Starting PointHotel Asia City
Lot 1, Block A
1A Jalan Kampung Air 2
Asia City
Kota Kinabalu
Sabah
Borneo
Phone: +60 (0) 88 264 400
Fax: +60 (0) 88 750 479
Joining Point Instructions
To reach Kota Kinabalu take a public taxi from the airport - there is a pre-paid taxi booth directly outside the arrival hall. Taxis are cheap, safe and reliable. Expect to pay around MYR20.
Joining Point Hotel
Our accommodation in Kota Kinabalu is simple but central. Rooms are clean and have private facilities. Hotel Asia City is located right near the main thoroughfare of Kota Kinabalu, the Sunday market, transport and good restaurants.
Normal check in time at the hotel is after 12:00.
Continuing Point
Miri Hotel
47 Brooke Rd
Miri
Sarawak
98008
Borneo
Phone: +60 (0) 85 421 212
Fax: +60 (0) 85 412 002
Continuing Point Instructions
Transfers to the airport in Kota Kinabalu and to the hotel in Miri are included. Flight is not included - see Important notes for details.
On arrival in Miri our local representative will be holding a sign with your name when you exit the airport terminal.
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Finishing PointPlease note, there may be an alternative finishing point location depending on your date of departure. Please pay close attention to the alternative details listed below.
Borneo Hotel
30 C-F, Tabuan Road,
Kuching
Sarawak
9-3100
Borneo
Phone: +60 (0) 82 244 122
Fax: +60 (0) 82 254 848
Finishing Point Instructions
A taxi to the airport will cost about MYR25 and take approximately 25 minutes. Normal check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
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Physical Rating - Moderate +Be prepared for some serious physical activity. This may be treks of up to 6 hours per day in steep terrain, or extended bike rides of more than one day. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.
For a trip like this the general rule is the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it. The Mt Kinabalu and Pinnacle climbs are quite challenging (see Days 3-4 and Days 14-17 for more detail) so the fitter you are the more enjoyable they 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: Mt kinabalu is optional and those not wishing to climb may stay at the base of Kinabalu at Park Headquarters.
Please advise your agent if you do not wish to climb Mt Kinabalu.
The Pinnacles climb is also optional, those not wanting to climb can stay in camp and take walks in the forest. Please discuss this with your group leader.
As advised by Sabah Parks Malaysia we need to warn you that they recommend that you should not climb Mount Kinabalu if you have a history of suffering from the following conditions:
- Heart Disease
- Hypertension
- Chronic Asthma
- Peptic Ulcer
- Severe Anaemia
- Diabetes
- Epileptic fits
- Arthritis
- Palpitations
- Hepatitis (Jaundice)
- Muscular Cramps
- Obesity (over weight)
- Any other sickness that may be triggered by severe cold, exertion and high altitude.
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AccommodationHotels/guesthouses (9 nts), bed and breakfast (1 nt), national park lodges (4 nts), camping (3 nts), tribal village (1 nt), homestays (3 nts)
Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accommodation has cold water only.
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi share basis. Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
Group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share.
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MealsWhile travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, 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. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Allow USD $250 for meals not included.
Meal Inclusions
8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 7 Dinners
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Single SupplementA single supplement fee is not available on this trip.
Single travellers will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
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IncludedThis is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Transfers to and from airports for mid-trip flights are included
Entrance fees including Poring Hot Springs - Mt Kinabalu National Park
Climbing fees - Mt Kinabalu National Park
Guided Village walk - Dusun Village
All activities in Mescot Jungle Camp (including jungle walk, night walk, camping, wild life spotting, cooking class, longboat transfers) - Kinabatangan
Night Jungle walk by the Kinabatangan River - Kinabatangan
Sunset wild life spotting by boat on the Kinabatangan River - Kinabatangan
Morning Jungle walk by the Kinabatangan River - Kinabatangan
Entrance fee to Pulau Selingan National Park - Turtle Island
Entrance fee to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - Sepilok
Trek to the Pinnacles - Mulu National Park
Guided walks to caves - Mulu National Park
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Not IncludedPlease note the following are approximate entrance costs and do not include transport to the sites if required, unless specified below.
Optional Activities
Boat trip to Tunku Abdul National Marine Park, Kota Kinabalu – US$20
Sabah Museum, Kota Kinabalu – US$7
Kota Kinabalu Bird Sanctuary, Kota Kinabalu – US$6
North Borneo Railway luxury day trip, Kota Kinabalu - US$60
River rafting full day, Kota Kinabalu - US$70
Monsopiad Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu US$8
Canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs US$8
Butterfly farm, Poring Hot Springs US$2
City Tour, Sandakan – US$30
Snorkelling equipment, Turtle Island – US$4
Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok – US$2
Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Sandakan – US$30
Allow additional days in Sabah for Scuba Diving activities (from US$100) P. Sipidan, Tunku Abdul Marine Park US$100
Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching - US$15
Semengoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Kuching – US$15
Guided walk to Garden of Eden (min 5 pax), Mulu – US$40
Mini adventure caving, Mulu - US$30
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TransportPlane, express boat, minibus, speedboat, longboat, local bus, taxi, walking Longboat travel is often cramped and travellers may need to help push the boats up the river.
