Nick was great and so patient with my many qu...

Malaysia | Aug 21 - Aug 25, 2024

Nick was great and so patient with my many questions (there was a lot) and made everything really easy planning the trip.

Kinabatangan River was great and the place and staff lovely. The only thing I would emphasise a bit more is to bring cash. There are only two main ATMS (aside from the airport) that I know of and one of them wasn’t working. Definitely bring a raincoat and plenty of bug spray! Food is basic but nice and staff were great.

Sepilok was amazing - our guide Rosman was super friendly and knowledgeable - we got really lucky and saw lots of orangutans and sunbears.

Libarian island - we went here in place of Selingan island as it was booked up. The trip out to the island was great and the island itself was very peaceful! We didn’t see any turtles but did release some babies which was super special! The accommodation was basic but perfect. The only thing I would note here is that the guide we had, while lovely, didn’t really seem too interested in engaging with us or the group outside of when he had too.

Hotel Reviews

Nature Lodge Sepilok

Sepilok

Perfect location next to the sanctuaries. Food is basic but ideal for what it is. Rooms are basic but very clean with aircon. Staff were super lovely!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Walai Penyu Resort Libaran

Sandakan

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Staff were lovely however our guide didn’t seem to interested in engaging with us outside of the planned activities.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nature Lodge Kinabatangan

Sandakan

Authenticity & Character

Basic but clean and in the jungle :)

Location

Right in the river

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

We stayed in a lodge room which was great. Not sure what the dorms are like.

Activity Reviews

Sepilok Orangutan Centre & Sunbear Centre

Sandakan

Our guide Rosman was fabulous and we got super lucky with seeing all the animals.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon Wildlife River Cruise

Kinabatangan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was lovely but his English wasn’t the best so it made it a bit difficult to ask him questions about the animals.

Transport

Kinabatangan River Exploration (River Cruises)

Kinabatangan

It was a great day and the safaris were great. I would prob only offer the walk once or twice as it is the exact same route, or bring the group somewhere else.

Quality of Experience

Food

Basic but nice

Guides, Drivers and Staff

All staff were lovely. Guide was super nice, but didn’t speak English too well which made it hard to ask questions.

Transport

During our evening safari our boat did breakdown and we had to be rescued! Nothing to do with the guide as these things happen but a bit scary as it was pitch black. As the guide didn’t have too much English we didn’t know whether or not it was a problem- it was all fine and we moved to another boat - an experience!

Arrival Day Libaran Island

Libaran Island

Lovely island - authentic experience seeing the village island. Our guide didn’t mention we would have the opportunity to buy things and we didn’t bring any cash, so this would be good to communicate in advance :)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

As mentioned previously, our guide was lovely but didn’t seem to interested in chatting or engaging with us outside the activities.

Transport

Smooth 30-40 min boat ride from Sandakan