Borneo Adventure

17 days (Kuching)

Destinations visited: Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo – Sarawak, Kuching

Grading:

Moderate

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

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A Borneo adventure! Stay in longhouses, trek rain forest and jungle trails, ascend limestone pinnacles, climb Mt Kinabalu, discover wildlife and learn the culture of local indigenous communities

Sarawak and Sabah, located in the north of Malaysian Borneo, offer the ideal base for exploration of indigenous cultures, limestone formations, jungles, forests and an array of wildlife. Sarawak is home to amazing limestone caves, headhunter trails and the razor sharp Pinnacles. Sabah is covered in impenetrable tropical rainforest where the rafflesia – the world’s largest flowering plant, thrives together with an eclectic mix of other unusual plants. However, it is the wildlife for which Sabah is best known and we will wander trails through the forest reserves and visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Our adventure continues where we ascend high above the jungle canopy to the summit of Mount Kinabalu. It is unlikely that you could find a trip with more diversity and adventure.

Highlights

Summit Mt Kinabalu and witness sunrise
Discover orangutans and wildlife in their natural habitat
Ascend Gunung Api for the limestone pinnacles
Travel by longboat and explore cave formations
Learn about the local indigenous communities and stay in longhouses

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Kuching

On arrival in Kuching you will be greeted by our representative who will transfer you to your centrally located hotel. We will have an important tour briefing in the late afternoon, so check with reception for the time and location. If you arrive early, discover the charms of the Kuching, a city established by Sir James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak. The White Rajahs refers to a dynasty that founded and ruled the Kingdom of Sarawak from 1841 to 1946, namely the Brookes, who came originally from England. In Kuching you can see buildings dating back to the days of the White Rajahs, ancient Chinese temples and colourful markets displaying the produce that first brought traders to Borneo. A visit to Kuching will not be complete without making a stop at the Sarawak Museum. Completed in 1891, the museum has an excellent collection of ethnological and archaeological artifacts and is reputed to be the best in South East Asia. *** This evening you will need to pack the clothing and personal items you need for the next 4 nights in a separate backpack. Please make sure you keep these items to the bare minimum, as you will be expected to carry your own pack. Overnight: Hotel

Day 2 Travel to Nanga Sumpa Longhouse

This morning we depart for our journey through rural Sarawak to Batang Ai reservoir (approx 4-5 hours). Our journey will pass pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantations and we will make a stop at the colourful native market in Serian town where a variety of jungle produce such as edible ferns, bamboo shoots and unusual tropical fruit are on display. We will also visit a pepper garden and stop by to view wild orchids and several species of pitcher plants. Batang Ai means "main river" and the river has been dammed to form the site of one of the largest hydroelectric schemes in the region. A huge manmade reservoir provides a magnificent backdrop to some breathtaking scenery. From here we travel upriver by longboat (approx 90mins) to Nanga Sumpa Longhouse. On arrival we will settle into our simple accommodation and then we can relax on the ruai (common verandah) and spend time with the Iban people to learn about their culture and enjoy some local rice wine. Woven blankets and handicrafts may be purchased directly from the longhouse people. Our dinner this evening will include some local delicacies. Overnight: Lodge

Day 3 Trek to Sungai Mawang

After breakfast, we commence our trekking to Mawang (approx 4 hours). Along the rainforest trails in this area, gradually heading up, we will spend time to look for wild orangutans and other wildlife like the pig-tailed macaque, giant squirrel and a variety of birds. While the orangutans are only occasionally seen, their nests can usually be observed. Upon arrival, set camp and prepare for evening meal. Overnight: Jungle Camp (accommodation is simple and toilet facilities are basic with a manual flush system using a bucket of water).

Day 4 Trek to Keladan Pengirup Ai

After breakfast, we start todays trekking to Keladan Pengirup Ai (approx 6 hours). Todays trek is fairly steep. A simple lunch will be taken along the way. Upon arrival, we set up camp. You can also help the guides to gather jungle produce like bamboo shoots or edible ferns for your dinner. Orangutans are occasionally seen (at dusk or at dawn) in this area. Overnight: Jungle Camp (accommodation is simple and toilet facilities are basic with a manual flush system using a bucket of water).

