• Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Semicuratedlife

  • Travel Shop
  • Contact
  • Money
0

Semicuratedlife

Travel
/
December 31, 2022

Borneo With Kids

Borneo, Malaysia

When we went: 

June 2022

Itinerary:

Day 1: Fly from Singapore to KK, KK to Sandakan (stay overnight Sandakan)

Day 2: Orangutan rescue center, travel by boat to Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Day 3: River cruising on the Kinabatangan River (SRL)

Day 4: River cruising Kinabatangan River (SRL

Day 5: Leave River Lodge and travel to Lahad Datu, Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Day 6: Explore around BRL

Day 7: Morning at BRL, Transfer out. (overnight in Lahad Datu)

Day 8: Fly to KK. Enjoy time at the beach

Day 9-10 Stay at beach and don’t get too many fly bites

Where we stayed:

Sandakan: Sepilok Forest Edge Resort

Kinabatangan: Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Danum Valley: Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Lahad Datau: Bike and Tours Bed and Breakfast 

Kota Kinabalu: Shangri La Rasa Ria

How did we end up in Borneo with our two small kids? The short answer is that flights were super cheap from Singapore. Once I started doing more research I was super intrigued, especially since Borneo is a bit off the beaten track for most tourists.

Borneo is an island that is part Malaysia, part Indonesia, (and a tiny part Brunei) and home to amazing rainforests and animals. In order to see the best the island has to offer, you’ll need to commit some time to getting there. I knew we would want to spend time on the Kinabatangan River, as the boat safaris are an amazing way to see orangutans, monkeys and even elephants in the wild. We started our trip in Sandakan, home to the orangutan rehabilitation center and gateway to the Kinabatangan. We stayed at Sepilok Forest Edge Resort which had a variety of room types and decent restaurant and small pool. The rest of our lodging would be fairly pricey on this trip, so we wanted to save a little here. It was great for our first night in Borneo – we had a refreshing dip in the pool, delicious dinner and magical walk back to our cabin with a stunning sunset and pitstop to search for the frogs we could hear everywhere.

We were picked up early the next day to go to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center next door. This is a must do when visiting Borneo with kids. It was a great introduction for us to learn about these amazing animals and what the center is doing to get them back out into the wild. We watched an introductory video about the Orangutans then walked with our guide on the boardwalks through the complex looking for Orangutans. There are specific feeding times for Orangutans at the centre, which means you should be there then as they gather around the feeding platforms. When we went the feeding times were 10am and 3pm. There is also a nursery where baby orangutans learn to play before getting released to the forest – too cute!

Next we were off to start the river portion of our journey in Borneo. We rode a boat about 2 hours from Sandakan to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. We found this mode of transport relaxing compared to being in a car, with lots to see including our first orangutans in the wild. Pulling up to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge felt magical. It rains almost every day here and we loved how the dock and pathways were misty after the recent rain. Sukau Rainforest Lodge is upscale, and feels like grown up camp. The rooms are all freestanding and a lovely walk through the forest. The dining area is on the river, and 3 meals a day are included in the stay. We enjoyed the food here and the boat rides even more. Each day we would go out in the boat looking for animals. We brought lifejackets with us, which I would recommend for littles under 7 when traveling with kids to Borneo. They fit them well and were in better shape than the jackets on the boat. While boating we saw orangutans, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, and even pygmy elephants! This was such a great part of our trip and I think the kids especially loved being on the water and the river allows you to see the animals so well! 

After three nights at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge, we transferred by boat to a van that brought us on a two hour drive through palm plantations to Lahad Datu. Once in Lahad Datu we went to the office for Borneo Rainforest Lodge, the only place to stay in Danum Valley, deep in the rainforest. It was another 2.5 hour drive on a bumpy gravel road in a 4WD to the gorgeous Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The rainforest here in the Danum Valley is 148 million years old, making it one of the oldest in the world, and highly protected. Lunch was ready and waiting for us and as we dined, an orangutan strolled past us along the river. So casual! Our room was lovely, and even came with an outdoor bathtub. After getting settled in, we stopped by the gift shop to buy our leech socks and “Adidas Kampong” shoes, which we would need for trekking around the forest. The shop had leech socks for adults and children, and we were glad we’d brought the kids their own rubber boots, as it is very muddy and these also offer some additional protection against the leeches, which are everywhere. 

Each guest at the lodge is assigned a guide, who organizes hikes and helps you understand the rainforest. We especially enjoyed the night activities, when more creatures were out and about. The canopy walk is another must-do while staying with kids in Danum Valley.

After leaving the Borneo Rainforest Lodge we were back in Lahad Datu, and decided to spend the night before flying back to Kota Kinabalu. We stayed at a local guesthouse called Bike and Tours Bed and Breakfast. The rooms were simple and our kids loved the little pool they had out back. The real star here though was the food. We could see why locals flock here on Sunday nights for their famous dinner. Highly recommend. 

