visited, as well as mouse deer, wild boar, proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards, tarantulas and, on one occasion, a clouded leopard.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
To cram so much in be prepared for early starts, including treks before breakfast. Also the flight schedules demand some punishingly early pick ups, e.g. 3.30 am and 4.00 am. The only way round this would have been to add extra days and expense to the vacation. But this makes the vacation very tiring. Make sure your camera is up the job, with high definition and zoom capabilities. Ours wasn't. You will need Leech Socks in Danum, but buy them there. There are surprisingly few vacation souvenir shops in Sabah and little time to get to shops in general. We had to leave present buying to the airport and there wasn't much there either.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes the vacation was very environmentally focused. The guides were all professional environmentalists and all resorts were very eco friendly. Our package included sponsorship of an orphaned orang-utan, tree planting along the Kinabatangan River and detailed information of the various initiatives to preserve what's left of the rainforest and its unique flora and fauna.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was the best vacation I've ever had; it was our first 'wildlife' vacation and whetted our appetite for more, next time with a better camera. The locations, accommodation, guides and opportunities for fantastic nature spotting were superb. It was hard work and tiring, but the last few days in Gaya provided adequate time to relax and recuperate. I would strongly recommend this package to anyone with a love of nature, who is reasonably fit and active.Julien Wright review 21 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing orang-utang and gibbon in the wild.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Stay 2 nights at MY Resort (or similar) not one because there is so much to see at Siepoloc.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Villages local to lodges benefitted by selling fish to them and being paid for trees we planted to renew the rain forest.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. All the links, collections, trips and flights went smoothlyAshley Irons review 9 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the ornagutans, particularly in the wild at Tabin. Also pygmy elephants on the Kinabatangan river. Lodges on the Kinabatangan river were super and the food was very good. Meeting the Iban people at Batang Ai was very interesting.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do not go to the Lubok Kasai jungle camp. Lights go off at about 7pm. There did not seem to be any advantage to being in a remote place. Pack light. Malaysian airlines is poor compared to other long haul carriers. My vegetarian daughter was given an apple as one of the meals! On outbound and inbound flights there were issues with the tv screens. The food is poor. Our connection time on the outbound flight was tight at KL and we missed it due to a two hour delay at Manchester. we then missed one of the activities we had planned. Gaya Island resort is very beautiful but the food is avearge to say the least (apart from the breakfast) and it is expensive. Rooms are lovely. not really suitable for children. We had problems when we were leaving Kotakinabalu to fly to KL as we did not have a stamp in our passports to show we had entered Sabah. We had understood that when we flew from Mulu to Kotakinabalu (en route to Sandakan) we landed in Miri solely to go through imigration. Our boarding card was stamped. We were not told to go thorugh immigration again at KitaKinabalu. we remained in the terminal that we arrived at to board the flight to sandakan. the staff at Kotakinabalu were very unpleasant and a number of staff were called to remonstrate with us. Eventually we were allowed through. Leech socks are probably not needed. Service at the Hilton restaurant in Kuching was very poor as was the food. Each person's meal arrived at very different times so we were unable to eat together, it also then took a long time. this was on a night when there was hardly anybody in the restaurant.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It did support conservation as we spent money on sanctuaries etc. Employment provided in lodges etc. However, we used flights so that will have had an environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fabulous. Definitiely recommend it. Glad we saw so many different things and had so many different experiences, but it was very tiring. Quality of guides was excellent, they were so enthusiastice and wanted to ensure we saw as much wild life as possible. The guide in Tabin went above and beyond to try and ensure that we saw an orangutang in the wild (which we did!).Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your feedback regarding your recent trip. I’m very glad to hear that you had a fabulous time on the trip to Borneo and that you were able to see a range of wildlife. However I’m sorry to hear that some aspects were not as expected. Please allow me to address the issues you have raised:
Lubok Kasai Jungle Camp: This is one of the most remote camps we sell and allows for a unique insight into the Borneo jungle to discover the wildlife. As advised in our trip literature, due to its remote location it only offers basic facilities including a limited electricity supply but we think the Camp provides a remote jungle experience, however we concede it may not be for everyone.
Malaysia Airlines: The bulk of our clients travel on Malaysia Airlines to Borneo as they offer a good quality service and cost effective tickets. However I do apologise on their behalf for the below par service it sounds like you received during your flights with regards meals and flight connections. I will feed back these points to the airline for their future reference.
Hilton Hotel, Kuching: I do apologise for the problems you encountered with the food and service at the Hilton Kuching. This is a hotel we use on a very regular basis and is one of the most popular hotels in the city due to its excellent riverside location and standard of the rooms and service. However we will of course feed your experience back to the hotel and our local agents for their future reference.
Gaya Island Resort: It’s good to hear you enjoyed this luxury resort. Again we book the resort for many clients and it always receives excellent feedback on the staff, rooms, location and quality of the food. However your points about the food quality and prices will be passed on to the resort management for their reference.
Marnie Hadaway review 17 Jun 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There are too many memorable and exciting parts to mention! Watching young Orangutans playing in the trees in Danhum Valley was incredible, seeing flying squirrels and a Western Tarsier on a night walk was fantastic but then there was also the Fireflies lighting up the trees along the river. Lankayan Island was pure paradise and the Orangutans and Sun Bears at Sepilok were heart wrenching.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for very early starts but they are well worth it and don't forget your leach socks and a good camera.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We visited the very isolated village of Abai along the river, which was great to see first hand how tourism has benefited them. We planted a tree that they had grown and chose to have our lunch there which they had prepared. Both Danhum Valley and Lakayan Island are conservation areas and obviously the work that is done at Sepilok rehabilitation center is fantastic.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An incredible experience, I would recommend this to everyone.Ellen Cartwright review 2 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing Animals in their natural habitat, especially the orangutans.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Have good hiking boots, be prepared for the heat, be camera ready & have patience in the jungle or primary forest areas.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, in some areas more than others but yes in general.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great vacation, excellent service, good communication & transportation.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
