Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

our time in Mulu. The caves, the rain forest, the ambiance of the village we stayed in and the locals.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rony was a great leader, he went out of his way to make sure we got the best experience he could offer. he was so happy that we got to see the big 5 of Borneo. No request was too much to ask for and he went out of his way to make sure that questions and requests were all taken care of.

Advice for Potential Travellers

this is a great trip to take if you are of average fitness or not that young, yet be warned, to be prepared for high temperatures and high humidity, in the 90% range. We have done many trips into 3rd world countries and I must say that this trip was the safest feeling one that I've ever been on.

Suggestions

The trip was great, but if I had to say anything negative about it, it would be that we spent the whole trip (accommodation and food mainly) in Muslim areas. don't get me wrong, the people were fantastic, helpful and friendly and I have no problem with Muslims, I have many Muslim friends here at home. I would have liked to experience some interaction with other Malaysian sects just to see the difference. I must admit that a couple of times, I would have liked to sit down to eat some pork and pork crackling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing an orangutan mother and baby in the wild and many other monkeys and birds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rony enthusiasm and knowledge of wildlife contributed hugely to the success of the holiday. He brought his telescope which allowed us to get very close views of the animals and birds.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Kuching where the tour starts is a very relaxing and interesting place to spend a one/ two extra days.

Suggestions

Be aware that in Borneo huge areas of what was once tropical rainforest have been cleared for palm oil plantations, the guide told us that steps are being taken to reduce the environmental consequences of this for the animals.

Most Inspirational Moment

On the river Kinabatangan we were able to see the orangutans, horn bills, prob is us monkey and many birds in the wild. It was much better than seeing them at the feeding platforms.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rony was excellent throughout being helpful, sociable and knowledgeable. He had the skill as group leader which meant he included everyone in all the activities. I am profoundly deaf but was able to take part and with support hear the talks. He explained the culture and context of the wildlife as well as the bare facts. We really felt looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was not necessary to have leech socks if you had long socks to tuck your trousers into. It was essential however to have insect repellent and to pack a light suitcase. You are moving regularly and the packing needs to be minimum.

Suggestions

I understood why we stayed in the longhouse but in reality it was uncomfortable and tricky lifting the cases into the rooms. It was also a kind of stunt that didn’t really reflect the way of life of tribal peoples.

Most Inspirational Moment

Snorkelling near KK - beautiful fish and coral plus a large turtle

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roni was great - always informative and incredibly enthusiastic. Took us to lots of interesting places to eat and made sure we saw a huge variety of wildlife.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take two water bottles - it is hot and humid. Walking poles also useful. Be prepared for long and often bumpy rides - the roads outside the cities are not great. While this trip concentrated on wild-life spotting, there is also amazing vegetation with flowers and funghi - don't just look up, there is a lot to see when you look down as well!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jay was always thinking of the group. I would go as far to say the reason why the group got on so well was due to Jay and his constant consideration for other, which rubbed off on us all. Jay is a major asset to Exodus and if I could book him again on another trip, I would.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first came in Mulu National Park where we witnessed literally millions of bats leave Deer Cave at dusk to begin their evening search for dinner on the wing, twisting and swirling like endless murmurations of starlings. The second came from repeated sightings of orangutans and proboscis monkeys in trees along the Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley, showing that they can thrive in the wild in areas where their natural habitat is being conserved. A pre-breakfast walk in the Danum Valley lasted less than 100 metres before we encountered orangutans that we joyfully watched for the next 90 minutes as they played and fed in the fruit trees near our lodge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nostalia was an excellent leader throughout our tour. She provided clear briefings with everything we needed to know about timings, where we were going, what we could expect to see, and what to wear on different occasions. As expected from an Exodus leader, she proved very knowledgeable on all wildlife matters . She was also a great source of information in the towns and cities we visited, advising us where the locals go to eat excellent food at very reasonable prices.

Advice for Potential Travellers

From the trip notes, we surmised that we would be clad in long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and boots most of the time. In practice, this proved necessary for only four days (Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley) near the end of the trip. For the rest of the time, shorts, t-shirts and trainers/sandals worked very well as long as our exposed limbs were well treated with insect repellent. On the bird-watching front, we had delightful sightings of hornbills, eagles and kingfishers but the vast majority of Borneo's 300+ species proved elusive. If bird watching is a priority, you probably need to seek a specialist birding tour rather than a general wildlife tour like this one.

Most Inspirational Moment

Really enjoyed Danum Valley after a difficult walk with the humidity seeing orangutans close up. Also really enjoyed the snorkelling and got my confidence back after a bad experience on another holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roni was a good leader, very organised and he coped very well when one of our group had a fall. Everything was organised properly and I felt he really enjoyed his job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is a busy trip and you don't get much free time but really thought I got my monies worth. Leeches weren't as bad as I thought, luckily only got 1 bite that I know of and I didn't buy the leech socks.

Suggestions

I would recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the male Orangutan making a nest in the rain and then seeing him make an umbrella out of leaves

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, very helpful with plenty of local insight

Advice for Potential Travellers

Embrace the jungle as much as possible and don't be worried / afraid of insects / malaria etc

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up close with Orangutans and Proboscis monkeys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeffry Ismail was superb. Extremely knowledgeable about wildlife and never stuck for an answer about any aspects of the trip. He was sensitive to individuals' needs, very competent in organisational skills, always smiling and relaxed and with a great sense of humour. He was as excited at wildlife spotting as any member of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for leeches - they are almost bound to get past any defences.

Suggestions

The Borneo Rainforest Lodge luxury experience was a superb way to finish the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

early morning on canopy walkway above the rainforest. Seeing the dawn light on all the different shapes and forms of trees was a magical moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manual was superb. he has a deep knowledge of all the flora and fauna as well as being an excellent spotter of hidden wildlife. His skills greatly enhanced he trip. He went to considerable lengths to ensure we saw as much as possible - and to sort out all the inevitable minor hitches

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do as much of the activities as you can - don't expect a lot of sleep or free time! an umbrella came in handy -especially in the evenings walking to/from supper.