40 independent reviews for Borneo tour, Great Apes and Beach escapes
Reviews for Borneo tour, Great Apes and Beach escapes
James Small review 23 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
River cruises in the Kinabatangan River.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring a DSLR camera.Be aware that Permai Rainforest Resort is dry (no alcohol). Same as Waterfront hotel restaurant. The Shangri-la Rasa Ria has lots of sandflies which are quite nasty if bitten.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - especially the part run by SI Tours.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing - once in a lifetime trip!Sarah Lowrie review 23 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Climbing the pinnacles in Mulu, staying at the treehouse at Permai resort, and seeing a wild orangutan.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Not to take jumpers! Alcohol can be purchased but not always, and predominately beer. Permai resort requires 200MYR cash deposit per room at the time of booking in. To visit Top Spot for tea in Kuching.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it was small numbers visiting the areas. The one thing that stood out was that we were given 500ml bottled water for mid morning, lunch and afternoon, when we carried refillable water bottles. There were no facilities to fill up our bottles and it would be a good idea to look into places where this could be implemented. I appreciate that the water bottles ensured that the water was safe, but the volume of plastic per person (not just our group but all other tourists) made us feel slightly uneasy about the environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was an incredible experience. I would change things around a bit, having been there, but it was safe, friendly and memorable holiday in which we all learnt something from it.Brian Arrowsmith review 12 Apr 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing wildlife such as orangutans and monkeys.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ask for full itinerary including any meals provided. Have local sim and give phone number for contact. Have enough currency for extra taxes and hotel deposits.( if pay by card takes minimum of a week for refund)3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hope so but no idea. Environmental impact not helped by long drives to activities from choice of hotels.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Enjoyable but frustrating. No use providing an emergency contact for out of hours if not manned.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Brian,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. It's very helpful to help us improve our services as we continually strive to build better experiences for our clients.
It's great to hear that seeing wildlife, like orangutans and monkeys, was the most memorable part of your holiday.
Regarding the impact on local communities and the environment, I appreciate your honesty about your frustrations and concerns during the trip. Throughout your trip we used locally run accommodation, local guides and drivers, so you could benefit from their unparalleled knowledge and expertise, whilst the communities benefit too. We also work closely with our trusted local partner in Borneo and they share our passion for sustainability and giving back to the local communities.
Your feedback about the accessibility of emergency contacts and the logistics of the trip will be taken into account for future improvements.
If you have any further comments or if there's anything else we can assist you with, please feel free to let us know.
Kind regards,
Miles
Nicola Gregson review 18 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wildlife.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need to be fit and active.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we felt that we were contributing to the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Ok but….. not a detailed or accurate itinerary and not enough communication or recognition that we are in our 70’s and are less able.Read the operator's response here:
Thanks for your feedback, it's very helpful to help us improve our services as we continually strive to build better experiences for our clients. We pride ourselves in providing a really personalised service and like to speak to our clients at the initial planning stages to facilitate this, it is unfortunate that in your case we were not able to do discuss in more detail with you to ensure the trip was right for you. In future we will endeavour to double check fitness
levels with our clients, as of course we want you to be comfortable whilst travelling with us. We also apologise that you did not find your final travel itinerary to be detailed enough and that some emails were missed by us during peak holiday season when we were slower to respond.
Karina Ng review 8 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Entire trip exciting.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do as much as you can.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Had the most amazing time.Carole Britton review 21 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Releasing baby turtles on Lankayan Island2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t take too many clothes, don’t take towels as these are all included as well as beach towels, boardwalks can be slippery in the rain so have shoes with a good grip3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely amazing, a truly fantastic experienceJudith Horsfall review 31 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the wildlife including orang utans in the jungle.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Get leech socks before you travel.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, definitely.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a wonderful trip, we met some amazing local people and our brief of jungle, wildlife, beach and city was thoroughly well met. Everything went very smoothly and we would certainly recommend Responsible Travel and use them again and again.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Judith,
Thanks so much for taking the time to send us your feedback!
