Borneo Adventure - 22days

Drifters Price: £612.75

RRP: £645.00

Trip Code: INTBA

Local Payment: USD$300.00

Day 1 Kota Kinabalu

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned. For those who arrive early, check at hotel reception for information and ideas on what to do for the day. Your leader will contact you to arrange a meeting time and dinner on the evening of day 1.

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is an intriguing city that was born between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea. Having recovered from World War II bombings, KK now possesses a gateway charm that can only be found in a frontier town. In your free time you can immerse yourself in history at the Sabah State Museum, visit the Monsopiad Cultural Village (home to a notorious headhunter), or explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu - excellent for swimming or snorkelling. Allow approximately USD10 for an island visit, although costs can vary depending on your negotiating skills, the time you wish to spend on the island and the number of people with whom you go.

Please note that your leader will collect part of your local payment (USD200) today.

Day 2 Dusun Kampung

We travel to the base of Mt Kinabalu (approximately 3 hours by bus) to stay in the homes of the Dusun people, our guides on Mt Kinabalu. They are wonderfully warm and friendly people and we learn of their spiritual, social and economic attachment to the mountain. The Dusun village is nestled amid picturesque hills in the shadow of the great Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. The rock monolith looms over us as a daunting reminder of the climb we are about to embark on, but don't be discouraged! Our wonderful host Soppinggi will insist that you ""don't think about the mountain!"".

Please note that this village has had very few visitors and we expect our travellers to respect and to act responsibly in this community. Please listen to your group leader who will explain how we can minimise our impact in this village.

Days 3-4 Mt Kinabalu

After a short guided walk around the village, we travel to the headquarters of Mt Kinabalu National Park (45 minutes). There are some beautiful nature walks around the headquarters, through lowland tropical forest, or you can relax and take it easy. Hopefully catching a glimpse of the summit through the cloud, we prepare ourselves for tomorrow's climb. We stay at the National Park headquarters overnight on day 3.

We begin the climb up Mt Kinabalu in the early morning. It is not an easy walk, but it is incredibly rewarding, with willpower being the main requirement. After all, it's uphill all the way! The well-marked trail is predominantly made up of steep steps that vary considerably in size. Altitude can affect anyone, no matter how fit you are, and it can certainly slow you down a fair bit. There's no rush, so take your time and enjoy this pristine environment. Carrying just an overnight pack, you pass an extraordinary variety of plant life including around 1,000 varieties of orchids and maybe even the carnivorous pitcher plant.

The climb is 6km and usually takes somewhere between 3 and 6 hours. We spend night 4 at the Laban Rata resthouse located at an altitude of 3,272m. Bedtime is early in order to prepare for the final climb tomorrow morning!

A certificate is available to prove that you completed the climb - this can be arranged for RM10.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR CLIMBERS ON MOUNT KINABALU -

1. Identify your mountain guide(s) who will display an identification card.

2. Travel together in your own group and stay with the mountain guide(s).

3. Alert your mountain guide(s) if you have any difficulty.

4. Display your climbing permit and show it to park officials at check points in Timpohon Gate, Laban Rata and Sayat Sayat on your way up and down.

5. If, for any reason, you are separated from your group on the mountain, please follow the white rope. If visibility is very low please hold onto the rope and follow it. (There is a thick white rope leading all the way from the vegetation belt above Panar Laban to the summit. This rope is marked with yellow reflective paint every 5ft and is helpful for climbing up while providing safety on walking down. PLEASE FOLLOW AND USE THE ROPE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.)

6. The weather on the summit can deteriorate in a matter of minutes, with thick mist reducing visibility to 3 metres, rain storms and wind up to 120km/h can occur at times. Please hold the rope, which will lead you to safety.

7. If you are separated from your Mountain Guide or lose sight of the rope, STOP IMMEDIATELY, stay where you are and blow your whistle to attract attention. PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO FIND YOUR WAY OUT.

