I asked one of my clients to write me a short piece about their recent trip to Malaysia. They had spent a few days in Kuala Lumpur and then moved to Kota Kinabalu for a wedding (and some spectacular sunsets). Finally they had some days in the rainforest in Borneo. Below are some of their unforgettable highlights of their rainforest experience.
Olein at Diamond Travel created a fantastic itinerary for us for our rainforest trip. The organisation was exceptional, all our transfers and meals were taken care of, so all we had to do was show up and enjoy ourselves!
Highlights
Where to begin with the highlights? It’s hard to pick, but the top three experiences for us were the Orangutan Sanctuary at Sepilok, the River Cruise where we saw pygmy elephants, and the Night Walk in the rainforest. The Orangutans were simply beautiful. We went to both the morning and afternoon feedings and were lucky enough to see babies, females, and males across the two visits. Each encounter was unforgettable.
The River Cruises were equally magical. We went on three in total and spotted something incredible every time, but even if we hadn’t, the vibe of being on the river surrounded by rainforest is worth the trip alone. On our second cruise, we came across a whole herd of elephants grazing. Watching them demolish the foliage and then cross the river was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will be hard to top.
The Night Walk was a totally different but equally incredible experience. The rainforest truly comes alive after dark – spiders, snakes and countless insects. The night sky glimpsed through the canopy made it mesmerising. Our guide helped us navigate everything safely, making it both thrilling and educational.
We also want to give an honourable mention to our friendly and helpful guide, our lunch with a local in her home, and the surprisingly comfortable accommodation. Being in the heart of the rainforest, we weren’t expecting the rooms to be so good!
Lowlights
Depending on your energy levels, the pacing may feel slow at times, with a few hours between activities. For us, this was actually perfect –we could relax by the pool, play games, or simply take in the view. And, of course, the rainforest comes with its usual residents: snakes, spiders, insects, and curious monkeys! With a bit of preparation, though, these are easy to manage.
Top Tips
Bring plenty of bug spray, suncream, and a raincoat. For the orangutan feeding, aim to visit both the juvenile area and the rainforest area, and try to get to the front at the rainforest feeding for the best view. If you have time, go back in the afternoon too – it’s well worth it.
In Summary
Overall, our rainforest adventure was fantastic. We loved the relaxed pacing, delicious food, helpful guide, and all the unforgettable experiences. As busy working professionals, it was a joy not to have to organise flights, hotels, or transfers ourselves –thanks to Olein, all we had to do was be present and enjoy every moment.
If you’re looking for a rainforest experience like these clients – just call me on 01252519669 or send me a message