Tour Notes

Small group tour – Borneo Explorer Tour Duration – 15 Days

Tour Rating Fitness ●●●○○ | Off the Beaten Track ●●●○○ | Culture ●●●●○ | History ●●●○○| Wildlife ●●●●● Tour Pace Moderate/Busy Tour Highlights

Amazing biodiversity of the Kinabatangan River The world’s largest Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre at Sepilok Kinabalu National Park, a World Heritage Site which covers 754 sq. Km Amazing cave complexes at Mulu National Park Immerse yourself in local culture with village visits and overnight in a homestay

Tour Map – Borneo - Borneo Explorer

Tour Essentials Accommodation: Mix of comfortable accommodation with private bathrooms Included Meals: Daily breakfast (B), plus lunches (L) and dinners (D) as shown in the itinerary Group Size: Minimum 2 and Maximum 12 Start Point: Kuching End Point: Kota Kinabalu Transport: Tour minivan or minibus, domestic flights and boats – shared boat to Kinabatangan Country Visited: Borneo (Malaysia)

Borneo Explorer As the world’s third largest island, Borneo uniquely straddles both Indonesia and Malaysia and is also home to a third country, the tiny nation of Brunei; dominated by lush rainforests it contains a breathtaking array of flora and fauna, to which newly discovered species are added each year as more remote parts are explored. Once known as a land of headhunters, Borneo has an allure which is very different to the rest of South East Asia and on this exciting group tour we aim to delve into the culture and nature of the island. Starting in vibrant Kuching, we head for the central region of Sarawak, exploring the areas around Sibu rich in local culture where we visit serene, idyllic villages, bustling markets and overnight in a homestay. We plunge into the vast cave systems of Mulu, some of the largest on the planet, and wander forest trails in the Bako National Park in search of the intriguing Proboscis monkey, one of the multitude of species endemic to Borneo. The journey continues to Sabah where we tread the trails of Kinabalu National Park and finally attain the northern extent of Borneo to observe the iconic and endangered Orangutan at the sanctuary in Sepilok before navigating the waterways of the Kinabatangan River where flora and fauna again abound. This is a compelling and extremely rewarding trip for those that wish to seek out in equal measure both the incredible biodiversity and the idiosyncratic culture of this enthralling land. Tour Itinerary Notes While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day itinerary as printed below, a degree of flexibility is built in. Overnight stops may vary from those suggested and on occasions alternative accommodation, of a similar standard to that named below, will be used. Tour Guide Our guides are a key strength, chosen for their knowledge of and passion for the areas in which they work. All of our guides are carefully hand-picked, and are not merely passing through these countries, but are usually locally born. Unlike some companies, it should be noted we do not send a guide or tour leader from Undiscovered Destinations in the UK: we have every confidence in our locally appointed representative who is responsible for operating the tour on our behalf. On this tour you will enjoy the services of different local English-speaking guides across different locations, to ensure local expertise at every stage of your experience. At Kinabatangan River the guides are in situ naturalists from the lodge.

Itinerary Day 1 – Arrive Kuching Welcome to Sarawak, Borneo. Upon arrival, you will be met by our local team and transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the day will be at leisure, allowing you to perhaps wander down to Kuching’s vibrant waterfront strolling across the serpentine Darul Hana Bridge to gaze at the vivid colours of the extraordinary National Assembly building or the floating mosque. A tour briefing will be conducted by your guide either this evening or tomorrow morning at breakfast. Overnight Lime Tree Hotel or similar (D) Day 2 – Bako National Park Meet your local guide and depart Kuching for the drive that follows the broad Sarawak River as far as Bako Fishing Village. Continue by boat for a cruise along the beautiful and thickly wooded coastline to reach Bako National Park. Here you will explore the rainforest’s entrancing heart along a variety of walking trails, all the time on the lookout for the parks’ fascinating flora and fauna. Enjoy a simple lunch at the park before returning to Bako Village by boat and onward transfer back to Kuching. Overnight Lime Tree Hotel or similar (BL)

