Best vacation from Qatar: Kiddos go to Borneo

While thinking of an article to write for QL’s May travel theme - I realized I kept wanting to vent or complain about money lost on prepaid travel bookings (they're cheaper options but could be more costly if things go awry!).  

I decided I was being altogether too negative.  Thus, I asked my children what their favourite vacation has been since moving to Qatar.  They both said Borneo - full stop.  I suggested Disneyland and other fun locations, but they didn't budge, Borneo was a kiddo's paradise in their books.

Thus, if you're a family (and it's still an awesome vacation spot if you're solo) you may want to consider a trip to Borneo while you’re here.   Borneo isn't raved about much in Doha, but that shouldn't be a deterrent for you.  

It's literally a vacation that can offer everything.  Everything.  From mountains, beaches, wildlife (see the monkey above), to the rainforest, loads of activities, food, spas, and even golf - you just can't go wrong.

My family and I stayed at the Shangri La Rasa Ria resort in Borneo, Malaysia.  There were pools, waterslides, kids' club, beaches, spas, golf, and even an orangutan sanctuary!  My kids had a blast.  

Our first unexpected surprise was when we approached the kids club - my son noticed a pen of animals.  This four year old ran up and said "mom... it's a kangaroo" (meanwhile... it was a sleeping baby goat - but no worries).

There were night excursions to see fireflies on the river - sounded lame - but was completely incredible!  The guides were able to use lights to get fireflies to respond to them.  

Essentially, they were able to get the fireflies to glow and create light along the river and, at one point, beckon the fireflies to come to our little boat.   

We even went to a crocodile farm and watched some pretty crazy tricks with alligators.  The workers would lie on the gators backs and would interact with them.  

Borneo offers amazing bang for your buck.  The hotel was amazing - as could be expected from a Shangri - La.  The kids were busy morning till evening - I was totally exhausted.  And the food was awesome - dieters beware!

Looking back, I could see how that trip would be a child's paradise.  The closeness to nature was really intriguing for the kids. At one point while roaming about - we looked up and saw a parrot sitting in a tree.  Several monkeys would come down from the rainforest on to the resort property as well.  

It was a truly spectacular experience.  Granted, big cities are fun, but sometimes kids just want to be close to what's natural and real.  I asked them about their trip to Disneyland - which happened right after their trip to Borneo - and they both forgot ever going...

Cover Image: kuoni.co.uk