We flew back to Kota Kinabalu with a group who were off to Mecca on their Umrah, which was quite the experience. We wanted to spend a few days on the beach so we opted for the family-friendly Shangri La Rasa Ria. This hotel is technically on the beach, but the water is very far from the hotel over sand infested with biting sand flies. We opted to stay at the pool most of the time and our kids loved the water slides. There is a kids club and extensive playground but the property in general feels tired and too big. Perhaps we were spoiled on the first part of our trip but we did not love our stay here. 

Going to Borneo with kids is an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this family adventure if you’re looking for something a bit off the beaten path in southeast asia. 

Pin this Post
Share this Post

You May Also Like...

Honest Review of Padma Resort Ubud

April 10, 2023

What exactly is an Eco Resort?

February 4, 2023

Affordable Singapore Hotels for Families

February 6, 2025
Next Post
The Trip We Never Took to Cambodia
Thanks for Being here!

Thanks for Being here!

Follow us on social media for even more travel content and inspiration. We love to connect with you there!

Recent Posts

  • Affordable Singapore Hotels for Families
  • 2-Night Family-Friendly Adventure Cruise in Halong Bay (+ Bai Tu Long Bay)
  • Christmas in Bali with Kids
  • The Best Family Friendly Villas in Bali
  • Healthcare and Medical Emergencies in Bali

Current Location

Current Location
Bali, Indonesia

Travels

SHOP

Products

  • Cozy Wool Sweaters Cozy Wool Sweaters
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $79.00
  • Vintage Jewelry Sets Vintage Jewelry Sets
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $117.00
  • White-Washed Denim White-Washed Denim
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $45.00
  • Organic White Sweater Organic White Sweater
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $57.00
  • Rustic Knit Pieces Rustic Knit Pieces
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $125.00
Family Travel Guides & Tips to Keep Parents Sane Bali Guides in Link Below👇👇👇 💌 [email protected]
  • Save this for your next family trip to Bali!

📍Sharma Spring Bamboo Villa

This 5 bedroom villa is an architectural wonder! Everything is made out of bamboo and has the dreamiest views over the Green Village and jungle. 

Would you want to see more of this villa?
  • Still dreaming about our time at @rimbabyayana a few weeks ago. 

The best luxury hotel in Bali for families in my opinion. Two nights is not enough! 

Save this post for your next family holiday to Bali.
  • My first women’s trip to Bali is in the books! ❤️

For the last week a group of strangers, who have become friends, traveled together to my favorite parts of Bali all while meeting some of the best people who call this island home. We stayed in unique villas, went deep on Balinese culture, biked through the most stunning landscapes and swam with manta rays. We had plentiful massages, a relaxing sound healing and meditative yoga with a sprinkle of rain just as we got into shavasana. We all tried new things, overcame some fears and learned about ourselves. I’ll share more soon, but I’ll say this: I’m already planning the next Women’s Trip to Bali! 

Want to come next time? Comment “Bali” to get on the waitlist for the next trip!
  • 🚨 One of the biggest mistakes I see Americans make when they travel is to use international roaming. 

They’re wasting a lot of money, and I’ll show you an easier way. 

If you want to make travel more affordable and hassle free, you need to get an eSIM from @airalocom . 

An eSIM is essentially an digital SIM card built directly into your phone instead of a physical card that needs to be inserted. It allows you to use mobile network services in the location you’re traveling to without the need for a traditional SIM card (or overpriced roaming plans).

Arriving at a new airport can be stressful but with the Airalo app already downloaded on your phone you’re just minutes away from being connected and ready to go. 

Here’s how it works: 
Download the Airalo app. Then, find the country or region you’re traveling to and choose your data plan. Then follow the instructions to install it on your phone and voila! You’re ready to go and connected. And, if you use my code CURATED3 you’ll get $3 off!

Airalo works in over 200 countries and regions around the world. I’ve personally used it in over 10 countries with no issues. 

Install Airalo today so you can stay connected anywhere you travel and use my code CURATED3 for $3 off your first data plan!
  • The number one thing I have easy access to in my carry on now?

A plastic bag. And some kind of wipes. Non negotiable. 

Because there is nothing worse than being on a bus where no one speaks English while 75% of your family is covered in vomit. We didn’t have anything to clean it up with, no way to communicate to the driver what had happened. 

What does your travel bag look like with kids? Anything you HAVE TO have in it? Let’s make a list together so we’re all prepared! We’ve got this! 

#travelwithkidstips #travelfamily #momswhotravel
  • Save this post for your next Bali family vacation! 

