Borneo- Things to do?

I am going to Borneo for a about 8 days or so 15 March-23 March. I know its a short time but I don't want to rush from one place to another. I I like hiking/photography/outdoor/beach/drinking/meeting people and such. I am travelling alone as well. I need some advice regarding most things.

1. I am planning on the Kinabalu hike from 21-23. For the Kinabalu climb is it better to register with a package deal/agents before starting off? Or can I reach there and do this downhill? Because I hear I can't do the whole climb in one day and I need to stay somewhere mid-way overnight?

2. If am leaving from JB M'sia, which is the best spot to land at from where I can travel by land within 5-6 hours to Kinabalu?

3. What are some good beaches I can fit in to this jam-packed plan!

Lastly, is it safe to travel alone, any advise? Thanks!

2. I guess Kota Kinabalu is your best (and only option)
3. There are plenty along the coast near Kota Kinabalu: try Pulau Tiga or Abdul Rahman NP.

Hi there,

I suggest you start your journey from KK. Because you are travelling alone, maybe signing up for one of the package trip is the best option. It is def much cheaper if you do it yourself, probably 1/3 or half of what you're paying for if you took the package trip.

However, we had trouble finding transport back to KK town (there is ample of transport from KK town to NP). It was already about 4pm when we finally reach the NP (I have really bad knees for descending, you might make it 2 or 3 hours earlier than I did) and we wanted to go back straight to KK town. There was no bus in sight and we waited like 1/2 hour (only la). Exhausted and hungry, thank God we managed to hitch a ride with a travel company van that was heading back to KK, after agreeing on a big tip for the driver of course.

Other than that, there was no trouble for us. Guide can be arrange the morning before ascending. No problem at all as most of the time, these "sherpas" outnumbered the ppl who will be going up.

Yes, you do need to stay a night at Laban Rata (midlevel) before ascending up to the peak at 4am in the morning. Accomodation in Laban Rata are fully booked months in advance especially if it's school holiday. But do check with the national park, who knows, you might be lucky. And remember to book accomodation for the 1st night when you are there at the national park itself.

There are plenty of nice beaches around KK which are doable by day trips.
White water rafting is fun too.

2. If am leaving from JB M'sia, which is the best spot to land at from where I can travel by land within 5-6 hours to Kinabalu?

But, why don't you land in KK itself?

It is generally safe to travel alone although heed the usual precautions like don't stray at the back alley at night etc.

Cheers,
Audrey

[ Edit: Edited on Mar 4, 2008, at 4:34 AM by SpaceCadet ]

1. it'd be much better for you to arrange accomodation beforehand, cos the situation these days is that travel agents block book most of the rooms at Laban Rata rest house (pitstop halfway up) and those people who just turn up are virtually guaranteed they cant find a place...

[ Edit: Edited on Mar 4, 2008, at 5:11 AM by itenerant ]

I agree with itine.. .

Btw, I left out the url for accomodation booking at the park. Here it is:

www.suterasanctuarylodges.com

Yeah, Mt. Kinabalu is fantastic. Easily one of the best things I did in South East Asia...

I also went to Sandakan AKA Turtle Island. It's a beach on an island where giant turtles lay their eggs. There is a whole facility set up to help breed them etc. Wasn't fantastic, but if you are into turtles might be worth having a look.

But Kinabalu is a MUST!

Twinsing, yes, you need to stay over night on the mountain. Make sure you bring some chocolates bars with you.

Have fun.

You don't really have to do it in two days. You could do it within a day if you're as fit as the two US army personnels who climbed up and back down in just a few hours last year. They would have had been faster if not because of the guide who couldn't keep up with them.

[ Edit: Edited on Mar 4, 2008, at 2:24 PM by Hien ]

You don't really have to do it in two days. You could do it within a day if you're as fit as the two US army personnels who climbed up and back down in just a few hours last year. They would have had been faster if not because of the guide who couldn't keep up with them.

That's wishful thinking.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've decided to stay in KK and do the nearby places.

But about the trek up, I've been trying to book a place at Laban Rata, but it is so difficult to contact them through both email and phone. And I am worried I won't be able to trek up if I don't have a room up there.

Do I have to go through a tour guide or something to get rooms up there? *Panic*