Information Pack

Helen & Douglas House Borneo Jungle Challenge 9th – 18th October 2020

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 Our challenge is based in the state of Sabah, a land of incredible natural beauty and diversity. Rich green jungle, mangrove swamps, a striking blue ocean, paddy fields, dizzying craggy mountains and wonderful wildlife contribute to Sabah’s popularity with visitors, not to mention the friendly and relaxed nature of the people here. Whilst the palm oil industry has caused international controversy as great quantities of rainforest have been cleared for palm oil production, there is still stunning wild rainforest to enjoy and opportunities to see proboscis monkeys, orang-utans and elephants, among other animals in the wild. Kinabalu National Park Kinabalu National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and considered one of the most important biological sites in the world due to the diverse species of plants and wildlife found here. Occupying some 754 square kilometres it has been designated as a centre of plant diversity for Southeast Asia. Kinabalu National Park is also home to the mighty Mount Kinabalu which towers above the park at 4,095m. This is one of the world’s youngest mountains.

Trek Overview

This five-day trek gives you an insight into Borneo’s incredible natural beauty and biological diversity and a great opportunity to challenge yourself. Carrying your own kit each day 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 encounter some of the local wildlife such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, kingfishers, wild pig, deer, hawks, terapins and crocodiles amongst others. Along the way you’ll learn jungle survival skills such as identifying edible fruits and foods and making traps, and get a deeper understanding about the complex ecosystem.

Who accompanies us? You will be accompanied by first aid trained 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 Helen & Douglas House representative.

What is the climate like? The climate in Borneo is hot, humid and wet all year round. It cannot be stressed enough that the distinction between ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ seasons is not very marked, and weather patterns and rainfall is unpredictable. October historically sees approx. 280mm rainfall per day) and you are likely to experience short sharp showers throughout the day, often in the middle of the afternoon. Temperatures historically reach up to 33°C during the day and drop to around 24°C at night although it may feel cooler at higher altitudes. The humidity is high, usually at least 85% every day. 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 should arrive in Borneo fit and prepared. You must be prepared to climb over overgrown vegetation, tree roots and other jungle obstacles while carrying your own kit. The paths can be muddy and slippery after rain.

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 need to bring a lightweight sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk), sleeping mat and a mosquito net.

What about bathroom facilities? There are no showers so you should 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 (products from Lush.co.uk are great for this). 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 never leave used toilet paper on the ground; this must be packed up into a nappy bag or sanitary disposal bag and carried to camp.

What is the food like? Meals are cooked by your trek team and will comprise of various simple 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 12kg), the hilly, uneven and rough jungle terrain, basic accommodation and bathroom facilities.

How fit do I need to be? You must arrive in Borneo fit and prepared for this challenge. You should start training at least 6 months before departure to ensure the 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 is the best way to prepare your body for the numerous ascents and descents involved. Increasing your cardiovascular endurance, core strength and leg strength will also benefit you greatly so resistance workouts should be added to your training regime in addition to plenty of hill walking. You can download a number of free apps which will help you train and track your progress. E.g. MapMyWalk, couch to 5k, 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.

Who can take part? The trek can be undertaken by anyone with a good level of fitness, who is healthy and determined. Please remember you are responsible for carrying your own kit. 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 open-minded person with a sense of adventure or someone who would like to take part in a life-changing fundraising experience in the beautiful landscape. 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. Medical Declaration All participants must complete a medical declaration form upon registering, and any pre-existing 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.

Trip cost: £295 registration fee + £3900 fundraising target for Helen & Douglas House. (£2700 must be raised by 17th July 2020 and the remaining £1200 by 2nd October 2020). Trip Includes: Return 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 Helen & Douglas House representative. Trip Does Not Include: Drinks, souvenirs, laundry, vaccinations, travel insurance, tips (around £20-30pp), personal trekking kit, visa (not currently required for British citizens) etc.

How will I fundraise the amount 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! Each participant will be allocated a Helen & Douglas House fundraising staff member who will meet with you and help you to create your fundraising plan. Materials such as collection buckets and tins, sponsorship forms, email banners, balloons and banners can also be provided to help you achieve your target. Here are some suggestions for how you could meet your fundraising target: Non-uniform day at local school: £300

Four supermarket bag packs: £500

Car boot sale/ eBay auction: £250

Three quiz nights: £350

Sponsorship: £300

Host a party charge £10 entry: £400

Ask five friends or family to raise £100 each: £500

Dress down day at work/lunch money donation: £300

Donate your skills - babysitting, gardening, DIY: £250

Karaoke night: £350

Sponsored beard-shave/ leg wax: £200

Ten cake sales: £200

Total £3,900 (target reached!)

Is the trip ATOL protected? Helen & Douglas House 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 email it to info@different-travel.com with a photo of your passport data page. You will receive an invoice by email with details of how to pay your registration fee. Please add @different-travel.com to your safe sender list and check your junk mail folder regularly to avoid missing important correspondence and updates. Once your place is confirmed you will receive a confirmation email with a full trip dossier and kit list, discount vouchers, fitness training guide, a fundraising pack and much more!

Itinerary

Day 1 (Friday 9th October 2020): London - Kota Kinabalu Fly to Kota Kinabalu on indirect overnight flights, arriving the next day. Day 2 (Saturday 10th October 2020): 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 11th October 2020): 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 through the day. Our route passes through paddy fields, rubber plantations and fruit orchards and a few 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. Trekking approx. 12 km / 6.5 hours

Day 4 (Monday 12th October 2020): 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 600m to 1080m to Nanuk Camp. Along the way our guides share their knowledge of jungle survival such as how to identify plants, edible fruits and foods. Trekking approx. 9.5km / 6-8 hours.

Day 5 (Tuesday 13th October 2020): Nanuk Camp – Ehing Camp We pack up after breakfast and continue our trek for 6-8 hours. There is a challenging and 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 the edge of the Kinabalu National Park, learning more about the incredible variety of exotic plant life before descending to 900m, where our campsite awaits, deep in the jungle. Trekking approx. 6.5km / 5-6 hours. Day 6 (Wednesday 14th October 2020): 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. Trekking approx. 6.5km/ 4-5 hours.

Day 7 (Thursday 15th October 2020): 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. Trekking approx. 2km / 2-3 hours. Day 8 (Friday 16th October 2020): Kinabatangan - Sandakan This morning we travel from Kinabatangan to the world-famous Sepilok orang-utan sanctuary, where you 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.

Day 9-10 (Saturday 17th – Sunday 18th October 2020): Sandakan – London Today we say farewell to Borneo as we transfer to Sandakan airport our flight back to London (indirect), arriving the next morning. N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather, the ability of the group, wildlife movements 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.