12th 21st October 2018 Information Pack
Garden House Hospice Care Borneo Jungle Trek 12 th 21 st October 2018 About Borneo The third-largest island in the world, Borneo is divided between three countries with Borneo in the north of the island belonging to Malaysia, Brunei (on the north coast) being its own sovereign state, and Kalimantan in the south belonging to Indonesia. The island itself is encircled by Vietnam to the north-west, the Philippines to the north-east and Indonesia to the south. Malaysian Borneo (the North of the island) is separated from the Malaysian peninsular (to the west) by the South China Sea. Malaysian Borneo is separated into the states of Sabah and Sarawak. Sabah The state of Sabah, where our challenge is focused, is a land of incredible natural beauty and diversity. Rich green jungle, mangrove swamps, a strikingly blue ocean, paddy fields, dizzying craggy mountains and wonderful wildlife, not to mention the friendly, relaxed and laid-back nature of the people here, contribute to Sabah s popularity with visitors. Whilst the palm oil industry has caused international controversy, as great quantities of rainforest have been cleared for oil palm production, with detrimental effects on the island s wildlife, there is still stunning, wild rainforest to enjoy, and opportunities to see orang-utans, proboscis monkeys and elephants, among other animals in the wild. Kinabalu National Park Known as Taman Kinabalu in Malay, Kinabalu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the most important biological sites in the world due to the extremely large number of species of plants and wildlife which are found here. It has also been designated as a Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia. The park occupies some 754 square kilometres, and is the biggest tourist attraction in Sabah approximately a 3 hour drive from the town of Kota Kinabalu. At 4,095m, Mount Kinabalu towers above the park.
Itinerary Day 1 (Friday 12 th October 2018): London - Kota Kinabalu Fly to Kota Kinabalu (flights via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore), arriving the following day. Day 2 (Saturday 13 th October 2018): Kota Kinabalu Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transfer by bus to your central hotel in Kota Kinabalu for an overnight stay. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Day 3 (Sunday 14 th October 2018): Kota Kinabalu Tambatuan village Lobong Lobong village After breakfast we transfer by bus to Tambatuan village near Kota Belud where we start our trek. Today we will pass through villages, farms and primary jungle gradually ascending from 150m up to 650m for approximately 6.5 hours. Our route passes through paddy fields, rubber plantations and fruit orchards with a couple of river crossings along the way. This evening we will stay overnight at Lobong Lobong village in a local community hall; this is a great opportunity to interact with the local people or swim in the cool water of a shallow river nearby. Day 4 (Monday 15 th October 2018): Lobong Lobong Village Nanuk Camp Today we continue our trek for 6-8 hours through paddy fields and rivers, across bridges and past fruit orchards and rubber trees before entering the primary jungle and ascending from 600 m to 1080m to Nunuk Camp. Along the way our guides share their knowledge of jungle survival such as how to identify plants, edible fruits and foods. Day 5 (Tuesday 16 th October 2018): Nanuk Camp Ehing Camp We pack up after breakfast and continue our trek for 6-8 hours. There is a steep 45 incline early on as we ascend quickly to 1189m but at the top of the ridge we enjoy amazing views over Borneo s Crocker mountain range and across to the sea beyond. This afternoon we pass along the edge of the Kinabalu National Park, learning about its incredible variety of exotic plant life before descending to 900m, where our campsite awaits, deep in the jungle. Day 6 (Wednesday 17 th October 2018): Ehing Camp Kiau Village This morning we will learn more jungle skills and a demonstration of how to make traps. We then set off on the trail for 2-3 hours following part of the track which dates back to Sir Hugh Low s early exploration of Mt Kinabalu; there are great views of the Crocker Range and Mount Kinabalu. You will trek through primary jungle and then into pineapple and rubber plantations before arriving at the village of Kiau, where we spend our last night with our trek support team, overnight at a community hall.
Day 9-10 (Saturday 20 th Sunday 21 st October 2018): Sandakan London Today we transfer to Sandakan airport our flight back to London (indirect), arriving the next morning. Day 7 (Thursday 18 th October 2018): Kiau Village Kinabalu Park - Kinabatangan Bidding our support team farewell, we set off this morning for Kinabalu National Park, to enjoy a leisurely trek in the foothills and learn more about the unique ecosystem of this area. After lunch we travel to Kinabatangan where we check in at the lodge for the night. Later this afternoon, we will enjoy a river cruise in search of the long nosed Proboscis monkey and other wildlife, before dinner at the lodge. N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary but we cannot be held responsible for changes that occur outside of our control. In all circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of the group s health and safety. Day 8 (Friday 19 th October 2018): Kinabatangan - Sandakan This morning we will travel from Kinabatangan to the world-famous Sepilok orang-utan sanctuary, where you will have the chance to see and learn about these amazing animals, as they are slowly reintegrated into the wild. You ll even have a chance to walk through the reserve and see the orang-utans up close. This evening you will stay at the Sepilok Jungle Resort and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Trek Overview This five-day trek in Sabah gives you an insight into Borneo s incredible natural beauty and biological diversity and an opportunity to challenge yourself. Carrying your own kit each days gives you the opportunity to get off the beaten track as you trek through primary jungle and various other landscapes including paddy fields, rubber plantations, fruit orchards and rivers. If you re lucky you may even encounter some of the local wildlife such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, kingfishers, wild pig, deer, hawks, terapins and crocodiles amongst others. Along the way we ll learn jungle survival skills such as identifying edible fruits and foods and making traps, and get a deeper understanding about the complex ecosystem. What is the climate like? The climate in Borneo is hot and humid. There is rain all year round although October is considered the shoulder season between the dry and wet season so you are likely to experience short sharp showers, often in the middle of the afternoon. Temperatures historically range from up to 32 C during the day down to around 24 C at night although it may feel cooler at higher altitudes. Please note: the temperatures and conditions given here are historically accurate but climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control. Should this happen the guide will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and ultimately safety of the group as a whole. What is the terrain like? The terrain varies greatly on this trek, from overgrown jungle paths to good open tracks and smaller paths. You can expect uneven and often slippery ground underfoot. There will be a number of steep ascents and long descents so you are recommended to arrive in Borneo fit and prepared. You must be prepared to climb over overgrown vegetation, tree roots and other jungle obstacles. The paths can be muddy and slippery after rain. Who accompanies us? You will be accompanied by first aid trained professional English-speaking guides who have an excellent knowledge of hiking, culture and nature in the region. You will also be accompanied by a team of local support staff, a Different Travel Company UK tour manager and Garden House Hospice Care representative.