There are some long travel days and some of the transport can be quite cramped.
You must arrive with tickets on the following internal flights.
Note: flights are subject to regular schedule changes so please check your flights prior to commencement of your trip.
Your leader will recheck your tickets at the group meeting.
Please visit the following sites and purchase the flights below. Flights below are from the latest published flight schedule at the time of printing.
DAY 12: Wednesday: Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu AK6093 @ 14.20pm
(for flights from 01/05/09 to 24/10/09)
http://www.airasia.com/site/en/home.jsp
DAY 12: Wednesday: Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu AK6093 @ 13.10pm
(for flights from 25/10/09 to 27/03/10)
http://www.airasia.com/site/en/home.jsp
DAY 13 Thursday: Kota Kinabalu to Miri AK6075@ 13.30pm
(for flights from 01/05/09 to 27/03/10)
http://www.airasia.com/site/en/home.jsp
Day 18 Tuesday: Mulu – Miri
MASWings MH3631 @ 10.10am (Malaysia Airlines)
www.maswings.com.my
Day 18 Tuesday: Miri – Kuching
Malaysia Airlines MH2805 @ 14.20
www.malaysiaairlines.com/main_MY.aspx
please check this information with your tour operator before booking.
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What to TakeWe recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential.
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Health & SafetyPlease Note For a trip like this the general rule is the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it. The Mt Kinabalu and Pinnacle climbs are quite challenging (see Days 3-4 and Days 14-17 for more detail) so the fitter you are the more enjoyable they 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: Mt kinabalu is optional and those not wishing to climb may stay at the base of Kinabalu at Park Headquarters.
Please advise your agent if you do not wish to climb Mt Kinabalu.
The Pinnacles climb is also optional, those not wanting to climb can stay in camp and take walks in the forest. Please discuss this with your group leader.
For vaccinations please visit the MDtravelhealth website.
Sun:
It is very important that you wear sun block, even on a cloudy day when it feels cool as we are near the equator and the sun is very strong. A sunburn can turn a pleasant trip into a painful trip.
Hydration
Even when days are cool please be sure to drink a minimum of two litres of water and refrain from drinking to many diuretics, as while when travelling outdoors the breeze can dehydrate you quickly as well as the heat.
Diarrhoea:
It is normal for people travelling overseas to get an upset stomach due to a change of climate and food. Please make sure that you wash your hands and stay away from street food.You will be required to complete a participation form on day 1 of the trip.
Participation Form
You may be required to complete a participation form on day 1 of the trip.
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Important InfoPlease Note the trip notes for important notes for climbers on Mount Kinabalu.
Mt. Kinabalu is a rewarding but difficult climb. If you want to avoid it you can let Intrepid know in advance and stay at the base to do your own day walks and exploring (subject to availability). Porter fees are not included for the climb.
The important month long Ramadan festival will be in progress from 11th August 2010. This 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 all popular tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you definitely need to expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month of Ramadan is a fantastic month to travel in Muslim countries as it offers a chance to witness this fascinating Islamic event and the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken.
Day 10: Passengers are required to pay a Compulsory charge of RM60 to Turtle Island for the following meals: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast. This payment will be collected by your Leader at Crystal Quest Boat harbour and prior to boarding the boat to Turtle Island. There are no exceptions to this payment.
Please note there are camera fees at Sepilok (RM10), Mt Kinabalu (RM10), Poring (RM5), and Turtle Island (RM10). At Turtle Island it is preferable to buy photos from the National Park as a camera flash disrupts the turtles.
The order of visiting places on this trip may change according to the availability of accommodation, inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables. This does not affect the activities included and travel times are only minimally altered.
It will mainly be hot and humid, whilst the heights of Mt Kinabalu can be freezing. In the Rainy season (Nov –Apr) you can expect hours of rain. Please be prepared for such conditions and pack accordingly. If you commonly feel discomfort or suffer health issues when experiencing either freezing or extremely hot temperatures, consider if this trip is right for you.
Please note that it is difficult to buy alcoholic drinks other than beer in Borneo.
Disclaimer | The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and tour operator/agent. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. This tour is run by Intrepid Travel.
Visas | Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going.
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader.
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