A mother-son trip, years in the making

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Nothing warms our hearts as much as seeing photos of Rickshaw Travellers on the adventures we’ve planned for them. This mother-son trip to Borneo was a recent favourite at Rickshaw HQ. Amanda - strict vegan and lifelong animal lover - vowed to never take her son, Albert, to a zoo. Instead she promised that one day, she would take him somewhere where he could witness animals in the wild. This year, they finally made it happen in Borneo (the perfect place for it!). You can see how much it meant to them through Amanda’s recap below.

Published onFriday 23 October

Written byRickshaw Travel

“A childhood dream became a reality. I finally made it to Borneo to see orangutans in the wild, and it was truly the most amazing and astonishing place I have ever been.”

I was so glad to share this experience with Albert. Having refused to take him to zoos when he was younger, I could finally fulfil my promise to show animals in the wild, not behind bars.

Every day was a new adventure, from waking up to incredible jungle sounds and staying in the same lodge once used by David Attenborough, to 6:00 AM gibbon spotting and kayaking through mangroves.

We experienced five different types of accommodation and travelled by boat, jeep, a tiny plane and foot! Guided by incredible Malaysian guides who clearly love their country and its wildlife.

I want to extend a massive thank you to Rickshaw Travel for listening to all my requests and changes to create such a perfect tailor-made trip.

Beyond seeing Borneo’s “top five,” we also encountered the largest crocodile our Kinabatangan River guides had ever spotted; it was so close to the boat that we had to make a quick exit!

I have truly left my heart in Borneo. From the bugs and the bites and the 6am Gibbon alarm, and swimming in a leech filled waterfall to laughing with Albert at our many odd outfits and my new word “flexing” This is definitely not the end of my Orangutan adventures, and I know I will return.” Amanda

This trip was planned by our Borneo specialist, Ella. The itinerary involved:

Visiting the world famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Wildlife spotting along the Kinabatangan River
Staying in a remote lodge deep in the wilderness that protects endangered animals
Relaxing on the tranquil Gaya Island after jungle treks and wildlife adventures