Borneo Guided Jungle Treks & Walking Holidays

Borneo is a rugged island in the Malay archipelago of Southeast Asia (The Indian subcontinent is a southern region and peninsula of Asia ) and is geopolitically shared by Malaysia (the states of Sabah and Sarawak), Indonesia (Kalimantan) and the nation of Brunei. It is home to an extremely diverse range of wildlife and boasts wonderful beaches, ancient rainforest, striking mountains and all surrounded by the ocean with some of the finest diving in the world. To trek Borneo in the jungle is a unique experience, to stand still for just a few minutes and listen to the wildlife around you in the pristine environment of a primary rainforest is a remarkable moment to savour and remember. Perhaps one of the most exciting experiences is a night jungle trek, hike with a guide, the cacophony of sound is quite overwhelming. Getting up early to go on a boat ride along the river watching the wildlife so active at that time is another ‘bucket list’ experience.

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state in the northern part of the island of Borneo. It’s a coastal city partly surrounded by rainforest. It is known for its bustling markets, modern boardwalk, beaches and waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. It is also a gateway to Kinabalu National Park, the home of Mount Kinabalu the highest peak on the island, Mount Kinabalu is actually a batholith, which is a plug of volcanic magma which erupted through the crust of the earth many millennia ago. Climbing Mount Kinabalu, you do not need to be super-fit for this trip, however, Mount Kinabalu section is moderately demanding with some long days of sustained walking with a backpack. The effects of heat and humidity will also further tax your body. You will enjoy the trip all the more if you are in good physical shape having exercised regularly and eaten nutritiously over at least the 6 months leading up to the trip.

It’s important to acclimatise to the heat and humidity before trekking in Borneo, it can be tiring and you don’t cover much ground in a day. The trails can be muddy but there’s always a waterfall nearby to cool off in and wash yourself. Then, when you come to one of the many villages hidden in the forested valleys, you are welcomed with warmth and curiosity. Every village has a house set aside for guests and you can enjoy the typical food of the indigenous tribes. Going into these regions feels very special, some of the tribes have only recently come into contact with the outside world. It is important that tourism benefits them, so responsible travel is very important to us. It is also vital that our treks here can show the visitor the fragility and value and beauty of the forest, the lungs of the planet, which will hopefully encourage people to come home and protect them.

Family holidays in Borneo are certainly more suited for the intrepid family, but you don’t need to be hardened jungle adventurers to enjoy family adventure holidays. The long haul flight will be the toughest part for many, but once you arrive, you’ll enjoy as a family, the wildlife spotting, cultural experiences, adventure tours, day trekking, jungle trails and superb accommodation mean you can relax, enjoy and create memories to last a lifetime from your bespoke Borneo holiday.

Orangutans are currently only found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, Wild Orangutans are large, but in general they are quite gentle. Adult males can be aggressive, but for the most part they keep to themselves. You can also visit orangutans in an orangutan sanctuary, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in the Malaysian Sabah District of North Borneo was founded in 1964, to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans. Today around 60 to 80 orangutans are living free in the reserve.

STOP

“Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan”. …

1. Finding Water. In contrast to the dry climate of the desert, the jungle is an abundant source of water

2. Finding Food

3. Build a Shelter

4. Travelling/Resting

5. Predators

6. Getting Rescued