The Wilds of Borneo Challenge 2011
The Wilds of Borneo Challenge
Malaysia
July 7 – 16, 2011
Trekking, Cycling, Kayaking, Rafting – 6 days – 4,095m
This was G4G’s 34th challenge.
This fabulous challenge included kayaking in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, cycling around the Sabah Tea plantation, bamboo rafting on the Kuilu River and hiking to the summit of Mount Kinabalu (4,095m/13,435ft).
Mount Kinabalu has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage status and, along with its surroundings, is among the most important biological sites in the world, with an amazing diversity of flora and fauna, including the gigantic Rafflesia plants and the Orangutan.
Level: DIFFICULT – a good level of fitness is required
Number of participants: Maximum 25 per group
Registration Fee: AED 2,200/-
Minimum Sponsorship: AED 19,000/-
Assistance provided in advance by G4G: Fund-raising ideas; training & fitness suggestions; safety & medical advice; clothing & equipment advice.
What G4G provided on the Challenge: Flights and transfers; hotels/hostels/tents (on a double-occupancy basis); food & water; guides; medical & vehicle back-up (where possible).
Essential to leave behind: Day-to-day problems.
Essential to bring: Determination & a sense of humour!
Closing date: Closed
The Wilds of Borneo Challenge
Malaysia
July 7 – 16, 2011
Cycle – Trek – Kayak – Bamboo Raft – 6 days
Day 1: July 7, Thursday
Departed Dubai International Airport in the evening.
Day 2: July 8, Friday
On our arrival at Kota Kinabalu, we met with our friendly local leader before transferring and checking in at a city hotel.
Once we had freshened up after the flight, we were lead by our guide to walk to a nearby restaurant to enjoy a welcome dinner with a cultural show.
Overnight at hotel
Day 3: July 9, Saturday
Sea Kayakking Challenge
After a transfer from the hotel to Tanjung Aru Beach, from where we did our sea kayaking challenge in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, which consists of five islands – Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug.
The first part was a 3km kayak to Mamutik Island. Next, we kayaked on to Manukan Island (2km), followed by a further 4km to Sapi Island, where we could stop for our packed lunch and some free time to explore and do some snorkelling.
We then paddled non-stop back to Tanjung Aru beach (9km), so the total sea kayaking was 18km.
NB: the sea conditions in July were be a little rough, as it is the interchange of the monsoon season.
Transferred by bus through the hills to Ranau and the Sabah Tea Plantation at Nlapak Village, 150km.
Overnight at Longhouse at Sabah Tea Plantation
Day 4: July 10, Sunday
Mountain Biking Challenge
After a bike fitting session, we started the moderate route along the Plantation trails, including river crossings. After a for a picnic lunch at Sapoan River, we returned to base on a different route.
Once back at the longhouse, we had time to explore the tea factory and walked around the plantation.
Overnight at Longhouse at Sabah Tea Plantation
Day 5: July 11, Monday
Mountain Biking and Hiking Challenge
After a bike check, we rode on main and quiet roads to Poring village, total 20km, at which we were able to explore the nature trails and a canopy walk of Poring Hot Spring, as well as try out the hot spring, with sulphuric mineral water.
After lunch at Poring, we were transferred to Kundasang (40km) to walk mostly uphill to the war memorial (9km) and Mesilau Nature Resort.
Overnight at hostel
Day 6: July 12, Tuesday
Hiking Challenge
A short, but steep, trek today along the Mesilau Trail to the Laban Rata Resthouse (approx 8km)
Overnight at the heated (!) resthouse (3,300m)
Important Note:
For the next day’s walk we needed to bring: waterproof and warm clothing, windbreaker, hat, gloves, extra thick socks, good torch (preferably a head-torch) as well as good trekking shoes.
Day 7: July 13, Wednesday
Hiking Challenge
We were woken today at around 2.30am in order to start the trek at around 3am to the summit of Mount Kinabalu (4,095m).
The trek to the summit was only 2.7km, but it was very steep, so we arrived at the summit ready to witness the sunrise at around 6am.
