Independents Team 2

Borneo 2012 Expedition Itinerary

After months of planning and building your bespoke expedition itinerary, here it is! This is your day-by-day itinerary which you will take on expedition and use as a guide. You'll need to work as a team of students to ensure you're where you should be, when you're supposed to be there. Don't rely on the adults, this is your expedition! In the developing world, things don't always go according to plan so it is quite common to have to make alternative arrangements as challenges present themselves, but this is all part of expedition life. Enjoy!

Day

Date

Day

From

To

Alt

Details

8-Jul-12

Sun

Build-Up Day

Build-Up Day

n/a

The day before departure is spent together as a team making final preparations, checking and dividing up team kit and provisions, agreeing on some expedition ground rules, running through all the paperwork and risk assessments, answering any final questions and, of course, saying goodbye to loved ones. Excitement builds knowing the much anticipated flight is just a few hours away as you try to get some rest ahead of the life changing journey that awaits. Depart UK. Fly to Miri, Borneo.

9-Jul-12

Mon

Build-Up Day

Depart UK

n/a

Orientation in Miri. Miri is a busy transport hub for people travelling to Brunei, the Kelabit Highlands and many of Sarawak's national parks. You can also see oil towers from the coast: the oil and gas industry drives the economy of this town. Yet the vibe here is calm and friendly. The locals are happy to answer questions, and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and stalls. For malls and supermarkets, check out Jalan South Yu Seung and Jalan North Yu Seung.
3

10-Jul-12

Tue

In transit

Miri

n/a Upon arrival, you'll need to find transport into the city and pick some accommodation. If you're taking taxis, don't forget to pick up taxi coupons at the designated desk at the airport. Tip: Your handover pack has plenty of ideas for places to stay in Miri. Please remember to call Sampson (In-Country Agent for Sarawak) on arrival in Miri so that you can arrange a briefing with him.

Travel to Lambir Hills National Park. Before you leave Miri, make sure you've changed some money, and bought enough supplies to cover breakfasts and lunches in the park. Acclimatisation: Lambir Hills Lambir Hills National Park can be reached by public bus, or you may like to hire private minibuses, which will take you directly to the park entrance. Tip: Confirm your return journey when you organise the minibuses, or you'll risk getting stuck at the park. Decide on a time and take the driver's number, so that you can notify them of any changes to your plans.

11-Jul-12

Wed Miri

n/a

Trekking around Lambir Hills National Park. Home to one of the most biologically diverse areas of rainforest in Sarawak, the park covers 69km sq, protecting the low-lying sandstone hills, peaked by the modest Bukit Lambir (465m). A range of trails cut through Lambir Hills' dipterocarp rainforest. The route that leads you past the Latuk Waterfall is popular with many visitors. There's a great picnic area there too.
5

12-Jul-12

Thu

Acclimatisation: Lambir Hills

Acclimatisation: Lambir Hills

n/a

Tip: As long as you're following World Challenge's risk assessment, why not take a dip in the gleaming pool here? For something more challenging, take the trail past the Tengkorong Waterfall all the way to Bukit Lambir. It's four hours walk up the hill, but the views are definitely worth it. If you're staying at Lambir Hills, accommodation is in the form of chalet-style lodges. The park cafe should provide evening meals.

13-Jul-12

Fri

Acclimatisation: Lambir Hills

Acclimatisation: Niah Caves

n/a

Travel to Niah Caves National Park. Travel to Niah Caves National Park. The entrance fee to the park is RM10 per person. It's best to book minibuses to and from Niah Caves National Park. Tip: Remember to confirm a return journey and take the minibus driver's number, in case of changes to your plans. Trekking around Niah Caves National Park. These limestone caves are archaeological treasures, containing evidence for some of the earliest human habitation in Southeast Asia. Starting from the jetty on the Sungai Niah, take a small boat across the river and then follow the boardwalk through swampy rainforest for 3.5km to the caves.

14-Jul-12

Sat

Acclimatisation: Niah Caves

Acclimatisation: Niah Caves

n/a

An immense limestone overhang marks out the entrance to the 'Great Cave'. Switch on your head-torch and you can guide yourself through the caves. Tip: Torches are vital, of course, as are sturdy shoes because the boardwalks and cave routes can get slippery.

