May 24th 2024.
Borneo is a true paradise for nature lovers. The captain of our small boat kindly reminded me not to harm any of the creatures we may come across during our journey. I was a bit taken aback by his words, as I have never had any intentions of hurting any living being. Nevertheless, I followed his instructions and held out my hand for the tiny creature that had landed on it. It was a magical moment as I watched the bug move gracefully on my skin, surrounded by the darkness of the night and the faint light from our torches.
As we sailed through Limbawang Bay, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the fireflies that seemed to have taken over the mangroves. It was a sight that left me in awe of Mother Nature's wonders. The beetle with wings looked like a fairy-light, illuminating the darkness in a way that put my Christmas tree decorations to shame. I couldn't resist capturing this special moment on my phone, but soon realized that no picture could ever do it justice.
This was just the beginning of my incredible river cruise experience in Borneo. The sunset was just as stunning as the fireflies, and it was only a small part of the many memories I made during my time there. From hiking at sunrise and sipping coffee in the shadow of Mount Kinabalu, to observing orangutans in their natural habitat, every moment was unforgettable.
I must admit, Borneo was never on my bucket list, but now I know it should be at the top. The Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, surrounded by 400 acres of breathtaking natural beauty, was my home during my stay. The private beach, forest reserve, golf course, and spa made it feel like a slice of heaven on Earth. Despite the resort's size and popularity, it maintained a sense of tranquility and openness, with the stunning South China Sea always in view.
My room in the Ocean Wing was spacious and beautifully decorated in earthy tones. But the highlight was definitely the private balcony with panoramic ocean views and an oversized outdoor bath. I couldn't resist requesting a scented bubble bath to add to the luxurious experience.
At the resort, I received a text from a virtual concierge (who was actually a real person) welcoming me and offering their services. It made everything so convenient, from ordering room service to requesting a bubble bath. I must say, nothing beats soaking in a bubble bath with a cocktail in hand, watching the sunset over the ocean. And yes, the bedtime story left on my bed was a bit strange, but it added to the unique experience.
For those on a budget, the Ocean Wing offers a Junior Suite Sea View room starting at approximately £223 per night, including breakfast. And when compared to the average cost of a 4-star hotel in London, it's definitely worth it. The resort is also perfect for special occasions, as I witnessed a proposal during my stay.
There is no shortage of activities to do in Borneo, especially for nature enthusiasts like myself. I woke up before the sun to enjoy a sunrise hike, led by our enthusiastic guide Lasley. We spotted tarantulas, scorpions, and venomous snakes along the way, which may sound scary, but Lasley's knowledge and passion made it an educational and exciting experience. The view from the top was simply breathtaking, with Mount Kinabalu in the distance and the jungle and sea below.
After breakfast, we headed to the resort's golf course for more wildlife spotting. Unlike the squirrels you may see on a UK fairway, we saw monitor lizards, hornbills, and even a family of otters enjoying a morning swim. A river cruise on the Tembara River is also a must-do, where for just £34, you can witness a beautiful sunset and observe fireflies in their natural habitat.
Back at the resort, I took part in a Batik Canting session, a traditional Malaysian art form, which was surprisingly fun and relaxing. With the help of our enthusiastic teacher, we created our own designs on fabric using hot wax and added color. The finished products were stitched onto tote bags, which appeared in our rooms the following night. It was a unique experience, made even better with glasses of fizz and delicious snacks.
If you have a family of four, I highly recommend booking this activity for just £77. Another must-do is a day trip to Sandakan, a city on the northeast coast of Borneo. It's one of the only places in the world where you can see orangutans in their natural habitat, and it was the highlight of my trip.
Waking up at 3am to catch a flight from Kotu Kinabalu to Sandakan was worth it when I got to observe these amazing creatures in their natural environment. From sunrise to sunset, Borneo offers endless opportunities for nature lovers and should definitely be at the top of everyone's bucket list.
Borneo is an incredible destination for those who appreciate the beauty of nature. I still remember the captain of our small boat reminding me to be gentle with the tiny creature that had landed on my hand. I was in awe as I watched the bug dance on my skin under the night sky, illuminated by the crew's torches and a firefly that I had caught. It was a magical moment, surrounded by the peaceful mangroves of Limbawang Bay. I couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of Mother Nature, how could a simple beetle with wings look so exquisite, like a fairy-light? It was more beautiful than any Christmas decoration I had ever seen.
Without hesitation, I took out my phone to capture the scene, but soon realized that a picture could never do justice to the moment. As I looked up from my phone, the fireflies continued to dance around the trees, creating a breathtaking display. I made a mental note to put my phone away and fully immerse myself in this magical experience. Our guide later told me that many people ask for photos of the fireflies, but capturing their beauty is nearly impossible without professional equipment. Despite having no evidence, I knew that this was a memory I would never forget.
Borneo is a truly remarkable place. My time there was filled with unforgettable moments, from hiking at sunrise and sipping coffee while gazing at Mount Kinabalu, to watching wild orangutans enjoying their breakfast. I had never thought of adding Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, to my bucket list, but now I know it should be at the top of everyone's list.
When it comes to accommodation, the Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa is a little piece of paradise surrounded by 400 acres of natural beauty. With a 3km private beach, a 64-acre forest reserve, and an 18-hole golf course, it's the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature. Despite the resort's size, it never felt crowded or overwhelming. The palm trees and the stunning South China Sea were always in sight, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
My room in the Ocean Wing was spacious and decorated in soothing earthy tones. But the highlight was definitely the private balcony with its sweeping ocean views and an oversized outdoor bathtub. I highly recommend requesting a scented bubble bath on the balcony for the ultimate indulgence. The resort even has a virtual concierge service, where you can easily make requests for room service or other needs.
One of the best parts of staying at Rasa Ria was witnessing a proposal and bumping into honeymooners. It's a perfect place for a special occasion or a romantic getaway. For those who love nature, the resort offers over 60 activities to choose from, ensuring an authentic Borneo experience.
One of my most cherished memories from the trip was the sunrise hike, which cost only £27 per person. Our guide, Lasley, was a trained naturalist who led us through the jungle in the early morning hours. He was a wealth of knowledge, pointing out tarantulas, scorpions, and venomous snakes along the way. After a 30-minute hike, we reached the viewing platform where we were treated to coffee and croissants while admiring the breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu in the distance.
Back at the resort, Lasley suggested we explore the golf course for more wildlife spotting. Unlike the UK, where the most you'll see on a golf course is a squirrel, we saw monitor lizards, hornbills, and even a family of otters enjoying a morning swim.
The Tembara River Cruise is another must-do activity, offering a relaxing journey down the river while stopping at a sandbank to watch the sunset. The boat crew even doubled as photographers, capturing stunning photos of the sunset and the fireflies in the mangroves.
For those interested in art, the Batik Canting experience is a fun and relaxing way to learn about traditional Malaysian art. With the help of an enthusiastic teacher, we created our own designs on fabric using hot wax and adding colors before stitching them onto tote bags. The experience was made even more enjoyable with glasses of fizz and delicious nibbles. And for families, the cost is only £77 for a group of four.
A day trip to Sandakan is also a must for those who want to see orangutans in the wild. It was the part of the trip I was most excited about, even though it meant waking up at 3am to catch a flight. But it was worth it to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Borneo is a truly spectacular destination, one that is often overlooked but should be at the top of everyone's bucket list. It's a place where you can connect with nature and create unforgettable memories. And for those looking for a luxurious and peaceful retreat, the Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa is the perfect place to stay. So, don't wait any longer, plan your trip to Borneo now and experience all it has to offer.
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