What to expect
Trip profile
This small-group exploration of Borneo is one for the intrepid adventurer. Borneo's mountains and waters are abundant with unique wildlife, best spotted hiking, kayaking, swimming, and snorkelling. Most days of your Borneo luxury adventure will include a moderate or higher amount of physical adventure.
Departure dates
Our journeys depart throughout the year with a minimum of 4 guests and at times that suit you. We do not generally set scheduled departure dates. Rather, we prefer to give you the ultimate flexibility to choose departures dates that suit you.
Accommodation
Our hotel in Kota Kinabalu is the award-winning Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa. Luxuriate in the exclusive surrounds of the Kinabalu Club and enjoy life's little luxuries, from a private check-in to personalised service, all day beverages and a complimentary cocktail hour each evening. This stylish, luxurious and tranquil retreat is located on one of the best beaches in town, Tanjung Aru, and is a stone's throw from the city centre – the perfect tropical getaway.
When sea kayaking in Abdul Rahman Marine Park, we overnight at Bunga Raya Island Resort and Spa. A secluded island hideaway, the resort is tucked away in a tranquil and hidden bay framed by a crescent shaped white sand beach on one side and centuries old virgin jungle on the other. Offering stunning, private villas built in Borneo's traditional architectural style, Bunga Raya is a haven for relaxation and the perfect base for our exploration of the warm tropical waters of the marine park.
Climbing to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, we stay at Laban Rata. Cosy and eco-friendly, this Alpine-inspired rest house offers simple lodgings with a comfortable lounge area and rooms with bunk beds. It is equipped with electricity, running water, and communal heated indoor showers and toilets.
On our river safari we stay at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, Sukau. The lodge provides simple accommodation complementing the pristine river and rainforest environment. All rooms feature an ensuite bathroom, hot shower, ceiling fan, and netted windows. The lodge also has a restaurant, jetty tower, bird tower, frog platform, and an open sun deck.
Cuisine
Malaysian food is a delicious reflection of its diverse ethnic populations of Malay, Indian, Chinese, and the indigenous people of Borneo. You'll experience the amazing blend of flavours that is Malaysian food when you enjoy juicy satay sticks with sweet and sticky peanut sauce, Malaysian coconut milk curries spiced with turmeric, and Borneo's famous seafood.
One of the best things about travel is trying new cuisines. From widely renowned restaurants to hidden gems, we have specially selected restaurants that we know, from experience, serve delicious food and highlight local specialties.
Breakfast is usually enjoyed in one of the restaurants at the resort or lodge where we are staying. We enjoy lunches on sandy island beaches, mountain trails, jungle rivers, and in some of Borneo's finest restaurants. Dinners will be at our favourite Kota Kinabalu restaurants or at the restaurants in our resorts and lodges.
Sea kayaking
A sense of adventure and good health and physical condition are all that you need to get the most out of sea kayaking Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Although previous sea kayaking experience is valuable, it is not necessary. You will be given a briefing and kayak instruction before we set out. A typical day entails about 2 – 3 hours of paddling, interspersed with rest stops and time for snorkelling and swimming.
Mount Kinabalu climb
Mount Kinabalu (4095m) is one of the most accessible peaks in the world to conquer. You don't need any experience with climbing or high altitudes, or any specialised equipment – simply a sense of adventure. Although often referred to as a climb, getting to the top of Mount Kinabalu entails mainly uphill hiking.
It takes two days to ascend and descend the mountain, with an overnight stay at Laban Rata. The climb on the first day begins at Timpohon Gate (1866m) and it is a 6km ascent to Laban Rata (3270m), which takes most climbers 4 – 6 hours. The second day begins very early so that we can make the summit, Low's Peak (4095m), for sunrise. It is a 2.5km ascent from Laban Rata to the summit, which takes most climbers 2 – 4 hours. After returning to Laban Rata, the remainder of the day is spent descending the mountain. It is a 6km descent to Timpohon Gate, which takes most climbers 3 – 5 hours.
We climb Mount Kinabalu with relatively small and light backpacks carrying only our clothes and other personal items required for the two days. You also have the option to use a porter to lighten your load.
If you exercise regularly, are in good health and physical condition, and are injury free you should be in a position to attempt the climb with confidence. Whatever your level of fitness, the Mount Kinabalu climb can be physically challenging, but most people succeed with perseverance and an adventurous attitude.
Expert leadership
Expert leadership is the key to a safe but exciting and unforgettable luxury adventure. Your trip will be led by Seven Skies' founder Nathan Wedding. As well as showing you natural, cultural, and gastronomic wonders that you might never find on your own, Nathan ensures that everything runs smoothly and safely. A former university academic, Nathan taught environmental philosophy and held Doctorate of Philosophy candidature at some of Australia's leading universities. A seasoned adventurer, he swapped his academic life for a career as a professional sea kayak guide, leading trips in the Arctic Circle, Norwegian Fjords and Lofoten Islands, Fiji's Yasawa Islands, and the remote World Heritage Wilderness Area in Tasmania, Australia.
Fitness
You will get maximum enjoyment out of your luxury adventure if you are in good health and physical condition prior to departure. We recommend you start fitness training 3 months prior to your departure to prepare for the Mount Kinabalu climb. Going for a paddle in your local waterway or walking up hills and mountains is a great way to prepare for your trip. Paddling requires strength in your abdominal, arm, shoulder, and back muscles, while hiking requires strength in your legs, feet, and cardiovascular system. Aerobic exercises like swimming, cycling, and jogging are great alternatives to improve your fitness for the trip. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your luxury adventure.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, injuries, or concerns about your health or physical condition, we recommend that you contact us to discuss the best options for you and whether you are fit for this trip.
Climate
Sabah has an equatorial climate. Average temperatures rarely drop below 23°C at night and usually climb to around 30°C during the day, with humidity around 80%. Sabah has two seasons: a wet season from November to March and a dry season from May to September. In reality, Sabah's rainfall is distributed throughout the year and usually comes in short, strong downpours only briefly interrupting the sunshine.
Mount Kinabalu has its own special climate, and wind, clouds, and rain can be expected in the afternoon. At Laban Rata (3273m) early morning temperatures are around 10°C, while it can drop to 0°C at the summit (4095m).
Group size
You will travel in a small group with a minimum of four and a maximum of eight people plus Seven Skies' host, Nathan Wedding, and expert local personnel.
Specialised equipment
All sea kayaking equipment will be provided. Climbing Mount Kinabalu requires no specialised equipment. The clothing and equipment recommendations in the departure package we will send you detail what you will need for the luxury adventure.
