Adventure Alternative

Borneo Adventure - Rainforest, Mountain & Ocean

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In a nutshell

This adventure holiday takes you through three different and spectacular environments, from rainforests to mountains, finishing at the ocean. Trek through the rainforest of the Kelabit Highlands in Sarawak. Then climb Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, before visiting Tempurong Lodge, on the shores of the South China Sea. Relax after your climb and enjoy water sports, wildlife watching and white water rafting. A truly inspiring adventure available for all in the most beautiful areas of exotic Borneo.

Sarawak: this is a non-technical trek in amazing countryside where very few Westerners venture, full of fascinating culture and easy trails. Hygiene is not an issue, the rainforest is one of the cleanest environments to live in and we will be sleeping safely inside local longhouses which are built on stilts.

Mt Kinabalu is challenging and beautiful, a stunning peak of granite spires rising out of the worlds oldest rainforest. An ancient batholith, Mt Kinabalu is a popular climb and we include lodges, wonderful food and all facilities for your expedition.



Tempurong Lodge is tucked away at the Klias Peninsula Coast, a 2-hour drive from the city of Kota Kinabalu. The lodge was built with a blend of modern and " Kampung " design, has 12 cozy rooms and sits on top of a hill over-looking the South China sea.With it's long verandah and open deck one can have a full view of the white sandy beach and pristine clear water with the famous Pulau Tiga Island ( site of the "Survivor" series) in the distance horizon. Rooms are equip with ceiling fans, private bathrooms with hot water.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart UK

Day 2 Arrive Kota Kinabalu,the capital of Sabah one of the states of Malaysia. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, it has risen from the destruction to become a modern and vibrant city. Overnight in lodge. A 15 minute scenic drive will bring us to Faridas Bed and Breakfast. It’s a very relaxed place, with a large tropical garden and very friendly, helpful owners. There is time to relax from the journey, prepare for tomorrow, and eat dinner under the stars.

Day 3- Fly from Kota Kinabalu, via Miri, to Bario in the Kelabit Highlands. Bario is a small village deep in the Kilobit highlands, and from where we will start our trek. We stay overnight in a very comfortable lodge, and go for a walking tour of the village and its surroundings.

Day 4 - 11 Rainforest trek through the Kelabit Highlands of Sarawak.

Bario is at an altitude of 1,000m, and throughout the week we will always be within a few hundred meters of this height.. Traveling light carrying a weight of 5-10 kilograms on our backs, on mostly good trails it allows for an enjoyable and rewarding experience of jungle travel.

We will trek through the Kelabit Highlands to such villages as Lembudod, through primary and secondary rainforest to Long Layu, and onto the tiny Kelabit village of Padalih, and then Pa Mada and back to Bario.

During this trek we stay in longhouses and jungle camps, with plenty of time to explore ancient burial sites, experience the culture and acclimatise to this remarkable environment. Returning to Kota Kinabalu via Miri, it is back to the vibrant world of bustling night markets, pleasant hotels and cold beers,

Day 12 - From Kota Kinabalu, we move to Kundasang, with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. At 1,300m it nestles under the towering Mt Kinabalu. In the afternoon visit the Death March War memorial, which honors many soldiers who died in the hands of the Japanese in the Second World War. It is beautiful and very moving. We also tour the local fruit and vegetable markets. Overnight we stay At David’s Bed and Breakfast, which is clean, quiet and friendly and has a large verandah with excellent views of Mt Kinabalu. Cold beer and drinks are available and home cooked food.

Days 13 – 15 - Ascent of Mt Kinabalu. We will be ascending the mountain by the Mesilau route, and descending by the normal route.

The Mesilau route was created by Sabah parks in 2000 to take some of the pressure off the normal route. It has gained popularity over the years, but is still much quieter, and there is more chance to see wildlife and birds en route. It’s a fine way, about a mile longer and a little steeper than the normal path.
There is an excellent trail and after 5-6 hours walking we reach Laban Rata lodge and our accommodation for 2 nights. Laban Rata is situated at 3,200m, and provides dormitory accommodation with sheets and blankets, and a restaurant for dinner in the evening. From here there can be wonderful sunsets and fantastic views across Borneo and the South China Sea.
After a night, we ascend to the summit plateau, and weather permitting fully explore this fantastic mountain, taking in many of the summits, and views into Lows Gully. Descend in one day and travel to Kota Kinabalu.

Day 16 - Drive to Tempurong Lodge and overnight there. Some people can choose to fly home at this point.

It is an attractive sea side lodge occupying a commanding position atop a jungle hill overlooking the South China Sea. We are staying here for 3 nights on a full board basis. The very friendly people, slow pace of life, white sandy beach, and spectacular sunsets make it an ideal base to unwind from our adventure. The food is excellent, and a small bar makes for a great atmosphere. All rooms are twinned and have attached bathrooms and fans.

Day 17 - White water rafting, overnight in Tempurong Lodge

After breakfast we drive to the small town of Beaufort and take the only train in Borneo alongside the Padas River to the start of our white water rafting. The whole day is one of endless adventure. After training and a safety briefing we travel down the Padas River in zodiac rubber rafts with guides, through numerous rapids, and wonderful scenery. Finish with a BBQ before returning to Tempurung lodge for the evening.

Day 18 - If you are feeling energetic you could cycle to the nearby village of Kuala Penyu, in the afternoon we will cruise the Klias River in search of the unique Proboscis monkey, leaf monkeys, kingfishers and fireflies. Overnight in Tempurong Lodge.

Day 19 - After breakfast we return to Kota Kinabalu and overnight in a very central hotel. Near by shopping malls, day and night markets and the city provide a busy end to your Borneo adventure. It’s our last night together, so we have a farewell meal.

Day 20 -A day in Kota Kinabalu, before your flight home. More shopping, exploring or visit some of the outlying areas of the city. Go to the offshore islands for snorkeling on the tropical reefs. Depart from Kota Kinabalu for flight home.

Day 21 - Arrive home.