We had a few glitches on the back end of our trip but Nick made sure that we were taken care of. We had no issues with the drivers, our lodgings and tours. Our drivers were where the itinerary said they would be and they were always on time. We were able to add a tour to the Mari-Mari cultural center spur of the moment. Nick took care of the reservations an driver.
Hotel Reviews
Hotel Grandis Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
Fantastic! Great location, pool, and roof top bar. The rooms were clean and spacious.
Small but clean rooms with nice views of Mt. Kinabulu
Sepilok Jungle Resort
Sandakan
Nice hotel in the middle of the jungle. Beautiful grounds with lots of opportunities to observe wildlife.
Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort
Very small rooms and not well maintained. Window pane missing in our front door allowing for insects to enter. No place to put luggage except on the floor. The bathroom and shower were not separated so water went everywhere.
Location
Rustic but right on the river.
Staff
Ryan did his best to locate wildlife. There were two instances with mechanical boat issues. There was no way for boats to communicate or assist us. We sat dead in the water for 1/2 hour to 45 min. Since there was no communication between boats, we were unable to locate crucial wildlife (pigmy elephants) that other boats were able to find.
Mabul Beach Resort
Mabul Island
We loved this place!!! Beautiful!!!
Activity Reviews
Coral Island & Snorkeling Excursion
Kota Kinabalu
Unfortunately the reef is dead. Lots of plastic bottles floating on the ocean. Very sad.
Quality of Experience
Our group really enjoyed the Mari-Mari cultural center. It was a short drive from Kota Kinabulu, and the interactive experience was awesome!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
I'm not sure if another island location would be any better. Being so close to the city of Kota Kinabula, and the many stilt villages, and direction of the ocean current contributed to the sea of floating plastic bottles.
Kinabalu National Park & Poring Hot Springs
Kundasang
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I would have liked to hear more about the unique flora and fauna. The tour was rather rushed. There was no opportunity to experience the hot springs. They were filled with kids.
Transport
Long drive from Kota Kinabula to the hot springs and then more time to reverse back to our lodging.
Sepilok Orangutan Centre & Sunbear Centre
Sandakan
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Best guide of the trip!!! I believe her name was Yang. She was extremely knowledgeable about Borneo history, the animals and was able to answer all questions put to her.
Transport
This was a short drive from the Sepilok Jungle Lodge and this center. Very appreciated not spending hours in the van.
Afternoon Wildlife River Cruise
Kinabatangan
Already discussed in the review of the lodging.
Mabul to Tawau Airport Departure
Mabul Island
Nick,
We really appreciated the effort you put into us getting to the airport on time. You and the folks at the Mabul Beach Resort. We made our flights despite the weather and miscommunication about boat and driving time to the airport.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great snorkling. Beautiful reefs with pleasant and informative guides.
Transport
You made this transport happen!
Local specialist: Nick Jansen
