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Borneo

5

Reasons To
Visit Borneo

  • Diving & snorkelling

    Simply grab your snorkelling gear and jump in to the warm turquoise waters awash with life! Coral reefs, turtles and brightly coloured fish can be seen all over the east coast. For keener divers, several islands off the east coast are considered amongst the world's best locations.

    Diving & snorkelling

  • Indigenous peoples

    The times of headhunting in Borneo are behind us now but even up until the 1960's this was common practice in the interior of the country. Today you can still visit the riverside tribal longhouses and enjoy a glass of rice wine with the elders of the village.

    Indigenous peoples

  • Orang-utan

    Critically endangered, orang-utan are now found on only two islands in the world, Borneo being one of them. There are three main areas where you can see these fantastic creatures: the Kinabatangan River, the Danum Valley and the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

    Orang-utan

  • Trekking

    Climbing Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia, is top of many people's list when they come to Borneo. The five day Headhunters Trail takes you through longhouses and forest camps. In Maliau Basin you can experience a unique Lost World rarely visited by anyone other than researchers. In Danum Valley you can explore the jungle on the look out for wildlife.

    Trekking

  • Wildlife

    Taking a boat through the jungles of Borneo gives you an amazing opportunity for a close-up view of pygmy elephants, proboscis monkey, crocodile and dozens of bird species, such as native hornbills. If you prefer to explore by land then you can trek through pristine rainforests on the look out for monkeys swinging through the trees - and of course there are orang-utan.

    Wildlife

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Excursions in Borneo: Mount Kinabalu Climb - 2 Days

The Park Headquarters is located at 1,550 metres and your aim on the first day is to reach Laban Rata at around 3,200 metres. You are accompanied by your guide who is assigned at the Park Headquarters.

Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park, Malaysian Borneo
View to the valleys whilst climbing Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park, SabahMisty mountains in Kinabalu National Park, Sabah

Mount Kinabalu Climb - 2 Days

Mount Kinabalu, Borneo
  • Multi-day Tours
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Walking & Biking
  • Wildlife & Nature

The Park Headquarters is located at 1,550 metres and your aim on the first day is to reach Laban Rata (where all accommodation is located) at around 3,200 metres. You are accompanied by your guide who is assigned at the Park Headquarters. You can buy snacks including chocolate and biscuits here aswell as cheap ponchos which are strongly recommended.

The climb is not technically difficult but it is long and steep. You begin in temperate rainforest passing waterfalls and thick forest, gradually ascending through rhododendron trees, and eventually reach the stunted vegetation and mosses found towards the end of the days trek. On the way there are several shelters to stop off for a toilet break (portaloos are found every kilometre or so) and rest weary legs or dig in to your packed lunch. The total distance covered on day one  is approximately six kilometres and can take anywhere between three hours and seven depending on your pace, as a closer estimate the average for our clients seems to be around five hours.

It gets cold (possibly below freezing) and we recommend that you take appropriate clothing for wet, cold and windy weather as well as a head torch. It is a good idea to take a large plastic bag or buy a poncho for your day pack to protect it from any rain. You may also like to take snacks with you for stops throughout the day.

Rising at around 3am (your guide will advise you the night before) you begin the second steeper leg of the climb to the summit which can take anything from three to five hours. Before you go a light breakfast of toast and tee/coffee is available. A torch is necessary to negotiate the trail today, you can rent head torches (strongly recommended) from Laban Rata but it is always advisable to have your own just in case there are none available. After a steep roped and laddered section through the final section of vegetation that lasts around an hour, you will show your mountain pass at the rangers post and reach the exposed, granite summit plateau.

Wind can make the temperature here really chilly, so warm clothes, hat and gloves are an absolute must. You will see several 'false peaks' on your way up as you spot South Peak (3,933m), Donkey Ears Peak (4,054m), St. Johns Peak (4,091m), Alexandra's Peak (4,003m) and Ugly Sister Peak (4,032m). There are ropes strung out along the rock face most of the way for you to follow the trail and use for grip. As you reach the last 50m or so, the path becomes filled with boulders and you will need to clamber your way up to the 4,095m summit at Low's Peak, remember to grab a photo to prove you've done it!

The journey back to the lodge is easier but can be very slippery so watch your step and don't try and go too fast. It should take around two hours to reach Laban Rata where you can have a well deserved breakfast. From here you begin the journey back to the base which can take anything from three to five hours, you have lunch included at the Balsam restaurant on your return.

Other countries in Southeast Asia:
BurmaCambodiaIndonesiaLaosMalaysiaPapua New GuineaThailandThe PhilippinesVietnam

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