After this, we descended to the Laban Rata Resthouse for breakfast.
Following breakfast, we further descended to the Timpohon Gate (6km) and then walked a further 6km to lunch and a well-deserved rest at the park hostel!
Overnight at hostel
Day 8: July 14, Thursday
Raft-building Challenge
After being transferred to Bundu Tuhan, we had time to visit the charity project before transferring to the Kuilu River Base Camp in the Tamparuli District.
At the camp, we worked in pairs to construct our own bamboo rafts, which we used to navigate downstream on the Kuilu River at the next day!
Tonight, we will enjoy a campfire and riverside barbecue buffet dinner.
Overnight at the base camp
Day 9: July 15, Friday
Rafting Challenge
After packing our luggage and loading it onto standby vehicles, we completed a final check of the bamboo rafts and received a Safety Briefing.
Bamboo rafting is a traditional sport for Borneo people, considered as one of the most popular adventure sports in Sabah. The rafting today took us approximately 12km downstream, with a stop for a swim at calm pools.
Once we had all completed the rafting, we were transferred to the airport for our flight to Dubai in the mid-evening.
Day 9: July 16, Saturday
Arrived Dubai airport in the very early hours of the morning and returned home for a well-deserved rest!
Notes: This itinerary may change due to border regulation changes, unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, group strength, etc. We will endeavour to keep to the planned itinerary, but cannot be held responsible for last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, the group leader will have the final say.
This itinerary is tough and you may encounter poor weather. The trek is not for the unfit or the faint-hearted.
Most mountain treks have occasional exposure to sheer drops. Therefore, should you suffer from vertigo, you should discuss the itinerary with a member of our team.
Climate
Malaysia is hot and humid all year. Lowland temperatures are usually between 28-33 C and between 5-15 C or lower at high altitudes (Mount Kinabalu). Rain, when it comes, generally interrupts the sunshine only briefly. Most of it falls in short, strong bursts. However, in the mountains the weather can be unpredictable and temperatures may well fall below 0 C on summit day.
Health
The most important and simple thing you can do to prevent illness is to be properly immunized. Inoculations become specifically important due to the tropical rain forest climate, high altitude and rugged terrain and rough seas
Our medical adviser recommends that you should be immunized against Hepatitis A and B; Typhoid; Tetanus; Rabies; MMR, Diphtheria and Polio. All necessary immunizations should be taken 6-8 weeks before travel to allow time for the shots to take affect. Contact your GP for more information.
There is very low risk of Malaria in Kota Kinabalu, and it rapidly decreases in altitudes over 2000m. However, Malaria is a year round risk in Sabah, and much of the challenge is in highly rural areas. (Mosquitoes also spread Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis)Please speak with your physician about Immunization.
In Dubai, these are available at Medicentres International in Motor City: 04-360-8866 & Prime Medical Center – 04-349-4545.
Dr. Kersten Elliot, a chiropodist/podiatrist from Dubai Physiotherapy and Family medicine Clinic, 04 349 6333, is happy to provide a 50% discount on consultation fees – please take your G4G Registration Cover Letter as proof that you are a registered challenger.
Anyone, including the young and the fittest can get altitude sickness during rapid ascent if staying for more than 12 hours above 2500m. During this challenge, it may occur at the overnight hostel at Laban Rata, 3,262m. Also, day 7 of the challenge has a 3 hour climb to the summit at 4095m – where only 70% of oxygen at normal sea level will be available.
However, there is some time for acclimatization, and only a short time at the highest altitude, so risk is minimized.
This risk can also be significantly reduced by taking Diamox 125mg twice daily, starting a day before arriving at altitude and continuing for two days after. Please consult your Physician for all medical advice, but we recommend trying Diamox before departure, as it can have strong side effects for some people. You will fine more details on the ‘Use of Diamox’ in the challenge pack.
The trek is described as DIFFICULT and reaches altitudes of 4,095m. You need to be fit and healthy to participate. It is essential to pace yourself for all the activities during the challenge and drink a lot of water throughout the challenge.
