Borneo
 

Has anyone been to Kota Kinabalu - specifically either the Tanjang Aru or Rasa Ria resorts. Any thoughts on Sabah vs Sarawak or should we visit both. Any info on the Orang rehab. centres. <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help. <BR>Vicky

I was in K.K. last year and stayed at the Tanjang Aru; it's a lovely resort and has more tropical character than the other international hotels in town. Be sure to ask to stay in the older wing, as it gives you more of a sense of "place" than the newer high-rise wing. I never went to the Rasa Ria, but it's probably just as nice, since I think they're both owned by the Shangri-La chain. <BR> <BR>Besides the beach, there's not too much else to see in K.K. -- it was bombed to the ground in WWII and so doesn't have much of historical interest left. The National Museum is good, though. <BR> <BR>Sorry that I can't tell you more than that. We were there for my husband's 30th high school reunion -- so the bulk of our time was spent visiting with his old friends rather than sightseeing! <BR> <BR>

The Tanjung Aru is excellent in every respect. The Rasa Ria, though belonging to the same chain, is less well managed and the staff seem rather inexperienced on all levels. Otherwise, the resort is nice, has a long empty beach, a primary forest of its own where you can make excursions with a ranger. However it is not close to K.K. but an approx. 45 minutes' drive from there and there are no local restaurants and/or shops, villages etc. nearby. <BR>In Sabah you should visit the Mount Kinabalu area. <BR>I recommend you visit also Sarawak. You could do a 2-day trip to the Ibans in the jungle, and go to Bako National Park. Between Sabah and Sarawak the Mulu Caves are reported to be very much worth visiting. I could not get there due to very scarce Flights from/to Miri (from where you start the trip to the Mulu Caves). Early reservation is required. Orang Utan reserves are easily accessible from/in both Sabah ans Sarawak. <BR>You can relax at Holiday Inn Damai Beach, approx. 40 mins. drive from Kuching. The hotel tends to be rather noisy on weekends, they have many guests from Asia with up to 10 people in a hotel room. The Deluxe bungalows at the seafront, however, are mostlx quiet. <BR>Have a good holiday. Regards. Rose

If it's between the Rasa Ria and the Tanjung Aru, go with the Rasa Ria. The beach is great. The rooms are nicer and you have the nature reserve right on the grounds where you can visit with the orangutans and go on a jungle walk. Tanjung Aru is still nice and has a great Chinese restaurant, but the Rasa Ria is more convenient for a lot of things that provide a more authentic Borneo experience, like Mount Kinabalu and Poring Hot Springs. Tanjung Aru has a more corporate feel, owing perhaps, to its city location. And if you're a light sleeper, watch out there for the 5 a.m. call to prayer at the central mosque. But go. You'll have fun.

I would recommend Sarawak without any reservation.I have been there the last two years.Kuching is a beautiful city and is a good base for visiting Kubah <BR>and Bako National Parks.Sibu is OK but too quiet for me.Miri is very lively and a good base for the Niah Caves and <BR>Lambir Hills National Park. <BR> <BR>Public transport(buses,boats and planes) <BR>is cheap and efficient. <BR> <BR>All in all,Sarawak is one of the best places I have visited.The people are very friendly and the food is delicious.

My son was recently in Sabah for several weeks assisting with the Eco-Challenge Race. At that time it was somewhat crowded with press and people associated with the race, but he was able to get into out of the way, fascinating areas. <BR>Several years ago I spent a fascinating week in Sarawak. First, a couple days exploring Kuching and environs. Then, a flight to Sibu and a couple days going up the Rajang River by public boats as far as they went. Stayed in towns at night, and found people to take me up small streams to tribal villages. Fairly easy to find helpful people who speak English. <BR> <BR>Good luck!

Hope this reply isn't coming too late --my extended family all stayed at the Rasa Ria last Christmas before climbing Mt. Kinabalu. We also visited the Tanjung Aru. Both are very nice, but we loved the Rasa Ria and were VERY glad we stayed there. It is newer, has expansive grounds, its own nature preserve (with oranguatans) and one of the most incredible beaches I've ever seen. If you have children, it is also very child friendly. But no matter what you choose, you'll have a great time.

I have been to the Tanjang Aru before and will stay at the Rasa Ria this year, so our kids (4 and 1) can see the orangutans without us having to undertake a long journey. Does anyone know how to get good rates for the Shangri-La properties? Now that we have kids, we'd like to stay in a suite, but the usual hotel webistes don't seem to show rates for suites.

Claire, You've pulled up a VERY old therad to post your question! I answered on the other thread you pulled up.