Once in a lifetime experience in Sabah, Borneo

Malaysia | Mar 6 - Mar 14, 2026

Trying to capture the trip Nick so thoughtfully stitched together for us is no easy task—I’ve honestly been putting this off because I wasn’t sure I could do it justice.

My aunt and I began our journey with a challenging jungle trek that pushed us far beyond our comfort zones. We navigated slippery boulders, heavy rain, deep mud, and dense greenery where the trail often seemed to disappear entirely. It tested us physically, but also left us with a deep sense of accomplishment and confidence. We climbed over landslides by swinging from trees, crossed broken bridges, endured relentless leech encounters, and—however slowly—proved to ourselves that we could do it. Along the way, we formed meaningful connections with our guides and hosts, who cooked for us, shared stories, and made the experience so so special.

To everyone’s surprise (especially our own), we completed the through-hike and continued on to stay with a local family in Sabah. Easter and her family welcomed us with extraordinary warmth, as did every host we met throughout the trip. We were invited into their lives in such a genuine way—through shared meals, conversations, music, and traditions. They taught us local dances and songs played on gongs passed down through generations, and showed us what true community looks like. We learned to bake rolls, fry fish, experiment with new ingredients, and even how to properly enjoy eggs—with white pepper and soy sauce. These moments of cultural exchange are something we’ll carry with us forever.

From there, we explored local markets before heading to the Kinabatangan River. The lodge Nick chose for us was perfect—well-organized, welcoming, and run by an incredibly knowledgeable team. Every river cruise ran seamlessly, and we only wished we had stayed longer. Seeing wildlife in that setting felt almost surreal—the night walks, day treks, and boat rides were so magical. I've never seen stars so clearly. And watching wild elephants and orangutans moving freely in their natural habitat was one of those rare moments that hardly feels real, even as it’s happening.
(I took over 7,000 photos with my Nikon Z8 - which you can see @j_denmark)

Throughout the trip, every driver Nick arranged was punctual, kind, and went above and beyond to help us. Whether it was tracking down dry rice on the side of the road to help protect my damp camera or finding a local market where we could try tuak, their thoughtfulness never went unnoticed.

From a planning perspective, Nick was exceptional. He answered every question with patience, welcomed every idea, and helped refine our plans again and again—we must have reworked the itinerary half a dozen times or more. His insight and enthusiasm made the entire process feel collaborative and exciting, and in the end, he brought my vision to life in a way that exceeded every expectation. I look forward to using KimKim again one day, especially when trying to accomplish a lot into a brief trip.

I am incredibly grateful to Nick for creating such a meaningful, adventurous, and unforgettable experience for my aunt and I.