Most mountain treks have occasional exposure to sheer drops. Therefore, should you suffer from vertigo, you should discuss the itinerary with a member of our team.
Training
You will be trekking/biking/kayaking/rafting for several hours per day, so it is important that you start a training programme at least three months prior to the Challenge. The best training for Mountain climbing is actually climbing a mountain (!) or at least going up and down stairs. Most gyms will be happy to assist you in achieving your fitness (and some may even help you fundraise!) The challenge is described as a difficult test of all round fitness.
Visa information
Check if your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to travel. You should also have a couple of clean pages (no stamps!) left in the passport.
Most Nationals can get Malaysian visas upon arrival; however, we encourage all travelers to check what the visa requirements are for their particular nationality in advance from the Malaysian Consulate General to avoid surprises at the airport.
http://www.kln.gov.my/web/are_dubai/requirement_foreigner
Travel & Medical Insurance
G4G can arrange travel insurance for all participants. You will be required to pay your insurance premium in addition to your sponsorship target. Further details about the premium, type of cover, insurance terms and conditions, etc. are available on request. If you will use your own Insurance, please ensure that you are covered for activities such as trekking/biking/kayaking/rafting in Malaysia and provide us a copy of the policy.
Fundraising
A comprehensive fundraising booklet is included in your challenge pack. It is always good to arrange private fundraising “events” as well as asking family, friends and colleagues for money. Fundraising in this way increases your profile, creates more goodwill and raises awareness of the work of the nominated charities. The G4G office can give you names of previous challengers who will be happy to offer advice and maybe even assistance. Be aware that there are rules and regulations controlling public fundraising in the UAE – if you have any questions, contact our office.
Safety
We take your safety very seriously. It is our first and never forgotten priority. Please listen to your guides and follow their instructions.
Respect for the Environment
We maintain a firm commitment to conserve the areas we work in and ask you to do the same. Take only photographs and leave behind only footprints!
What We Supply
Return flights from Dubai, internal transfers, accommodation, daily meals & water. All your gear will be transported each day to the night stop, except daily necessities carried in your own daypack.
A Typical Day
You will receive a full pre-trek briefing. A typical day varies according to the different terrain, disciplines and distance. However you can expect a normal day to start at 6am with breakfast served at 7am. You should have packed up and be ready to leave by 8.00am. In the morning there are usually 3 -4 hours of the day’s activity before the stop for lunch, followed by 2-3 hours in the afternoon. Before dinner, there is time to relax, socialize, play games or explore the area. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice. Drinking water is available throughout the day.
Mental Preparation
It is well within you to complete this challenge. Remain in a positive state of mind, without being overly confident. This mental stamina will make the more difficult parts easier to complete. Always focus on your goal and do not get involved in inconsequential matters that will rob you of your concentration. Being physically prepared assists a great deal in being mentally confident for the physical part of the Challenge, so train hard!
Miscellaneous Information
Malaysia is 4 hours ahead of UAE.
Local Currency: Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
Conversion rates as of 23 January 2011:
1.00 USD = 3.06 MYR
1.00 EUR = 4.16 MYR
1.00 GBP = 4.89 MYR
Take US$ in cash to change
Electricity in Malaysia is 240 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. Outlets in Malaysia are generally British style plugs with 2 flat blades and 1 flat grounding blade.
A good reference book is the Borneo edition of the Lonely Planet publications, available in Dubai from Magrudy’s, Borders, etc.
Personal Equipment
Travel light! Do limit the weight of your luggage on the trail to less than 15 Kgs and less than 20 Kgs overall. All bags are to be clearly marked and lockable.
Do not take or wear any valuables on the trip, it is best to leave them at home.
Please refer to the Kit List below. All the items required for the trip can be purchased from major sports shops & camping suppliers in U.A.E. – please see the list of outlets provided in your challenge pack.
How to Pack
Your clothes and equipment should fall into two categories:
1.What you are going to wear and need on the Challenge. This should fit into a single soft-sided bag and will be transported each day from site to site.