📍Rimba by Ayana Hotel 

#hosted #balifamilyholiday #baliwithkids
View on Instagram
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Save this for your next family trip to Bali! 📍Sharma Spring Bamboo Villa This 5 bedroom villa is an architectural wonder! Everything is made out of bamboo and has the dreamiest views over the Green Village and jungle. Would you want to see more of this villa?
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Still dreaming about our time at @rimbabyayana a few weeks ago. 

The best luxury hotel in Bali for families in my opinion. Two nights is not enough! 

Save this post for your next family holiday to Bali.
Still dreaming about our time at @rimbabyayana a few weeks ago. 

The best luxury hotel in Bali for families in my opinion. Two nights is not enough! 

Save this post for your next family holiday to Bali.
Still dreaming about our time at @rimbabyayana a few weeks ago. 

The best luxury hotel in Bali for families in my opinion. Two nights is not enough! 

Save this post for your next family holiday to Bali.
Still dreaming about our time at @rimbabyayana a few weeks ago. 

The best luxury hotel in Bali for families in my opinion. Two nights is not enough! 

Save this post for your next family holiday to Bali.
Still dreaming about our time at @rimbabyayana a few weeks ago. 

The best luxury hotel in Bali for families in my opinion. Two nights is not enough! 

Save this post for your next family holiday to Bali.
Still dreaming about our time at @rimbabyayana a few weeks ago. 

The best luxury hotel in Bali for families in my opinion. Two nights is not enough! 

Save this post for your next family holiday to Bali.
Still dreaming about our time at @rimbabyayana a few weeks ago. 

The best luxury hotel in Bali for families in my opinion. Two nights is not enough! 

Save this post for your next family holiday to Bali.
Still dreaming about our time at @rimbabyayana a few weeks ago. 

The best luxury hotel in Bali for families in my opinion. Two nights is not enough! 

Save this post for your next family holiday to Bali.
Still dreaming about our time at @rimbabyayana a few weeks ago. 

The best luxury hotel in Bali for families in my opinion. Two nights is not enough! 

Save this post for your next family holiday to Bali.
Still dreaming about our time at @rimbabyayana a few weeks ago. 

The best luxury hotel in Bali for families in my opinion. Two nights is not enough! 

Save this post for your next family holiday to Bali.
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Still dreaming about our time at @rimbabyayana a few weeks ago. The best luxury hotel in Bali for families in my opinion. Two nights is not enough! Save this post for your next family holiday to Bali.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
My first women’s trip to Bali is in the books! ❤️ For the last week a group of strangers, who have become friends, traveled together to my favorite parts of Bali all while meeting some of the best people who call this island home. We stayed in unique villas, went deep on Balinese culture, biked through the most stunning landscapes and swam with manta rays. We had plentiful massages, a relaxing sound healing and meditative yoga with a sprinkle of rain just as we got into shavasana. We all tried new things, overcame some fears and learned about ourselves. I’ll share more soon, but I’ll say this: I’m already planning the next Women’s Trip to Bali! Want to come next time? Comment “Bali” to get on the waitlist for the next trip!
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
🚨 One of the biggest mistakes I see Americans make when they travel is to use international roaming. They’re wasting a lot of money, and I’ll show you an easier way. If you want to make travel more affordable and hassle free, you need to get an eSIM from @airalocom . An eSIM is essentially an digital SIM card built directly into your phone instead of a physical card that needs to be inserted. It allows you to use mobile network services in the location you’re traveling to without the need for a traditional SIM card (or overpriced roaming plans). Arriving at a new airport can be stressful but with the Airalo app already downloaded on your phone you’re just minutes away from being connected and ready to go. Here’s how it works: Download the Airalo app. Then, find the country or region you’re traveling to and choose your data plan. Then follow the instructions to install it on your phone and voila! You’re ready to go and connected. And, if you use my code CURATED3 you’ll get $3 off! Airalo works in over 200 countries and regions around the world. I’ve personally used it in over 10 countries with no issues. Install Airalo today so you can stay connected anywhere you travel and use my code CURATED3 for $3 off your first data plan!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
The number one thing I have easy access to in my carry on now? A plastic bag. And some kind of wipes. Non negotiable. Because there is nothing worse than being on a bus where no one speaks English while 75% of your family is covered in vomit. We didn’t have anything to clean it up with, no way to communicate to the driver what had happened. What does your travel bag look like with kids? Anything you HAVE TO have in it? Let’s make a list together so we’re all prepared! We’ve got this! #travelwithkidstips #travelfamily #momswhotravel
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Save this post for your next Bali family vacation! 📍Rimba by Ayana Hotel #hosted #balifamilyholiday #baliwithkids
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Travel Shop

COPYRIGHT © 2022 Semicuratedlife Site Powered by Pix & Hue.