What to take for 'Best of Borneo' trip

[cornel]

Hi all

I booked 'Best of Borneo' starting on May 30 in Kota Kinabalu. The trip description suggests to take less than 10kg of luggage...not that easy as this is just part of my entire trip. However, when I check the trip description, I cannot see where we have to carry the full pack over long distances. How far do we really need to carry the full pack?

Also, do we need to take things like mosquito nets and iodine tablets? (My guess would be 'no'). And how about anti-leech socks?

Thanks!

Cornel

[Zuleika]

Borneo is a great trip. I did a very similar trip to this a few years back going to all the same places.
As far as baggage weight - this is a guide only. My backpack usually weigh's in at around 12-14kg and I can carry it comfortably. You need a daypack for the climb.

You wont need mozi nets as everywhere you need them they are provided. However I would recommend some duct tape - to tape over the holes in some of these nets = very useful.
I didnt have leech sock, but it is a good idea to have long trousers and long sleeves for some of the jungle areas. You can always tuck your trousers into your socks. I cant remember if there were leeches as I have been to so many jungles that did have leeches, I have forgotten, but it is likely. If you have leech socks they dont take up much room to take them I guess.

I didn't need Iodine tablets. There is good drinking water piped up to Laban Rata on Mt Kinabalu, with taps all the way up. Everywhere else you can buy bottled water. Take warm clothing for the peak, its extremely cold at the top and take a head torch (you need your hands for the ropes at the peak)

A dry bag is defo handy for camera gear etc when on the rivers.

[Reditor]

Hi all

I booked 'Best of Borneo' starting on May 30 in Kota Kinabalu. The trip description suggests to take less than 10kg of luggage...not that easy as this is just part of my entire trip. However, when I check the trip description, I cannot see where we have to carry the full pack over long distances. How far do we really need to carry the full pack?

Also, do we need to take things like mosquito nets and iodine tablets? (My guess would be 'no'). And how about anti-leech socks?

Thanks!

Cornel

Hey Cornel,
I was on this trip just a few months ago. Here are my quick comments:

- mosquito nets not needed, at places like Camp 5 on the Headhunter trail they're provided. One or two people on our trip commented on there being some msoquitos in their rooms at night at certain times along the trip but nobody had issues.

- nobody had anti-leech socks on our trip. One person had gaiters. Everyone else just normal boots n socks. But probably 80% of the leeches encountered were on peoples shoes and socks. I had one get under my sock and another in my shoe. It wasn't a big deal. We had NO leeches in Sabah as it was dry for many days, but tons in Sarawak as it rained for 3 days straight.

- luggage you don't carry your bag very far, but you also won't have you bag with you at times. During Kinabalu climb...you don't take it, and during the Headhunter trail you shouldn't take it...but CAN, i advise against it though. This is where you pay for your bag to take a charter flight to Mulu. The heavier your bag, the more $$$ you pay, it can get quite expensive if your bag is heavy and over the allowed weight limit.

You will want to read the Trip Details for this tour:
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/best ... nt%20Notes

[cornel]

Hello Guys

Many thanks for those valuable posts!

How about food for the climb? Should we bring our own snacks for the breaks or is everything provided?

Cheers, Cornel

[desiree2]

Hi
I'm doing Best of Borneo in July but I'm not doing the climb. Does that mean that I don't need any warm clothing/thermals? I'm assuming that it's only needed when doing the climb.
Thanks
Desiree

[Reditor]

How about food for the climb? Should we bring our own snacks for the breaks or is everything provided?

Hey Cornel - you'll be provided a lunch of a sandwich / fruit / drink for your main break. You will need to carry plenty of water as it is scorching hot (if sunny) at the lower parts of the mountain, and you burn lots of energy.

I do suggest also having a small supply of snacks that you enjoy. It is possible to shop for those in KK ahead of time.....skip the shrimp flavoured pringle chips though

There is a hut at the top near where you sleep overnight, which provides the dinner and breakfast. They have a tiny shop to buy drinks and snacks too, but it is expensive as everything has to be carried up the mountain by porters.

[Reditor]

Hi
I'm doing Best of Borneo in July but I'm not doing the climb. Does that mean that I don't need any warm clothing/thermals? I'm assuming that it's only needed when doing the climb.

That is correct. If you have a light waterproof jacket that should be all you need for other areas on the trip. Some people wore light fleece jackets during some evenings if you tend to "get cold".

[desiree2]

Thanks for that - it will certainly make my bag a lot lighter!

Desiree