borneo wildlife discoverer trip notes

BORNEO WILDLIFE DISCOVERER
TRIP NOTES
Trip Code:
WOH (AOH)
Country:
Malaysia
Amended:
November 2013
Edition No:
MD 1 2014
Valid from:
01 Jan 2014- 31 Dec 2014
HIGHLIGHTS
•
2 nights complete luxury at the Danum Valley Jungle
Lodge - a nature lover's paradise the very best place
in Malaysia to see wild orangutans in their pristine
habitat
• 3 days exploring the trails and cave systems in the
World Heritage Site Mulu National Park
•
A visit to the Semenggok and Sepilok Orang-utan
Rehabilitation centres
•
Explore the unique flora and fauna of Mount Kinabalu
National Park
•
Irrawaddy Dolphin spotting off the Sarawak coast
• Wildlife spotting from tree top canopy walkways
• 3 internal flights avoiding long drives
Exodus Travels
Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE
Sales & Reservations: 0845 863 9626 E-mail: sales@exodus.co.uk
SUMMARY
Borneo is the 3rd largest island on earth and has a wealth of activities
to do, particularly if you are interested in wildlife and people of
an amazing cultural background and history. This trip takes us to
primary equatorial rainforests and pristine marine parks. There is the
opportunity to meet the loveable orang-utans and explore in depth
much of Borneo's unique ecosystem. The forests are a botanist's
dream with many plants endemic to the island and countless
opportunities to see the wildlife up-close. The people of North Borneo
have the friendly disposition that is so common in South East Asia.
They hold a unique mix of religious beliefs broadly consisting of
Islam, Christianity and Buddhism and all living in harmony and with
respect for each other. A knowledgeable guide leads all trips and
specialists are called in when necessary.
Borneo has long been a mysterious place to visit on account of its
deep inaccessible jungles, tough mountainous terrain and wild
indigenous people, many of whom were head hunters until the early
20th Century. Its forests and rivers were first penetrated by Europeans
in the late 1830's under the command of James Brooke, an ex British
army adventurer. In return for pacifying the marauding sea Dayaks or
pirates, the ruling Sultan of Brunei granted him the title 'White Rajah of
Sarawak'. His laissez-faire stewardship and understanding of the local
people and their customs was passed on for the two further Brooke
generations and their legacy is still talked about with great fondness
from the Crocker mountain range which we pass over, with panoramic
views of the countryside and soaring hills. The lower mountain slopes
are covered in thick vegetation and it is well known for its diverse
botanical and biological species. En route, we stop at Nabalu market
where villagers come to sell their produce and handicraft. We will
walk to the Nepenthes Garden, a slope covered with naturally growing
pitcher plants; including the giant Nepenthes rajah and native orchids,
many are endemic to Borneo only.
We also have a tour of a tea plantation where we spend the night in
a traditional Rungus, bamboo longhouse. Tea, medicinal herbs, fruit
and vegetables are just some of the things produced locally. From
the plantation, the sunrise with a view of Mount Kinabalu is often
spectacular. If we are lucky it may be possible to view the spectacular
rafflesia in flower nearby or en route to the plantation. (B)
Day 3 (Day 4 Ex London) To Sanadakan
even today. Now many of the tribal people are partly assimilated into
Malaysian life due to the efforts made by the government. The head
hunting is a thing of the past but it is not unusual to see tribal people
with blow pipes and tribal tattoos wearing modern clothes. Their
traditions, dancing and superstitions remain while many still live in
traditional longhouses.
