The wildlife was extrememely good, Dominic our guide was very knowledgeable as he had been a game park guide before taking on Explore trips. The best experience was a 2 hour river trip at Bilit (Sukau area) where we saw:- Sunbirds, Intermediate and Great Egrets, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Stork Billed and Collared Kingfisher, Pied Hornbill, Silver Monkeys, Proboscis Monkeys, Macaques, Oran Utan, Crocodile, Monitor Lizard and a group of Pigmy Borneo Elephants in the river and then on land. Kinabalu was a great experience, and to a snorkelling novice the sea at Manukan Island memorable for the fish. The Sports Massage at the Beringgis Beach Hotel Spa was very good for the recovering legs
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Dominic was very good, a candidate for leader of the year. Knowledgeable, spotted wildlife that others did not see, cheerful, smiling, a real gem. Well organised, the arrangements ran like clockwork; even upgraded accomadation on two sites.
What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?
Do not worry if you do not reach the top of Kinabalu. I turned back after Laban Rata before the rope way to the top but it was still a memorable experience; my wife made it all the way and we have some stunning pictures. It is not guaranteed to be able to get to the top anyway, 2 days before our group no-one was allowed beyond Laban Rata as the wind was over 80kph and the day before only some were let through the upper gate before the guides closed it due to rain. I used two walking poles and the knees held up fine, 5 hours to Laban Rata , 3&3/4 hours down.
Do you have anything else to add?
Unfortunately due to cancellations, our group was small. There were 3 of us initially and a 4th joined at Kota Kinabalu. While it made it almost a private tour I did miss the joy of meeting talking and walking with more people. A really good trip though.
