Malaysia's Ultimate Adventure

Climbing Mt Kinabalu is a challenge that shouldn't be underestimated. Elevation is above 2800 m and we rise early to summit in the dark in order to be able to witness the sunrise. It's an unforgettable climb for sure, but you'll need to have an excellent level of fitness to complete it. Read our blog here for everything you need to know about climbing Mt Kinabalu: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/guide-to-climbing-mt-kinabalu-borneo/

You'll need to pack some specific items for this trip – check the ‘Packing List’ in the Essential Trip Information for more details so you are prepared.

You will get to experience a wide range of accommodation types on this trip – shared dormitory rooms in hostels, a homestay, resort, jungle lodge and hotels. Some may be a little more basic than our standard hotels, but their unique locations and close proximity to nature is what makes them special.

This trip has a focus on nature and wildlife – definitely one for those who enjoy being outdoors. If you are looking for a trip to Borneo with a bit more comfort and without climbing Mt Kinabalu, check out Intrepid’s Classic Borneo adventure – search trip code TMKB on our website for more information.

1. Please provide a clear and coloured copy of your passport info page at the time of booking (no later than 3 weeks before your trip), as these are essential for booking services on this trip including permit for Ulu Muda forest and Mt Kinabalu.
2. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 4, Day 11 to 15, and Day 18, where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Some governments may have increased travel advice levels in place for parts of Eastern Sabah, including Sandakan and Turtle Island. Ensure you check your government’s foreign travel advice for the most up to date information before you travel. If you have any questions about whether the current advice level affects your travel insurance coverage, please contact your insurance provider. Travel insurance is compulsory for all Intrepid traveller and must cover all destinations and activities on the itinerary. In addition to the increased security presence in the region, we have additional safety measures in place on our trips to comply with local regulations, including not travelling by boat at night and only travelling on approved routes and vessels.
4. As this is a combination trip, your tour leader and group composition may change on Day 10.

What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. As well as your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip., LAUNDRY- there will be limited laundry facilities on this trip. We recommend you take a few set of clothes to wear for times when you don’t have access to a laundry.

LOCAL DRESS
Malaysia is a liberal Muslim country, and many Malaysian women do not wear headscarves. However, Malaysia is very conservative when compared with standards you may be accustomed to at home, and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders, cleavage and knees should be covered when travelling in Borneo except when on the beach. Wearing skimpy clothing is considered disrespectful to local culture at many of the small local communities we visit.

ESSENTIALS
- T-Shirts/cotton shirts
- Long-sleeved top (for evenings when mosquitoes are out)
- Long trousers/long skirt/shorts (Denim not recommended due to humidity – cotton or quick drying clothes are better)
- Walking shoes or hiking boots with a good grip
- Sandals/flip flops
- Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Small to medium size day backpack (for overnight trips at Mt KInabalu and Turtle Island)
- Head torch (a head torch is best for when you are climbing the summit of Mt Kinabalu)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm hat and waterproof gloves
- Warm layers (While climbing Mt Kinabalu it’s important to note that temperatures can drop to below freezing, so make sure you pack several layers that can be added/removed as you ascend/descend)
- Waterproof bag cover or plastic bags
- Swimming costume

You need to bring your main piece of luggage as well as a small to medium backpack for overnight trips (30-35 litres/8-9 gallons) that include Mt Kinabalu and Turtle Island. In this you will need to carry a change of clothes, head torch for trekking, toiletries, warm clothes and any other essentials. While trekking, you leave your main piece of luggage at a central point and return following the trek.

RECOMMENDED
- Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as, mild pain killers, adhesive bandages and electrolytes.
- Camera with spare batteries/charger
- Electrical travel adaptor plug
- Hand sanitizer
- Water bottle – some hotels may have filtered drinking water to refill your bottle.
- Money belt or pouch
- Water purification tablets
- Backpack or bag with shoulder strap – rather than wheelie bags

OPTIONAL
- A good book, a journal and music player
- Playing cards
- Travel washing line and Bio-degradable washing detergent

We do not allow the use of video cameras when staying in the villages as it can be perceived by the local people as highly obtrusive.

MORE!
If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, Packing suggestions for Earth Lodge stay:
- two pairs of footwear when visiting Ulu Muda. One for use around the lodge and one for hiking into the jungle. The latter should be well padded, covered and with laces.
any footwear with studs along trails and PARTICULARLY inside cave is not allowed.
- Covered shoes with good grip (no studs please), torch/flash lights with spare batteries, insect repellent, sun block, refillable water bottle (throw away water bottles strictly not allowed), day pack, hat, poncho / rain coat, swimming gear, sandals/flip-flops, bath towel and other toiletries/personal grooming items. Camera and binoculars should have water proof covers. A dry bag would be very useful to keep valuable documents and sensitive equipment dry. Also, please do not forget to bring any prescription medication you need.
- Toilets are of the flushable sitting type and are attached to all rooms and dorms (en suite). We do not provide any toiletries like soaps and shampoos nor do we provide towels. So please bring your own toiletries and towels.
- also consider leech socks and collapsible walking stick for trekking for trekking in the jungle here., WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.