We leave the plantation behind and continue our journey to Sanadakan
on the east coast of Sabah. The town was once a huge logging centre
(it first exported wood in the late 1880s to supply the building of
the Temple of Heaven in Beijing) and is home to many Chinese and
Filipinos. The late afternoon is free to explore the city, take a trip to
the Sandakan War Memorial or take a short taxi ride to the restored
colonial home of renowned local writer Agnes Keith. The nearby
Buddhist hill temple is also worth visiting and offers great views and
sunsets. (B)
The deforestation of Borneo has been a topic for debate and criticism
for many years and it seems that the relentless destruction is not
going to stop in the immediate future. This trip, however, visits the
National Parks of Sabah and Sarawak where logging is forbidden and
the primary forests remain undisturbed. There are hundreds of plants
and animals unique to the island fighting for sunlight below the
canopy. The island is particularly known for its insectivorous pitcher
plants and the Rafflesia, the largest flowering plant in the world. The
wildlife is fascinating with busy ants, exotic and colourful insects
and an amazing bird life. These are all seen in Mt Kinabalu, Mulu,
the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley Conservation Area and the
National Parks near Kuching. Another highlight of the trip is the aweinspiring experience of seeing the human-like orang-utans in their
natural environment. The Orang-utan, Proboscis Monkey, Sumatran
Rhino and Borneo Pygmy Elephant are all facing extinction due to loss
of habitat from logging and the rising threat of palm oil plantations
that need thousands of hectares to be economically viable. Therefore,
many of these endangered animals have been provided with refuge in
sanctuaries that aim to provide long-term protection. The privilege of
seeing orang-utans at the world-famous Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary
during feeding time is more than just an exceptional experience; it is
a personal way that individuals can contribute to the safety and on
going protection of these remarkable relations of ours.
Day 4 (Day 5 Ex London) To Sepilok reserve
After breakfast we take a short boat ride to Kabili Sepilok forest
reserve. From here, we start our walk into the mangrove forest,
continuing through virgin primary forest to our jungle lodge located
near the Sepilok Orang-utan Centre. This is our first chance to
experience the beautiful untouched lowland rainforest. If we are lucky
we may spot various primates, hornbills and perhaps a civet cat! The
walk should take about 5 hours and includes two steep but short
hills, which have wooden steps. Our main bags will be transported
by taxi to this evening's accommodation. At certain times of the year
the trails may be very muddy with the occasional leech. Leech socks
and a packed lunch will be available for purchase - ask your leader
for details. (B)
Day 5 (Day 6 Ex London)
Discovery Centre
Sepilok Orang-utan
& Rainforest
This morning we will head to the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Here there are fantastic bird watching opportunities: Hornbills and the
Borneo Bristlehead are often seen, and an array of displays highlights
the island's diverse flora. Orang-utans can also be spotted during the
fruiting season. There is an impressive canopy walkway and some
easy trails to explore. In the afternoon we visit the quieter of the day's
two feeding sessions at the Orang-utan Centre, the largest orangutan sanctuary in the world. Here rehabilitated orphans and captured
orang-utans are cared for until they are ready to be released into
the wild. We get the opportunity to see these incredible relations of
ours close-up and learn about the very real threats to their continued
existence. (B)
Although this trip is particularly targeted at people who like wildlife
and culture rather than the more active pursuits on offer in Borneo,
the sheer variety of landscape, relaxing settings and welcoming local
people make this a trip that is enjoyable for all.
IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?
This trip very much focuses on the wildlife and culture of Borneo.
There is a wide selection of accommodation used on this trip, from
hotels, national park lodges, basic river lodges to a five star jungle
resort. Some of the places we stay are basic but are chosen for their
location, please consider this before booking. The longhouse is
simple without en-suite facilities.There is only one strenuous walk on
this trip on day 4, for which you should be confident in your fitness.
Anyone not wanting to partake in this walk will be transferred from
Sandakan to Sepilok. This is easily arranged whilst on the trip with
your leader.
Day 6 (Day 7 Ex London)
Gomantong caves
Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary &
This morning we take a mini bus (approx 2.5 hrs) to our jungle
lodge in the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. En-route we stop at
the bizarre Gomantong caves. The caves are a major source of the
swiftlet bird nests that are a Chinese delicacy. Every day, when in
season, workers climb large ladders up to 400 feet up to the roof
of the caves to collect the valuable nests. Our river lodge is located
on the mighty Kinabatangan River, the 3rd longest river in Borneo.
The area is home to an astonishing array of wildlife including ten
species of primates, four of which are endemic to Borneo. It has one
of the highest concentrations of proboscis monkeys and orang-utans
in Malaysian Borneo. Other wildlife includes bornean gibbon, Asian
pygmy elephants, long tailed macaques, sun bears, clouded leopards
and barking deer. There are also over 200 species of birds including
hornbills, eagles, herons, kingfishers, oriental darters, night jars,
flowerpeckers and spider hunters. We will take jungle walks and river
cruises during the day. (B, L, D)
LAND ONLY ITINERARY
The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals included
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
Day 1 (Day 2 Ex London) Start Kota Kinabalu
There will be a welcome briefing this evening.