Please Note - Depending on the tides, the boats will pull up at the jetty or onto the beach for arrival and departure Distances and journey time approx. Hotel to Bako Jetty (31km): 40 mins Boat from Bako Jetty to Bako National Park: 45 mins Bako National Park Sarawak’s oldest National Park was created in 1957 and is the ideal place to begin your exploration of its amazing forests and wildlife. Amongst the highlight species are Bako’s fabulous endemic proboscis monkeys which now number over 275. Beyond these curious primates is an abundance of other natural wonders from long-tailed macaques and silver langurs to monitor lizards, plantain squirrels and even bearded pigs. The forest is a maze of trails where sightings are numerous and relatively easy, as long as you tread quietly and pause awhile, taking time to enjoy the beauty of the variety of habitats from swamp forest, mangroves, and dipterocarp forest to cliffs sheltering swifts and sandy beaches which demand you to simply sit and imbibe the beauty of these white fringed shored as mudskippers and blue-fiddler crabs scuttle out to feed along sands. Birders too will not miss out: Rufous-backed, Ruddy and Stork-billed Kingfisher species all breed here as well as Red-crowned and Brown barbets, Black-&-red broadbills are cheery forest companions and the keen eye will pick out the occasional Asian fairy bluebird or Mangrove blue flycatcher pinging off their perches, whilst sightings of Sunda scops, Oriental bay and Buffy fish owls are possible. Day 3 – Kuching – Sarikei – Sibu After an early breakfast, transfer to Pending Jetty for the boat along the ochre coastal waters to Sarikei (Approx. arrival at Sarikei 11:45). On arrival, you disembark and drive into the surrounding countryside, a bountiful patchwork of rice paddies, rubber trees and longhouses. You will stop at a typical Ulu Sarikei longhouse where a warm welcome is assured: these date back to the 18

th century and their status derives

from the number of doors they boast, sometimes upwards of 30! Enjoy a village walk where you will gain privileged insight into some of the traditional industries and then partake of a delicious BBQ lunch. Continue towards Sibu and en route you will stop by local fruit stalls and sample some of the tropical delights. This evening you explore the mind boggling Sibu Night Market, which is open every night except when there is heavy rain. All manner of goods are on sale in the animated atmosphere. Overnight Tanahmas Hotel or similar (BL) Please Note - You will not be accompanied on the boat from Pending to Sarikei. You will met by your local guide upon arrival. Distances and journey times approx. Hotel to Pending Jetty (31km): 15 mins Boat from Pending Jetty to Sarikei Jetty: 3 hours 15 mins Sarikei Jetty to Ulu Sarikei Longhouse (24.1km): 45 mins Ulu Sarikei Longhouse to Sibu (74.8km): 1.5 hours Day 4 – Sibu After breakfast, visit a village house to witness noodle production using time-honoured traditional skills. Take a leisurely stroll on a beautiful esplanade alongside Malaysia’s longest river – The Mighty Rajang – observing local life on and off its bustling banks. Of particular interest is the manner in which local entrepreneurs stock up the “Floating Grocery Stores” from which they serve riverine folks. Walk on to a beautifully crafted Chinese Temple, before climbing up the delightfully ornate Seven Storey Pagoda which presents a glorious panorama of Sibu’s waterfront scene. Then cut across the winding streets of Old Sibu Town to soak up the sights and smells of pastries baking in earthen ovens, and to explore the sinuous alleyways that wind towards the Sibu Heritage Centre, offering some unmatchable first-hand context of the local culture.

