Some Borneo Q's.....[JK2 and Mrsann]

[divegirl]

Hi, it looks like I will be taking your advice and going to Borneo :o] ...... As a single mum [who doesn't drive] I will be travelling with only my 10 year old daughter.... I just cannot manage to convince my 15 yr old son to come with us, as he doesn't do the beach thing!!!!! ??????....... Can I pick your collective brains just a little more? As I mentioned....I don't drive....Will this be a problem? I am looking at staying at Shangri-La's Rasa Ria resort [linked with it's two sister resorts] which offers a shuttle bus service along the coast and also a 'ferry' service to nearby islands. The Rasa Ria has it's own Orang Utan sancturary [which is most appealing], but do you think that I would have a more rewarding experience by going to Sandakan and KK? Also [I promise this is the last one!], if I am restricted by not being able to drive, will I be able to access some decent diving for me [PADI qualified] and snorkelling for my daughter....who despite her young age is quite experienced! Many thanks in advance.

Lisa x

[Trum48]

Rasa Ria is a very isolated hotel, nothing else much there apart from a golf course.
Hotel is Ok but the beach is plagues by sandflies.
The Orang Utan "Sanctuary" is not quite as good as it sounds. It is a very steep climb and, at the top, a small platform where about 3 OU are fed.
The other Shangri La hotel Tanjung Aru,close to KK is a better option, only a short cab ride or they have a shuttle into town at a charge
"Ferry" to other island was a waste of time, waters far too cloudy for snorkelling.
For furth info go onto TripAdvisor

[JK2]

I'm afraid I disagree with Trum48 and so do most of the people on TripAdvisor. Put Sabah into the search on their site & read what people have to say about the Rasa Ria.
The diving takes placeat Sipidan on the East coast (opp to KK) and Sepilok is also that side + the river trips to Sukau. You could split your holiday between both sides of the island or settle for a tour.

http://www.goldendays.co.uk/Tours.html

These people have a couple of dive/wildlife/beach tours that have a good itinerary.and as the tours are usually based on 2 people you can make changes to suit yourself.

These people do tailormade dive/wildlife holidays in Borneo http://www.planetdive.co.uk/destinations/borne o/borneo.asp

These people - Reef and Rainforest also do tailor made trips including diving and could give ideas & prices
http://www.familytours.co.uk/cgi/country.asp?r egion=4&country=11

Best thing to do is google Borneo and read about the various places in Sabah and get an idea of what you want to do then get quotes or look at some of the existing tours and ask the company if they can arrange some diving at Sipidan instead of -for example - going to see the Turtles which a lot of trips include.

Good luck!

[JK2]

PS - driving not necessary. Loads of tour companies offering 2/3 day trips to different parts of the island or just day trips. To the east coast - Sandakan - which is the jumping off point for the orang utan sanctuary, river trips, diving etc you need to fly from KK - not expensive - and can be arranged as part of a package.

[divegirl]

Hi again, thank you both for your comments. I have just spoken to the very nice people :o] at Family tours and think I'll soon be booking Borneo for Easter '08....Yeh!!!! I've never been on a touring holiday before but they build the package for you and it sounds excellent and should cost around �4000 with all excursions etc included. Thanks again for all your help and advice.

Lisa x

[JK2]

http://www.borneo-travel.com/sabah/index.html

This East of Sabah tour is almost the perfect tour for you to base your trip on - as it includes dving. If you can get the family tour people you've spoken to to book this tour for you together with - say - 3nights in the Pacific Sutera in KK when you arrive (to make the most of what's around there )- go on tour for 7 nights - then have 4 nights at the Rasa Ria crashed out on the beach it would make the almost perfect Borneo visit for you and your daughter and I reckon they could do it for maximum �3500. 7 nights hotel + fare is approx �800 - �900 & the East of Sabah tour is �680 at present so won't be alot more next year. Have a look at the tour itinerary. it covers all the best things to see + diving.

[divegirl]

Hi JK2, FamilyTours have already indicated that they can incorporate the east coast, specifically Lankayan Island for some diving and at no extra cost [well apart form the actual dives]. So it should go a little something like this: Three days at the Rasa Ria [and then no particular order that I know of as yet].....Sekau, Sandakan, Lankayan and Sepilok, This is far from the finished plan, but the guy at FamilyTours is so helpful and really seems to know his stuff, I await his email tomorrow with baited breath.....lol. He's going to work out a few itineraries [sp] and a lowest and highest price plan....I'll let you know how I get on.

Lisa x

[JK2]

I'm sure you'll love it. It makes me want to go again just talking about it. I think I may return later this year. Watch BBC1 at 7pm this week, every night. They are doing Orang Utan diaries. I was in tears watching them rescue little ones tonight.