2.What you are going to carry in your daypack.
In The Day Pack
It is important that you pack carefully the smaller Day Pack that you carry yourself. Anything you need during the course of the day should be in your Day Pack, including, most importantly, something warm and something waterproof.
Sun glasses / Moisturizing/Sun screen lotion / Prescribed medicines/ Camera and spare film / Binoculars-optional / Reading Reference book / Note book & Pencil / Water bottle and Camelback bladder / Trail Snacks / Trek permits / Toilet paper / rain gear / Warm layer / Extra shirt*
* It’s advisable to carry an extra T-shirt in your daypack. When you stop trekking, cycling, etc you may feel cold after sweating and need to change your shirt or add a layer to prevent chills.
Thoughts and ideas
•Be kind to your feet! If you plan on purchasing new hiking boots, do so well ahead of time and allow yourself time to break them in. Bring some extra moleskin or Second Skin (Compeed) for fast foot treatment, plus tape, and watch out for blisters.
•One way to minimize the risk of blisters is to wear a thin liner sock under your regular thicker hiking socks. The liner sock should be made of a non-absorbent, wicking material, absolutely no cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
•Another way is to coat your foot with a thick layer of Vaseline before you put your socks on each day
•Cotton is wonderful in warm weather, but once it becomes wet, it drains your body heat. Plan on bringing at least one synthetic shirt that dries quickly. Suggestions are Capilene, M.T.S. and Thermax.
•Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Use different sizes and colors to differentiate the contents. Plastic bags are also helpful to separate clean and dirty clothing, as well as giving an extra layer of waterproofing inside your bags.
•Always test your layers before the trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
•If you normally wear contacts, bring a pair of glasses in case of eye irritation from dust.
•Some of the trails can be rutted and dusty. It is a good idea to pack camera equipment and binoculars in plastic bags to protect them from the dust. This is in addition to their normal cases. Also bring some lens cleaning material.
•Laundry is difficult on this trip but you can hand-wash a few quick-drying items.
•Make 1 copy of your passport and take it with you; we will have a second copy in our files.
The following notes are from the local Ground Handler who will be leading the trek:
Food and Drinks
On the trek, the ground handlers will serve you wholesome food for replenishment and to meet your energy requirements. Special dietary requirements can be provided on ADVANCE request.
Water bottles may be filled at night, so that you have cool water to drink the following day. Please note that you need to keep yourself hydrated at all times with at least 4 ltrs of water per day.
Your Staff On The Trip
One English-speaking Guide/Escort will be wholly responsible for the execution of the trip.
The Ground Handler Will provide
Daily meals, water, and accommodation. All your gear will be transported each day to the night stop, except daily necessities carried in your own day pack.
General Matters
Your personal belongings will be looked after by our staff, so please help them by not leaving them unattended in villages and other public places.
Money On The Trek
You may want to buy drinks at wayside shops and souvenirs from the locals. Small change should be carried. Be prepared to give between $25 – $50 to staff as tips. We can discuss in detail at the pre-trek briefing (approx 1 month before the challenge).
FINANCIAL DEADLINES
Please read this section carefully and note key dates in your diary, as no bookings will be made for you until 75% of the Sponsorship Fee is received by Gulf for Good.
Registration Fees: Aed 2,200 is nonrefundable and nontransferable
Sponsorship Fees: Aed 19,000
Deadline:
7 June 2011- 75 % Aed 14,250
1 July 2011 – 25% Aed 4,750
Insurance Fees: Aed 200 for 15 days
Deadline:
1 July 2011
** Remember **
No bookings will be made for you until 75% of the Sponsorship Fee is received
GIVING KIDS A CHANCE AROUND THE WORLD
This challenge supported the same charities that we assisted through the Borneo challenge in 2007, the Don Bosco Orphanage and Borneo Child Aid Society.
The Don Bosco orphanage desperately need their fresh water supplies to be boosted for rain collection. Gulf for Good’s Wilds of Borneo Challenge will donate monies for four 800-gallon water tanks to preserve rainwater.
