Borneo Adventure

Completely experience Borneo while snorkeling, rafting and climbing Mount Kinabalu (4095m).

In one adventure we combined all that exist in Borneo: climbing the Mt. Kinabalu (4095m), the highest peak in Southeast Asia, canopy walkway, rafting on the mountain river, visiting indigenous tribes and ending it on a high note, with underwater diving and swimming at the most attractive sea in the world. During our visit to Borneo we’ll have the opportunity to see the orangutans in their natural habitat. Trees attain the height of 30 meters and the density of vegetation is unbelievable. Flora and fauna are very diverse which will make this adventure even more special.

From Mount Kinabalu top in the morning Philippines can been seen, and even further. We will stay all the time in the territory of Sabah, which is one of the 13 Malaysian states and is located on the island Borneo. Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of this country and it will be our base for all activities on the island. Beaches takes place in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park which is located five islands and only 15 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu. Borneo is located on the equator and throughout the year in the afternoon rains, but during the night and morning the clouds clear out, giving excellent visibility.

Itinerary

Day 1

KOTA KINABALU

Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel & Accommodation. Lunch at the hotel. City sightseeing. Dinner.

Day 2

KOTA KINABALU PARK

Breakfast. Transfer to Poring Hot Springs. Our jungle adventure starts at Poring Hot Springs, where there are 5 thermal springs (49 – 60 ° C). First, we come to the village of Nabal and then start the adventure of canopy walkway at 30m above the ground. We will have the opportunity to meet the most diverse plant and animal world, therefore, the camera is obligatory equipment on this journey.

After that, we go to thermal springs where in the warm pools we enjoy the view of the arranged flower garden. Lunch at the restaurant. After lunch, a tour of the protected zone in which over 1500 species of orchids grows, 4500 protected plant species, of which 77 grows only in that area and nowhere. The park also has 289 bird species and 290 species of butterflies.

At the end of the day, we are accommodated in Kinabalu Park hotel 4*.

Day 3

KINABALU PARK

Breakfast. Transfer to Kinabalu Park where we start climbing to the top of Mt.Kinabalu (4095m). We will register at the entrance to the park at Timpohon gate and start walk lasting 4-5 hours. We pass through different vegetation zones and enjoy the view. We come to Laban Rata Mountain House at a height of 3297m. Accommodation in the mountain house.

Day 4

MOUNT KINABALU (4095m)

Suumit day on Mt.Kinabalu (4095m) at 03.00h to watch the sunrise on the top! Enjoy an unusual view. Back to Laban Rata Mountain House on breakfast. Next check-out descends to Kinabalu Park (Timpohon Gate) where we take our certificates of ascent to the top. Transfer 4 × 4 vehicles to our hotel in Kota Kinabalu.

Day 5

RAFTING

Breakfast. Transfer to the place where our rafting adventure begins on the Padas River. We ride the railroad that was built in the 19th century. The rafting tour starts from the village of Pangi, which inhabits the Murat tribe in the past known as the head hunters. Our rafting takes 23km with 7 waterfalls (Grade III)

Day 6

KAWA WETLAND CRUISE

Breakfast. Transfer to Kota Belud. Upon arrival we’ll have some refreshments and lunch and then board a boat that takes us along the Tempasuk River to see Proboscis Monkey – a rare species of monkey that lives only on Borneo. On our return, we’ll take a short transfer (10min) and then take another cruise along the Nanamun River to see thousands of Fireflies after sunset. Back to our hotel. Dinner.

Day 7

MARI MARI TRIBES

Mari Mari is perhaps the best place to know the tradition and culture of the tribes living on Borneo. We will have the opportunity to get to know their way of life, building a house, saving food, hunting and other skills necessary for life in the jungle.

The tribes that live there are: Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus and Dusun. We will see specific ways of burning the fire with the help of bamboo, and especially interesting is the way of making tattoos and their symbolism. Through a unique journey through the past you will experience the tastes, smells, sounds and feel the uniqueness of this island.

Day 8

TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN NATIONAL PARK

Breakfast. Transfer with a small boat to Tunk Abdul Rahman Park. We will have a short trek around the island. Vacation and swimming on one of the beautiful beaches. Back to Kota Kinabalu.

Day 9

MANUKAN & SAPI ISLAND

After breakfast, we have a transfer to Jesselton Point Jetty. Upon arrival, we board a boat and drive to Manukan Island. Manukan Island looks like a boomerang and belongs to a national park. This island offers us white sandy beaches with crystal clear water where we can swim, dive or just lie on the beach and enjoy the tropical climate.

