borneo FEATURE 27
swim with whale sharks and see turtles. “Borneo appeals to a broad range of visitor,”
contends Jim Eite, Product Manager at adventure travel company, Exodus. “It’s the perfect destination for singles, couples and active families, too. “From climbing Asia’s third-highest mountain, Kinabalu, to white-water rafting and trekking to exploring bat-fi lled caves, it has all the ingredients for an exciting holiday,” adds Wild Frontiers’ Fisher. “Which is why Borneo was our top-selling destination in Southeast Asia last year.” Throw into the mix delicious local cuisine, warm people and easy access via some of Asia’s most vibrant travel hubs, and it’s easy to see why many travellers are adding Borneo to their list of must-see destinations.
What’s new Attractions: The recently opened Bornean
Sun Bear Conservation Centre (
bsbcc.org.my) provides care and rehabilitation for orphaned and captive sun bears. Situated next to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, it’s open to visitors daily between 09.00 and 13.30. Launched in late 2013, the Gaya Island
Resort Marine Centre (gayaislandresort. com) encourages guests to get involved in Turtle Rescue, Coral Reef Restoration and
Conservation Through Education projects. Airlines: Garuda Indonesia (
garudaindonesia.co.uk) is introducing direct fl ights from Gatwick to Jakarta in Indonesia via Amsterdamn this coming September. With onward connections to Kalimantan, the new service will facilitate access to Indonesian Borneo. Malaysia Airlines (
malaysiaairlines.com) has
partnered with top chef and restaurateur Richard Corrigan to create a limited-edition in-fl ight menu, available to First and Business passengers on its twice-daily A380 service from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur, a popular stopover destination for visitors to Malaysian Borneo. Singapore Airlines (
singaporeair.com) has re- launched the Singapore Stopover Holiday Programme for travellers making a twin- centre trip, including those travelling on to Borneo. The programme offers huge savings
on accommodation, meals and attractions. Accommodation: The Hilton Kota Kinabalu (
hilton.com) will open in 2015. The 12-storey, 313-room hotel will be located in the central business district and will be the fi fth Hilton Hotels & Resorts branded hotel in Malaysia. Security: At the time of going to press, the Foreign and Commonwealth Offi ce (
gov.uk) was advising against all but essential travel to the islands off the coast of eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau, including (but not limited to) Lankayan, Mabul, Pom Pom, Kapalai, Litigan, Sipadan and Mataking. The advisory has been issued due to a threat of kidnapping and criminality. Caution is also recommended in the town of Sandakan and around Tawau and Semporna.
Tourism talk
“Malaysian Borneo drew 30,776 visitors from the UK and Ireland in 2013, and we’re expecting to see an increase this year.
Despite attracting one million international tourists, sadly some have been deterred by travel advisories for our east coast region, although the feedback from European visitors is that Borneo is very safe. “We will work with UK tour operators to
promote our incredible nature, beautiful beaches, hospitable people, world-class diving, exciting festivals and sustainable tourism initiatives. ”Whilst Kota Kinabalu is growing rapidly, our jungle lodges and island resorts offer peaceful escapes in a truly unique environment.” Junus Suhid, UK & Ireland Director, Tourism Malaysia
“Brunei received over 12,000 UK visitors in 2013 and we’re aiming
to increase numbers by 10% this year, by highlighting the fantastic
bird-watching and diving opportunities in the country, as well as our pristine rainforests,
Above, clockwise from left: an orangutan in Camp Leakey, Central Kalimintan, Indonesia; the Royal Suite Pool, Empire
Hotel & Country Club, Brunei; a traditional Bornean welcome
“With so many national parks to explore, Borneo is incredible. A visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah is a must”
MICHAEL EDWARDS, REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR UK, EUROPE AND SOUTH AFRICA, THE INTREPID GROUP
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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