What it feels like to be there…
Borneo has all the ingredients for an amazing adventure: colourful coral reefs, turquoise seas, white sand, dense jungle, deep dark caves, a towering mountain, and an orangutan or two. What more could you need? How about a stylish eco-lodge to relax in while you observe – and help conserve – this island paradise? [slideshow]
What to do there…
Kinabalu is packed with activities and perfect for 5 to 7 days:
- Major: Scuba-diving, Sea-kayaking, Jungle-treks, Nature-walks, Ecology, Orangutan-watching, Spa/Massage.
- Other: Mountain-treks, Swimming, Kid-friendly.
Where to stay…
The 4.5* Gayana Eco Resort has 52 over-water cabins and is a great base from which to experience the coral-rich waters off Borneo. Situated on a jungle covered island near Kota Kinabalu, you can drop straight from your room into nature, or grab a boat to the mainland for a trip to the orangutan sanctuaries or Mount Kinabalu.
Some practical information worth knowing…
- Travel: Kota Kinabalu (<1h away) is the main travel hub for the region. Overland and sea travel are slow, but interesting.
- Weather: hot and humid all year round. Expect a short but spectacular daily jungle shower Nov-Jan.
- Warning: Sarawak is a remote jungle area and while its better hotels and restaurants are good, they are not yet comparable with the high-end luxury of Peninsular Malaysia.
What the AdventureTemples travel community says…
Being able to actively conserve the natural environment you have come to see is a great addition to the eco-lodge experience. Gayana has an on-site Marine Ecology Center where you can plant corals and propagate endangered giant clams during your stay. If you want more, take a magnificent overnight trip to Sandakan’s orangutan sanctuary and Turtle Island, or a day trip to nearby Rasa Ria’s bijou sanctuary. We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. To add a comment or check out what our community has to say, please click here: Wild Cave Island