Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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50 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Suzanne Rosser

Reviewed September 2015

Borneo Wildlife Discovery

Borneo has been on my list of places to visit (mainly due to the Orang-utans) and it lived up to the expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to decide … maybe arriving at Semenggok Orang-utan Centre to be told the large male Ritchie was there and then see him walk on the ground in front of me probably 15/20 ft away, along the path and then climb up into the trees. The sheer size and strength of him was just awe inspiring. Or perhaps watching the pygmy elephants on the river bank, in particular two young males rough and tumbling in the water together whilst we sat in our boat watching.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rony was an enthusiastic leader who has a passion for his country and its wildlife which he happily shared with us. He often went above and beyond what was expected of him. For example he rose early in the morning to take the group on additional bird watching walks. His knowledge of the local area also meant that we always ate well!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I used a lot of insect repellent (3 bottles) in the end. Buy a large plastic poncho that is fully rainproof (not just the odd shower) this covers both you and your rucksack; Borneo rain is something to experience! If you don't want to take advantage of the washing services provided - take a washing line and pegs with you. Also take light clothing that will dry quickly. I would recommend comfortable walk shoes and reef style strapy sandals, vest tops, shorts and a set of long trousers/sleeves. Leech socks can be bought locally very cheaply. Take a Borneo bird book as there are so many to identify and take binoculars if you have any.

Jennifer Wade

Reviewed September 2015

Jenni Wade

This holiday was amazing! I’m still buzzing 3 weeks later!! Just to be in pristine rainforest looking up at animals and birds was incredible. If you love wildlife you will surely love this holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many but I will never forget the first time I saw an orangutang swinging down through the trees with a baby clinging to her tummy and when she looked at me I had tears in my eyes it was amazing. The proboscis monkeys were also incredible sitting up in the trees settling down for he evening, just watching the big male stting there surrounded by his family who were all jumping from branch to branch was such a privilege.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rony was a brilliant leader. He was so enthusiastic and passionate about wildlife and his beautiful country. He was smily and happy from the time he greeted us at the airport to the time he waved us off at the end. He was always ready to answer questions and nothing was too much bother for him. Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of insect repellent. I used Jungle fomula maximum strength and this worked fine. The 100% DEET stuff just seemed to eat its way through fabric! Clothing I wore shorts and vest tops most of the time as it was too hot for sleeves and legs, but we did have to wear long pants and long sleeves on some hikes and on the night hikes. A poncho is really good for the rain as it keeps your bag and clothes dry. Waterproof bags for cameras etc were also really useful.

Andrew Oldham

Reviewed August 2015

Orang-atastic!

Visiting Borneo has been on the “list” for some time and it did not disappoint. An excellent trip on which we saw an amazing amount of varied wildlife. The rainforest was incredible to visit and it made me appreciate how we must treasure this natural resource, rather than replace it with consumer-led plantations.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to pick: - Was it the male orang utan that appeared after lunch on my birthday? - Was it the incredible sight of a flying squirrel gliding over 70m. after a very long wait? - Was it the many different sightings of wild orang utan, and other primates? - Was it thinking someone's mobile was ringing whilst walking through the rainforest, only to realise it was the sounds of the rainforest? - Was it the food and service at the Danum Valley Rainforest lodge?

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on many Exodus trips and so am qualified to judge Manuel as an excellent leader. I arrived on the group flight with 2 others, but our bags had missed the KL connection due to a delayed departure from LHR. Manuel assured us the bags would arrive at the hotel at about 430pm, a bold thing to say to stressed clients. The bags arrived on time. This set a high standard that Manuel consistently met throughout the trip, even in Sarawak where we were joined by a less experienced, less effective local guide.Manuel is very knowledgeable about the wildlife, the local history and culture. He frequently ate with us and introduced us to a variety of eating establishments, some cheap, others still affordable. He patiently endured our humour and struck the right balance between leader and travel companion.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bear in mind that a lot of the photography takes place in low light, with often fast moving or obscured wildlife. Every night we had access to UK plug sockets in our rooms (even the longhouse) and Wifi. A poncho and umbrella is more useful than a waterproof. We got leech socks for £3 locally (it was too dry for us to need them when we travelled). I bought duty-free gin, tonic was difficult to buy.

Michael Roantree

Reviewed August 2015

Borneo Wildlife Discovery

This was a fantastic holiday which exceed all expectations. We saw so much wildlife and experienced the different cultures. The country was very scenic but also more developed than I expected. We travelled with a small group of like-minded people and our team leader, Manuel, was exceptional.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing orang-utan in the wild for the first time. Staying in a long house was also an interesting experience and not to be missed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel was one of the best Exodus team leaders we have had. He was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and cultures of his country and explained things very well. He was always on time to meet us, very patient and well organised. How he used to spot wildlife hidden in trees and undergrowth was beyond me. Much of the success of this trip was down to him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for hot humid conditions and lots of sweating. The rain in the rainforests can be very heavy so a poncho is better than a kagool, it's more airy. Take plenty of 50% deet, you will get fewer bites. Trousers with zip off legs are useful, as are quick drying T-shirts/polo shirts. I never found the need for long sleeved tops. Malaysia uses the same electrical sockets and voltage as the UK so no need for adapters. We were able to charge batteries where ever we went. Internet access was available in most hotels free of charge, although a bit slow.

Jenny Hicks

Reviewed August 2015

An amazing adventure on a fascinating island!

