Are you panicked because holidays are just around the corner and you’re still not sure what to do or where to go? Whether it’s a seven-day break, three weeks of time off or even a month-long holiday, finding something to do on the island is going to be a piece of cake with our Family-Friendly Holidays guide!
SUN, SAND & SEA
We’re on an island so staycation ideas revolving around the ocean are bound to make it on the list! Now, we know not everybody is a friend of the seaside so if this is not your vibe, skip ahead to the more land-based ideas. If you’re still here, listen up! Borneo’s got some stellar island adventures to be had and sometimes it just takes the willingness to try something different. East Kalimantan in particular is a hidden gem that you really need to try getting to once — and direct travel isn’t quite in place yet so if you’re short on time, closer spots in Malaysia-Borneo and Brunei will still give you a good saltwater fix. If you’re keen to make the trip regardless, Derawan Island and Sangalaki Island in the East Kalimantan island chain have great reputations for their marine biodiversity and turquoise blue waters for unparalleled world class diving and snorkelling. Derawan island is also considered the third best dive destination in the world.
Want to stay closer to the water’s surface? Bruneians can check in with one of the marine companies like Oceanic Quest or Poni, who also offer water based activities like jet-skiing, banana boats and island-hopping. There’s a lot of the coast to still discover and you may even find your own little beach atoll or sand pit to relax on! If you’re based in Sabah and Sarawak, there have been some excellent water activity vendors that have cropped up over the last few years! KK Yacht Rental, Sunbear Travel & Tours, North Borneo Cruises are some of the more prominent yacht and cruise rentals in Sabah, while Sailo.com and Sarawak River Cruise are fantastic options if you’re looking for a way to explore the incredible waters of Sarawak state.Â
PARKS & REC
Of course, an amusement park is a no-brainer when it comes to picking somewhere that the whole family will enjoy — with a variety of activities and attractions to suit every age, you’ll certainly enjoy a full day here. Jerudong Park is of course Brunei’s main and only amusement park so it’s the obvious choice here. If you’re just looking for a place to relax and hang out, there are plenty of great spots around the lawns you can picnic at. Catch the thrills and spills from a rollercoaster ride or a heart thumping seat on their giant swing that will even have the bravest of souls shaking. Cool off in the splash zone at the JP Waterpark, or head to the Little Kingdom Zoo that’s just outside the complex area. Furry friends are waiting to meet you and there are heaps of opportunities to feed and pet these unique animals. Speaking of pets, The Noah pet cafe in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is a wonderful place to go and get up close with unique fur-babies like a chinchilla, prairie dogs and the ever0charming trash panda a.k.a Racoons. The owner of The Noah also has a sister farm in Donggongon, Penampang, which is a 30-minute drive from KK city centre. Perfect for those quick weekend getaways if you’re short on time and want to pack lots of activities in. National parks are a great way to enjoy some outdoor time and get out of the house without being too far away from creature comforts and Borneo is truly blessed with a ton of protected park areas that have great camping facilities that are great use even if you’re just heading there for the day.
The Matang Wildlife Centre in Sarawak is a wonderful park to take small and big kids to, for nature familiarisation. Far from being a zoo, this centre is home to endangered species such as orangutans who are rehabilitated and released into the forest around the centre. Matang Wildlife Centre also has rock pools, a swimming area, picnic spots and waterfalls, a viewing area and enclosures for viewing semi-wild animals.
ARNO ZOEY WONDERLAND (TOP PICK!)
Get ready for an ultimate world of fun no matter what age you are starting this October at Arno Zoey Wonderland! A thrilling expansion means Arno Zoey will see the launch of Team Playstation — you preferred destination for big kids fun which includes all new equipment and sensory areas. A delicious new cafe specialising in Asian, Greek and International cuisine will also join the new extended space on the first floor of the Mid Valley Mall in Samabigar, as well as a salon.
It’s also a month of kicking things off with Arno Zoey’s first year anniversary; to celebrate there are all new mascots including Brunei’s own Awang Budiman, everyone’s favourite blue hedgehog Sonic and Sanrio’s Kuromi characters! Neon lights show, special events and the return of the Wishing Tree and ‘Winter Wonderland’ in December, are also on the books a jam packed couple of months to really see the year out in style. So what are you waiting for? There’s no other place better to take the whole family out for some wholesome fun together, thanks to Arno Zoey’s commitment to a safe, clean and engaging environment for sensory exploration like Dining in the Dark experience and areas that are so beneficial for child development.Â