Continue to the biggest Central Market in Malaysia, home to more than 1,200 stalls serving up a bedazzling cornucopia of commodities. You cannot but feel immersed in the joyously hectic hullabaloo of the Sibu people’s daily world. Overnight Tanahmas Hotel, or similar (BL) Day 5 – Sibu – Dalat - Mukah After breakfast, transfer to the jetty that is the heartland of the nautical masters, the Melanaus: one of the most celebrated ethnic tribes in Sarawak; they are renowned for their gentle, loving nature and shrewd seafaring skills. You then embark on a meandering boat journey, sliding past Malay villages, lively shipyards, grand Iban longhouses and Melanau villages. You stop at one such settlement and take a glimpse into its peaceful and serene village life. Returning to the boat you navigate betwixt rainforest and mangrove before making land at Dalat where you are at liberty to explore. Later, you will be transported to Lamin Dana where you stay at an absorbing Melanau cultural village in homestay accommodation, perched on stilts above the water’s edge. Overnight Lamin Dana (BLD) Please Note - Lamin Dana is an Authentic Melanau Style Tallhouse Replica and as such there are no private washroom or attached bathrooms. Distances and journey times approx. Hotel – Dalat Jetty (1.4km): 10 mins Boat from Sibu to Dalat: 1.5 hours Dalat to Lamin Dana Homestay (43.2km): 45 mins Day 6 – Mukah – Sibu After breakfast, take a boat cruise along the brackish waters of the Tellian and Misan River. Visit the local sago processing centre, a riveting cottage industry that produces Sago Pearl in the traditional method. Continue to Mukah market for a flavour of the local trading rituals. After lunch at Lamin Dana and the chance to converse with your hosts about the intriguing culture of the Melanau, you bid a fond farewell and return to Sibu. Overnight Tanahmas Hotel or similar (BLD) Distances and journey times approx. Mukah to Sibu (158km): 2.5 hours Day 7 – Sibu – Mulu National Park – Lang and Deer Caves This morning you take an early flight from Sibu to Mulu via Miri, expecting to arrive at Mulu by late morning. After checking in at the hotel, there will be some time at leisure where you can visit the lofty tree top tower for memorable views across the verdant canopy of the national park and to watch out for squirrels and possibly some of the 8 species of hornbills that are resident here, or a stroll along the boardwalk to the Pukau Waterfall. There is also time for a short nature heritage trail to be enjoyed . This afternoon, you will head into the national park for a 3.5 km easy-grade traverse of the forest, along elevated plank-walks. These turn gracefully through the luxuriant forest to Lang Cave, the longest cave passage in the world at 2,161 metres. Explore its karst interior bedecked with countless magnificent stalactites and stalagmites before proceeding to Deer Cave, home to a colony of free-tailed bats numbering in the tens of thousands. At dusk, witness one of nature’s amazing spectacles as the bats emerge from the cavernous depths in an infinity of spiralling zigzag formations to forage for insects across the rainforest. Later, take a night walk in the forest in search of luminescent fungi and blinking fireflies, the jungle bursting into life in the gloaming: this is a fabulous opportunity to view these iridescent and mesmerising creatures of the night. Overnight Mulu Park HQ, or similar (BD) Please Note - you will not be accompanied on the flights to Mulu. You will be met by your local guide upon arrival in Mulu.