Witnessing wildlife, especially orangutans in their natural jungle habitat, is such an incredible experience and I'm glad you were able to enjoy this.
Preparing for a trip where you might encounter leeches is important and we'll be sure to inform future travellers of this. Leech socks can be a great addition to your travel gear, helping to protect you from these tiny creatures while you explore the jungle.
It's heartening to know that you feel that your holiday had a positive impact on both the local community and the environment. Responsible tourism plays a crucial role in supporting local economies, preserving natural habitats, and contributing to conservation efforts. The activities and accommodation that we select prioritize sustainability and benefit the local population, so you've ensured that your travel experience leaves a positive mark.
Thank you for your recommendations and we look forward to getting you on another exciting adventure soon!
Kind regards,
Miles
Phil Davies review 5 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Drink on the roof top in central KL at the Helibar2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Investigate option of flying from KL to Tioman as an alternative to the ferry from Mersing3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
in a very small way perhaps4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
excellentCarol Spong review 30 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the orangutans at the sanctuary2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just book it, you won’t be disappointed3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to first one, no to second and yes to third4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentPeter Newton review 20 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Seatrek cruise2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Try and take hand luggage only3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, but still waiting on details on how to enact carbon offsets for the air travel4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A thoroughly enjoyable holiday, well organised by the tour operator. The Youniq hotel was a disappointment and the guiding at Tabin suffered as the guides did not communicate between themselves. Structures at walk destinations at Tabin were fenced off with hazard tape. All the guides, hotel staff and local people were all very friendly and helpful.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Peter,
We're so pleased you had such memorable holiday, particularly enjoying the Seatrek cruise!
It's great to hear that you are conscious of the environmental impact of your travels. To enact carbon offsets for your air travel, feel free to contact us and we can recommend some initiatives that are doing really great things to help with this. While you had an overall enjoyable experience, we do note that the Youniq hotel was a disappointment for you and will be looking into the matter further. Communication between guides and coordination during activities can significantly impact the overall experience. We will be mentioning this to our local
partner, so they can work on improving this aspect for future travellers. It's great to hear that you found the local people to be friendly and helpful. Supporting local communities through your travels can be a meaningful way to contribute positively to the places you visit.
If you'd like to discuss your feedback further then please do feel free to get in touch.
We hope to send you off on another adventure soon!
Kind regards,
Miles
Richard Edwards review 14 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Batu Caves in KL, searching for wildlife on the river cruises and the peace and tranquility of Lankayan Island snorkelling with turtles.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t waste money on leech socks when going to Sepilok to see the Orangutan as everywhere has boardwalks. Also, they are 25RM (£5) in Borneo as opposed to £25 a pair of purchased in the UK.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes and it also gave us a much better understanding of the palm oil industry too!!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. The only disappointment was a change in schedule which meant we didn’t get to spend enough time at Sepilok to see the orangutan.Marilyn Taylor review 31 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to say - I had been there before. It was a bit disappointing.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you are going to Sandakan, ie Sepilok Orangutan and the river lodges, then don't fly back through Kota Kinabulu - it wastes a day. Rather fly back home from Sandakan, to KL or Singapore. I could have made better use of my time in KK if I had booked a day trip to the islands.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely benefited local people. Not sure about the other things. The hotels were conscious of conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was OK. Maybe I'm too tired right now to assess properly. I went to photograph the orangutan, but frankly, the photos I took in 2009, with not such a good camera, were probably better.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Marilyn,
Thanks so much for sending us your feedback.
I understand that returning to a familiar place can sometimes be less exciting. It's unfortunate that this trip didn't live up to your expectations. It's valuable
advice you've given regarding the travel route for those planning a similar trip to Sandakan. Making the most of your time in Kota Kinabalu with a day trip
to the islands sounds like a great idea.
It's good to hear that your holiday benefited the local people, and it's important that the hotels were conscious of conservation. Environmental impact is a
complex issue, and it's great to know that efforts were made to support conservation.
It's completely understandable that you might feel too tired to assess your trip fully right now. Sometimes our expectations and experiences can vary,
especially when revisiting a place.