Where will we sleep? During the trek you will spend each night in jungle clearings set up as temporary camps, or small village community centres. In the jungle camps you will sleep on long bamboo platforms under tarpaulins. You will need to bring a sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk) and a mosquito net. Basic sleeping mats are provided. What is the food like? Meals are cooked by your trek team and will comprise of various local dishes served with rice or noodles. Plates, mugs, cutlery and other equipment are provided for you and dietary requirements can be catered for if we are notified in advance. How tough is it? This tour is classified as challenging for someone of a good general level of fitness due to the hot, wet and humid climate, carrying your own gear each day (your backpack could weigh 10-12kg including water, spare clothes, toiletries, sleeping bag liner and mosquito net), the hilly, uneven and rough jungle terrain, basic accommodation and bathroom facilities. What about bathroom facilities? There are no showers so you must ensure you bring a pack of baby wipes for general hygiene. It may be possible to bathe in some of the streams near camp; if you do this you must use natural, bio-degradable products which will not contaminate the water. Toilets will be dug into the ground at camp with a tarpaulin for privacy. If you need to use the toilet during the trek day you must inform the guides you are stopping and find a private area off the trail. You must not leave used toilet paper on the ground; this must be packed up into a nappy bag or sanitary disposal bag and carried to camp. How fit do I need to be? Iy is advised that you start training at least 6 months before departure to ensure your best chance of success and enjoyment on the challenge. Hill walking while carrying a heavy backpack should form a major part of your training as this will most closely replicate the actual trek, and be the best way to prepare your body for the numerous ascents and descents involved. Increasing your cardiovascular endurance and core and leg strength will benefit you greatly too so hill walking can be complemented with swimming, running, cycling, gym workouts, team sports, boot camps etc. You can download a number of free apps which will help you train and track your progress. E.g. MapMyRide, couch to 5k run, MyFitnessPal etc. If you attempt to complete the challenge without training it will make the trek unnecessarily difficult and may hinder your experience, and the experience of your team mates.
Is there an age limit? You must be at least 18 years old to participate on this trek unaccompanied. It may be possible for you to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old but you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit. Will I receive advice and support on training? In addition to supplying training tips, The Different Travel Company has a link with online personal training company Brightside Personal Training, who offer great value online training packages for those who may not have access to fitness advice tailored to their requirements: http://brightsidept.kajabi.com/sp/34357. Try it out for just 1! Medical Declaration All participants must complete a medical declaration form upon registering, and any preexisting conditions, medications used and other medical issues must be noted and (if relevant) confirmed by your GP. Any conditions that develop must be declared and a new medical form completed. Who can take part? The trek can be undertaken by anyone with a good level of fitness, who is healthy and determined. Adequate preparation, planning and training is important because the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this experience. An ideal candidate would be a hill walker, an openminded person with a sense of adventure or someone who would like to take part in a lifechanging fundraising experience in the beautiful landscape. What is included? Trip cost: 345 registration fee + 3,800 minimum sponsorship for Garden House Hospice Care. A self-funded option is available on request. Please contact us via the details below for more information. Trip Includes: Flights from the UK (inc. current taxes & fuel surcharges), all transfers & transport in Borneo, accommodation in a 3* hotels, basic shelters/tents and sleeping mats on trek, all meals, local guides, trek support staff, entrance fees, Different Travel tour manager and Garden House Hospice Care representative. Trip Does Not Include: Visa (not currently required for British citizens), drinks, souvenirs, laundry, vaccinations, travel insurance, tips (around 20-30pp), personal trekking kit etc.
How will I raise the sponsorship required? Most people find that this is far easier than they imagined, and we will give you as much support as you need to reach, and even exceed your target! Here are some suggestions for how you could raise your sponsorship. We will send you many more ideas when you sign up! Non-uniform day at local school: 300 4 supermarket bag-packing mornings: 750 Car boot sale/ ebay auction: 250 2 quiz nights: 500 Sponsorship friends and family etc.: 300 Host a party and charge 10 to attend: 400 Ask five people to raise 100 each: 500 Dress down day at work: 150 Lunch money donation: 150 Donate your skills - babysitting, gardening, DIY: 250 Karaoke night: 250 Sponsored beard-shave/ leg wax: 200 Total 4,000 Is the trip ATOL protected? Garden House Hospice Care is acting as agent for The Different Travel Company, ATOL 6706. The flight-inclusive trip in this brochure is financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay your registration fee you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate and ATOL Confirmation Invoice. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/atolcertificate. How do I sign up? Complete the booking form and return with your passport copy and registration fee to: Jess Carter, Garden House Hospice Care, Gillison Close, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, GS6 1QU. Or you can email your completed form to jessica.carter@ghhospicecare.org.uk.once your place is confirmed we will email you a training guide, fundraising pack and much more!