Borneo's rainforests also contain a stunning biodiversity of other plant and animal life, and the forest itself is some of the most ancient on the planet - far older even than the equatorial forests of the Amazon or the Congo. If your children are budding naturalists they'll love knowing that new species of beasties from bugs to carnivores are discovered here every year. The Kinabatangan River, which lies just South of the Sepilok sanctuary and involves a trip up river by boat, is home to an impressive array of wildlife including macaques, monitor lizards, pygmy elephants, wild orangutans and most famously, the proboscis monkey, with his unique colouring, large nose and harem of 'wives'.
Moving further south again, the conservation area of the Danum Valley has been set up to protect the area from the destructive impact of the logging industry. Not only is this area teeming with a huge variety of birds and wildlife, but there are canopy walkways high above the jungle floor and the option for night safaris into the surrounding rainforest.
For marine wildlife, the island of Lankayan has some of the best dive sites for beginners but there are also fantastic snorkeling opportunities. Nearby Selingan Island is also a favourite nesting place for giant turtles who travel hundreds of miles to lay their eggs on the same beach on which they hatched years before.
Finally, for a bit of relaxation and indulgence after action-packed wildlife adventures, Original Travel recommends a stay at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria hotel, which has superb family facilities, or one of the family-friendly favourites on nearby Gaya Island.
