Two great weeks in Borneo
Malaysia | Jul 7 - Jul 20, 2023

Richard
Richard C.
Australia | Reviewed on Aug 06, 2023

Here are a few thoughts on our trip.
Overall the trip was well thought out and paced. Our dealings with Nick were professional and he imparted his local knowledge of the area to us very well.
Just some things of note:

Kuching - A Ranee Boutique suites - great location, room and attention to detail. The breakfast of Nasi Lamak was beautiful presented in a atmospheric space.

Saloma’s Homestay - a wonderful introduction to life in Sarawak. Family life, cuisine simple country space but with a true understanding of what travelers require eg drinking water dispenser.

Mukah - Kingwood hotel adequate, Lamina Dana….. Felix, was an enthusiastic guide loved the tours, boat trip, museum and walking around the village. A little strange going backwards and forwards to and from the hotel to the village for meals. Dining in a very large space with just ourselves eating and the staff looking on. We would have preferred staff joining us.
Very warm and friendly people.

Miri - informative and helpful drivers, hotel well located.

Mulu- activities and cave experiences excellent both days, homestay very basic, pleasant hosts. Would have liked them to provide drinking water rather than selling us plastic bottles which wasn’t very eco friendly.

Kiulu - picked up by driver and guide, lovely farm stay and environment but it was a long day travelling - an earlier departure from Mulu would have been preferred. Very well appointed bamboo house, wonderful warm village people who shared their life and family very generously. Meals were a highlight, well presented and varied.

Kinabatangan - river cruises and wildlife experiences were excellent - boatman / guide was exemplary and knowledgeable. Downside , food atrocious (often inedible) staff totally disinterested and the whole property rundown and requiring a thorough clean and maintenance. We strongly recommend an alternative in the area.

Sepilok - very nice accommodation staff extremely obliging and friendly, great location. Downside again no drinking water freely available, forced to buy plastic bottles of water.

Overall the tip lived up to our expectations…. Well done Nick.

Hotel Reviews
Ranee Boutique Suites
Authenticity & Character
It’s a great location
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Saloma Homestay

What a lovely space and family

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kiulu Guesthouse

Great people and location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great space …. Just needed a few cushions for the bamboo furniture
Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort

Terrible accommodation.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Terrible staff , particularly the fat controller. , they have no interest in customer service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Needs a good clean
Sepilok Jungle Resort
Sandakan

Great location, just bring your own drinking water - they charge a lot for plastic water bottles

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Arrival Transfer from Kuching Airport to Hotel
Arrival Transfer from Kuching Airport to Hotel
Kuching
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Saloma Homestay ( Longhouse & Village Life)
Saloma Homestay ( Longhouse & Village Life)
Kuching
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat Tour & Melanau Craft Workshop
Boat Tour & Melanau Craft Workshop
Mukah
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Deer & Lang Caves Excursion
Deer & Lang Caves Excursion
Mulu
Quality of Experience
I
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrival Day Kiulu
Arrival Day Kiulu
Kiulu
Quality of Experience
U
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kinabatangan River Exploration (River Cruises)
Kinabatangan River Exploration (River Cruises)
Kinabatangan
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Nick Jansen
Nick
Nick Jansen
Local specialist in Malaysia | Replied on Aug 22, 2023

Hey Richard,

Thanks for your elaborate review and feedback. I am happy to know you had an overall great experience exploring both Sarawak and Sabah. I have passed on your feedback to all the local guides and suppliers - so it's much appreciated.

Kindest regards,
Nick