Day 2 (Day 3 Ex London) Mt Kinabalu N.P. and tea plantation
Today we explore World Heritage Site; Mount Kinabalu National Park,
home to the highest mountain in South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu at
4,101m. This impressive peak of huge granite walls can be viewed
2
Day 7 (Day 8 Ex London) Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
the world, is home to millions of bats and swifts that live side by side
on the roof of the cave. The cave floor has a raised platform, though
that is no escape from the smell of the 'guano' - the excrement from
millions of birds and bats. Close-by is Lang's Cave, which though
much smaller, has some excellent stalactites and stalagmites and
other cave formations. The forest around the caves is spectacular and
there is plenty of time to examine it closely.
We are up with the animals for a dawn wildlife cruise followed by a
trek out to an ox-bow lake. In the afternoon, we will once again take
a river cruise to spot wildlife and if we are lucky a crocodile or two. We
will also have the opportunity for a jungle night walk with possibilities
of seeing scorpions, night owl and even western tarsiers. (B, L, D)
Day 8 (Day 9 Ex London) To Danum Valley
We will arrive at Deer Cave in time for dusk which is when the bats
leave the comfort of the cave to feed on insects (as long as it is not
raining). This is a site to behold with the bats leaving the cave in a
long line snaking across the sky for quite some time. (B)
We drive to Danum Valley conservation area (approx 4 hrs), the
largest protected lowland dipterocarp forest in Borneo. It is one of the
last remaining pockets of primary lowland rainforest in Asia. Danum
Valley is at the forefront of tropical rainforest research, and home
to many rare and endangered species of mammals and birds - it is
a real privilege to spend 2 nights here in the comforts of the Borneo
Rainforest Lodge. Danum Valley is probably the very best place in
Malaysia to see wild orangutans in their pristine habitat. Apart from
orangutans, it has just about the complete range of Bornean wildlife
and great trails. After settling in, there is an afternoon nature trek
to try and spot the elusive orang-utan, and after dinner a night drive
is possible to spot many of the shy and retiring creatures of the
forest. We will spend our time here with very experienced guides who
accompany us on all our walks. One night drive is included during our
stay. (B, L, D)
Day 13 (Day 14 Ex London) Mulu N.P.
Today is a day for exploring this stunning park with a local guide. In
the morning we visit three of the 'show caves' including Clearwater
where a picnic lunch can be ordered in the gorgeous riverside location.
The park has some incredible statistics; It has over 3,500 plant
species, 8,000 different types of fungi and 170 species of orchid.
Over 100 new plant species were discovered between 1960 and 1973,
and many are still being added. There are 262 species of bird, almost
300 species of butterflies and many reptiles and mammals. Members
of the Penan tribe live within the park. They are a small population
of nomadic forest dwellers who live as hunter-gatherers. There has
been fierce international opposition to the Malaysian government
who tried to settle them in permanent longhouses and indeed the
Penan themselves have also resisted. In 1994 they were granted
an area of the forest where they could continue their traditional
lifestyle. Although you are unlikely to meet these elusive people, you
occasionally see their fishing shelters or areas in the forest where
they have recently visited. (B)
Day 14 (Day 15 Ex London) Free day
Today there are a number of options available including a visit to
one of the local Penan settlements to learn a little more about their
unique way of life. Alternitively simply relax in the park and listen
to the weird and wonderful creatures that call it home. Those with a
head for heights can try the optional canopy walkway. This 480-metre
skywalk is the longest tropical canopy walkway in the world and takes
approx 2 hours to complete. Along the way, visitors may be able
to see macaque monkeys, hornbills, flying lizards, squirrels and a
variety of rainforest birds. In the evening we can try the local Mulu
'firewater', Tuak. There is also an optional night walk. (B)
Day 15 (Day 16 Ex London) Fly to Kuching
There is time to take a final early walk in the park before returning
to Miri for an afternoon flight to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak.
Kuching is a vibrant riverside city full of different ethnic groups who
have migrated from the surrounding forests. With a great museum
and a well-preserved colonial centre there is much to do in this
fascinating cultural hot spot. We can have dinner at the hawkers stalls
on the waterfront. (B)
Day 9 (Day 10 Ex London) Danum Valley
We will spend a full day with our very experienced guides. We will have
an opportunity to explore the trails, the 300m long canopy walkway
and waterfalls whilst searching for wildlife in this remarkable place.