15-Jul-12

Sun

Acclimatisation: Niah Caves

Miri

n/a

Travel back to Miri. Return to Miri by the route you took to the Lambir Hills & Niah Caves. You'll need to stay overnight in Miri. Don't forget to sort accommodation for the night! Travel to your project phase. You will be completing your project in the area surrounding the Berawan community of Long Jegan. The journey here is a mini adventure in itself as you will be hopping in 4x4's (the local's preferred transport) and taking a 4 hour drive from Miri to the village. Project phase. Your project phase is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture in Long Jegan Village and discover how local people live, while also working on a vital community project here. All the help you can offer on a variety of village tasks will be gratefully received by the villagers. Tip: Spend time getting to know your host community and learn as much as you can about their way of life. Remember, your host community will be just as interested in you, so make sure you share some of your culture in return, as well as plan your time before you arrive, so you're not swamped. Your project phase is a great opportunity for all team members to put their personal and shared skills to good use. Make sure you've taken a bit of time to plan how best your skills might be put to use, as well as discussing with each other which skills can be shared, and what impact they might have on the local community.

16-Jul-12

Mon

Miri

Long Jegan

n/a

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17-Jul-12 18-Jul-12 19-Jul-12 20-Jul-12 21-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 23-Jul-12

Tue

Long Jegan

Project: Long Jegan Project: Long Jegan Project: Long Jegan Project: Long Jegan Project: Long Jegan Project: Long Jegan Project: Long Jegan Miri

n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Project: Long Wed Jegan Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Project: Long Jegan Project: Long Jegan Project: Long Jegan Project: Long Jegan Project: Long Jegan Project: Long Jegan

17

24-Jul-12

Tue

n/a

Travel to Miri. Please feel free to discuss available transport routes with your project hosts. Remember that they are local people and will certainly know where to get the best deals!

18

25-Jul-12

Wed Miri

Kota Kinabalu

n/a

Travel to Kota Kinabalu. Today you will be heading to the airport to catch a flight from Miri to KK. Your flight details will be contained in the handover pack you received on Build up Day. On arrival please remember to sort accommodation for the night! Once you're settled into your accommodation head off in search of the delicious local food. Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu (KK to the locals) isn't what everyone expects when they think of the jungle paradise of Borneo. It's a thriving town where office blocks and hostels abound, but it's also the perfect place to experience the local culture. It's a truly multicultural society here. Wander down the streets to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the wide variety of cuisine on offer. Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and Western cuisine are all worth checking out, if you can find the time! Please remember to call Asia Ability (In-country Agents for Sabah) on arrival in Kota Kinabalu so that you can arrange a briefing with one of their friendly members of staff.

19

26-Jul-12

Thu

Kota Kinabalu

Main trek: Salt Trail, Crocker Range Main trek: Salt Trail, Crocker Range Main trek: Salt Trail, Crocker Range Main trek: Salt Trail, Crocker Range Main trek: Salt Trail, Crocker Range

n/a Trekking in the Crocker Range. From Sipitang to Kota Kinabalu, this mountainous barrier dominates the skyline. You'll be carrying your own kit and trekking through forests, over hilly terrain and crossing rivers. You'll need to bring supplies for the duration of your stay and you'll get the chance to use your hammocks for some of your nights here too. Tip: Hammocks can be tricky to put up, so you may want to buddy up to do so each evening you make camp. Asia Ability organise the Crocker Range trek. Their guides will help on the trail, and you should make contact with a representative from Asia Ability before you leave your hostel in Kota Kinabalu. They'll brief you on the trek, before travelling with you to the bus station and on to the Range. The journey takes about an hour. Tip: The guides have years of experience, so don't be afraid to ask their advice. n/a