Day 5 Trek to Nanga Sumpa Longhouse

A long trek gradually downwards today to get us back to Nanga Sumpa Longhouse (approx 7 hours). Again we will search for wild orangutans and other wildlife in this area before returning to the Delok River and settling in at our longhouse. Spend some time “berandau” (talk) with the longhouse people before retiring for the night. Overnight: Lodge

Day 6 To Kuching

After breakfast, we travel down river by longboat, then overland to Kuching and back to our hotel. Depending upon our arrival the their will be free time to wander around Kuching, shop at the markets or discover the rich history at the Sarawk Museum. *** This evening you will need to pack the clothing and personal items you need for the next 4 nights in a separate backpack. Please make sure you keep these items to the bare minimum, as you will be expected to carry your own pack. Overnight: Hotel

Day 7 Fly to Mulu National Park

After breakfast we will transfer to airport for our flight to Gunung Mulu National Park - a World Heritage site (via Miri, if direct flight is not available). NB: Excess baggage charges may apply, so checked baggage and hand baggage should not total more than 20kgs. Upon arrival we will be met by our new guide and then travel to Park Headquarters where we will need to register. Visitors are not permitted to enter any of the caves within the Park without a Licensed Park Guide. Important both for its high biodiversity and for its karst features, Gunung Mulu National Park, is the most studied tropical karst area in the world. The 52,864-ha park contains seventeen vegetation zones, exhibiting some 3,500 species of vascular plants. Its palm species are exceptionally rich, with 109 species noted. The park is dominated by Gunung Mulu, a 2,377 m-high sandstone pinnacle. At least 295 km of explored caves provide a spectacular sight and are home to millions of cave swiftlets and bats. We will take a scenic 3 km plank walk through the rainforest to the entrance of Deer Cave. Deer Cave has the world's largest cave entrance and is the largest single cave passage in the world with a 120m - 150m in diameter,it can fit London's St. Pauls' Cathedral under its massive archway. The cave has a moon-like landscape and from one vantage point a perfect profile of President Lincoln can be observed! Most evenings at sundown (between 5.30-6.30pm), a spectacular exodus of about 2-3 million wrinkled-lipped freetail bats can be observed as they leave the cave in search of food. Deer Cave is awesome, large and bold but only 100 metres away is Langs Cave. Small and intimate, with walls beautifully decorated with long shawls, layers of rim stone pools on the floor, and throughout the cave, spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. In this smaller cave the bats are easier to see, small white cave prawns hide in pools of water and shimmering near the roof are strands of web spun by the thread worm larvae waiting for a passing meal. We return to Park Headquarters by torchlight for dinner and overnight. The return trip is a wonderful time to move through the forest, listening to the calls of the frogs and insects and often seeing fireflies and stick insects. Overnight: Lodge (toilet facilities are shared)

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Day 8 Explore Wind and Clearwater Caves

After breakfast we travel by longboat to Wind Cave, gliding down the Melinau River past the everyday life of the Mulu community. Wind Cave, with its impressive ‘King’s Chamber’ is where, stalactites and stalagmites with delicate lace-like patterns are found. A short walk along a plank walk suspended to the limestone cliff leads to Clearwater Cave. Like most caves in Mulu, Clearwater Cave is the habitat of unique species of plants. One of them, the one-leafed plant, can only be found at Mulu; rare species of orchids and pitcher plants can be seen in many locations and photo-sensitive algae grow on certain rocks and have produced needle-like formations that point towards the source of light. Outside Clearwater Cave, swim in the crystal-clear waters where the river emerges from the cliff face. Float with the fish and enjoy the rainforest around you. After lunch, we continue upriver to Long Litut (approx 1 hour). From here we start trekking through riparian forest (approx 3 hours) to reach our overnight camp. Overnight: Camp 5 (basic dormitory accommodation, in open space, with common toilet facilities. Bedding - foam mattresses and blankets - and mosquito nets are provided. Lights are powered by solar energy. Although not required, for more comfort please bring your own sleeping bags.)

