Borneo Wildlife Family Vacation

Found on Borneo’s Kinabatangan River, Abai is one of the newest lodges in this area teeming with exotic wildlife such as orang-utans, langur monkeys, otters and birds. It boasts a brilliant location for spotting these animals thanks mostly to its remote position made only accessible via boat. Its isolated locale means the eighteen wooden chalets are simply decorated but are clean and comfortable with en-suite facilities including hot showers and a ceiling fan. The main area of the lodge connects to the surrounding rainforest by long wooden platforms, leading you onto a fascinating boardwalk trail and five observation towers. Abai’s small bar and an open-air restaurant serve up decent local food including the Kinabatangan River’s famously big prawns.

Nestled among the lake’s rich jungle fringes of orchids and trees, Sepilok Nature Resort offers a peaceful and comfortable place to explore the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and Rehabilitation Centre. All sixty of the comfortable chalets come with air conditioning, traditional interiors and private verandas that give you good views. The Reserve which is home to the last wild Orang-utans of Northern Borneo, is just a mere walk away from the resort. Immersed into this pristine wilderness enjoy days, nights, delicious meals and downtime to the chorus of creatures that surround you. Take advantage of the river trips, trekking and birding excursions that are all on offer.

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is tucked away in the wilderness of Lower Kinabatangan, surrounding the pristine freshwater swamps and mangrove forest. An internationally important ecosystem that supports some 100 plant, 200 bird and 50 mammal species, it is a rich place ripe for exploring. Reached by an hour-long boat from Sandakan, the resort has four rooms in a Longhouse Cabin and ten more private chalets for those after a bit more luxury, all connected to the restaurant by wooden walkways. The eco credentials here are strong with power predominantly solar generated and water collected and sand filtered from the river and rain. Venture out onto the forest’s rivers and channels on boat cruises in search of proboscis monkey, orangutan, elephant, hornbills and more. There’s some fantastic bird watching to be had and a network of jungle trails start from the resort for night and morning walks.

Just thirty minutes from Kota Kinabalu, this scenic resort is nestled in on a secluded bay with fine white sands on its doorstep and an ancient verdant jungle for its backdrop. With its 48 timbered villas, high quality service and picturesque backdrop, this is the ultimate heavenly hideaway. The hand-crafted villas unite traditional Borneo design with modern-day comforts, ensuring every your every need is met. Private balconies offer beach views, while the larger accommodations boast wraparound decks alongside personal plunge pools. Dining here consists of the contemporary European bistro, Koi, the relaxed, oceanfront Pantai Grill and the atmospheric Wine Cave. Leisure is also well catered for with the use of Solace Spa at sister and nearby property, Gayana Eco Resort, alongside a long list of exciting activities from kayaking to jungle trekking.

The densely forested Gaya Island sits just off Borneo’s coastline and the Gayana Eco Resort is one of the best places to stay here. The environmentally conscious resort boasts 52 sumptuous villas which not only sit out on the water but command views of the impressive Mount Kinabalu. The villas combines neat local style with an array of modern comforts. The dining options consist of Alu Alu Seafood, Macac Restaurant and Latitude Lounge where healthy, fresh and delicious dishes make up the menus. You can choose to dine here or within the comfort of your own private deck. Gayana also has a good spa but if you want to get active however, this beautiful resort also provides lots to get involved with. Just some of the activities include discovering the ocean’s vibrant gems whist snorkelling, to playing marine biologist for the day at the on-site Marine Ecology Research Centre.

Found on the enchanting Pantai Dalit beach, the majestic Shangri La Rasa Ria boasts an impressive array of facilities and services to accompany its jaw-dropping setting. The 416 Malay themed guestrooms are split between the garden and ocean wings where tranquillity and privacy prevail. While the garden rooms come furnished with touches of nature and such as a pretty garden with sea views, the premier ocean wing rooms provide complete extravagance and comfort. Various dining tastes are taken care of with Malaysian, Western and Asian dishes all available. An abundance of recreational activities from wind surfing to looking after baby Orang-utans means leisure pursuits are seen to as well. The vast list of amenities here encompasses an eco-friendly championship golf course, six dining locations, a swimming pool and spa. Shangri La Rasa Ria is approximately 45 minutes from Kota Kinabalu airport.