20

27-Jul-12

Fri

Main trek: Salt Trail, Crocker Range Main trek: Salt Trail, Crocker Range Main trek: Salt Trail, Crocker Range Main trek: Salt Trail, Crocker Range

n/a

21

28-Jul-12

Sat

n/a

22

29-Jul-12

Sun

n/a

23

30-Jul-12

Mon

24

31-Jul-12

Tue

Main trek: Salt Trail, Crocker Range

Rest and n/a Relaxation: WWR

White Water Rafting. Today you have the opportunity either to travel back to Kota Kinabalu where you can spend the day in the city or you can choose to go rafting. Please note that this is classed as a Rest and Relaxation activity and is therefore at your own expense*. The company that runs the rafting trip is called Riverbug but if you wish to participate in this activity you need to pre-book it with Asia Ability before the start of your trek. The most popular option for rafting is to tackle the 1-3 grade rapids on the Kiulu River, nearby the area you have spent the past few days trekking in. Travel back to Kota Kinabalu. If you decided to go rafting then today is the day you'll be heading back to KK. Take some time out of your busy schedule to explore the city. KK has plenty to offer its many visitors. For example, why not visit KK's sea-front night market and feast on delicious local food - the tuna steaks are amazing! Alternatively you could shop for souvenirs at the Filipino market or even take a short day trip from Jesselton Port out to the islands off the coast of KK*. Tip: Don't worry about trying to fit everything in today! You have a few more days of Rest and Relaxation* at the end of your itinerary. Travel to Sepilok. Take a bus to Sepilok (6 hours) through winding countryside roads.

25

1-Aug-12

Wed

Rest and Kota Kinabalu Relaxation: WWR

n/a

26

2-Aug-12

Thu

Kota Kinabalu

Sepilok

n/a

Tip: Book accommodation in Sepilok as far in advance as possible. There's plenty to choose from, because Sepilok is a very popular destination!

Rest and Relaxation* at the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC). There are very few places in the world where you can witness the famous 'man of the forest' in its natural habitat. Sepilok is one of them. Founded in 1964, the SORC covers 40km sq. of Kabili-Sepilok rainforest in northern Sabah.
27

3-Aug-12

Fri

Sepilok

Sepilok (Orangutans)

n/a

While once Orang-utans roamed across Southeast Asia, sadly now they are an endangered species. The SORC raises orang-utans and teaches them to survive in the jungle, while also caring for injured orang-utans brought to Sepilok. Feeding is the best time to see these amazing animals, either at 10am or 3pm, as they swing across rope platforms to reach their food. Tip: Double-check the times, as sometimes they can change.

28

4-Aug-12

Sat

Sepilok (Orangutans)

Sepilok (RDC and n/a Sandakan)

Rest and Relaxation* in Sepilok: As well as the orang-utan sanctuary, why not visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, an education facility run by the Sabah Forestry Department encouraging public awareness and conservation of the forests. Give yourself at least half a day to look around. Alternatively, the memorial park in Sandakan has an excellent museum and memorial commemorating the 2400 Australian and British prisoners of war who were held captive by the Japanese in the 1940s. It's a very moving, beautiful place, with information on the death marches and tributes to the bravery of the POWs.

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5-Aug-12

Sun

Sepilok (RDC and Rest and Sandakan) Relaxation

n/a

Travel to Kota Kinabalu for Rest and Relaxation*. On the sea front, KK's night market is a sight to behold. Great portions at affordable prices mean it's easy to end up feasting here, and it's popular with the locals too! The local shopping malls and the Filipino market are excellent for souvenirs. If you fancy exploring, a 20-30 minute boat trip from Jesselton Port will take you to the coastal islands. Sapi, Manukan and Mamutik are part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and have great beaches. Mamutik has safe areas for swimming and snorkelling too!

30

6-Aug-12

Mon

Rest and Relaxation

Rest and Relaxation

n/a

31

7-Aug-12

Tue

Rest and Relaxation

Depart Borneo

n/a

Depart Kota Kinabalu. Time for those last minute jobs before you pack up your kit for the final time and head to the airport for the flight back home. Tip: give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport! Getting off the plane, you'll be bursting with stories and photos to keep family and friends entertained for hours! Saying goodbye to your team will be harder than you'd imagine as you'll have become lifelong friends but the excitement of a shower, clean sheets, a comfy bed and catching up on all the news at home will make it easier. Don't forget to keep the experience alive and put your images, videos and best stories up on YouTube, Flickr and Facebook - remember to tag them all as World Challenge so you can compare notes with other returning Challengers.

32

8-Aug-12

Wed Depart Borneo

Arrive UK

n/a

* Don't forget all rest and relaxation activities are to be undertaken in accordance with World Challenge risk assessments and will be at the teams own expense, unless otherwise specified. Please note that although swimming may not be specified on the itinerary, the team may have the opportunity to paddle or swim during the course of the expedition.