The Mt Kinabalu climb is quite challenging so the fitter you are the more enjoyable the experience will be. We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the weeks before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trek to its fullest. Please note for those that do not wish to climb Mt Kinabalu you are not obliged to, it is an option to have accommodation arranged and stay at the base of Kinabalu at Park Headquarters. Please advise your agent at the time of booking if you do not wish to climb Mt Kinabalu so that the appropriate arrangements can be made.

AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown is an elegant and modern contemporary hotel located in Kuala Lumpur where can explore the sights and sounds of vibrant Kuala Lumpur city within the vibrant city centre. The hotel is also a stone's throw away to popular attractions such as Pasar Seni (Central Market), iconic River of Life and Merdeka 118, slated to become the world’s second tallest building. It is a walking distance to public transportation, art galleries, lifestyle cafes, flourishing business hubs and more.

Check in time at the hotel is after 3pm

Alternate Joining Point

Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have purchased an arrival transfer you will be met after exiting customs. Our representative will be holding a sign with your name on it.

At Kuala Lumpur International Airport, if you have any problems and cannot locate our transfer representative on arrival (the driver is only able to wait for 1 hour past your scheduled arrival time) please go to the Airport Information counter (located on the same floor at arrivals halls) and ask them to call our transfer operator at +60179655159 or +60179245159. If your flight is delayed or you have been put on a different flight number, please call our local operator in advance to let them know.

If you are travelling to the hotel by yourself,

For taxi services, proceed to the Transportation Hub on Level 1 of the Gateway @ KLIA2 mall, located next to the main terminal building. The hub operates 24/7.

Go to the taxi service counter and inform the staff of your destination.
The approximate fare is between RM95 – RM120 (subject to change), and a coupon will be issued after payment.
Exit through Door 4, join the queue, and wait for your taxi. It takes about 45mins to your hotel.
Please note: If you arrive between 11:30 PM and 6:00 AM, a 50% surcharge will apply.

Ride-hailing services (Grab/MyCar): You can also use ride-hailing apps like Grab and MyCar. To meet your Grab driver at KLIA2:
Go to the International Arrival Gate.
Walk to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf cafe.
Take the elevator located behind the cafe to Level 1.
Exit through Door 4 to meet your driver.
Other transportation options at KLIA2 includes KLIA Ekspres Train which runs every 30 minutes from KLIA2 to KL Sentral and Aerobus which runs hourly from KLIA2 to KL Sentral.

Hotel Sandakan, Block 83, Town Centre, 4th Avenue, Sandakan, 9000, MALAYSIA

Hotel Sandakan, strategically located at Town Centre. Only 20 minutes drive from the airport and within walking distance to business district, tourist attractions, center market & the new shopping mall. All rooms with window and private bathroom. Free Wifi access inside the room and hotel’s public areas for in house guests.

Alternate Finish Point

If you have a transfer to the Sandakan Airport your transfer driver will collect you from your Guesthouse 3 hours before your flight time. If your transfer has not arrived within 15minutes of the scheduled pickup time please ask the hotel / guesthouse reception to call our transfer operator Sepilok Tropical Wildlife Adventure on their 24 hour number on +6012 860 0866. Your group leader will reconfirm this with you before departing.

Breakfasts included: 18

Lunches included: 9

Dinners included: 9

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

Please note occasionally the summit trail will be closed due to strong winds or heavy rainfall. When this happens no trekkers will be able to summit. This is a safety measure and is enforced by Sabah Parks staff and is beyond Intrepid's control. This can happen at any time of the year including outside of the wet season.

RAMADAN & EID AL-FITR:
In Malaysia, a country with a large Muslim population, the month of Ramadan is referred to as the ‘fasting month’, which culminates with the biggest Muslim holiday in Malaysia: Eid al Fitr or ‘Idul Fitri’. This ninth month on the Islamic Hijri calendar is considered the holiest month by Muslims, commemorating the first revelation of the Quranic verses to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. In bigger cities like Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown where there are many residents of Chinese origin as well as in popular tourist destinations there will be little disruption to services or being able to find places to eat. In other areas with a bigger Muslim population, businesses and services may have limited operation hours, alcohol may not be permitted during daylight hours and restaurants closed. Please note that drivers and leaders of Muslim faith are likely to be fasting over Ramadan. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken.

Dates for Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr are: 21 March - 24 Apr 2023, 11 March - 14 April 2024

LUNAR NEW YEAR:
Also known as Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the biggest and most important annual festival for Chinese and the Chinese communities world wide. During the first days of Chinese New Year many businesses close, as Chinese business owners are visiting their relatives in their home towns or home countries.Traveling during this time can be hectic as many people are on the move. Public transport and flights can be packed in the days leading up to the festivities, with traffic jams and delays common. Plenty of patience is required if you are in Malaysia during this time, but the festive atmosphere and local traditions make it an interesting time to be in the country. Public holidays in Malaysia for Lunar New Year are: 10 - 12 February 2024

OTHER HOLIDAYS:
Other major national public holidays in Malaysia are:
Malaysia Day: 16 September 2023/2024
Agong's (Malaysian King) Birthday: 5 June 2023, 3 June 2024
Vesak (Buddha's birthday): 4 May 2023, 24 May 2024
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year): 19 July 2023, 6 June 2024
Deepavali (Diwali): 12 – 13 November 2023, 31October - 1 November 2024

RAMADAN
The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 1 March to 30 March 2025 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +60 138 815 813

Please note some of the multishare/dormitory accommodation can be mixed gender.