Your feedback is valuable, and I appreciate your honest rating.
We hope to welcome you back again soon and send you on another adventure!
Kind regards,
Miles
Kay Topping review 26 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the wildlife - wild orangutans, different species of monkey, rhinoceros hornbills, green turtle laying eggs, saltwater crocodiles2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Check flight times and be prepared for time in airports with nothing to do3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Supported conservation through supporting sanctuaries and promoting wildlife and habitat. Supported local people through jobs4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Thoroughly enjoyed itCarolyn Foggo review 14 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of the boat trips and seeing a wild orangutan.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it...it was an amazing holiday. Very hot but well worth it. So long as you have a good insect repellent you don’t need many long sleeved lips or long trousers.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We learnt a lot about what they country and locals are doing for conservation. Tourism also helps.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. All the guides were wonderful. Very knowledgeable. Accommodation was basic in places but clean and food was great. Everyone very welcoming and helpful.Kathy Kachele review 3 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
After the orangutan feeding when the big male orangutan appeared close to the boardwalk as we were leaving the park.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would include Tabin for people who want a more remote jungle experience. We didn’t get to go due to time restraints, but several people with us did and liked it a lot. Normally we wouldn’t go to a high-end resort like Gaya Island, but it ended up being a wonderful way to end our trip...a beautiful and easily accessible island, lovely accommodations, and incredible staff.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We were amazed that everything worked perfectly. We were always met at the plane or lodging on time, our guides and drivers were excellent, and we got a good overview of the area we visited.Sue Stewart review 17 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Orangutans both in the wild and at Sepilok rehab centre, we were very lucky! But we loved everything, it was an awesome trip. The people were lovely, so helpful and friendly.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Stop talking and looking at your phones and look around you, we saw so much more than those glued to their screens! Borneo is somewhat humid, linen clothes are ideal. Take your own water bottles, these can be filled up at the lodges and this saves on using plastic3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe so. We ate at a local village (lovely food). Local people were employed thanks to the tourism. The lodges were all very eco-friendly4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had an amazing trip, Borneo is a beautiful country, the animals were amazing, the lodges were fairly basic but exactly what you'd expect in the middle of the country. Loved it!Claire Ruby review 3 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The jungle river lodges. The environment and atmosphere of the sights, sounds and smells of everything around you.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a good camera!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. There seemed to be a keen effort in being "green" and supporting local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Borneo has stolen our hearts and it surpassed and thoroughly exceeded our expectationsJane Reis review 19 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The boat ride along the river and seeing wild orangutans.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Check out to see if the lodges have AC ....as we were surprised some did. Well worth the extra money for a little bit of cool air!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Some4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent adventure!Charlotte Macey review 29 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to just pick one, but the river cruises were really special. It was absolutely fantastic to see the wild elephants one evening, and the following early morning boat trip was completely magical.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just book, it's fabulous.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it went part of the way yes, but it would have been good to see some of the plastic on the Kinabatangan river being collected (and I would've happily taken part if asked).4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Simply brilliant.John Taylor review 22 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This was a memorable holiday throughout, highlights included seeing wild orangutan at Tabin and Kinabatangan, Sukau.. Seeing the turtles laying eggs and releasing the young ones at Turtle Island2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take the best pair of binoculars you can afford. Many of the birds and some animals are only visible clearly with binoculars and the trees are very tall. The humidity is intense so lots of changes of clothes are required.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
