Borneo was chosen for our family holiday as we wanted soft adventure, wildlife safari and to sit back and relax in hot sun on palm fringed beaches. We travelled with friends and Rachel, a keen photographer, wanted to capture photos of the lush green rainforests and the wild men of Borneo the Orang-utan.

We spent the first part of our holiday at the Shangri - La Tanjung Aru - a 5 star luxury hotel not far from Kota Kinabalu and the main airport . No airport noise but a good location for flights to Sandakan for the Sepilok Orang-utan sanctuary with fascinating wildlife along the banks of the Menanggol river and overnight trips to " Turtle Island " to watch the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs . As a group we swam, dived and enjoyed relaxing times at the hotel and in the Kinabalu Club sipping cocktails and watching the early evening sunset.We ventured to the Klias Wetlands and took a boat trip to see the long nosed Proboscis Monkeys , Monitor Lizards and the evening Fireflies - shining like Christmas tree lights in the trees!

A shuttle bus took us to our next hotel the Shangri-la Rasa Ria just 45 minutes north of Kota Kinabalu. We were lucky enough to be staying in the new Ocean Wing and these fabulous rooms had huge balconies with proper loungers and a massive outside bath from where to watch the glorious sunsets. Also a private pool for the Ocean Wing guests and breakfast in "Coast" - voted the coolest restaurant this side of the China Sea. The large wide sandy beach was perfect for walking, horse -riding and an array of watersports - complimentary kayaks, catamarans and windsurfing and also jet skis, parasailing and the banana boat enjoyed several times by our group!! The hotel is also home to a 64 acre nature reserve featuring a wide variety of flora and fauna but most importantly the Orang-utans who are provided with a home until the are ready to be rehabilitated into their natural habitat. Visitors are able to partake in guided walks by local forest rangers, walk the tree top canopy, view the Orang-utans and even work as a "Ranger" for a few hours!

This was a holiday with a difference - luxurious but also giving the opportunity to get close to nature. 100% recommended!!