Danum is home to over 275 bird species, 110 species of mammals
including orang-utans, five species of deer, giant flying squirrels,
gibbons, bearded wild boars, flying frogs and the Asian elephant. One
of Danum's least known animals is the elusive Sumatran rhinoceros,
unfortunately facing imminent extinction. (B, L, D)
Day 16 (Day 17 Ex London) Semenggok Orang-Utan Centre
After one further early morning nature trek, we leave Danum and
take a flight back to Kota Kinabalu. The afternoon is free to relax or
explore the bustling Filipino markets. In the evening it is possible to
enjoy a sunset drink on the waterfront. (B)
This morning we travel to visit Semenggok Orang-utan Centre where
we can see the semi-wild orang-utans during feeding time. The
orang-utans here have been released into the wild after rehabilitation
but some still come back for feeding when food in the forest is not
sufficient. In the afternoon we will return to Kuching in time to visit
the Sarawak museum with the best collection of artefacts in South
East Asia. (B)
Day 11 (Day 12 Ex London) Free day
Day 17 (Day 18 Ex London) Bako N.P.
Today you are free to enjoy some of the many activities Kota Kinabalu
has to offer. The most popular option is to visit one of the tropical
islands in the marine park, a 15 min boat journey from the city. Here
you can never be bored whether you are relaxing on the white sand,
snorkelling or just swimming in the warm South China Sea. (B)
We will take a day trip to Bako National Park famous for its Proboscis
monkeys. This is where the rainforest meets the sea. It has abundant
wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, interesting plant life, secluded
beaches and trekking trails. It is such an interesting environment as
it contains almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo despite
being the smallest National Park in Sarawak. (B)
Day 10 (Day 11 Ex London) Fly to Kota Kinabalu
Day 12 (Day 13 Ex London) Mulu N.P. for sunset walk and bats
Day 18 (Day 19 Ex London) Santubong Peninsula
We leave the city behind and fly to Mulu National park (schedules
for this flight often vary). After checking-in at the Park HQ, we
will be introduced to the park guides and head through the forest
to Deer Cave. Some of the caves have been mapped by occasional
expeditions, they have their own ecosystems with plants and animals
living in the cave chambers. Deer Cave, the largest cave passage in
As we come towards the end of the trip, we relocate to a relaxing beach
resort on the Santubong Peninsula. Surrounded by the Sarawak River,
mangroves, forest and at the foot of Gunung (Mount) Santubong, this
is the perfect place to relax. (B)
3
Day 19 (Day 20 Ex London)
afternoon
WEATHER AND SEASONALITY
Sarawak Cultural Village and free
This morning we visit the Sarawak Cultural Village which portrays
the distinct cultures of Sarawak's many cultural groups. Here it is
possible to view Sarawak's ethnic communities at a glance with a look
at their homes and lifestyles. The rest of the day we can take full
advantage of the resort's facilities. (B)
Day 20 (Day 21 Ex London) Return to Kuching and end
While returning to Kuching, we will take a boat trip to look for the
rare Irrawady Dolphins. Although we cannot guarantee sightings,
this playful mammal is often seen swimming and diving around
the estuary of the Santubong River. From here, we will continue our
journey to Kuching. We will have a final few hours in Kuching which is
perhaps the best place in Borneo to buy authentic tribal handicrafts.
End Kuching. (B)
For those on group flights, these depart in the evening and will arrive
in the UK the following day.
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD
The longhouse is basic but there are ceiling fans and electricity
and showers, it provides a great insight into rural life. All bedding
and towels are provided. Hotels all have en suite bathrooms with
air-conditioning or ceiling fans and netted windows or mosquito
nets. In Danum valley we stay at the the Borneo Rainforest Lodge a
comfortable resort in the midst of teeming primary jungle. It combines
a real jungle experience with all the comforts of an internationalclass resort while only accommodating a maximum of 60 guests, and
employs naturalist guides who accompany us on all our walks.
You should allow about £175-£225/$280-360 for food not included.