There was a clear message of conservation and helping the community in several of the places I stayed, particularly in Sukau.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This holiday was brilliant. Over the period of the holiday I had 6 different locations, internal flights, road travel, speedboat travel. Without exception every guide/driver turned up on time and were helpful and polite.The guides had a great knowledge of the areas I went to.Eva Eggler review 2 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Snorkeling with sea turtles on Lankayan Island, seeing wildlife in Sendakan2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Look for a good mix of wildlife, nature, beach. Since you do not have 100% likelihood to see wildlife (People tend to forget it is not a Zoo) you should find more things that will be exciting and make holidays memorable.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All our local guides were great! Yes, the trip reduced environmental impacts or at least did not additionally harm.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a great trip and a very unique experience! Just a shame that Sabah is still seen as a very unsafe region and you have to get used to seeing all the armed security (Lankayan Island). Might not be appropriate for many risk averse travellers.Yvonne Aggett review 27 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all absolutely fantastic. From seeing the Orangutans and Sun Bears in Sepilok to the monkeys, birds, crocodiles and pigmy elephants whilst staying on the Kinabatangan River. All the accommodation was good. The guides who took us to the various centres/locations/canopy walkways were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. It was a most wonderful experience.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take lots of mosquito repellent with "Deet". Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration - you will sweat a lot! Have a pair of good walking shoes.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic holiday. Enjoyed every moment. Everything ran really smoothly.kathleen Young review 17 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The river lodge2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The travelers tax3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe it did4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was good vacationFiona Cohn review 30 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Deramacott. Great guide and great wildlife sightings.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for more heat and humidity than you are expecting3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes on all counts4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Interesting, varied. Not sure we would do the trip to Batang Ai had we known what it was like.Will Haig review 30 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Swimming with turtles at Lankayan island. Or seeing pygmy elephants on the Kinabatangan River2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
No need for leech socks on this itinerary - there is no jungle trekking, only boardwalks and river safaris3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to the latter, not so much to the other two.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic, but could have done without the night in Sandakan (however, I appreciate this would have been cutting it a bit fine with the boat to Lankayan at 10am)Read the operator's response here:
Hi Will, we are so pleased that you had such an enjoyable trip to Borneo. Swimming with turtles and seeing pygmy elephants must have been magical! We carefully select our accommodation to ensure that they’re run by and actively employ the local population. We also ensure that the accommodation work towards reducing their environmental impacts such as limiting water usage. Your feedback is also very useful, so thanks very much.
Best wishes, Joe
Cecily Reeves-jones review 27 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We were lucky enough to see a herd of Pygmy elephants crossing the Kinabatangan River, along with crocodiles, wild orang-utans and lots of other monkeys and reptiles.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ensure you have clothes for heat and rain a long with lots of bug spray.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Visiting Sepilok nature reserve puts money into conservation which is good. Local guides used made us feel like we were getting great knowledge whilst helping the economy. We visited a local woman's house for lunch whilst at the Kinabatangan River which benefited everyone, including her family and the village.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was an amazing opportunity. We were very busy and were so lucky to see amazing sites, beautiful views and a host of wild animals.Tracey Bulmer review 18 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The river cruising and seeing the wildlife2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Try to avoid too many connecting flights. Our airline was delayed, so we missed a connection and lost a day of our amazing holiday3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it was very well thought out4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10/10Read the operator's response here:
Thank you so much for your review Tracey, I am so glad you had such a memorable trip. I am sorry to hear about your delayed flight, but pleased to hear that it didn't detract too much from your overall experience. Best wishes, Joe
Beth Harrington review 10 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing "critters" in the wild, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, other monkeys, birds, etc. Multiple interactions with locals.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Identify what you want to do/see, and make it clear to them who are putting together your itinerary.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Every country I've been to in last few years has all the "correct" recycling containers. "Buy in" to recycling, however, is not at level observed in US. There is a lot of littering. So, our comments about our commitment to recycling and reducing waste are important for others to hear.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing. Responsible Travel worked with us closely to individualize our itinerary. Our guides were well trained and professional, and responsive to our requests for information, to alter itinerary, stay longer, etc. All transfers with on time and smooth!Read the operator's response here:
I’m so pleased to hear you had such a memorable trip in Borneo! It’s great that you got to see so many incredible animals in their natural habitats in the wild and also had genuine interactions with the locals. I’m glad you loved your personalized itinerary and that your guides were so informative and helpful.
