Tour Overview
Headhunters of BorneoOrang-utans and TurtlesFlying to Sandakan you travel to Sepilok, home of the important orang-utan rehabilitation project in Borneo. Here you'll learn about this wonderful yet endangered animal - a highlight of the trip. On Turtle Island discover one of the few places where marine turtles lay their precious eggs almost year-round. Here you'll relax and hopefully see turtles come ashore. Your final days will be spent on the coast at Kota Kinabalu where you can relax and reflect on your adventure through Borneo.
Mt. Kinabalu Extension 16 days ref. BAKMt. Kinabalu is located in the north of Borneo and is South East Asia's highest mountain at 4095 metres. The ascent is demanding but non-technical. Many thousands of people make it to the top every year. Although a tough climb, the rewards of a dawn sunrise are tremendous. Days 1-10 As main itinerary. 11 Drive to Kinabalu NP. 12 Commence climb to Laban Rata; overnight in hut. 13 Early morning ascent to summit for dawn; descend to NP headquarters; drive to Kota Kinabalu. 14 Free day. 15/16 Overnight flight to London. Price including extension from £1,818.
Responsible TravelOur small groups have a minimal impact on the delicate ecosystem of the rainforest, whilst our village stay with the headhunters gives them as much fun as it does us. They also benefit financially. Such visits reinforce the importance of their culture and the natural world. This should ensure both remain valued and thus protected. We use a local agent to provide us with group leader and guide, accommodation and transport. Where possible we stay in small hotels and eat meals in local restaurants. This also helps spread the money we spend around. Our entrance fees to Mt. Kinabalu National Park and at Sepilok go towards important conservation.
Day 1Join trip Kuching; free afternoon
Day 2Kuching city tour
Day 3Road & river to Iban village
Day 4Explore jungle, swim at waterfall, Iban-style fishing
Day 5Explore Bako National Park
Day 6Return to Kuching; continue to Damai
Day 7Fly to Sandakan; Sepilok orang-utans
Day 8Turtle Island
Day 9/10Fly to Kota Kinabalu; free day
Day 11Trip ends in Kota Kinabalu
Prices
Date: Base Price17/03/2008: £999
19/05/2008: £999
23/06/2008: £999
21/07/2008: £1099
11/08/2008: £1099
08/09/2008: £999
27/10/2008: £999
16/12/2008: £1049
22/06/2009: £999
27/07/2009: £1099
10/08/2009: £1099
07/09/2009: £999
26/10/2009: £999
Local payment: $200 USD
Single room option: £75 (for hotels only).
Insurance: £80.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy.
Prices may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable)
and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Trip EssentialsBorneo is hot and humid year-round. There are a couple of longer road journeys. The Mt. Kinabalu extension is graded demanding and you need to be fit. Bring trail boots, daypack and sleeping bag.
Transport & AccommodationCharter bus, longboat, on foot, domestic flight, boat
Hotel (5nts), lodge (4nts), chalets (1nt)
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 4 dinners
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to climb the mountain?Those not wanting to climb Mt. Kinabalu can stay at the base, or do the first day's walk and not go to the summit. There are some wonderful walks to do at the base of the mountain. If travellers choose not to climb, please advise us at least six weeks prior to commencement of the trip so alternative accommodation arrangements can be made.
Can I go SCUBA diving while in Borneo?You can arrange to SCUBA dive near the islands off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. It would be best to organise additional accommodation after the trip to allow for this. Alternatively, you may choose to arrive early and dive at Sipadan before the start of the trip. Neither of these options are included in the price of the trip and must be arranged by you.
Do I need a sleeping bag?A sleeping bag isn't necessary as we suggest travellers bring a sheet sleeping bag. Bedding is provided.
Is altitude sickness a problem?It can be. We spend a night at 3,300 metres to help group acclimatise. Mild headaches and breathlessness are common at altitude. A close watch is kept on all trekkers by the Group Leader who can recognise Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If a trekker shows any signs of AMS they will be evacuated to a lower, safe altitude immediately. Some say that the worst effect of altitude is worrying about it! As long as trekkers keep body fluids maintained by an adequate fluid intake of 4 or 5 litres per day and ascend according to itinerary, there shouldn't be any problems.
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