If you fancy a few drinks then you may want to bring a little more as
beer and other alcoholic drinks are expensive and you should expect
to pay western prices. Malaysia is renowned for its culinary excellence
however food can often be relatively unexciting and limited in the
lodges and for hotel breakfasts. Vegetarians will find the food choice
limited. Meals will be more varied for everyone in cities and seafood
is widely available on the coast. We also suggest you take snack food
with you, as it is not freely available. Most meals will be basic based
around rice and noodles although most accommodation does offer a
western breakfast of beans, toast and eggs. In the bigger hotels and
cities the full range of Western and local foods are available. You can
generally avoid the spicier food if you wish.
Borneo has an equatorial monsoon climate with the weather remaining
similar throughout the year. It is hot and humid; temperatures range
from 23-33ºC during the day and rarely drop below 20ºC at night. The
rainy season is from November to January and the dry season is from
May to September, though really it can rain at any time. A Borneo rain
shower is quite an event!
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before
departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in Borneo
the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent, for
example wheat or dairy-free, please be prepared for this and you may
need to bring these from home.
Single Accommodation:
JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK
Single rooms are available for a supplement for 11 hotel/lodge nights
only, please enquire for prices. Please advise the sales team at the
time of booking if you require a single.
22 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sat
Itinerary Start
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day
before Day 1 of the itinerary.
Extra Accommodation:
Is available before and after the trip, please ask your sales consultant
if you wish to book extra nights.
Flights from London
We normally use the scheduled services of Malaysian Airlines
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or
your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may
change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately
two weeks before departure.
TRANSPORT
We use a number of different modes of transport. The majority of
transfers will be in private minibuses. We use a number of different
boats varying from simple 'longboats' to river ferries.
Internal flights during the trip are with a local airline.
UK Regional Flights
The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we
are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit
www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures for a useful overview of the
options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice.
If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a
minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in
time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer
4
than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be
subject to delays.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please
note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other
flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on
non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for
information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus
office.
JOINING THE TRIP IN KOTA KINABULU
20 days, normally start Kota Kinabulu Sun, end Kuching Fri
Itinerary Start
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Kota Kinabulu in the afternoon
of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are
provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two
weeks before departure.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Passports and Visas
Airport Transfers
All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months
beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have
the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is
necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are
to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders,
and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the
relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local
immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or
otherwise, and any subsequent effects.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only)
be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide
with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight
details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or
miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your
own expense.
If you would like us to organise a private transfer, please ask your
sales consultant for a quote. Please ensure that you provide us with
all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure.
A visa is not required for British nationals. If you are unsure of the
requirements please check with your nearest Malaysian embassy.
The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £7/$12 should you decide to
make your way independently.
Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current
regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be
sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not
receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier
please contact our office or your travel agent.
Vaccinations and Health
Travel health can often be something people forget about before
going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way
to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip.
Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income,
positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect
their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible
tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our
trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.
Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Polio, Tetanus,
Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential on this trip, and we suggest that you
seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria
tablets to take.
In Mulu N.P the Penans, and others are employed by the park thereby
generating income for their families and improving their economies.
The staff are encouraged to provide cultural entertainment (traditional
dances and music) helping to preserve their culture. The boats used
in the park are all owned and operated by the local people.
Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited on this trip. It is a
tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There
is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and
therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We
recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit:
The above information can change at short notice; as we are not
qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly
recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health
Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.
www.exodus.co.uk/responsible-travel
Insurance - are you adequately covered?
You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a
trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered
up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK
we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically
designed to cover all activities on your trip.
If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This
gives free medical care in many European countries, but should not
be considered a substitute for adequate insurance.
Local Time
GMT + 7 or 8 hours.
Group, Staff and Support
The group will generally be between 5 and 16 people. There will be a
local leader and drivers and local guides where needed.
5
The trip is led by a local qualified Malaysian English-speaking leader.
There will also be local guides at national parks.
and knee long shorts are expected). Whilst in the forest and national
parks, T-shirts and shorts are best, especially for the walks. There are
limited laundry facilities, so you will need to bring clothes that wash
and dry easily. A swimming costume will be well used! Leeches are
more of an annoyance than a real threat, Leech socks can be bought
to avoid this. If you bring your own water bottle you can refill it most
evenings, this will help reduce use of plastic bottles which is a big
problem in Borneo.
The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note
that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share
accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
MONEY MATTERS
Currency Information
Optional items:
The national currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), with
an exchange rate of 4.9 to the UK£ and 3.1 to the US$.
