You Raise Me Up Borneo Trek

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 a You Raise Me Up representative.

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 must 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. This trek is not easy.

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 marked, and while weather patterns and rainfall is unpredictable it will generally be hot and wet for most of the trip. April historically sees approx. 122mm 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 23°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.

Malaysian cuisine represents a fusion of cultures. Both rice and noodles are staple foods in the Borneo. The food during the trek is basic and may be repeated. Typical dishes include:
Breakfast: Bread, butter, jam, eggs, fried noodles, oatmeal, tea and coffee.
Lunch: Sandwiches, fried noodles, boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, biscuits, fresh fruit.
Snacks: Biscuits, boiled corn, sweet potatoes, fruit, banana fritters.
Dinner: soup, fish or chicken, sardines or canned meat, eggs, seasonal vegetables, fruits and coffee and tea.

You will stay in hotels in twin share rooms with en-suite facilities while in Kota Kinabalu, Kinabatangan and Sandakan.

During the trek you will camp in jungle clearings in a basic wooden shelter, or in small village community centres. You need to bring your own lightweight sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk) and inflatable sleeping mat. A mosquito net is provided. Cutlery and crockery is provided for meals

At the hotels you will have en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets and hot showers.

During the trek there will be cold running water at camp, and it may be possible to bathe in the streams nearby but this should not be relied upon. If you do have the opportunity to bathe in streams you must only use natural or biodegradable soap to avoid contaminating the water. Lush products (www.lush.co.uk) are particularly good. You are advised to bring a small pack of baby wipes to freshen up each day, particularly to clean your hands before meals.
You will need to bring your own towel. Trek towels are highly absorbent but lightweight and fast-drying; do not bring cotton towels.

There is a basic toilet at camp. If you need to use the toilet during the trek day, please inform your guide who will help you find a safe place off the trail. It’s essential that you place all used toilet paper into a nappy bag and carry it to camp where it will be disposed of properly.

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.

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.

You must arrive in Borneo fit and prepared for this challenge. You should start training at least 9 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 be detrimental to your experience, and the experience of your team mates.

This tour is classified as ‘challenging’ for someone already at 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 and basic accommodation and bathroom facilities.

We require a medical form to be completed by everyone upon registering, and any pre-existing conditions, medications used and other medical issues must be specified. All your medical details are treated in the strictest confidence.

The information will be securely screened by a qualified medical professional, and details provided to your tour manager and local guides so our staff are adequately informed and prepared to support you during the trip. By completing this booking form you are giving consent for us to contact you confidentially with any follow up questions regarding your health.

If you declare any medical conditions you may be asked to provide more information, or we may request to contact your GP. We must be informed if any conditions or medication change, or if new conditions develop. If necessary confirmation of fitness to travel from your GP or specialist may be required.

In the event that your medical issues represent a concern for your safety and wellbeing, or the safety and wellbeing of others in the group, you may be recommended not to take part. If this happens your deposit will be refunded. Please note that we will never unreasonably deny participation on a trip nor contravene the Equality Act 2010.

Please note: This list is not exhaustive and does not account for your personal taste or preference. It should be used as a guideline only. If you have any questions or queries regarding this list which are not answered in the sections above please contact info@different-travel.com.

*Please ensure you pack your boots in your hand baggage in the unlikely event your luggage is delayed or goes missing.

*Please consider eco-friendly or biodegradable options. Consider shopping at Little Footprint Gifts.