Paul Stokes review 13 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The reason for the trip was the chance to get close to Orangutans and the other wildlife. We had travelled to other jungle / rain forest locations before but never Borneo and having a love for this environment was another big reason.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The only issue that I found in all areas of Borneo, including airports was the difficulty in obtaining camera batteries, and even AA batteries purchased anywhere other that the airport where often very old and pretty dead before they had been used. So carry spare batteries that you may need. Take a wildlife guide that also covers insects, snacks etc. very limited and expensive to buy in country if you can find one.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt that local people would have benifited from making purchases from villages and also set up villages where you can see local people making items. The local company seem to be trying to do the right thing and putting money into local conservation projects. There is a lot more that could be done to improve the environmental impacts especially relating to the use of plastic.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was excellent. At some of the locations there is a chance to get out and explore and fairly well marked jungle tracks suitable for someone with limited/no jungle navigation ability. Would have prefered to be offered to take the dolphin / whale river trip without other people as this trip was ruined by people who seemed to have no grasp of how lucky they where to be in this location seeing what they were seeing.Ivan Milovanovic review 7 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were many of them. First, Borneo as a whole, virgin community of simple people, immaculate nature and effort to keep it like that. Borneo is different than any place we visited before. If I have to choose one experience, I will choose 3 :) First, roaming the Rainforest Discovery center in Sepilok by ourselves in the evening, going through the Canopy trail in the cups of the rainforest, listening the jungle and seeing wildlife. It was breathtaking in every single second. Second, the Kinabatangan river experience by small boat, the smell and sound of the jungle, with all the wildlife at your fingertips. I missed only the tracking through the jungle by foot. Third, the Lankayans... my God, what a place. The mornings, the sunsets, swimming with turtles, seeing the sharks, such a paradise.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Many. Docs - you can enter Malaysia with less than 6 months in your passport but prepare for 45 min spent in Immigration. Cash - better bring MYR from your location if available. If not, change some money at the airport. In Sepilok (our 1st destination) the rate is 25% worst. Diseases myths - if you go to our destinations (Sepilok, Selingan, Kinabatangan river, Lankayans) mosquito spray is the only thing you need, forget the special socks, trekking gear or else. Rainforest Discovery Center in Sepilok - it is not in the program but it's a must see. Go after 5 pm so it's all yours at no cost. Grab app. It is local version of Uber. It works during the day but not after 5-6 pm. We had to organize a taxi to bring us back from Sepilok to Sandakan at triple cost, and the streets not seem 100% safe. Be careful when dark. Related to the above - buy at the airport local SIM (40 MYR, some 11 USD) so you have data access, it is needed 120%.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was amazing. It can always be better, but it met our expectationsJane Byrne review 3 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Very difficult to say as it was so varied in content and my husband I liked all of the holiday. The people both in Borneo and on the Indonesian Islands ( Bali and Flores) were happy and smiling all of the time and their natural hospitality was very impressive. I loved the boats trips on the Kinabatagen river and all the amazing bird and animal wildlife and Paul really enjoyed the early morning treks in the Tabin Wildlife reserve and captured photographs again of an amazing and unusual selection of wildlife. Bali was a different pace of life and we both enjoyed the trip to the coffee plantation and tasting a variety of spiced and herbal teas and cofee. Everywhere we went the guides were informative and helpful. Seeing the Komodo dragons was a once in a life time experience.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for early morning starts and early to bed in Borneo as the days are packed and tiring but very enjoyable. Not surprisingly very very humid. Avoid Malaysia airlines for your long flights - we missed a day going out as flight from London was delayed and we missed our connecting flight and on the way home our luggage was left behind in Kuala Lumpur ( apparently both experiences, we have since found out, are not uncommon)3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This was apparent in all aspects of the holiday and conservation was central to all the places we stayed. Local people were very involved everywhere.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentRead the operator's response here:
Hi Jane,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review about your trip to Borneo and Indonesia with us!
I'm really pleased to hear you both had a fantastic time and it was a pleasure working with you on your travel plan.
I am really sorry to hear about the issues you experienced with Malaysia Airlines, it's a real shame and I will certainly keep your feedback in mind for future clients travelling to Borneo as well.