8. When climbing the summit please make sure that you carry with you the following things -

- wear warm enough clothes

- a torch light (and spare batteries)

- a rain coat

- some energy food and water

- a whistle

Days 5-6 Poring Hot Springs

We rise very early this morning in order to catch the sunrise at the summit of Mt Kinabalu (4095m). It is difficult walking, but a huge achievement! The view from the summit is stupendous - the jungles of Borneo in one direction, the South China Sea in the other, making every inch of the climb worthwhile. Be warned though, don't underestimate the cold - bring some warm clothes. The climb from Laban Rata to the summit takes between 2 and 4 hours. Even if you are very fit you may find this section of the climb difficult because of the altitude. This can make you feel quite nauseous and short of breath. The trail is marked out by a rope that is also useful to help you up some of the steep sections. Gloves are recommended to protect your hands (and keep them warm).

After returning to Laban Rata for breakfast, we descend the mountain (3-5 hours) in time for lunch. We continue on to Poring Hot Springs (approximately 1 hour by bus) and have time to soak our weary limbs in the hot-springs. Sheer bliss! We stay here for 2 days.

On day 6 there are a number of optional activities from which to choose. Traverse the canopy walkway, where you can view the jungle as the birds and monkeys do, or visit the enchanting butterfly farm. Each of these has a nominal charge. You may also choose to trek to Laganan Falls for a 50m shower or just laze in the hot and cold pools.

Days 7-8 Kinabatangan

From the steam of Poring Hot Springs we enter the equally steamy jungle, travelling first through palm oil plantations on a morning bus ride (approximately 5 hours). Our program at Kinabatangan is run by a local ecological program, MESCOT.

The MESCOT project aims to provide villagers with environmental education and the means of making a living from their forests, without the need for its destruction by chainsaws. Part of the program is to develop an ecologically sound wildlife and eco-tourism centre, owned and operated by the villagers themselves. After learning about forest rehabilitation, we head by boat (approximately 30 minutes) or foot (approximately 1 hour, easy) into the jungle to spend the night. This is the best way to experience the true wild Borneo. Wild elephants are rarely seen but we will hopefully find crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutan and the freaky-looking proboscis monkeys, as hornbills fly in the skies overhead. Be prepared for an adventure!

On day 8 we are invited into the lives and homes of a local traditional Malay village for a night. Experiencing the ways and traditions of the locals firsthand like this is an amazing privilege and your leader will explain local cultural expectations to ensure that we get the most out of our stay. We are billeted out into different homes throughout the village, where the sleeping and bathing arrangements are very basic.

Day 9 Sandakan

We travel overland by bus to Sandakan (approximately 1.5 hours), to the commercial hub of the district. The journey into town gives a good indication of the vast areas of rainforest that have been cleared for palm plantations. Sandakan was once the capital of British North Borneo and traditionally has had strong trading ties with Hong Kong. We have free time here to catch up on laundry and banking and explore the city. The Cantonese influence here is evident in the lively harbourside market and many Chinese temples. The emotive war memorial park offers an insight into the tragic history of battles in Borneo.

Day 10 Turtle Island

Travelling by speedboat (approximately 1.5 hours) past fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, we head out to Turtle Island where every night of the year giant green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. In the evening we hope to witness this heartwarming display and help the researchers as they release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. It is a moving experience that makes you think twice about trying the illegally traded turtle egg delicacy!

This is a very delicate environment and you must follow instructions from your leader and the local rangers to ensure minimal impact on the turtles. Photographing the turtles is permitted by the local government but is not recommended as it disrupts the turtles. There are photographs available for you to purchase. There is time for swimming and lazing about on this tropical island where we stay for a night in 'chalets'. Snorkelling gear is available to hire.

Please note

Trips departing on the -

5/8/2006

12/8/2006

19/8/2006

will not be visiting Turtle island. These departures will be staying on Gayana Island off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.

Day 11 Sepilok Orangutan Reserve

After our return to the mainland (45 minutes), we continue on to a guesthouse located near Sepilok Orangutan Reserve (approximately 30 minutes by taxi). The reserve is set up to help re-introduce these wonderful creatures into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. As we walk into the reserve to see the feeding of these semi-wild orangutans, it is essential that we follow instructions from the park warden. We are not permitted to interfere with the orangutans as human contact must be kept to a minimum.

