Escorted Tour: Services of Local Tour Leaders and/or Local Guides

Flights will not be escorted - you will be transferred to the flight and met on arrival by the Local Guide. There will be Local English Speaking Guides with you as follows for each sector of the tour, with local specialised knowledge for each area that you are travelling through.

Kuching (Days 1-4); Mulu (Days 4-8), Kota Kinabalu (Days 9-11); Sandakan (Days 12-15)

In a unique and exciting journey exploring Borneo, this tour satisfies all tastes by bringing to life jungle walks and its wildlife. We delve into the country's national parks, stay in a longhouse, travel by bus, plane and longboats to uncover the charms of this abundant island. The tour opens exploring Kuching and Semengoh Orang Utan Sanctuary before traveling to Bako National Park in search of the Prpboscis moneky. Flying on to Mulu we visit Gunung Mulu National Park, for walks into Deer Cave and Lang Cave, where thousands of bats fly out for their nightly feeding forays. We follow the Headhunter Trail to visit the Iban people, and explore the amazing Pinnacles. Continuing to Sabah and Kota Kinabalu on the South China Sea, we climb Mt Kinabalu then view the prolific wildlife around Ox Bow Lake. On to Sandakan for our visit to the stunning turtle island of Selingan, surrounded by crystal clear water and reefs. Next we visit the Sepilok sanctuary, where orangutans live wild in a vast jungle refuge and then return to Kota Kinabalu where the trip ends.

Kuching – Semengoh Wildlife Centre – Bako National Park.  From our hotel we depart for the Semengoh Wildlife Centre located a short drive from the centre of Kuching. The wildlife centre is a temporary home for various endangered wildlife of Sarawak which have either been found injured in the forest, or have been kept as illegal pets. The centre houses a number of different species including rescued hornbills, honey bears, gibbons and porcupines, and of course Orang Utans.  After initial care, they are again taught to fend for themselves and when the wardens feel that the animal is fully rehabilitated, it is caught and then returned to the wild - usually deep in the forest or to one of Sarawak's National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries.

After visiting the centre, we then take a 35-minute drive to Bako Village, and from the village, take a 25-minute boat ride to the National park. Bako National Park is Sarawak’s oldest National Park and one of the best places in Sarawak to see wildlife in a natural surrounding. The park contains an amazing variety of plant and animal life, and almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo.

After check in at the park chalets, you have free time to do some hiking through jungle trails, swimming in the sea by secluded beaches, and enjoying the beautiful sunset. The park chalets have mosquito screens on the bedrooms, and fans. Bathrooms are shared.

Lunch and dinner are included.

Pinnacles - Camp 5. Following Breakfast, we embark on a full day trip to the Pinnacles. The Pinnacles are reached from Camp 5 and although the trail is only 2.4 kilometres, it is a trip that requires reasonable levels of fitness, as it rises in height over 1,200 metres. The trek takes about 3-4 hours one way. The climb is well worthwhile though as it culminates in spectacular views of the pinnacle formations, some of which tower up to 40 metres high. The trail itself passes through some intriguing limestone forest and as you reach the higher altitudes includes some spectacular pitcher plants and sightings of rare orchids.

The pinnacle formations are spectacular examples of karst formations. The Pinnacles have been formed in tensional joints in the limestone bed at Mulu, which often occur at the edges of plateaux or valleys as pressure is released, as the rock above is eroded and the weight decreases. The reason for the spectacular nature of the formations at Mulu lies in the consistent nature of its limestone beds and the even joints that were formed as a result, and the high levels of rainfall that the area has experienced in geological time. Today the pinnacles tower above the surrounding landscape, some reaching heights of 40 to 50 metres. As water has continued to erode and dissolve the rock, the formations have taken on their razor-like appearance.

Although physically challenging, most trekkers with reasonable levels of fitness are able to accomplish the climb to the Pinnacles and all find it a hugely rewarding experience. It is advisable that climbers take sufficient food and water (usually about three litres per person), as the conditions are generally hot and humid. Although it is unusual for it to rain in the mornings, if it is raining, the tours that day will be cancelled for safety reasons. Your local guide will also give you more specific instructions regarding the trek prior to beginning.

After this fantastic day, we descend back to Camp 5 for our overnight stay.

Packed lunch and dinner included.

Iban Longhouse - Limbang Town - Kota Kinabalu. We depart by boat to Nanga Medamit, the boat ride taking about 1 to 2 hours. We then proceed overland to Limbang Town, and from here fly to Kota Kinabalu.

The remainder of the day is free.

