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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Bako NP - Night walk £6.00.
Mulu - Night walk £6.00; Canopy walk £10.00.
Kinabalu - Extra night’s accommodation if you do not wish to climb Kinabalu approx £25 (including transport).
Manukan Island - Snorkelling equipment rental £3; boat transfer to Gaya or Sapi Islands £5. Please allow approx £3-4.00 to pay to take your camera into Sepilok/Poring hot springs.
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topLocal Staff: Accordingly, you should allow £30 for tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Ringgit.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: It’s easy to change British pounds and USD into Ringgit once in Borneo.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: In all major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants and department stores.
Travellers Cheques: Can be exchanged at banks in Miri and Kota Kinabalu.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Borneo | Malaysia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £0.30 | |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £0.40 | |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £0.80 | |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.00 | |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £4.00 | |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £8.00 | |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | ||
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Malaysia UK, AUS, NZ, CAN. or USA citizens do not need a visa. The Malaysian authorities require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after departure from Malaysia. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topNothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topClimbing Mount Kinabalu
The trek to the base-camp of Mount Kinabalu (Laban Rata) is a fairly arduous ascent from about 1900m to 3272m. There are some steep parts and it is tiring due to the elevation. For those who wish to attempt to reach the summit at 4095m we make an early morning rise. You should definitely be in good physical shape to attempt the climb and come well prepared with warm clothing, gloves and good boots as the summit is very cold. Accommodation at Laban Rata is in a hostel and has basic dormitory style accommodation. If you do not wish to climb Mt Kinabalu at all you may prefer to stay a second night in the hotel we use on day 6 at your own expense. Please advise your tour leader on arrival in Borneo should you wish to arrange this.
Back to topTemperatures are high all year round, between 23°C at night to 32°C during the day. Borneo is tropical and only lies a few degrees north of the equator. Rainfall can be expected at any time of year though will be greater between November and January.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and a rucksack for the Kinabalu trek (we recommend at least 30 litres capacity). Please note: pack light. The international carrier will allow you 44lbs/20kg, however the domestic airline for some of the flights allows a maximum of 33lbs/15kg for your checked in luggage so we recommend you stick to that limit for the whole tour. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don’t overload yourselves. Hard suitcases are not suitable.
Back to topPack essentially ‘Hot Conditions’, but you will need a warm sweater/fleece and a jacket for cool nights on the Kinabalu trek in the highlands; and gloves and a hat for the optional ascent to the summit, especially November to January. Remember to travel light and include long sleeved shirt and long trousers as protection against insects at night. Lightweight rainwear or a poncho is essential all year. You can buy a plastic poncho very cheaply in the local markets. Don't forget your swimming costume and a sarong is useful.
Back to topLight-weight walking boots are the best for walking in jungle and the Kinabalu trek though expect them to get wet and muddy as we may have to cross some streams. Also bring trainers or canvas shoes for wearing when travelling. Sandals are useful when relaxing.
Back to topBring a 2 litre water bottle and some insect repellent. We advise bringing large plastic bags, such as bin liners, to ensure things stay dry. Binoculars are useful for wildlife viewing. You will need to bring a sleeping sheet for the nights camping and as some of the bedding provided can be quite sparse. Bring a small towel as these are not available at all nightstops. A torch will be useful for the night time nature walk and Kinabalu ascent. A walking pole is recommended for those planning on climbing Mt. Kinabalu.
Back to topWildlife - Sightings of wild animals can not be guaranteed.
Water-based activities - Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including white-water) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
Tour structure - On day 11 in Kota Kinabalu you will be joined by fellow Explore passengers travelling on our Sabah Naturewatch tour (tour reference BN)
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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