We did a tour with Amazing Borneo into Danum Valley and Kinabatangan in Borneo in July 2019. Sabah is rather underdeveloped and a bit primitive, but one thing I must say is on the whole, the people are quite friendly and nice. Whilst it was a good trip, I have to say I wouldn’t go back as it’s just not one of those things or one of those places you’d go back to again.
It’s a bit of a mission to get there, we flew from Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu, then from KK to Lahad Datu (a complete shithole of a town), then a two and half drive up to Danum Valley. This was by far the best part of the trip and if you’re going to go to Borneo, just go here and nowhere else. We spent 3 nights here, then drove back to Lahad Datu, then drove 3 hours up to Sandakan. Amazing Borneo neglected to tell us that the place we were staying in Kinabatangan (Bilit Rainforest Lodge) was halfway between Lahad Datu and Sandakan, so in fact, there is no need to go to Sandakan.
I guess it’s nearer the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center and Sun Bear Conservation Center (Situated next to each other) but I wouldn’t call those not to missed. The second part of our trip, staying at Bilit Rainforest Lodge, I can’t recommend, the food there was horrendous, and many people would think twice before giving that to their dogs. Again, if you’re going to Borneo, just go to Danum Valley, spend 3 nights there and that’s enough. We spent 2 nights at the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu on the way back, probably in hindsight, we should have stayed 3-4 nights in Danum Valley then 3-4 nights with some snorkelling in Kota Kinabalu.
Anyway, overall, Borneo, specifically Danum Valley was excellent. The Kinabatangan River part was good apart from the accommodation so if you can find something with better food and not such a regimented schedule, then you might enjoy it more. It’s not teaming with wildlife because you’re in the rainforest and it’s not a zoo, so just manage your expectations about the type and quantity of animals you might see. I’m not one of these dumbasses who asks “what time do the monkeys come out”, and completely understand its nature, but I guess I was expecting more as I’ve seen more snakes and lizards in the wild on other trips.
You can read more about the details of our tour with Amazing Borneo in our things to do in Borneo travel guide and there’s some good tips and advice before you go here. For kids, you can check out our Borneo With Kids guide.