Mount Kinabalu National Park - Laban Rata.  Depart in the early morning for a 2-hour journey through breathtaking scenery to the World Heritage site of Kinabalu National Park with a short stop at Nabalu to savour the local fruits and to bargain prices for the handicrafts that the villagers sell.

Kinabalu National Park offers a rich array of flora and fauna and guided walks take you through this botanical paradise. The park boasts the Rafflesia, the world's largest flowering plant, pitcher plants and many bird species.

Upon arrival at Mt. Kinabalu Park (88 km from Kota Kinabalu), check-in at the Park’s office and then the real adventure starts as we continue to the Power Station by coach for the start of our 2-day climb of mighty Mount Kinabalu.

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South-east Asia at 4,101 metres, and offers a unique climb from tropical luxuriance through oak forest to the rocky sub-alpine summit plateau. One of the biggest attractions of Kinabalu is the range of exotic plants. As one ascends the mountain the climate changes and so do the plants. Bamboo, mosses, orchids, rotans, lichens and pitcher plants are in abundance. The insect life is also very impressive and an immensely rich variety of bird and animal species are encountered.

We commence our climb on this first day up to our accommodation at Laban Rata. The climb will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, we check-in at one of  the Laban Rata Guesthouses and the rest of the afternoon is free at leisure, and rest before the final ascent the following morning. The guesthouse has rooms with bunk beds, and common bathrooms. A packed lunch is included and also dinner at the guesthouse.

A packed lunch is included and also dinner at the guesthouse. 

Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. After breakfast, we depart by vehicle to Sukau and a short briefing on the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary lies within the vast floodplain of the Kinabatangan river - one of the longest rivers in Malaysia. With a rich array of unique habitats, a diverse wildlife fauna and a rich culture: the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is by far the most fascinating of natural protected areas in Sabah. Visiting this area can be the most amazing experience for any nature lover. It is not surprising that given this rich mosaic of habitats, the abundance and rich diversity of wildlife are so apparent in the floodplain. The exceptional variety of primates that share these forests are astounding: Orang Utans, the agile Gibbon, Borneo"s Proboscis Monkey are three of its most charismatic primates. With the large network of swamps and lakes in the region, this area is also home to a large number of aquatic animals, including freshwater fish, crocodiles and wild otters.

Upon arrival in this area, in the late afternoon we take a river cruise down the Menanggul River in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife.

We return at dusk for dinner and overnight stay at our lodge. The lodge provides basic facilities with ceiling fans, windows screened with mosquito nets, attached bathrooms and twin beds.

The following day we take an early morning boat trip for bird watching and viewing wildlife at the Ox Bow Lake nearby the lodge. The early morning is often when the wildlife is at its most active, and so the chances of seeing the animals and bird life are increased. We then trek through the lush riverine forest along the lake and then return to the lodge for breakfast. In the late afternoon, venture on another river cruise down the Menanggul River and along the Kinabatangan River.

We once again return to the lodge at dusk, dinner and an evening at leisure.

Sandakan to Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary to Kota Kinabalu. We return by boat to Sandakan and then travel to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary. This is only one of four such sanctuaries in the world. The orang utans are living free in the trees but twice a day they come swinging in to special platforms where they can collect fruits. Get your camera ready for a feeding frenzy – other primates like to muscle in on the act. Our local naturalist guide explains the rehabilitation programme at the sanctuary where injured and orphaned orang utans are brought for treatment before being released into the wild.

After this amazing experience, we depart for a sightseeing tour around Sandakan’s various scenic sites including the Chinese Temple, Australian War Memorial, the water villages and houses on stilts.

Later on we transfer to the Sandakan airport for our short flight to Kota Kinabalu to arrive in the evening (scheduled arrival for 19.05 - however delays are possible). The tour ends on arrival back into Kota Kinabalu. Accommodation is not included in Kota Kinabalu. We recommend that you book post tour accommodation in Kota Kinabalu rather than flying out this evening due to the late arrival of the flight and the possibility of delays.

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible.

Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. There will be times travelling long hours as there will be days where we have to cover great distances. Weather patterns can change dramatically - high altitudes tend to be a lot cooler.

You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Asia trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com  provides you with visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Certain visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Vaccinations:

No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia, but we do recommend you are covered for *diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

NB* A Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. Please consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Asia.

We also recommend:

- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
- That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.

You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.

Medical Supplies:

We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items:

Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.

A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

• Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
• A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
• DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Asia, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk.
• Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care.
• Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$15-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

For security you are advised to carry most of your money in Traveller’s cheques - small denominations are preferable.

It is often a good idea to have a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport.

Banks are generally open Monday to Friday and some are open on Saturday morning. In the main cities travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks and some exchange bureaux, but this can be very difficult in small towns.

