Borneo, a paradise for nature enthusiasts, offers a breathtaking experience like no other. During my trip, I encountered a captivating moment when a firefly gracefully landed on my hand, prompting the captain of our boat to jokingly say, “Don’t kill it, okay?” Mesmerized by the tiny bug’s beauty, I watched in awe as it danced on my skin. With the night enveloping the South China Sea, the only sources of light were the crew’s torches and the mesmerizing firefly in my grasp. As I observed more of these enchanting creatures illuminating the mangroves of Limbawang Bay, I couldn’t help but marvel at the wonders of Mother Nature. How is it possible for a beetle with wings to resemble a fairy light, surpassing the beauty of any ornament on my Christmas tree? In an attempt to capture this magical moment, I reached for my phone, only to realize that it was futile.
The magic continued as I embarked on a river cruise, with the stunning sunset serving as a prelude to the extraordinary experience that awaited me. As I glanced at my phone, the screen filled with fuzzy flickering dots, resembling a malfunction. However, when I looked up, I witnessed the fireflies gracefully darting around the trees. It was in that moment that I realized refraining from using my phone made the encounter even more enchanting. Later, our guide informed me that many visitors request photos of the fireflies for marketing purposes. However, capturing their essence without professional equipment proves to be an impossible task. Despite lacking photographic evidence, the memory of witnessing these luminous bugs will forever be etched in my mind.
Borneo offers a multitude of unforgettable experiences, such as hiking at sunrise, savoring coffee in the presence of Mount Kinabalu’s majestic silhouette, and observing wild orangutans enjoying their breakfast. Prior to my visit, I had never considered adding Borneo to my bucket list. However, after experiencing the wonders it has to offer, I highly recommend placing it at the top of yours.
When it comes to accommodations, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa is a true haven nestled amidst 400 acres of natural beauty. Boasting a 3km private beach, a 64-acre forest reserve, an 18-hole golf course, and a luxurious spa, this resort provides an idyllic escape. With over 60 activities available for booking, guests can immerse themselves in an authentic Borneo experience while staying at the resort.
The Rasa Ria Resort & Spa is divided into two sections: the exclusive adults-only Ocean Wing and the family-oriented Garden Wing, which features a children’s club and a creche. Despite accommodating numerous guests in its 499 rooms, the resort maintains an open and serene atmosphere, with palm trees swaying gently and the stunning South China Sea gracing the horizon.
Not a bad view – My spacious room reflected the serene atmosphere, decorated in earthy tones with a huge double bed. But the piece de résistance was surely the private balcony with sweeping ocean views and my very own, oversized, al fresco bath.
If you want to feel smug, I would highly recommend requesting a free scented bubble bath on said balcony.
When you check into Rasa Ria you’ll receive a text from their virtual concierge – actually a real person – welcoming you to the resort. You can then use this number to make any requests quickly and easily, such as ordering room service or, in my case, a bubble bath.
Nothing has made me feel quite as relaxed as having a soak, a cocktail in hand, watching the sun set over the ocean. Yes, the bedtime story they leave for you on your bed is a little weird, but just go with it.
Bubbles and room service – A Junior Suite Sea View room in the Ocean Wing starts from approximately £223 per night including breakfast. But when you consider that the average cost for a room in a 4* London hotel is £267 per night, it’s more than worth the price price tag.
And if you’ve got a special occasion coming up, look no further. We bumped into more than one set of honeymooners in the resort, and even witnessed a proposal.
What to do – If nature is your thing, you’ve come to the right place. The morning after we arrived, we were up before the lark, ready for our sunrise hike, which costs just £27 per person.
At the resort’s Discovery Centre, we were met by our guide, Lasley (aka, Borneo’s nicest guy), who enthusiastically led us into the jungle. In the darkness, a trained naturalist, he cheerfully pointed out the tarantulas, scorpions and venomous snakes – a fountain of knowledge, each fact more terrifying than the last.
After about 30 minutes (this is a hike lite), we arrived at the viewing platform, where coffee and croissants awaited us. The view was undeniably breathtaking, with Mount Kinabalu – a UNESCO World Heritage site – in the distance, and the jungle and sea below.
Breakfast views – With the sun firmly up, we headed back to the centre. There, Lasley suggested heading over the resort’s golf course, for more wildlife spotting. While the most you’ll see on a fairway in the UK is a rogue squirrel, here, we saw monitor lizards, hornbills and a family of otters enjoying a morning dip.