Day 12 Kota Kinabalu

We fly back to Kota Kinabalu where we conclude the Sabah part of our trip in a seaside guesthouse south of the city. Relax by the pool or explore the surrounding islands on foot or by boat. It is also possible to go horse riding along the beach and through local villages. Expect to pay about USD30 for a 2-hour ride.

Day 13 Miri

Today we say farewell to Kota Kinabalu and fly to Miri for the second part of our adventure in the jungle state of Sarawak. The structure of the group and your leader may change today. A group meeting and dinner will be arranged for this evening. Miri is a booming oil town with a multicultural community of expatriates, Chinese traders and tribal people in from the forest to trade. It's great to check out the fresh produce markets frequented by the Dayaks and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the Chinese wet fish markets.

Please note that your leader will collect the second part of your local payment (USD100) today.

Days 14-17 Mulu National Park

Travelling for a full day (approximately 10 hours) up river by express boat, we head into the heart of one of the most spectacular national parks in Asia, stopping en route for a meal. In Mulu we spend time exploring caves before embarking on a 2-day guided adventure along the Headhunters' Trail. Night 14 is spent at the park headquarters. Into the forest we carry just a small overnight pack (see luggage requirements) and spend both nights at Camp 5, in very basic lodgings.

Days 15 and 17 are at a relaxed pace with 2-3 hours walking per day, with a riverboat trip that may include some boat pushing.

On day 16 you have the option to climb to the summit of the Pinnacles and back to Camp 5 (6-10 hours) or to take a less strenuous walk futher along the Headhunters' Trail. The spectacular rocky outcrop of the Pinnacles is something very few see - the view is something to cherish for years.

On our return to park headquarters (day 17) we walk out to the largest cave passage known to man - Deer Cave. This spectacular chamber offers the only path through to the Garden of Eden, a lush rainforest isolated within sheer cliff walls. At dusk the millions of bats that live in the nooks and crannies of the cave ceiling emerge for their nightly feeding, looking like a black plume of smoke moving across the sky.

Night 17 is spent back at the park lodge.

Days 18-20 Iban Longhouse

We fly from Mulu, via Miri to Kuching (approximately 3 hours travel in total), arguably the most pleasant city in Malaysian Borneo. Kuching was home to the infamous White Raja of Sarawak, whose mysterious rule in this remote corner of the world sparked the imagination of many who dreamt of becoming royalty. Although Kuching means 'cat' in Malay, don't expect to see many running around town! Time for a 'city fix' for one night before we head off into the wilderness again.

Leaving our main luggage in Kuching, we continue our journey by bus for about 5 hours to the riverbank where we meet our longboat crew. We then cruise up river into the interior of Borneo (approximately 2-4 hours depending on river conditions). Be prepared to get out of the boat to help guide it through the rapids - our travellers rave about this voyage! We meet the wonderful Iban people who live in longhouses rarely visited by Westerners.

A single longhouse may be home to 15 or more families. Not that long ago the Iban were headhunters, killing their victims with blowpipes, but now they are very friendly and hospitable. We spend time talking and learning about the history of the Iban people and maybe walking into the surrounding forest, fishing, weaving or helping the longhouse people with their chores. At night be prepared to indulge in tuak - the local firewater. We may see displays of traditional dancing, hunting or craftwork.

The accommodation is basic. We sleep on thin mattresses on bamboo floors. Washing is done in the river, women must wear a sarong (which can be bought locally). The Iban community is one of the warmest you are ever likely to meet. You may get the chance to buy wood carvings and basketry direct from the craftspeople.

Days 21-22 Kuching

Travelling back along the extensive river systems, we arrive back in town for our last night together in Borneo. We have time to explore the fascinating Kuching Museum and stroll along the banks of the great Sarawak River. Kuching is a great place for some artefact or souvenir shopping. Your group leader can tell you where to find interesting shops, good markets and restaurants.

You are free to depart any time on day 22, as no activities are planned, however, we do recommend that you extend your stay in Kuching as there is so much to see and do. You may wish to book extra accommodation.

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