We then have a transfer to Sapi Island (15min) where we have a lavish BBQ to be served on the beach. This island is also one of the best dive sites in the world. After lunch we have some free time to dive and swim, then take our boat back to Jesselton Point Jetty, then return to our hotel.

Day 10

KOTA KINABALU

Breakfast. City tour with our guide. Return to hotel. Lunch. Free afternoon and souvenirs shopping. Dinner.

Day 11

Departure

Departure day.

Dates & Prices

September 20th, 2024
Spots available: 5 2270 €, Per Person

F.A.Q.

What’s included in the price?
To maximize convenience, we include as much as possible, so you can just relax and think about hiking. Here’s what’s included:

  • All necessary taxes and permits
  • Minibus transfers from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport
  • All scheduled transfers on the island
  • Accommodation in 4* hotel in Kota Kinabalu based on full board in 1/2 rooms
  • Accommodation in hotel and mountain hut during the trekking program based on full board
  • Lunch during all activities (from 3 – 11 day)
  • Permits for National Parks: Kinabalu and Tunku Abdul Rahman
  • Local guide services: mountain bike, rafting and climbing Mt.Kinabalu
  • One-day excursion to Mari Mari Tribes
  • One day excursion to Manukan & Sapi Island
  • One day excursion to Kawa Wetland
  • One-day rafting with equipment and guides
  • One-day excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman National park
  • The permission to climb Mount Kinabalu (4095m)
  • Professional guide service during the trek

What does not included in the price?

  • Flights to/from Kota Kinabalu
  • Malaysian visa when entering the country
  • International Health Insurance
  • Taxi service in Kota Kinabalu
  • Personal costs

You will need to cover flights; insurance and extra spend. You’ll need to book your flights to and from Kota Kinabalu, travel insurance and cover other personal expenses (etc. drinks, souvenirs, ..).

What’s the hike like?

The hike is moderate. Two days hike on Mt.Kinabalu is around 4-5 hours per day, with easy pace. You will walk on a mountain trail. It is safe and solid. It can be rainy every afternoon. Temperature is always above 0 degrees Celsius. You need to bring rain cover. Humidity is high, more than 80%. Only on the top of the mountain you can breathe fresh dry air.

What’s the city tour like?

All-day city tour is organized with our guide and transportation. We will see the most important cultural and historical monuments in Kota Kinabalu.

What skills/experience/fitness do I need?

You need moderate level fitness level. The previous hiking experience at altitudes up to 4000 above sea level is not mandatory. Your guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start.

What do I need to bring with me?

  1. Backpack (up to 50l)
  2. Trekking trousers
  3. Bermuda’s for  island trek
  4. Gore-Tex jacket (or anything waterproof)
  5. Hiking shoes/sandals
  6. Socks (thermal + cotton)
  7. Cotton T-shirts
  8. Active underwear for the ascent on Mount Kinabalu
  9. Woolen cap (or polar)
  10. Hat (sun protection)
  11. Polar pullover
  12. Gloves
  13. Towel and toiletries kit
  14. Sunglasses
  15. Head lamp
  16. Water Bottle 1L x 2
  17. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) + lip cream
  18. Raincoat
  19. Trekking poles

Note: The equipment during the track is shipped by our host’s vehicles. One small backpack is needed for the ascent on Mount Kinabalu.

What are the guides like?
All the activities on this trip will be led in English by qualified and licensed UIAA guide.

What’s the food like?
All food is local and is freshly cooked, hearty mountain meals. These include domestic specialties and other local food products, fish, local fresh fruit  and vegetable. We can organize your meal the way you like. The drinks are not included.

Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know when you fill in your travel documents.

When can I go on this trip?
Book on to our pre-set dates above. If you are considering alternative dates, the perfect time for this adventure is between March and October.

What’s the weather like?
March to October. This period is known as the ‘dry’ season in Borneo although being rainforest there is a possibility of rain at any time and it is generally hot and humid even in summer. During dry season average temperature is between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius .Humidity is around 80%.During ascent on Mt.Kinabalu temperatures will usually be between 23 and 31degrees Celsius.

Which flights should I book?
You should book flights to Kota Kinabalu airport.

How do I meet the transfer?
At your arrival, the transfer will be holding a sign with the name of the tour. We’ll give you all extra details before traveling.

How big will the group be?
This trip will run with a minimum of 6 people, and a maximum of 15. Please note, if there are not 6 people booked the trip may be rearranged or canceled. Please contact us for confirmation before booking your flights, or book with a credit card.

Can I customize the trip?
Of course! For private groups of six or more, the trip can run on any days you wish, be extended or changed to suit your needs. Enquire now for a private trip.