Day 8 – Mulu National Park – Wind & Clearwater Caves Wake to the jungle’s jubilant morning chorus before taking a short longboat ride up the Melanau River to experience two more of Mulu’s incomparable cave systems: Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. These form part of the Sarawak Chamber, the largest inter-connected cave system in the world. If water levels are low, it is also possible to get there by way of a beautiful 4 km hike. Explore the “King’s Room”, a veritable limestone paradise, showcasing stalactites and stalagmites, as well as illuminated flows, helitites and even rock corals, before proceeding to Clearwater Cave’s equal delights. This afternoon, take to the treetops on a canopy walkway and thereafter spend some time at leisure to relax or take one of the self-guided walking trails in the National Park, perhaps to seek out some of Mulu’s 262 varieties of bird, 74 frog or 281 butterfly species. Overnight Mulu Park HQ or similar (BLD) Day 9 – Mulu National Park – Kota Kinabalu This morning is spent at leisure before a flight to Kota Kinabalu, capital of Sabah, which gazes out across the azure South China Sea. Check in at the hotel and then in the late afternoon, as the sun starts to burnish and turn to a fiery crimson, take a walking tour of Kota Kinabalu. The town is one of Borneo’s most welcoming places, with a centuries-old centre which is a fusion of cultures, religions and architecture. You will round of the day at the Filipino Night Market for a local dinner and a visit to the colourfully vibrant market, bursting with the wares of the ocean and locally produced goods. Overnight Grandis Hotel or similar (BD) Please Note - You will not be accompanied on the flight from Mulu to Kota Kinabalu. You will be met by your local guide upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu. Day 10 – Kota Kinabalu – Kinabalu Park – Poring Hot Springs An early start for a scenic journey into Borneo’s rugged interior, travelling winding roads, and passing by paddy fields and small villages before arriving at Poring Hot Springs where you take a short walk. Continue to nearby Kipungit Waterfall to admire this spectacular forked cataract in this idyllic, cooling spot. En route, keep a watchful eye for the rusty plumage of the White-crowned shama whose descending bubbling call is a delightful accompaniment. Alternatively, opt for a trek to the canopy walk, a suspension bridge soaring 40 metres above the forest floor. For thrill seekers, this swaying, man-made bridge is an ideal place to enjoy bird’s eye views of the rainforest, its teeming tree canopies and soft edges of the distant rolling hills. Visit Mount Kinabalu National Park where you take a guided walk and learn from a local naturalist about the vast array of flora found in this verdant park, all the while in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak and held sacred by local peoples as ‘The Revered Place of the Dead’. Overnight Hotel Grandis, or similar (BL) Distances and journey times approx. Hotel to Poring (121km): 2.5 hours Poring to Kinabalu Park (42.2km): 1 hour 15 mins Kinabalu Park to hotel (94.4km): 2 hours Day 11 – Kota Kinabalu Today is spent at leisure in Kota Kinabalu before the final nature leg of your adventure. If you prefer to be active please contact us to arrange extra activities (not included): Kota Kinabalu’s beaches and parks are serene spots and ideal for a day of relaxation and unwinding, but the city is also the hub for an extraordinary array of side-trips and experiences. The Borneo Railway’s steam trains are a fabulous way to see the interior, whilst the chance to island hop round idyllic archipelagos or to sea kayak or surf closer to shore are for the more active. Museums, aquariums and stunning mosques offer more sedate options, and nature lovers may choose to head on tours of mangroves and wetlands. Finally, the local way of life are nowhere better showcased here than in the Monsopiad cultural village and the stilted village boat tours. Most of all, don’t miss out on the luscious seafood dishes that are on offer across the city’s restaurants and street cafés. Overnight Hotel Grandis, or similar (B)

