Sabah, Borneo... 3 people walked into a bar: two Malaysians and an Irish woman. The result was that they raised that bar higher than I've seen it before! Sincere thanks to the awesome, knowledgeable, caring, courteous and happy Albert Aseh for enabling the possibility of this Sabah, Borneo discovery. The result (for me)... Well, not my usual kind of days. But, then, it's certainly not what you're going to get when you choose to go on an Ethical Volunteer Adventure with EVA Travel! My choice to travel to Borneo was made by the attraction to animal welfare for Bornean elephants, to assist with donations and some pleasurable "work" with a kinder's children and staff, and importantly, to pay my respects at the Sandakan Memorial Park (Ref WWII and Allied Troops). Oh, but Malaysian Sabah district in Borneo has soooo much more to offer. Visits to do heart-felt volunteering at the Bornean Elephant Sanctuary and at the Aura Kinder have been very informative and such a purposeful pleasure. However, other opportunities have been presented and been eagerly embraced by our small EVA group. For example, Sea bed walking (wearing an oxygenated helmet) with all the colourful fish swimming beside us near Gaya Island; Gaya Island creatures (monkeys; monitors); paragliding, jet skiing, snorkelling, lazing about on the floating cafe with a fun slide into the sea. What a day, just for starters! On other excursions, we've dressed in traditional Islamic costumes to visit a mosque in Kota Kinabalu, shopped for donations and essentials (for our upcoming volunteer contributions) in the extensive shopping centre adjacent to our lovely hotel where we could swim in the pool above the 12th floor and enjoy the sights of the city, the bay, passing ships and planes, and tall building activity which was utilising giant cranes ie mechanical, not birds! Oh, but wait, so many wonderful bird species (not seen in Australia, Britain, or USA) and other creatures were yet to appear for us during our amazing time in Sabah, Malaysia, (Borneo Island). Oh, Yes, and not to forget white river rafting and river swimming, ending the excursion with a delightfully refreshing luncheon and select souvenir shopping. The food? Every single day, our meals were abundant, fresh and enticingly delicious. We were not reaching into our pockets every day for meals and tips so that was refreshing in itself so as not to be concerned about carrying cash in a variety of suitable denominations. Our accommodation was at its best and varied from city to remote home-stays. All hosts were friendly, helpful and a delight to meet. Our EVA creator and team advisor, Sheila, liaised perfectly with our lead Guide ("John Borneo") who was an absolute expert on Sabah birdlife and other environmental information. John kept amazing us with his ability to spot wildlife and provide information as to the exact name of individual species and other habitat information (including the crocodylus porosus, aka "Salty" to Aussies). John's highly knowledgeable lead man, Theo, and drivers, Boboi, Morley, and Boi were always very courteous, respectful, helpful, kept us safe and feeling safe at all times, and provided information and laughs, and were to hand every single day and night. Sheila provided superior pics with her permanently attached quality camera. Thanks to other group members who also shared their beautiful pics. I highly recommend the EVA Borneo adventure in every aspect of its creation. Thank you sincerely, to all who contributed to our EVA group's meaningful and happy adventure within our time at Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Thank you Inspired and We Travel. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Further information: Wildlife sightings from Guru "John Borneo" (more extensive than my attempt at a comprehensive list, lol) 1.orang-utan 2.long tailed macaque 3.red giant flying squirrel 4.Thomas's flying squirrel 4.prevost's squirrel 5.sambar deer 6.slow loris 7.flying lemur 8.bear cat 9.common palm civet 10.small toothed palm civet 11.malay civet 12.proboscis monkey 13.silver leaf monkey 14.pig tailed macaque 15.flying fox 16.rhinocerous hornbill 17.Oriental pied hornbill 18.helmeted hornbill 19.asian black hornbill 20.javan myna 21.greater coucal 22.lesser adjutant 23.white breasted water hen 24.long tailed parakeet 25.grey rumped treeswift 26.crested serpent eagle 27.buffy fish owl 28.brown wood owl 29.bronze drongo 30.dollar bird 31.white bellied sea eagle 32.storm stork 33.white bellied woodpecker 34.wallace's hawk eagle 35.blue eared kingfisher 36.salt water crocodile (crocodylus porosus) 37.striped bronzeback tree snake 38.elegant tree snake 39.wrinkled hornbill Sun bears were viewed at a sanctuary. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

'Relentless Wildlifing!' :-)) I can't tell you how many times I used the words 'Amazing' and 'Incredible' on my trip to Peru! Being able to stay in such a remote, beautiful location was a real privilege - our jungle base was exceptional. The group were lovely and I was partnered up with thought and consideration - I feel I have met more adventuring friends. The trip was very well organised from start to finish, with enough detail to whet your appetite but also an element of mystery to keep you guessing as to what might happen next! Catherine's personal approach to her adventures is supportive and friendly - she has a very special talent for making you feel at ease, comfortable and supported -even in the most challenging environments! Your only regret will be, not, going on this trip. I am smiling inside and out and will be for a very long time remembering what an incredible experience I had.

To experience this precious and awe inspiring jungle environment is hard to describe….a habitat of plants, trees and fungi of every size, shape and colour, with animals hidden - only to be discovered under the expert eye of our guides. From sunrise tree top views to rafting down the Amazon, spotting monkeys playing in the tree canopy and seeing the macaws with colours so bright they seem unreal… The local guides were fun, friendly and knowledgeable, accommodation v comfy and the food a fabulous spread of fresh and nutritious fare! My second trip with Catherine, there will be more!

I had a wonderful time. Exploring the rainforest and learning about the amazing NGO Junglekeepers that fights for securing a part of it, was fantastic. Also the accomodation in Puerto Maldonado before and afterwards was tiptop. I can recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for an authentic experience with purpose.

What a fantastic experience! Our group of 9 were very well looked after. Our accommodation was fabulous. Our guides were superb - very expert in spotting the wildlife and going above and beyond to look after us every minute of every day, even banana fritters at 5am on our sunrise safari! The wildlife was amazing and the trios were awesome. Our hosts, Albert? John and especially Sheila working non stop to ensure everyone had a great time. Thoroughly recommend - DO IT!!!!