Best of Borneo
Trip Code: TMSXC
Why we love it
One of the last remaining truly wild places on earth, Borneo offers rare treats for the nature lover – see Orangutans at the Semenggoh Sanctuary and the quirky proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park, Discover the colourful history of the Iban people and spend the night in a modern longhouse with a local family., Explore one of the world’s largest cave networks and witness a sunset hunting exodus of millions of bats, twisting through the sky like a plume of black smoke in Gunung Mulu National Park., Follow in the infamous footsteps of tribal warriors on a trek through wild, dense jungle on the Headhunters’ Trail., Experience next-level vistas from the top of Mt Kinabalu climb on a two-day climb that will really get the heart pumping., Witness nature at its most beautiful with a night on Turtle island, watching mother turtles come ashore to lay their eggs., Cruise down the Kinabatangan river and search for wildlife in this rich and unique ecosystem.
Is this trip right for me?
It’s best to pack light for this trip. There is a strict 15 kg maximum luggage limit on the included internal flights. Excess luggage will incur extra fees to the traveller.
A small to medium size day backpack is required for the time in Mulu NP and on the Headhunters Trail. Your main pack will be forwarded on, so there will be days when you don’t have access to it. Pack light and smart.
This trip includes a number of wonderful long walks through forest and jungle, especially the 12 kilometre Headhunters’ Trail, so a good level of fitness is required.
The Mt Kinabalu trek is very challenging, including an altitude of more than 2800 metres and an early morning to summit in the dark, so we recommend a good level of fitness to be able to enjoy this unforgettable climb.
You may have to purchase some items for this trip. Check the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
You will get to experience a wide range of accommodation types on this trip – some dormitory rooms in hostels, a homestay, guesthouses, jungle lodge and hotels. Some may be a little more basic than our standard hotels, but their unique location and close proximity to wildlife is what makes them special.
Important information
1. Please provide passport details at time of booking, as these are essential for booking services on this trip.
2. Strict luggage limits apply for this trip. See the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
3. A single supplement is available on some nights of this trip. Please note that on the following nights the supplement is not available; Days 4 - 6 (Mulu National Park), & 11 (homestay), Day 12 - 13 (Mt Kinabalu), Days 14 - 15 (Poring Hot Springs) and Day 18 (Turtle Island).
4. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Eastern Sabah before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. Further information can be found in our "Safety" section of the Essential Trip Information. You can find links to prominent government travel advisories our Travel Alerts page https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
What to bring/pack
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, WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. 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. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination and if it is you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.
Physical rating
4
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.
Joining your group
The Lime Tree Hotel, 317 Jalan Abell, Kuching, 93100, MALAYSIA, Phone: 60 82 414 600
The Lime tree hotel is in a great location right in the city center, close to China town and less than a 10 minute walk to the Riverside waterfront. There is plenty of restaurants, cafes and shopping centers all within walking distance. The hotel offers a cafe, rooftop lounge, 24 hour reception and all rooms have private bathrooms, TV's and Internet access.
Alternate Joining Point
Joining instructions
An arrival transfer is available to pre book - please let us know at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this service provided.
On arrival in Kuching airport if you cannot locate your arrival transfer please call our local operator Stanley on +6019 888 8214
If your flight number has changed or your flight is delayed please can you call Stanley to let him know that your new flight number/arrival time
Alternatively you can catch a taxi approx USD17 and takes roughly 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Finishing your trip
Sepilok Jungle Resort, Jalan Rambutan, Sepilok Mile 14,, Sepilok, 90723, MALAYSIA, Phone: +60 89533031
Located 17km from Sandakan Airport, rooms are equipped with private en suite, AC, tea/coffee making facilities, the resort also provides a restaurant, free wi-fi internet access & 10 hour front desk.(7.30am – 5.00 pm)
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.
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 17
Lunches included: 7
Dinners included: 6
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.
Climate & seasonal information
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.
CHINESE NEW YEAR:
An important 15 day festival for the Malaysian Chinese, based on the lunar calendar in January or February. In 2024, the Year of the Dragon begins from the 10th of February.The Year of the Snake begins from the 29th of January 2025. This can be a busy time and some transport delays, shop closures and reduced opening hours at some sites may be expected, but there are also many fabulous festivals and rituals to observe during this time, so it's a great time to travel. Although we make all reasonable efforts to avoid disruption, a flexible approach from travellers is appreciated if choosing to travel during this time in Malaysia.
RAMADAN
The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 10 March to 08 April 2024 and 1 March to 30 March 2025 and 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.
In case of emergency
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: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/
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
Accommodations
Please note some of the multishare/dormitory accommodation can be mixed gender.