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Perhaps not one of the more popular holiday destinations, but I think for me that was part of the attraction and what a gem it turned out to be, with so much to offer, this has to be one of my favourite holidays.

We took an overnight flight from Heathrow via Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu with Malaysian Airlines, this was an excellent start to our holiday, and set the trend for the whole trip.

Arriving in Kota Kinabalu we made the short taxi transfer to our base for the next 2 weeks, Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort. I chose this property because it was only 10 minutes by taxi from the centre of Kota Kinabalu, which meant we were able to go out in the evenings and explore the local restaurants, and I have to say I think we made the right decision, the hotel was excellent and the local restaurants superb and really reasonable, with dinner for the two of us costing on average £6.00.

We took a speed boat to one of the five coral islands just 10 minutes off shore. It was breath taking, the snorkelling was amazing, the waters teaming with fish, and you really didn’t need to swim, the water was so clear you could see the fish just by standing in the sea. A really magical day.
Exploring Kinabalu, and shopping for bargains is a must, and my husband was keen to purchase a new camera.

In the middle of our holiday we flew up to Sandakan to visit Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, I was so excited when these wonderful Old Men of the Jungle made an appearance, so majestically swinging from the trees. We stayed overnight and were also treated to a city tour and an evening Jungle Walk. The following day we visited a small Probiscus Monkey reserve, before our return flight to Kinabalu. The excursion was great, and if like my husband you are a keen bird watcher, you will be enchanted.

Not sure if this was a wise decision or not, but I had booked us in to do the Mount Kinabalu Climb. It was tough. By the time we reached the lodge on the first day we were both shattered, the next day we were awoken really early to make our final ascent to the summit before dawn. I can not explain the thrill and sense of achievement I felt sitting on top of the world watching the sunrise; it’s something I will remember always. For me the climb down seemed even harder than the climb up, and I couldn't’t wait to see the comfortable bed at the Shangri La. The next day we took a well deserved rest, not really in much of a state to do anything else; it took me all my time to make it to my sunbed.

Raring to go again by day 11 of our holiday we took the courtesy coach to Shangri La’s sister hotel, the Rasa Ria Resort, about 35 minutes away, they have their own small nature reserve. The rest of the day we enjoyed the excellent beach.

We also ventured to one of the other Coral Islands for some more snorkelling, even better than before!

Our White Water Rafting excursion was an excellent day, our journey started out on a local steam train, which was fascinating, passing villages on the way and getting a glimpse at the local way of life, as for the rafting, it was thrilling and really got the adrenalin pumping.

After two weeks in Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort we flew to Kuala Lumpur, and spent the next couple of days exploring this great city. There was just too much to see and the shopping was excellent.

For my husband and I this holiday had everything, from the warmth and friendliness of the local people, to the beauty and diversity of the landscape, with beautiful unspoilt beaches, to bustling thriving cities, and majestic Mountains, we just can’t wait to go back and explore some more, as we feel there is still so much to see.