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An unforgettable experience taken to the next level by a team that are knowledgeable, fun and kind.
An incredible trip end to end - once in a life time experience with excellent care from the Borneo Eco Tours team. We were met at the airport by Jai our guide and had a brief stop in Sandakan before heading to the jetty for our trip to Selingan (Turtle) Island. Heading into the Sulu Sea in a convoy of speed boats excited our children no end. Jai was our family’s guide and nothing was too much trouble. He got us the best seats at dinner, the best viewing for turtle watching etc. Selingan in paradise. Accommodation is basic but clean and works - comfy bed, good AC, your own bathroom. We had two rooms between four of us. Food likewise is plentiful, wholesome and fine for a day (rice, curry, stir fried meats, baked fish etc). On Selingan we snorkelled with clown fish, saw monitor lizards in the wild, saw turtle hatchlings appear naturally in the sand and make their way to sea and then saw a turtle lay her eggs. My children were allowed to name the turtle (Sandy) as she’d never laid on Selingan before. The trip was incredible and we thought it couldn’t get better but it did! We transferred back to Sandakan(bit of a bumpier crossing back - fine but not sure if do it on rougher sea!) and met our new guide Rahman who would take us to Sukau. After lunch we took a boat out to sea and down the Kinabatangan River stopping to see crocodiles and Proboscis along the way. Sukau is heaven - you’re met by the whole team in welcome, given a cold towel and a drink and introduced to the lodge ( it was like being in White Lotus without the murder). We had two deluxe rooms which were comfortable and spacious. During our time we managed to see all of the Borneo big five from the river or the jungle board walk going for morning, afternoon and after dark river tours. Nothing was too much trouble here - I left my sunglasses by the pool and they arrived at our table at dinner later that day. The staff are to a man excellent and proud of the resort. Rahman however was our star - even taking us out in a small boat as a family when the rest of our group were elsewhere. His eye for wildlife, knowledge and sense of humour were fantastic and made our holiday. This is a more luxury experience than Selingan - food is delicious and varied, there’s a riverside bar as well as a lounge bar so we complimented our evenings with great wine and mocktails. You have a sarong in your room which you’re encouraged to wear for dinner which gives a fun vibe. We’ve arrived back exhausted but elated we would 100% recommend this trip. Our kids are 7 and 11 - youngest was tired at times but pushed through. Oldest has come away inspired to travel more and see nature up close. Thank you to Lisa, Jai and Rahman for an brilliant trip.