From sunrise, to sunset, and the aforementioned Tembara River Cruise is also a must do. For just £34, you can enjoy a relaxing river cruise, stopping off at a sandbank to watch the sun disappear on the horizon. The boat crew also double up as enthusiastic photographers – just go with, the results were surprisingly impressive. Then, as dusk falls, it’s onto the mangroves for firefly spotting.
A moment’s cringe for a pretty decent photo
Finally, back at the hotel, whether you’re a budding artist or not, a £33 relaxing session of Batik Canting was a surprisingly fun experience. Batik is a traditional Malaysian artistic practice, known for its bright and bold designs. With the help of our very enthusiastic teacher, we learnt how to draw our outlines onto fabric using hot wax, before adding colour. The designs were then stitched onto tote bags, which appeared in our rooms the following night.
The experience was made all the more fun thanks to the flowing glasses of fizz and a delicious array of nibbles. It was essentially a sip and paint session, Malay style. If you’re a family of four, you can all book for just £77.
Batik Canting was a relaxing experience
A day trip to Sandakan
There are only two places on Earth where you can see orangutans in the wild: Sumatra, in Indonesia, and Borneo.
It was the part of the trip I’d looked forward to the most, meaning I could just about cope with the 3am wake up call in order to catch the 40 minute flight from Kotu Kinabalu, to Sandakan, a city on the northeast coast of Borneo.
The vast central market is worth a visit
Rasa Ria work with tour company Amazing Borneo, to facilitate day trips for guests to the other side of the island. We were met at the airport by our guide, John, a Sadakan native, passionate about his hometown.
Our first stop was a trip to the Central Market. We arrived at 9am – but the traders actually set up shop as early as 3am. The place is huge: there’s stall after stall of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and seafood, and many eggs. It’s an assault on the senses, and possibly not one for any vegans in your group.
We climbed our way to the top of the four storey market to have a breakfast of noodles and pork wantons. Made by an elderly chef that surely should be retired, they were delicious – and cost the equivalent of just £1.
Next, it was orangutan time. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre opened way back in 1964, the first of its kind, looking after orphaned and injured orangutans – one of the most endangered primate species in the world. Today, between 60 and 80 orangutans live independently in the 43sq km reserve, while around 25 orphaned babies are cared for in the nurseries.
Don’t miss the orangutans
Hiding in the Trees: A Close Encounter with Orangutans in Sandakan
After a thrilling walk through the jungle with our guide, John, we finally arrived at the viewing platform. The orangutans freely roamed around, but the center provided them with extra food, and we were lucky enough to witness their breakfast routine.
The viewing platform was bustling with eager tourists, all hoping to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures. And let me tell you, it was worth the crowd. We even had the privilege of spotting a large male orangutan, who usually doesn’t reside in the reserve but was clearly in search of a meal.
While the orangutans stole the show in Sandakan, our adventure didn’t end there. Our next stop was the Puu Jih Shih Temple, situated atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the sea below. The temple itself was a sight to behold, with three intricately designed golden Buddhas watching over the devoted worshippers.
For lunch, we opted for a no-frills experience at the Empire Seafood restaurant. The owner didn’t bother with fancy decorations or formalities, but the food spoke for itself. It was some of the best seafood we had during our time in Borneo.
Before heading back to the hotel, we made a poignant visit to the Sandakan Memorial Park. This park holds great historical significance, as it was once a site where thousands of Australian and British prisoners of war suffered and perished. The remains of an excavator and generator serve as a reminder of the hardships endured. Our guide, John, who grew up near the park, shared that some claim to still hear the echoes of soldiers’ footsteps, adding to the park’s haunting tranquility.
This unexpected stop turned out to be an essential part of our Sadakan trip, and I highly recommend paying a visit to honor those who suffered.
In total, our day trip to Sadakan, including flights, cost £185.
24 Hours in Kuala Lumpur: Breaking Up the Journey to Borneo
If you’re embarking on a journey to Borneo, consider making a stop in Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur, to break up the long travel. For a central and convenient base, the no-frills Traders Hotels is a great choice. The hotel’s standout feature is its unbeatable view of the Petronus Twin Towers, a sight that will surely leave you in awe. While it may not offer a luxurious getaway, it serves its purpose as a comfortable resting place for weary travelers.