Day 12 – Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan – Labuk Bay Late morning, you will transfer to the airport for a flight to Sandakan. On arrival, transfer to Labuk Bay Sanctuary, one of the best places to encounter Borneo’s remarkable Proboscis monkey – established in 1994 by a palm oil businessman-turned environmentalist, the resident population are fed twice daily and the chance to encounter these inimitable creatures close-at-hand. Proboscis monkey males in particular possess penduline noses which enhance their vocal mating and territorial calls. Overnight Sepilok Nature Resort. (BD) Please Note - You will not be accompanied on the flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. You will be met by your local guide upon arrival in Sandakan. Distances and journey times approx. Hotel to Airport (16.3km): 25 mins Sandakan Airport to Labuk Bay (34.1km): 40 mins Labuk Bay to Sepilok (22.4km): 25 mins Day 13 – Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary – Sun Bear Sanctuary - Kinabatangan River This morning, visit the world’s largest orangutan rehabilitation centre at Sepilok. Stroll the jungle-flanked wooden walkways to the central platform and keep a sharp look out for these magnificent creatures. Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to observe more of one of the planet’s most endangered species. Thereafter, transfer to Sandakan Jetty before heading along the Kinabatangan River. This two-hour boat journey passes by exquisite villages which fringe the banks and lush rainforest which scatters the sun’s rays into cascades of gentler light. These waterways can provide excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities for those with a keen eye and birds in particular are abundant: Storm's stork, Dwarf kingfishers, Malaysian flycatchers, Oriental darter, and the Rhinoceros hornbill have all been spotted here. You arrive at the lodge in time for lunch followed by a briefing with a local naturalist on the upcoming activities. Later in the afternoon, cruise further up the Kinabatangan River in search of more wildlife, from proboscis monkeys to the Borneo pygmy elephants which inhabit the Lower Kinabatangan Reserve itself as well as gibbons, and myriad avifauna. Return to the lodge for dinner before later taking a stroll along the boardwalk searching for nocturnal animals such as western tarsier, various owls and even flying squirrels as well as a range of fascinating insects that usually escape attention. Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort (BLD) Distances and journey times approx. Sepilok to Sandakan Jetty (27.4km): 30 mins Sandakan Jetty to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort by boat (shared basis): 2 hours Kinabatangan River Wildlife Sanctuary It is hard to overstate the ecological importance of this superb natural haven. The largest floodplain in Sabah has been protected over an area of 270 km² at its lower reaches since 1997, but efforts are ongoing to broaden the conservation zone. The river itself, designated a 28,000 hectare reserve in 1999, crosses a variety of habitats from limestone outcrops, to oxbow lakes, from riverine forest to dipterocarp forest, and from seasonal swamps to tidal mangroves. The protected landscape tries to safeguard natural migration routes for species and its occupants read like a who’s who of critically endangered species: Borneo pygmy elephant, orangutan, proboscis monkey, pig-tailed macaque, Bornean gibbon, Common porcupine, Smooth otter, Clouded leopard, and the world’s smallest bear, the Malay sun bear. The importance of the region was no better highlighted when recently the Sumatran rhinoceros, once a successful breeder here, was officially declared extinct in Malaysia. Towards the river’s mouth aquatic rarities have also been observed, from the Borneo river shark and Irrawaddy dolphin, whilst crocodiles are still relatively easy to see. Over 200 species of birds have been observed in the sanctuary, the highlights of which is probably the Storm’s stork, whilst visitors are spoilt for choice in a habitat that resounds with the calls of Stork-billed kingfisher, Crested serpent eagle, greater coucal, Buffy fish owl, and all manner of frogmouths, flowerpeckers, spiderhunters, bulbuls,

flycatchers and drongos. Visitors here have a variety of habitats to see these natural gems and forest towers, boardwalks and river excursions offer a range of ways of getting close to some of the planet’s rarest animals and accommodation within the sanctuary allows for both dawn forays and nocturnal expeditions. Note - Excursions at the Kinabatangan River are carried out on a shared basis and with in-house naturalist guides, so other people from outside the group may also be on the excursions. The maximum number of people in the boats on excursions tends to be 12. Day 14 – Kinabatangan River Rise early this morning when biodiversity is at its most active and cruise to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, a crescent shaped body of water that formed when the river’s meander became so narrow at the neck that it cut itself off. The stillness of the lake and relative protection provides a haven for animals and plants making for an ecosystem that is completely distinct from that of the river. Continue to visit the nearby fishing village of Kampung Abai and interact with local Orang Sungai, ‘River People’, and observe their daily rituals in this traditional fishing community. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and then the rest of the day is at leisure. You will head out in the late afternoon to watch the river activities of many primate species that become most active during this time and whilst the wildlife is abundant, this is also the perfect time of day for photography in the softening light. Later, after dinner you take a night river safari in search of nocturnal species. Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort (BLD) Day 15 – Kinabatangan River – Sandakan – Kota Kinabalu For those that like to rise early there will be a final chance to explore the board walks around the lodge and listen to the morning chorus of the forest, maybe even catching a glimpse of the world’s smallest raptor, the White-fronted falconet. Check out will be at around 10am and return by boat to Sandakan where the tour will end with a flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival you may wish to extend your stay to finish at the beach or perhaps one of the nearby islands to relax. Please contact us for extension options. (B) Distances and journey times approx. Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort to Sandakan Jetty by boat (Shared Basis): 1.5 hours Sandakan Jetty to Sandakan Airport (18.8km): 30 mins

Tour Inclusions / Exclusions Inclusions: Arrival and departure transfers All accommodation as per the itinerary Transportation throughout the tour Domestic flights as indicated on the itinerary – Documents will be given to you by our local team Services of English-speaking guides – different local guides throughout the tour Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) Activities and Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary Drinking water during the tour Excluded: Travel Insurance Visa (if applicable) Drinks Items of a personal nature

Tips (discretionary) From 1st June 2019 a departure levy of RM20 will be imposed on any person leaving Malaysia and travelling

to other Asean countries, and RM40 for those going to other countries.

