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Home » Travel The World » Mt Kinabalu 4 day Extension Borneo, Malaysia (Finished)

Code:

TTW013

Dates/Times:

March 2, 2012 – March 5, 2012

Duration:

4 days

From:

AU$660.00

Location:

Borneo, Malaysia

Day 1/ Friday, 2nd March 2012 - Kota Kinabalu

On arrival in Kota Kinabalu, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Citadel Hotel

Day 2/ Saturday, 3rd March 2012 - Mesilau

Today we take the drive to the Mesilau Nature Resort located at 2,000 metres above sea level and at the foot of Mt. Kinabalu. We have the opportunity today to explore the surrounding area which is home to an estimated 4,500 species of plants, 289 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies as well as world's largest pitcher plant, the "Nepenthes Rajah" which grows in abundance here. Please note that the accommodation standard in the hut can be basic (dormitory-style).
Overnight: Bishop Hostel (bunk bed)
Meals included: 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 3/ Sunday, 4th March 2012 - Mt Kinabalu (Laban Rata)

At 4,101 metres, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South East Asia (not including the island of New Guinea). The climb to the summit on the Mesilau trail is tough going, so you will need a good level of fitness. Physical preparation before your tour is highly recommended and will enable you to be in better shape to conquer the mountain. We start our walk in the morning and it takes us about five to six hours to ascend to our hut at Laban Rata (3,353 metres). The trail is well defined as we walk from a tropical rainforest to a more temperate one and finally up to alpine terrain, with stunted bushes. An interesting and diverse array of plant life can be seen along the way, such as orchids, rhododendrons and pitcher plants. If we're lucky we may even see the Rafflesia - the largest flower in the world. Mount Kinabalu is also a bird-watcher's paradise, with over 280 species of birds recorded. Gunting Lagadan is situated at the tree line of Mount Kinabalu and the temperature here can be very cold. Please note that the accommodation standard in the hut can be basic (dormitory-style). You can buy meals at the cafe in the guesthouse, but unfortunately hot water in the showers is in short supply and frequently runs out! Please see the list under ‘Luggage' for suggested clothing. (Additional note: We repeat that the trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu is quite challenging and a good level of fitness is required. Any prior physical preparation is a definite advantage.

Those not wishing to walk to the top can remain behind in the hostel and enjoy a sleep-in!)
Overnight: Mountain hut
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 4/ Monday, 5th March 2012 - Mt. Kinabalu (base)

We commence our ascent to the summit very early this morning (about 2:30am!). It usually takes two to three hours to reach the top and our aim is to make it there before sunrise. A head torch and warm clothing are essential, as it will be quite cold. Combined with the altitude factor, this climb can be quite tiring. On a clear morning, you will find your efforts well worthwhile, as once you reach the summit at Low's Peak the views are absolutely awe-inspiring - with the jungles of Sabah on one side and the South China Sea on the other. After taking in the magic moment we return to Gunting Lagadan and head to the Laban Rata hut for a well-earned breakfast, before continuing our descent to the base. In many ways, this downhill walk is probably the hardest part! We return to Kota Kinabalu to meet the rest of our group and continue our Borneo adventure.
Overnight: Citadel Hotel
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

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Cost of Extension based on Twin Share: AU$660pp (min 2 people to run)

Single Supplement (Sabah only): AU$70pp

Tour Price includes:
Local English speaking tour leader throughout the tour
Local guides at some sights
All transport, sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary
Accommodation
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Return airport transfers

Tour Price does not include:
International Flights
Visas
Items of a personal nature
Airport and airline taxes
Tips & Gratuitie

Please note the following information:

Please note that travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips, we recommend you take out travel insurance immediately at time of booking. We recommend Travel Insurance Direct

MOUNTAIN DESIGNS DISCOUNT CARD - Please note that for all our Adventurous Women clients we are pleased to advise from our friends at Mountain Designs that you will receive a 20% discount on all Mountain Designs branded gear and 15% discount on all other gear. CARD TO BE PROVIDED AFTER BOOKING.

* AUSTRALIAN PASSPORT HOLDERS DO NOT REQUIRE A VISA FOR MALAYSIA.

Healthwise, you should visit your family doctor or the Traveller's Medical Centre for the latest medical information concerning the areas you will be visiting.

NO PRINCESS POLICY: This tour by it's very nature is not designed for the 5 Star Traveller. It is for the girl who has an 'adventurous spirit' and is looking for a unique and rewarding 'experience' (Once in a Lifetime)! You need to be prepared to sleep on longhouse floors, lodges and in 3 star accommodation. You also need to have a high level of fitness.

Destination Information:

BORNEO
Mount Kinabalu
This strenuous walk to the top of Mount Kinabalu is not for the faint hearted and you need to be both physically and mentally prepared.

We ascend from the main park entrance (Timpohon Gate - 1,800 metres) to the guesthouse at Laban Rata (3,353 metres). The trail is well defined with regular rest stops and walking time is about five to six hours. The views along the trail are spectacular and an amazing array of flora can be encountered along the way, including various species of insect-eating pitcher plants, superb orchids, and perhaps even the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia. However, it will require luck to see the latter, for they flower occasionally and only for a short period of time. We should arrive at Laban Rata around 2pm and have the rest of the day free to relax, rest up and get ready for the big climb tomorrow.

Some people, especially those not climbing to the summit, may wish to bring along a book to read or some games to wile away the time. Our overnight accommodation is in dormitory style heated rooms, with common bathrooms. The hot water is sporadic and does run out.

It is necessary that you pack the following items - sun block lotion, personal toiletries, hat, good walking/trekking shoes, sweatshirt/windcheater, towel, torch (head torch is more suitable), waterproof gloves, raincoat, water bottle and headache tablets (i.e. Panadol) in case of altitude sickness. It's also recommended that you bring some high energy snacks (e.g. chocolate bars) for the trek.

The final ascent beings the next morning (very early). It takes two to three hours, as our aim is to be on the top for sunrise. It will be dark when we begin our walk (head torches with fresh batteries are strongly recommended), and coupled with the high altitude, it will be very cold and tiring (warm clothing essential). However, it will be worth the effort when you reach the summit at Low's Peak (4,095m) where, on a clear day, the views across Sabah and out to the South China Sea are simply breathtaking.

After savouring what is an once-in-a-lifetime experience, we return to Laban Rata (in much faster time!) with the opportunity for a well-earned breakfast before continuing on down to park headquarters. Please note that this is still quite a strenuous downhill walk and can take up to 5-6 hours.