Some Hotels will also change money.

1. Light comfortable, clothes that dry easily, shorts are fine.
2. Comfortable walking shoes that have no fear of jungle streams or muddy
trails
3. Bathing suit (respect local modesty)
4. Thin towels (these dry easily)
5. Sun hat, sunblock and light long sleeve shirt.
6. Personal toiletries e.g. shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc.
7. Insect repellent
8. Plastic bag to keep clothes and cameras dry in case of rain
9. Water bottle and water purification tablets
10. Rain poncho (Can be bought cheaply in Kuching)

Mulu Additionals:

Things to do:
- Wrap all your clothes and belonging in plastic before packing.
- Ensure that your rain poncho and water bottle is always close at hand.
- Part of the journey will be in open boats where you will be exposed to
either rain or sun.
Both require covering.

1. Wind Breaker

2. Sweater (Temperature can reach 0 degrees at the summit)

3. Comfortable walking shoes that have no fear of muddy trails

4. Thin towels

5. Sunblock and lip gloss

6. Personal toiletries e.g. shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc.

7. Insect repellent

8. Plastic bag to keep clothes and cameras dry in case of rain

9. Water bottle

10.Torch lights with extra bulbs and batteries

11. Warm Waterproof Gloves

12. Small waterproof backpack for carrying 3 days/1 night personal items

13. Raincoat

14. Muffler/Scarf

15. Money

16. Undergarments

17. Shorts

18. Camera & film

19. Hat

20. Long Comfortable Pants

21. T-shirts (2)

22. Socks (2 pairs)

23. High Energy Trail Food (sweets, chocolates, fruits etc.)

Note: All items to be carried should be packed in plastic bags (in case it rains).

Things required during the climb should be carried in a small knapsack.

Gloves will get damp during second day's climb. If you have waterproof gloves, one pair will suffice.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

Borneo Encompassed:

We do suggest doing some fitness activity before joining the tour in order to enjoy more your holiday. However, these walks should be suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness and mobility that is those who normally lead an active life.

Malaysia is a multicultural society, with Malays, Chinese and Indians living side by side. The Malays are the largest community. They are Muslims, speak Bahasa and are largely responsible for the political fortunes of the country. The Chinese comprise about a third of the population. They are Buddhists and Taoists, speak Hokkein, Hakka and Cantonese, and are dominant in the business community. The Indians account for about 10% of the population and they are mainly Hindu Tamils from southern India, they speak Tamil, Malayalam, and some Hindi, and live mainly in the larger towns on the west coast of the peninsula. There is also a sizeable Sikh community. Eurasians and indigenous tribes make up the remaining population. Despite Bahasa Malaysia being the official language, when members of these different communities talk to each other, they generally speak English, which was recently reinstated as the language of instruction in higher education.

This language can be difficult for foreigners to grasp.  The same word can have 6 different meanings depending on the tone used to pronounce it.  However, we do try and encourage people to speak a few words of the local language, as the Malaysians will really appreciate the effort!  English is spoken in some of the places that we visit.

English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on Malaysia and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and it will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Food is one of the highlights of any trip.

As in many South East Asian countries, rice is the staple food diet. This usually served with dried, salted fish, chicken, beef or pork.

It's not easy to find authentic Malay food in Malaysian restaurants, though you can take your pick of Chinese, Nyonya (a local variation on Chinese and Malay food - Chinese ingredients, local spices), Indian, Indonesian or (sometimes) Western cuisines. Satays (meat kebabs in spicy peanut sauce) are a Malaysian creation and they're found everywhere. Other dishes include fried soybean curd in peanut sauce, sour tamarind fish curry, fiery curry prawns and spiced curried meat in coconut marinade. Muslim Indian dishes have developed a distinctly Malaysian style. The variety of wonderful tropical fruits and fruit juices available is huge, and a strange sweet concoction includes endol (sugar syrup, coconut milk and green noodles) and is kacang (beans and jellies topped with shaved ice, syrups and condensed milk).

Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs.

The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different countries. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.

Pre-booked transfers - If you have booked an arrival transfer, please look for our representative who will be holding a sign with your name or Kumuka once you have cleared Customs and Immigration.

Making Your Own Way - The Meeting Point for your tour is advised at the beginning of this dossier. If you have not arranged for us to meet and transfer you on arrival and are therefore making your own way to the Meeting Point it is best upon arrival at to take a metered taxi. Drivers may want to negotiate a price before leaving the airport. Do not agree to this, insist that they switch on the meters and pay the amount that it displays when you arrive at your destination.

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

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