Important Information Foreign Travel Advice Warnings Before booking your tour please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories. We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present the FCO does not advise against travel to parts of Borneo that we visit on our group tour. Accommodation and Meals Hotel Check-in Times As a general rule most hotels will allow guests to check-in from 2 or 3pm. Accommodation Rating On this tour accommodation is of comfortable standard with private bathrooms. Food & Drink The daily meal basis is shown in the tour itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D). Please note that lunch may be a picnic. Drinks are not included and will be payable locally in cash. Dietary Requirements If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible. Budgeting for your Tour You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry. Food The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more. Lunch £4 / Dinner £8 Drink The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive. Water £1.10 / Beer £2.10

Foreign Exchange ATM Availability: ATM machines are found in many towns Credit and Debit Card Acceptance: Cards can only be used at the better hotels and restaurants Local Currency: Ringgit Recommended Currency for Exchange: GBP, USD, Euro, AUD Where to Exchange: Kuala Lumpur when you transit en route to Borneo or at Kota Kinabalu

Tipping Guidelines Tipping of guides and drives is not mandatory but is appreciated for excellent service. Please see the guidelines below:

GUIDES per day

Private tour MYR 30-40 2 clients

VEHICLES per day Driver Full Day MYR 15 Driver Half Day MYR 10

HOTELS Porters MYR 2-10 per bag House Keeping MYR 2-10 Room Service MYR 2-10

Joining your Tour Flight Information This tour can be booked on a land only basis or as part of a flight inclusive package. Please contact us if you wish to receive a flight quotation. Joining Tour Abroad Airport transfers will be provided. Please let us know your flight details in order for us to arrange the arrival and departure transfers. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday. Visa Information Most nationals including UK visitors do not require a visa for entry to Borneo (Malaysia). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Regulations do frequently change though, so we advise that you check the current requirements with your nearest embassy or visa agency.

Passports It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to the UK. We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities. For specific information about the requirements for your destination UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Vaccinations & Protection As with travel to most parts of Asia, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. Anti-malaria medication will also be required and the use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to

Preparing for your tour Climate Borneo’s rainy season is from November to February; although it can be visited during this time travel can be considerably more difficult. Straddling on the equator, temperatures are fairly consistent year-round, between 25-32 ºC, with high humidity. Clothing It will be warm throughout your stay in Borneo. We recommend that you bring a couple of long-sleeved shirts for evenings to protect against mosquitoes. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun, along with at least one piece of waterproof clothing for any days that the weather may be wet or windy. Equipment The first thing on your list should be a first aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of prescription drugs, along with a medical kit. Suncream/sunblock is a must. Insect repellent, including a bite spray will be useful to have. As you will be spending some nights in longhouse accommodation, we recommend that you bring a light sleeping bag or sleep sheet, as well as an inflatable pillow if you need one. Binoculars are recommended to assist with animal and birdlife observation. Footwear Footwear is a main priority on this tour. Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes/boots are recommended.

Wildlife Expectations On this tour you have the opportunity to see quite a good amount of wildlife. However please bear in mind at the Kinabatangan River these animals are wild and we certainly cannot guarantee sightings. Access is also dependent on favourable weather conditions. Luggage on tour Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable. Electric Supply & Plugs Electrical supply is 220-240V and plugs usually have three flat pins as in the British style. Tour Itinerary Versions Please ensure that you have an up-to-date copy of these tour notes immediately before you travel, as from time to time our itineraries may be amended, either for operational reasons or in response to feedback from customers. You will be informed of any major changes to your tour but small changes may just be added to these tour notes. These tour notes were revised on 20

th April 2020.