Day 9 Climb Limestone Pinnacles

Early this morning we start to scale the Gunung Api for the limestone pinnacles. The trail to view the Pinnacles is only 2.4 km long but rises 1,200m. The climb (approx 3-4 hours) is very challenging and taxing and the last section is near vertical with ropes and ladders to climb. We are rewarded with fantastic views of the stone pinnacles from the viewpoint and the neighbouring peak of Gunung Mulu. Following a packed lunch, we descend to Camp 5 to rest our weary legs. Mulu’s Pinnacles tower above the surrounding landscape, some reaching heights of 40 to 50 metres. Centuries of water have eroded and dissolved the rock into razor sharp spikes which knife skywards through the surrounding rainforest. Next to Gunung Api is the second highest peak in Sarawak, Gunung Mulu (2,376m). NB: Should you require a porter for the Pinnacles trek you should notify our office at time of booking. The cost is MYR60-100 per day per porter (maximum weight 15 kg per porter), which can be paid directly to the porter. Overnight: Camp 5 (basic dormitory accommodation, in open space, with common toilet facilities. Bedding - foam mattresses and blankets - and mosquito nets are provided. Lights are powered by solar energy. Although not required, for more comfort please bring your own sleeping bags.)

Day 10 Trek to Longhouse

Today we trek to Kuala Terikan (approx 5 hours). Then we travel down river by longboat (approx 2-3 hours, depending on the water level) to Rumah Penghulu Sigah or Rumah Bala Lasong, an Iban longhouse. Overnight: Longhouse

Day 11 To Limbang

We leave behind the longhouse and travel downriver by boat (approx 90mins) to Nanga Medamit and then drive to the small coastal town of Limbang, where we will be reunited with our luggage, and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A good chance to re-pack, have a shower and enjoy an afternoon drink by the river. Limbang is the biggest manufacturer of "ikan tahai" or "tahai" fish. It is a kind of smoked fish and very famous among people of Limbang. "Tahai" can be eaten raw or boiled with chili and tamarind juice toppings. In Limbang, "tahai" is called "Dadah Tahai" and can be bought from local market. The Limbang Regional Museum is located in a fort built by Rajah Charles Brooke in 1897. It is located in the area annexed to Sarawak by the White Rajah in 1890. Overnight: Hotel

Day 12 To Labuan Island and onto Kota Kinabalu

After breakfast, we transfer to the jetty and depart Limbang town by Express Boat (approx 90mins) across the South China Sea to the island of Labuan. The island is located at the mouth of the Brunei Bay, 8kms off the coast of Sabah and this Federal Territory of Labaun acts as a duty free centre for day-tripping Bruneians and Malaysians; we don’t stop for long but continue by another Express Boat (approx 2-3 hours) to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival at the jetty, we transfer to hotel. Mt Kinabalu, the majestic summit of Borneo has such importance that the state capital Jesselton was renamed Kota Kinabalu in 1964. Kota Kinabalu (or KK as it is known) is the sprawling capital of Sabah perched on the edge of the South China Sea. In the distance it is possible to see Mt Kinabalu, and the coral fringed islands off the coast. This afternoon, a short orientation with our new guide will be held with the remainder of the day set aside for personal exploration. Near the waterfront, the markets are bustling selling everything from live eels to household goods. The fish cooked on an open fire is a particularly tasty pre-dinner snack. Overnight: Hotel

Day 13 Travel to Poring Hot Springs

Early this morning we depart for our drive (approx 130kms / 3 hours) to Poring Hot Spring. En route, make a stop at Nabalu village to savour local fruits and for handicrafts. We will explore some of the many jungle trails and enjoy this unique opportunity to get closer to the rainforest ‘web of life’ on the canopy walkway 30m (100 feet) above the forest floor. Take a dip in one of the soothing, steaming hot mineral springs set in beautifully landscaped gardens. We then proceed to another World Heritage site - Kinabalu National Park (approx 40kms). Visit the botanical garden, home to many species of orchids, pitcher plants, birds, insects and butterflies with our guide. The unique flora of the area, including numerous species of rhododendrons and orchids and there is said to be more than 2,000 flowering plants in the forests of Kinabalu.The rest of the afternoon will be at free. NB: For the Kinabalu climb porters can be booked on arrival at Kinabalu Park. Cost is MYR60-100 per porter per person (until Laban Rata Guesthouse) with maximum 10 kg per porter with every additional kg at MYR6 per kg. This is to be paid directly to the porter. Costs are subject to change without notice. Overnight: Cabin / guesthouse

