A snow-white Renaissance English fortress from the days of the White Rajahs and a 19th century South Indian mosque; perhaps not what you’d expect to f...
A muddled mix of Muslim, Hindu and British ingredients combine across Malaysia to present a captivating and slightly conservative cultural soup. Oppos...
Reviews
1 Reviews of Borneo small group tour with added comfort
5 out of 5 stars
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Reviewed on 25 Apr 2024 by Howard Reece-Smith
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of it, one exciting part after another
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take some wet water shoes
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes plenty of evidence that the local economy benefited
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A 5 star experience with an exceptional guide
Responsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
We seek to use accommodation that is suitable for our travellers, while also finding properties that are making concerted efforts to reduce their environmental impact. We include properties that have water-saving measures in place, use renewable energy sources, and are built to complement their surroundings. On this trip through Borneo, travellers will stay in a Kinabatangan River lodge that uses solar energy, collects rainwater for use around the property, is built from locally milled wood, and provides water refill stations and biodegradable toiletries for guests.
We believe that wild animals should be viewed – with no contact or interaction – doing what they do best: living in the wild. We only visit wildlife sanctuaries if the rationale for the sanctuary operation is in the best interests of the animals involved (i.e. only visiting animal sanctuaries and/or rescue centres operating with the highest animal welfare and conservation standards possible). We actively discourage the participation of travellers in any activities that exploit wild or domestic/working animals. This trip includes visits to Mulu National Park, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and explorations of the Kinabatangan Wetlands on foot and by boat. We use local guides who understand the unique flora and fauna of this region, and who ensure our travellers are not venturing off paths or entering areas of rehabilitation. Our guides ensure that visitors don’t call out, whistle or try to get the attention of an animal, as uncommon noises cause stress for them.
People
Our trips maximize the opportunity for travellers to engage meaningfully with local culture and communities. Many experiences on our trips also support traditional cultural practices – whether artisanal, culinary or otherwise. In turn, this helps to sustain and preserve these traditional practices so that future generations may continue to learn, enjoy and benefit from them. During a two night stay in Batang Ai National Park, travellers on this trip through Borneo will meet members of the local Iban community, spending time with them to learn more of their traditions and way of life. Travellers will take guided walks through the rainforests that have been home to the Iban people for over 400 years, foraging for plants and herbs that will become part of their lunchtime cooking class.
We go direct to the source for many of the inclusions on our trips. Locally-owned accommodation, transport providers, activity suppliers. This ensures that income from tourism is directly benefitting local communities everywhere we go. All aspects of this trip (on the ground) are operated by Malaysians. This includes our leaders, vehicle drivers, local site guides, and accommodation providers. We also include several meals at local food courts, markets and bazaars. These are places in Kuching, Lachau and Kota Kinabalu where local people enjoy daily meals, but that are often missed by tourists. Not only will travellers love the delicious, fresh regional dishes, they’ll also be spreading the economic benefits of tourism with a wider local audience.
