Borneo

[JOHNBASSETT1984]

Hi,

I have just arrived in Borneo(Kota Kinabalu). I arrived after researching the place quite thoroughly but have found that this was pointless as now I believe to climb Mt Kinabalu costs 1200RM rather than the 200-300RM I was lead to believe and on top of this Orangutan Tours which I thought where 350RM are now closer to a 1000RM. Is this excessive? am I going to be ripped off as per usual or can somebody please enlighten before I do?

Any info will be much appreciated,

John

[cobo]

There's an Orangutan Nature reserve a the Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort in Tuaran. Just 20 mins drive from KK or RM 80 by cab. I don't think it should cost that much to climb or hike up Mount Kinabalu. It's a 90 min drive from Rasa Ria ask the concierge for climbing up. I myself just prefer to have a leisure lunch at the Mesilau Nature reserve at the foot of Kinabalu where the temperature drops to a comfy 15C. Then enjoy the landscapes of the Desa Dairy farm just 10 mins back from Mesilau. Mesilau resort is the longer hike up the mountain. You can also check their hiking packages.

[lorgnette]

Did you make a last minute resv on the busy peak Jun-Aug season for a group of 1 climbing and transport catered from KK to the mountain gate? If so, you are extremely fortunate to have an opportunity to trek and camp at any price.

Your online searches depend on the agency, but regional land agents know Mountain bookings are extremely popular and enthusiasts resv advance-- frequently 1 year ahead esp for Jun-Aug and Nov-Jan periods.

You might be charged a few ringgits but it is highly advised to ring a travel agent in KK for updated land/ground situations.

[lorgnette]

I have just arrived in Borneo(Kota Kinabalu)

Actually, you arrived in North Borneo or East Malaysia -Sabah (Kota Kinabalu) . Borneo consists of Brunei and Indonesia plus the 2 largest states of Malaysia.

[moore2nick]

Hi John, Lorgnette and Expat groupies,

I'm travelling to Borneo too, via Brunei to Kota Kinabalu and then aim to fly down to Sipadan for diving. I'd love any advice you can offer on fun things to do and see there and travel advice - and also to see if anyone else will be in the area 16th to 25th August as i'm travelling alone.

I like photography of nature, scenery / vistas & underwater - plus hiking and some sightseeing if that's any guide.

thanks for any input

Nick

[muntungikam]

hii jhon,

where do you stay right now ?
if you want to get help for any information about borneo just PM me i'm at borneo right now


cheers

[lorgnette]

Advisable to resv Brunei -BKI to TWU flight to reach Tawau for ferry to Sipadan Island. Have you booked an agency to take care of land and dive details? Another spectacular underwater paradise is Layang Layang Island, an outcrop island in middle of ocean. Are you Nitrox or Padi certified?