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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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Manukan Island - Snorkelling equipment rental £3.00; boat transfer to Gaya or Sapi Islands £5.00
Beringgis - Trip to the tip of Borneo £50.00; Rafting at Kiulu £36.00.
Camera fees - there is a small fee of approximately £3.00 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 £20 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 shops.
Travellers Cheques: Are difficult to exchange.
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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: Entry visas are not required by UK, AUS, NZ, CAN or USA citizens.
Please note: 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.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Nothing 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.
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 uniformly high all year round, fluctuating between 23°C at night to 32°C during the day. Sabah is tropical. 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 topShould consist of a main piece of baggage and a light rucksack to carry your personal gear on the Mt Kinabalu trek (we recommend at least 30 litres capacity). The main bag can be left behind at our hotel. Weight allowance: 33lbs/15kgs maximum for the internal flight to Sandakan.
Back to topPack essentially for hot conditions as there is year round humidity in the lowlands and take a warm sweater/fleece and windproof/waterproof jacket, gloves and a hat for the Mount Kinabalu trek. Lightweight rainwear/umbrella is essential all year. Plastic ponchos can be purchased locally. Don't forget your swimming costume
Back to topBring a torch (preferably a head torch), a water bottle, insect repellent, suncream and a towel. Binoculars are useful for wildlife viewing. Walking poles are recommended for the Mount Kinabalu trek.
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.
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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