Meanwhile, the BCAS take education to the remote areas of Sabah, they are in need of two 4WD vehicles and a number of motorbikes to get their teachers, coordinators and materials to the learning centres.
You can rest assured that Gulf for Good do not just hand out money to the charities we support! We request detailed proposals for capital projects – hospital wards, orphanage buildings, classrooms, fresh water facilities, medical equipment, etc. We have a system whereby we check these proposals with the assistance of an independent third party in the charity’s country. Once approved and the funds raised, we will usually pay 50% up front to allow the project to start, the rest only being paid against invoices.
Read more on Don Bosco Orphange …
Read more on Borneo Child Aid Society …
KIT LIST – CHECK LIST
Mandatory
•Sleeping Bag (Carre Four brand ok if wearing thermals)
•25 – 35 litre day pack, with padded shoulder and hip straps and a couple of outside pockets
•Padded Cycling Gloves
•Cycling Helmet
Footwear
•Medium weight waterproof hiking boots (Gore-tex recommended or treated leather boots or equivalent) with new and spare laces
•Several pairs of lightweight socks
•1-2 pairs of heavy/thermal hiking socks– worn over sock liners
•Running-type shoes
•Sandals/flip flops – to suit hotel and camping terrains and for crossing rivers if need be!
Outer Wear
•Long length, light-weight waterproof, windproof, breathable jacket (eg Gore-tex or equivalent).
•Warm Jacket (Summit day can be quite cold)
•Trousers – waterproof, windproof, breathable (eg: Gore-tex)
•Gloves – Lining and Outer thicker waterproof pair
•Wind shell / Wind Breaker – optional extra, useful for cooler, windy evenings
Underwear
•Thermals for the summit night
•Several pairs regular underwear
Trousers
•1 pair walking shorts or Trekking trousers with zip-off legs
•1 pair long hiking trousers (not cotton)
•1 or 2 pairs padded cycling shorts
•1 pair warm trousers (Fleece)
T- Shirts
•T-Shirts or Cycling Jerseys for cycling days
•Trekking shirts/t-shirts: short-sleeved; at least one long-sleeved lightweight; and at least one long-sleeved warm
Other
•Trekking Poles (not compulsory but strongly recommended)
•2 sets traveling gear (trousers, shirt, shoes, socks, underwear)
•A change of clothes for Hotel nights
•Wide-brimmed hat for sun and rain
•Buff or bandana
•Gel Saddle or Gel Saddle Cover – advisable
•Swim wear
•1 Headlamp with extra bulb & batteries or pocket Flash Light
•Anti dazzle Sunglasses (and extra prescription lenses or contacts)
•Protective clear glasses – for contact lens wearers in dusty, cold conditions
•Sunscreen SPF 30+
•Lip Balm with sunscreen
•Water bottles (to fit on bike) or hydration bladder : 3 litre combined capacity
•Quick Dry Towel – medium size
•Personal Wash Bag: Include wet wipes and water free hand wash, wash cloth and Toilet Paper
•Camera with extra film, batteries & lenses
•Trail snacks – energy/granola bars, bars, nuts, toffees, etc
•Packs of energy powder mix and re-hydration salts for drinking
•Neck pouch and/or Money belt
•Travel documents, including copy of passport, 4 extra passport-sized pictures for visas and permits (just in case!)
•Cash currency (US$ and local currency)
•Swiss Army Knife with scissors and tweezers
•Personal toiletries and medication
•Plastic bags for packing & zip-lock bags – assorted sizes are very useful for storing and keeping dry all sorts of things!
•Mini first aid kit (main kit carried by guides)
For kayaking & Bamboo Rafting
Cycling Gloves can be worn during kayaking. Wear comfortable clothing you are happy to get wet in. (Swim wear or non padded Cycling shorts are advisable).
Footwear should preferably be flat soled and ones that will stay on your feet in case you capsize. Sun Glasses should have side straps to hold them in place. Knee pads may be useful during Bamboo Rafting.