It's great to hear your highlights, I absolutely loved the Kinabatangan River and I really want to go to Tabin as I haven't been! I'm glad you enjoyed the people in all areas, it really make it doesn't it.
Once again I am really pleased you both enjoyed your trip and we can't wait to plan another adventure for you!
Best wishes,
Chloe
JIll Wheatley review 2 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of it2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack your luggage separately. Have your jungle items in one case and beachwear in another case.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Adopted an orangutan and a Turtle Nest4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Jill,
Thanks so much for your lovely review about your trip to Borneo!
I'm so so pleased you had a great time, Joe filled me in when I got to work this morning about all of your highlights.
That's so lovely you were able to adopt an Orangutan and some turtles too, it's always nice to know you are able to help with the preservation of the wildlife
and area!
Thanks again Jill and we look forward to planning another trip for you soon.
Best regards,
Chloe
EilishAnne Hannah review 14 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing Pygmy elephants in the wild was the highlight.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Insect repellant, good camera for wildlife, water proofs.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes sepolik and the sun bear sanctuary aim to release back into the wild. The conditions the animals are kept in are really good. The local tour company employs local people and offers scholarship programmes to locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, very good value for money, incredible experiences, amazing food. Really helpful people and good guide. Very smooth experience.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Eilish, it's so wonderful to hear than you had an incredible time in Borneo and that everything went smoothly.
It's great that you had a fantastic time knowing your trip benefited the local people and the wildlife. How exciting that you spotted Pygmy Elephants - a rare sighting and I'm so pleased you'll take this memory away from your Borneo adventures!
Thank you, Phoenix
Lindsay Melling review 26 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the wildlife in a natural setting - sitting in a boat on the river, suddenly seeing movement in the trees and observing a family of monkeys eating and grooming was wonderful and seeing a group of pygmy elephants munching happily away by the riverside was just amazing.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take your camera and binoculars! This was a wonderful holiday and an opportunity to see the different sides of Borneo - city, island, rainforest - all of which were fantastic.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All of our guides and drivers were local people who were friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. Our impression was that tourism was being managed appropriately to support the environment and conservation whilst providing economic benefits locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful, we really enjoyed it and didn't want to come home!Read the operator's response here:
Hi Lindsay,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review about your trip to Borneo with us.
It really sounds like you had a memorable holiday and really got to enjoy some of the best highlights that beautiful Borneo can offer. I loved the Kinabatangan River and I think the guides are fantastic at helping spot the amazing wildlife as well. I am so jealous you got to see pygmy elephants!
Thanks for your helpful tips, a agree that a good camera and binoculars are a must for spotting wildlife it really makes a difference.
I am pleased you noticed the effort our local partners and guides make in supporting the local conservation and environment as it’s something that is in much need in Borneo so it’s great to able to make a difference!
Once again Lindsay, thanks again for your glowing review and we hope to hear from you again soon.
Best wishes,
Chloe
Mary Alice Power review 1 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Mountain climbing2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring walking stick. We did but should be told to people?.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great. One of our best in twenty years. We have done much traveling.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Mary Alice,
Thank you so much for your review regarding your trip to Borneo with us as part of your big adventure.
It's great to hear you liked the Kinabalu climb so much, well done for completing it as it’s quite an achievement! Thanks for the tip about the walking poles as well, I will certainly make sure to recommend this to future clients.
It's lovely to hear this was your best trip in 20 years and I am thrilled to have organised it for you!
Thanks again Mary Alice and we look forward to helping you again soon.
