Friday, April 25, 2008

Adventure

Climb Mount Kinabalu 4.095 metres high

Preparation is needed to climb Mt. Kinabalu and its climb can be done in two days, or if preferred in 3 days or even by a longer stay. Due to a limited number of stays in the mountain lodges, booking well in advance (a few months, to preferably as soon as possible) is recommended.

In the morning you will depart from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park. Depending if you climb the mountain in a treck of 2D/1N or 3D/2N, in case of the latter, you will visit the park on the first day and stay overnight in a lodge on your first night. In case of the 2D/1N treck, you will register at the office, have a mountain guide assigned (it is compulsory to rent a mountain guide when climbing) and leave for your first day climb up towards the mountain lodge. Here, you will have a bed assigned in a dormitory room and enjoy a meal in the restaurant, where after a good sleep will prepare you for the climb in the morning, usually from around 2 AM depending on your speed as estimated by the guide. In the morning, you will climb up towards the peak and enjoy the sunrise from the top of majestic Mount Kinabalu at 4.095 metres! After sunrise, you will go down to the mountain lodge and continue your climb back to civilisation ;-)

! Please do keep in mind that you have to be certain of your excellent health and that are you are in good shape. Be prepared in every necessary way, from good (frequently used and "walked-in") walking shoes to energetic snacks, plasters, first aid medicines and warm clothes for on top of the mountain and overnight stay. Do keep in mind the possibility of altitude sickness which can arise while climbing the mountain. Consult your doctor beforehand if in doubt. !

White Water Rafting on Padas or Kiulu River!

Nothing is more exiting than to raft down from the jungle river with your fellow crew members in the raft. For Padas River, the higher level river, you will depart from Kota Kinabalu in the early morning to drive South to Beaufort town. Here, the British colonial train will take you through the jungle down to the starting point of your rafting adventure. With thorough instructions from your river guides, you will challenge the several rapids in their levels of difficulty. After having conquered the river, a BBQ lunch will await you at the end point, before your train ride and subsequently drive, back to Kota Kinabalu city.

Kayak to one of the tropical islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Challenge yourself and kayak on the beautiful indigo ocean towards one of the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Being guided by your kayak guide, you will enjoy the serenity and excitement of kayaking to one of the islands. There, a BBQ lunch will await you and you will have time to enjoy the beach and the clear waters for snorkeling.

Visit Islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park - Day Trip

Depart in the morning to the jetty. Take a boat to whichever island you prefer the most. It is advised to bring some food and snacks for during the day, however lunch and snacks can be purchased on most of the islands as well.

* For diving courses, discover scuba dives or to discover the Park by diving with a Dive Master, please send your request for information by e-mail so that the best advice can be facilitated.

Pulau Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, your top dream dive destination in the world!

As many dive lovers seek to dive at Sipadan Island, it is known for its amazing underwater scenery and marine life. Sipadan is in the top 5 dive destinations in the world and therefore absolutely interesting to visit. Besides diving here, much can be seen by snorkeling as well, such as turtles and much other marine life. To visit this area, a flight needs to be taken to the East Coast, to Tawau, which can be done by the popular low cost carrier of Air Asia (www.airasia.com). For bookings of stays around this area and dive bases, please send an e-mail.

Mount Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs - Day Trip

Depart early morning from Kota Kinabalu to drive up to Kinabalu Park, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here rare species of plants are found that are inherent to Borneo, such as beautiful species of orchids. At the ancient rain forest surrounding the hot springs, you can optionally experience the Canopy Walkway, a 42 metres high trail in the treetops where you can enjoy the wonderous atmosphere of the true rainforest and its sounds. After lunch, you will proceed to the Poring Hot Springs, a natural hot springs to be enjoyed by bath tubs and swimming pools. (Includes: transport, lunch, all entrance fees and guide)

The Proboscis Monkey and Fireflies @ Klias Wetlands - Day Trip

In the early afternoon, you will depart from Kota Kinabalu to Klias Wetlands. On arrival at the jetty an afternoon tea with local snacks will be provided for you. By boat you will discover the jungle river and search in the trees and mangroves for the Proboscis monkey and fireflies and possibly snakes, crocodiles and the Orang Utan in the wild. After your adventure of spotting wildlife you will enjoy a lovely locally prepared meal upon return to the jetty before your departure to Kota Kinabalu city. (Includes: transport, meal as stated, entrance fee and guide)


Sandakan: Kinabatangan River, Sukau Rainforest - 2D/1N or 3D/2N

For most travelers in Sabah, the Kinabatangan River is a "must-see" destination on the itinerary. As it offers a jungle area with many wildlife to spot, it is especially know for its high chance to see the Proboscis Monkey and other wildlife such as Macaques, snakes, crocodiles, the Hornbill bird and other bird species, and a rather "lucky" chance (but not unusual) to see the Borneo Pigmy Elephant, the wild Orang Utan and other rare animal species.

The advice is to visit this area for 3D/2N as it will higher your chances of experiencing a - what can be defined by visitors as a miraculous and mystical - stay in the rain forest. It will enhance your understanding and experience of our earth's beautiful rain forest and its wonderous animal species that reside here. A 2D/1N visit will include the main species to spot and will give you a good impression of this beautiful jungle area. (Includes: transport, boat cruises, meals as stated in itinerary upon request, overnight stay(s) in river jungle lodge and guide as well as on boat)

Sabah

Sabah is a Malaysian state located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo. It is the second largest state in Malaysia after Sarawak, which it borders with on its south-west. It also shares a border with the province of East Kalimantan of Indonesia in the south and the Sulu archipelago of the Philippines. Sabah was leased by the Sultanate of Sulu to a British company, and until now the Philippines maintains its claim over this disputed territory before the International Court of Justice.

Its state capital is Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton. Sabah is known as Sabah, negeri di bawah bayu, which means 'Sabah, land below the wind', because of its location being just south of the typhoon prone region around the Philippines.

Photo by Jollence Lee Text by Wikipedia

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Welcome


Welcome to Local Borneo!

Borneo Photo Gallery - Pictures of Borneo by Jollence Lee