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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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53 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Reviews

Borneo Wildlife Discover

This is an excellent trip to discover the wildlife and to explore the jungles of Borneo. The trip is well planned from the modern bustling cities of Kuching, Kota Kanabalu and Sandakan to the jungle resorts of Muli and Borneo. The opportunities to see wildlife are many and often you see it in the least expected way for example, a python curled up on the back of a truck in the Hotel Yard!

Most Inspirational Moment

I can never answer this question because these trips are a continual mixture of high points but possibly just sitting alone in the Borneo Forest Lodge looking at the birdlife with Orangutans in the nearby forest, a moment of quiet reflection in the middle of a busy trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel was excellent His knowledge of the wildlife was superb and when asked for a particular birdsong, he could identify it immediately as well as the vast number of insects which we saw. On a personal note, I arrived separately from the Group as I had been travelling in Australia and on the day before the main group arrived, I fell heavily on a wet marble pavement in Kuching bruising ligaments in my leg. I realised that I was unable to participate in some of the more strenuous activities on this trip and Manuel arranged for me to visit a Doctor and throughout the trip, he could not have been more supportive. Manual reported the problem to Exodus and their support and help was gratefully appreciated. I felt that travelling with Exodus you were not another client but an individual and you were to receive personal attention.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a busy tour but with two nights in most locations you do have time to relax. Costs are low so you can eat well and cheaply. If you are interested in wildlife, this is an excellent well planned and managed trip.

Borneo Wildlife Experience

Two weeks of wonderful wildlife, rainforests, enormous caves and much more. We were extremely lucky to spot Proboscis monkeys on our first morning at Bako National Park – and then we saw wild Orang Utans later on our trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Driving 82km off the main road in a convoy of 4x4's on an unmade road to reach the most wonderful 5 star hotel in the middle of primary rainforest - and then a wild Orang Utan appearing in a tree just outside the hotel restaurant whilst we were eating lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel was extremely well mannered, sociable, & very knowledgeable about all forms of wildlife - especially the smaller types - snakes, frogs, spiders, etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be disheartened if you don't get to see all of the wildlife that you expect to see - birds were particularly difficult to spot in the rain-forest - they are up in the canopy & often quite small to see. The first few days in Sarawak - we saw mostly insects, spiders, etc - and were beginning to worry that we wouldn't see much else - but Sabah made up for it - the second half of the trip we saw wild Orang Utans, two types of Macaques, many Proboscis monkeys & finally three of us managed to spot a Borneon Gibbon.

Brilliant Borneo

Wall to wall wildlife! Each place had its own wildlife and ecosystem – all of them were amazing. The people were friendly and the wildlife was prolific – a great tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a number of highlights to this trip: -the bat exodus from the caves at Mulu - getting close to proboscis monkeys at Lahad Bay - Danum Valley (all of it!) - boat rides on the Kinatabangan River -wild orangutans (particularly at the Gomantong Caves)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel was a fantastic group leader. He was calm and organised. He was very tuned in to our needs and made sure that we all knew what we were supposed to be doing, when and what we would need (i.e. head torch or long trousers etc). He was enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable. He was obviously respected by the local guides he worked with at each place. He was brilliant at spotting animals. Nothing was too much trouble. Manuel made our trip relaxed, comfortable and truly special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When it rains it really rains so take a poncho as this covers both you and your rucksack. Take a water bottle which you can refill. Leech socks are available in Kota Kinabalu at a reasonable price so there is no need to buy them at great cost before you go.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.