Borneo’s “top half” (with the exception of the small country of Brunei) is owned by Malaysia and consists of the states of Sabah and Sarawak. It’s “bottom half” is owned by Indonesia and consists of the state of Kalimantan.
It’s famous for its rainforest, beaches and for hiking to the top of its highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 metres. It is also well known for its wildlife, in particular the orangutans, which can be visited at the rehabilitation sanctuary in Sepilok.
Back in 2003 we did a trip with Exodus, which covered both states and included rainforest hikes in Mulu National Park (leeches included!), a beach day, exploring the bat caves, a hike to the top of the Pinnacles (in Mulu), the orang-utan rehabilitation centre and the 2-day hike up to the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
We stayed in a very basic camp (Camp 5) in the jungle in Mulu, the camp building wasn’t fully enclosed, so you needed a mosquito net at night. You also needed to bring a camp mat to sleep on. I have never seen as many different creepy crawlies and flying bugs in my life! We really enjoyed our time in Mulu, but I was so glad to leave as I could hardly dare sleep amongst all those bugs!
Our guide was a local and also included in our trip was an overnight stay in a longhouse in the village where he grew up.
We also spent a night in Kota Kinabalu where we had our first (and last) go at karaoke (they turned the mic off!)
I remember at the time we travelled it was during the outbreak of SARS, which sticks in my mind particularly as I write this, as we are just starting to come out of lockdown from the Covid-19 pandemic. I recall the air hostesses on the flight wearing face masks, and that we all got our temperature taken and had to fill out a special health declaration on arrival into Malaysia.
Anyway, all went well and we had the most fantastic holiday. I had a check on the Exodus website and unfortunately, they no longer have the trip that we did (most of their trips are now combines with mainland Malaysia) but they do have some trips that include most of our highlights.
Here is a “photo journey” through some of our trip highlights…
Mulu National Park & The Pinnacles hike
Wildlife & Insects
Mount Kinabalu
ExploreOurWorld 