Incredible Food and Sights in Kuala Lumpur
The vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur offers a plethora of delicious street food and breathtaking sights. Despite only having a day to explore, we managed to make the most of our time and indulge in some truly memorable experiences.
One of our first stops was Petaling Street, a must-visit destination for those looking to sample traditional Malay street food. We couldn’t resist trying apam balik, a delectable peanut pancake that left us craving more. Mochi, doufu hua (soya milk pudding), and air mata kucing, a sweet black drink made with longan fruit, also delighted our taste buds.
Just a stone’s throw away from Petaling Street, we stumbled upon the bustling Taoist temple, Kuala Lumpur Guandi Temple. Its vibrant atmosphere and intricate architecture left us in awe. A short walk from there led us to Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in KL. This serene sanctuary provided a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.
Another hidden gem we discovered was Kwai Chai Hong, one of the oldest alleyways in KL. Once notorious, it has now been beautifully restored to resemble 1960s Chinatown. Red lanterns and stunning street art adorn the alley, making it a photographer’s dream.
For lunch, we visited KafeiDan, a traditional Malay restaurant. Our knowledgeable guide took charge and ordered char kway teow, a classic street food noodle dish, and hainanese chicken chop. These dishes stood out as highlights of our culinary adventure.
One of the best things about exploring Kuala Lumpur is the affordability of its food. We were pleasantly surprised when our meal for four only cost 72 Malaysian Ringit, which is approximately £12.
No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without a trip to the iconic Batu Caves. As we approached, we were greeted by a magnificent statue depicting the Hindu God of War. The vibrant, colorful stairs leading up to the caves were a sight to behold. Once at the top, we discovered the ancient temple nestled within the caves, which were formed over 400 million years ago. The experience was truly awe-inspiring, and the best part is that it’s completely free to visit.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Kuala Lumpur, Rasa Ria is the place to be. With its 10 restaurants and bars, there’s a friendly competition among the chefs to create the most popular dishes. Our favorite was Tepai Laut, an al fresco eatery inspired by the bustling street food markets of Malaysia. The lunch menu offered a delightful platter of traditional Malay food, including hinava ikan (raw fish salad) and chicken satay. We also discovered a new favorite dessert: sweet potato with condensed milk. Trust us, it’s a heavenly combination.
To top off our culinary adventure, we enjoyed cocktails on the beach at The Sampan Bar, sipping on a refreshing Rasa Ria sling. We were initially skeptical about the entertainment, but the traditional Malay dancers captivated us with their mesmerizing performances. Audience participation added an extra layer of fun to the evening.
Kuala Lumpur is a city that truly has it all – delicious street food, stunning sights, and warm hospitality. Whether you have just a day or a longer stay, this vibrant city will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Attention Food Lovers! Indulge in Free Cooking Classes at Oceano Modern Grill!
Calling all food enthusiasts! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with complimentary cooking classes at Oceano Modern Grill. Our talented chef will guide you through the process of creating a mouthwatering Pandam Creme Brulee. What’s Pandam, you ask? It’s a unique herb native to Borneo that boasts a delectable cookie dough-like flavor. And guess what? We grow this extraordinary herb, along with other herbs and spices, right here at Rasa Ria. Our chefs incorporate these fresh ingredients into all the delectable dishes served at our resort’s various restaurants.
When to Visit Borneo: A Must-Know!
Planning a trip to Borneo? Here’s a handy tip: the best time to visit is between March and October. During these months, you can expect high temperatures and a lesser chance of rain. But that’s not all! This period is also the perfect time to catch a glimpse of the incredible orangutans in their natural habitat.
Unbeatable Accommodation Options!
Looking for a luxurious stay in Borneo? Look no further! The Ocean Wing junior suite sea view room at Rasa Ria is the ultimate choice. Starting from just approximately £223 per night, this exquisite room offers breathtaking views of the sea and comes with a scrumptious breakfast included.
Prefer a view of the iconic Twin Towers? The Traders Hotel has got you covered! Their Twin Towers view room starts from approximately £121 per night, and it also includes a delightful breakfast to kickstart your day.
Don’t Miss Out!
Foodies and nature lovers, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss! Join us at Oceano Modern Grill for complimentary cooking classes and explore the wonders of Borneo. Book your stay at Rasa Ria or Traders Hotel today and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Hurry, limited slots available!