Best wishes,
Chloe
Kristofer Othzen review 14 Nov 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
A tour by the frog pond at Kubah national park2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Find strong insect repellant3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, or at least that it diddn't facilitate the opposite.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Quite good, only thing I would change was the last stop at gaya island resort, not really my kind of place.Annalisa Clark review 2 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We loved our 2 night stay in the Longhouse. We felt very privileged to be a part of their life for a couple of days2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Nice to have a balance of accommodation- loved the basic bits but also nice to finish off with a bit of luxury3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The only thing stopping me giving it a 5 star experience is the fact we only saw 2 orang-utans from a distance. We were quite unlucky when we visited the rehabilitation centres and walked through the rainforest. we were also hoping to see them at Rasa ria at the end but they had been rehomed to Sepilok. Maybe we should have tried to visit Sepilok as well..? Also a trip to Bako National park may also have been good- friends we met had good close up experiences with wildlife there. Canoeing was fun but something we can do in the UK so we wish we had seen a few more animals/reptiles.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Annalisa,
Thanks very much for taking the time to write a review about your trip to Borneo with us! It sounds like you had a wonderful family holiday to Borneo and it was a pleasure putting it together for you.
It's a shame about the orangutans in Semenggoh. Unfortunately as they are mainly wild it can vary day to day when it comes to spotting them. I'm however glad you got to see a couple from the distance as that is still lucky! Maybe if you go back to Borneo you could spend more time in Sabah region next time, to explore Sepilok and other wildlife areas.
I am really pleased to hear you enjoyed the longhouse experience, as you know I loved this myself and it's great to know you are directly supporting the local people and community. It's also great you liked the balance of accommodation throughout as it's all part of the overall experience!
Thanks again for your feedback Annalisa and we hope to hear from you and your family again soon!
Best regards
Jackie Kay review 19 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything was most enjoyable2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go prepared for the rain3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I truly hope so.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentRead the operator's response here:
Hi Jackie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to submit a review about your trip to fantastic Borneo. I am so pleased to hear you had a lovely time, it's my favourite country I have been to without a doubt! I totally agree about your traveller's tip, the rainforest likes to share it's downpours so it's always good to have a poncho or umbrella to hand!
Our local partners in Borneo work with many different conservation projects and only select hotels that follow sustainability practices so you can be assured that your booking was supporting local people and the right conservation.
Thanks again for your lovely comments and we hope to hear from you again soon!
Best wishes,
Chloe
Louise Stewarts review 26 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole trip was memorable because of the amount we packed in. We have arrived home with much to savour and a warm feeling towards Sabah and the Malaysian people. Special moments were seeing an orangutang in the wild, the river excursions through the jungle and managing to get to the top of Mt Kinabalu with a lovely clear view.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Prepare for the climb up Mt Kinabalu. It is much more than a steep hill - mostly steps and very uneven. Allow time afterwards for your legs to recover before your flight home. Travel as light as possible, everything is very casual and you don't want to be carting large cases around.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We shopped in local markets and ate in the night fish market in Kota Kinabalu. We took aquapure filter bottles and topped them up from our rooms to avoid using bottled water too much. The local guides were very informative and quite happy to talk honestly about the problems surrounding the palm oil industry and the impact it has already had on wildlife and deforestation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great trip. Not at all relaxing as we were on the move most of the time (our choice), but we are refreshed and invigorated and very happy to have seen and done so much.Tony Warren review 14 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were too many memorable moments to pick just one. Watching the wild Orang Utans high in the trees, walking along the gangway following a juvenile Orang Utan in the Sepilok santuary, the orchids, Lankayan, watching the turtles and releasing the hatchlings, swimming with reef sharks and more.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
On the return trip we had a half day stopover at the lodges at Sandakan. A short taxi fare gives you a few more hours at the Orang Utan santuary, well worth it.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
WonderfulRead the operator's response here:
Hi Tony,
Thank you so much for your review for your recent trip to Borneo.
It sounds like you had some fantastic wildlife experiences, and I know the guides we work with in Borneo work extra hard to spot the animals too! Also, it's lovely that you were able to assist with our local charity project we support on Lankayan Island as it's doing a wonderful job with the conservation and protection of marine life and turtles.
Thanks for the good tip on the return to Sandakan, it's great to use up the free time that generally occurs on the last day and I am pleased that you were able
to spend a bit more time at the Orangutan sanctuary before the flight home as well.
Thanks again for your glowing review Tony, I am pleased you both had a wonderful time and we hope to hear from you again soon!
Best wishes,
Chloe
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.