Binoculars, flip flops or trekking sandals for getting in and out of
boats as your feet may get wet.
Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.
Baggage and Baggage Allowance
As you will probably be carrying much of your money in cash, we
strongly recommend using a money belt. All your documents should
be kept in waterproof plastic bags: the rain tends to come in very
heavy showers.
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on
the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We
recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage
is subject to change, we suggest you check www.baa.com and/or the
airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure.
ATM availability/Credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques
Either dollars or sterling can be changed in the main towns but this
can be time consuming. Please don't bring travellers cheques. A small
amount in cash is useful in case of emergencies. ATMs are becoming
more widely available and are the easiest way of obtaining money;
please inform your bank before leaving home if you wish to use it
in Malaysia, as some cards have been blocked in the past after only
being used once. Most credit cards are accepted in the main towns
in Malaysia.
The internal flights carry a maximum weight allowance of 15kg, and
one check-in item. Extra bags and weight must be paid for locally.
Reading List:
Malaysia and Singapore Handbook
(Footprint publications)
An excellent general guide to the region with interesting facts and
figures.
Into the Heart of Borneo
Redland O'Hanlon (Salamader Press)
Funny account of his journey through the island with a friend.
Mulu, the rainforest
Robin Hanbury-Tenison (Arrow/Weidenfeld)
Account of the RGS expedition in 1978 to Mulu.
Pocket guide to birds of Borneo
Junaidi Payne (World Wildlife Fund / Sabah Society)
Extra Expenses and Spending Money
There is very little to spend your money on whilst on the trip, apart
from the odd tribal handicraft though there are some good T-shirts
and souvenirs in the national parks. The optional snorkelling
trip normally costs see below per person for the boat and hire of
equipment depending on how many people fill the boat.
Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group
sizes)
In Danum Valley - additional night drives are available for approx £10
per hour.
In Mulu - Canopy walkway £6/$10 , night walk £3/$5; visit the local
Penan settlements - less than £5/$8 depending on group size.
In Kuching - Sunset river cruise £10/$16, snorkelling and island
cruise, approx £ 30/$50 for half day. Note local conditions may
dictate that snorkelling isn't possible.
If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them
from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials',
Tipping (leader and local staff)
This is entirely at your own discretion however; we suggest that
you allow a few pounds for tips for the local guides and staff. In the
countries visited, with the increase in tourism, tipping has become
customary. The local staff will probably expect some gratuity and we
suggest you allow for this. The leader will suggest to the group that
they donate a sum of £30/$50 per person towards a kitty on arrival.
This money is then used for tipping of local guides, hotel porters,
drivers etc. It is basically to ensure that the hassle is taken out of
various activities for you. If you do not wish to contribute to a central
pool for tips you are of course free to do so.
If you feel that your leader has performed well over the course of your
trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The
sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, £2/$3 per
person per day would be a reasonable starting point.
JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY
Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view
the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which
have featured in the national media and take advantage of some
special deals on travel gear and equipment.
The 'tipping kitty' explained above is entirely separate from any
contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly
for their work with Exodus.
In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where
you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart.
When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your
images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other
people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered
automatically into our monthly photo competition.
WHAT TO TAKE
Essential Equipment and Clothing
It is best to take as little as possible as there is a lot of moving from
one mode of transport to another in remote places. A small day
rucksack is appropriate for carrying cameras, waterproofs etc during
the day. Plastic bags or waterproof/dry bags are recommended for
your day bag. It is generally hot and humid and casual clothes are
recommended particularly in the towns and cities. In Muslim sensitive
areas women should dress conservatively so as not to offend (no vests
To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus.
It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for?
http://www.exodus.co.uk/community
6
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS
Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be
contacted on 0044 (0) 1582 644 100.
Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read
the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www.
exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information?
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers,
and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you
approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive
these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please
contact our office or your travel agent.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where
differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure,
the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to
unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared
to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our
brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned.
This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical
or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible
alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original
itinerary.
As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines
manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever
to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to
keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean
that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices
we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your
Travel Agent.
Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The
most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website.
© Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO
HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP
1. Check availability
Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
2. Secure your place
You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for
between three and seven days.
3.
Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online
booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking
form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all
major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as
a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL)
number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour
Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means
you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies
paid to us for your trip are fully protected.
7