A fantastic trip with so many highlights, led by an excellent guide! The itinerary takes in many different places, all special for different reasons. From bats to birds, orangutans to elephants, the wildlife was amazing. You also learn about the rich history and culture of Borneo. If you love wildlife, especially orangutans, then this is definitely the trip for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to select one as there were so many 'wow' moments. The first sighting of orangutans in the wild brought tears to my eyes - little did I know how much more was to come! Being literally yards away from an adult male orangutan was just breath taking! Then seeing 'gibbon gymnastics', bats streaming from a cave, baby monkeys clinging on tightly as the troupe crashes through the trees just overhead, a herd of over 20 elephants with young ones playfully romping on a river bank....and then snakes and spiders and incredible hornbills....this is a truly unforgettable trip!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel made the trip for us - knowledgeable, passionate about what he does and very efficient. He also gave us a very personal insight into Borneo life and culture, by telling us about his family. Best of all, he is a really nice guy, good fun and great company, so all of us wanted to join him in the evenings, even when we had the option to do our own thing. He really is a first class tour leader and I can't thank him enough for making our trip so amazing!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Practical things - there is a good laundry in KK, so you can get your clothes washed mid trip. We took 2 large bags and is was 18RM (less than £5). Take a small cloth/flannel to wipe your face as you get so hot and sweaty on the walks! Take a poncho or buy one there, that covers you and your backpack. Earplugs are a must in Mulu NP as the frogs go on all night! The trip notes say there are no snacks available but we found plenty everywhere- chocolate, biscuits, crisps etc, although no cereal bars. Finally, don't think twice - just book it!

Colin Hicks

Reviewed August 2015

fantastic close encounters with Borneo wildlife

A fascinating tour that takes in many wildlife highlights, cultural insights, all led by a fantastic tour leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

Amongst many 'wow' moments the one that just sneaks ahead of the rest was watching a large male Orang Utang wake up in the morning and get out of his nest. All only 20 metres away.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel was extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of Bornean wildlife and culture. He was also very friendly, organised and made the trip the success it was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's hot, humid and you will get wet. A poncho is a good investment. Be prepared to encounter wildlife in all its forms from very big to very small.

Jill Jones

Reviewed June 2015

Borneo Wildlife Discoverer

A great trip through Sabah and Sarawak looking for wildlife, exotic plants and places and wonderful scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to say, there were so many. Maybe the troupes of Proboscis Monkeys frolicking on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, or the mother and child wild orangutans that we watched till we could no longer look up. Maybe the Rhinoceros Hornbills that flew over the hills at sunset calling loudly, perhaps the Jerdon's Baza at the mouth of the bat cave waiting for dinner, or the Colugo snuggling on to a branch. Who has ever heard of a Colugo? Or just being in the jungle, hot and sweaty, knowing that something amazing is just round the corner.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great. Manuel was really helpful to me and to the whole group. He is an excellent leader, very knowledgable, very good-natured and very capable. He is also a great bird-spotter.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget your binoculars and your poncho. It was good to have a "Birds of Borneo" book too.

Tony Kempster

Reviewed November 2014

Spectacular wildlife expedition, especially great for birders

Undoubtedly the most spectacular wildlife expedition I have participated in. Great leadership from Roni, wonderful real life jungle experience. Mammalian wildlife a bit thin on the ground outside of the reserves, but birdlife abounded and our top birder noted over 90 species during the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sense of achievement in completing the long jungle march from the river to Sepilok. Five hours to cover nine km in 34 c and 90% plus humidity and lots of ups and downs. Seeing Orang Utans is always moving, even if just semi wild. We did see them in the wild a couple of times and that was an awesome experience. Speaking as one who lives to eat, the food alone in that part of the world makes the trip worthwhile. Gotta love rice and noodles, however!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roni was the key element in the success of the trip. Pretty varied group, strong representation from birders but Roni managed to keep everybody involved and interested. Got me up early three days to go look for birds! Managed the whole project with a professional, thoughtful style laced with a great deal of good humour. Roni's vast birding knowledge greatly appreciated by those members of the gang.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not be put off by the constant reference to birding. Even if like me you are not that much into birds it is well worth getting a couple of bird books and a decent pair of binoculars and allow the enthusiasm of the 'proper' birders to infect you. For me the trip was primarily about the jungle and walking, with the wildlife a bonus and you will have gathered I had a great time!

Reviewed November 2014

Fascinating Wildlife and People.

A fascinating introduction to an island of great contrasts. Apparently endless wilderness sitting alongside equally endless miles of Palm Oil plantations, and surprisingly modern cities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Surprisingly, not the orang-utans, wonderful though they were. My own 'wow' moment was visiting the enormous Deer Cave and watching the many thousands of bats heading out into the darkening evening sky. Magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rony was friendly, enthusiastic, helpful, knowledgeable. One of the very best tour leaders I've come across.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect to get wet. Expect to get hot and sweaty. Take good but lightweight walking boots. Go with the flow.

Dawn Baker-Woodward

Reviewed September 2014

Borneo wildlife Discoverer

The holiday was well planned in regards to maximising the best opportunities to see wildlife however the stays in Mulu ( bats and caves) and Kuching (city) were too long in my view . Great news though Exodus are looking to change this .

We saw 6 wild urangutans and sightings at the sanctuaries were limited due to trees fruiting late . It is possible to do all 3 sanctuaries at sepilok in the one day .

Most Inspirational Moment

"Car park urangutan" we literally got out off the bus to be told by a driver that there was a mother and baby in the trees ,to be honest I thought he was playing a trick on us but there they were! Bako was great - like your own little adventure and it would be great to be able to stay here in the future .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Rony was great always smiling and very knowledgeable in regards to the animals and culture of Borneo.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember the small animals - we have great photos of insects and make the most of the hornbills early on as we didn't see many of them towards the latter part of the holiday.

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