Day 14 Trek to Laban Rata

Following breakfast, we travel by coach to the Power Station (approx 25 minutes). We then commence our climb to Laban Rata with a packed lunch. The climb will take approximately 4 hours. We commence the climb at Timpohon Gate (1800m). The trail ascends steeply in deep forest, with gnarled tree-roots and orchid covered trees to the side of the staircase. As we ascend the vegetation begins to change and on reaching Layang at 2740m it is possible to see the pitcher-plant. The edge of the tree line is reached at 3350m and it is possible you will notice the reduced oxygen in the air. We should reach the Laban Rata guesthouse by early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is spent exploring the surrounding area and resting in preparation for our early morning climb. Overnight: Cabin / guesthouse (accommodation is very limited and will be in multishare rooms with dormitory bunk beds.)

Day 15 Summit Mount Kinabalu

An early start (2.00am) is in order to reach the summit by sunrise It should take no more than 4 hours to reach the summit. We commence climbing by torchlight (a head torch is most useful). As we ascend the terrain becomes less vegetated, and on the steep sections we are assisted with ropes, ladders and handrails. The final stages of the ascent crosses bare granite slabs before a steep section up to Lows Peak and the highest point of Mt Kinabalu at 4,093m. As the sun rises over Sabah the most extraordinary view unfolds (weather permitting). Contrasting with the pink tinged granite is the deep green of the forest below, stretching to the fertile croplands and beyond to the island dotted South China Sea. We return to the Laban Rata guesthouse (approx 2 hours to descend) for breakfast before continuing the long descent to Park Headquarters (approx 4 hours) in time for a late lunch. We can collect your climbing certificate before returning to Kota Kinabalu. NB: It can be very cold with strong winds at the summit. On many days clouds could obstruct visibility. Overnight: Lodge in Kundasang

Day 16 To Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

After breakfast, we depart overland to Sukau and have a short briefing on the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. In the late afternoon, we go on a river cruise down the Menanggul River, a small tributary of the Kinabatangan River, in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife. A view that never fails to delight is a glimpse of the playful porboscis monkeys who are particularly active at this time, socialising, crashing through trees or foraging for food. The Kinabatangan River is the longest river in Sabah, Borneo. It starts high in the mountain range and meanders through the interior and coastal lowlands for 560km before reaching the Sulu Sea on the East coast of Sabah. The lower reaches of the Kinabatangan River are home to an ecosystem of amazing richness - stranded ox-bow lakes, swamp and mangroves - which supports a rich, and diverse, concentration of wildlife. Here you will find Orangutans, Proboscis Monkeys, Bornean Elephants alongside a large array of birds, reptiles and amphibians. Overnight: Lodge

Day 17 Sepilok Forest Reserve, to Sandakan trip concludes.

After breakfast, we depart to Sepilok Forest Reserve. We visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, the world's largest orangutan sanctuary, where captive orangutans (known as the wild man of Borneo) are reintroduced into the wild. You will be able to observe them at the feeding stations in the rainforest and see a video presentation on the rehabilitation program. The Sanctuary started in 1964 was established for the rehabilitation of orphaned baby orangutans from logging-sites, plantations and illegal hunting, and returning them to the wilds as soon as they are ready After lunch your trip concludes. You will be transfered to Sandakan airport for onward connection. If your onward travel is later in the day, remember that check out time is 12:00 noon. You can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Additional Information

Inclusions

16 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners
Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 17
Local guides (English speaking). You will have a different local guide for each major section of the trip including Kuching, Mulu and Kinabalu
Comfortable hotels, simple park lodges/camps/longhouse
Private air conditioned vehicles
National park permit fees
Sightseeing and entry fees as per itinerary

Summary

17 day trip
5 day trek
7 nights hotel/lodge
4 nights jungle camp
4 nights cabin/park lodge
1 night longhouse

Trip Main Activities

Trekking
Wildlife Safari
Adventure Touring

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

Recommend that you pack very light for this trip in a small backpack. You are expected to carry with you the gear that you need for the 4 nights during the longhouse trek (Days 2-6), the 4nights at Mulu Park (Days 7-11) and again for the night of the Mt Kinabalu climb (Day 14). This will include clothes, toiletries and sleeping bag (if you wish to bring one). It is possible to hire a porters for certain sectors only.

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