Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. If you arrive early, you can immerse yourself in history at the Sabah State Museum, visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village, or perhaps explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu, which are excellent for swimming and snorkelling. Notes: This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more important information on this.

Travel out of Kota Kinabalu by road (approximately 1 hour), then enjoy a day of cycling (approximately 37 km, finishing at Sabandar Beach at approx 3pm). There will be a support van, but the route is not difficult for a competent cyclist. Pack a small bag for the day (which can travel in the support van), as you will leave your large luggage in the mini bus. The route today is a mix of asphalt and unsealed dirt roads, through villages and over picturesque hanging bridges. There will even be 3 or 4 hills to get your heart pumping. After stopping for a picnic lunch at a good spot by the river you will continue on cycling for another 12 km past paddy fields, Sabah’s horse racing track and stables and then finish at a quiet beach. You will be able to take a well- deserved swim at the beach, there is changing rooms and basic show...

In the morning travel by private mini van to Tanak Nabalu Homestay, (approx 1.5 hours) Nestled amid picturesque hills in the shadow of imposing Mt Kinabalu, the the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea, this rural homestay is a great place to relax and prepare for your next 2 days of adventure.. The Dusun people, the ethnic group of our guides on Mt Kinabalu, are wonderfully warm and friendly people, and while here you'll have the opportunity to learn about their way of life and spend a night in traditional accommodation. Lunch will be provided in the family home and then you have the afternoon to do some short walks around the rural homestay. Take a refreshing dip in the river and visit 'Mini Kinabalu', a natural rock formation that locals say looks like the peak of the real thing. Late in the afternoon you ca...

Drive to the base of Mt Kinabalu and begin your climb which starts at Timpohon Gate (and takes approximately 5–7 hours). The trek passes by different vegetation zones, from oak and chestnut trees to moss covered rocks and eventually only alpine vegetation. It's an intense but scenic and rewarding trek to the Laban Rata rock slab where the lodges that accommodate climbers are situated. We will stay in the Pendant hut, which is around 100 metres away from the Laban Rata hut. We need to arrive by 3 pm for a compulsory safety briefing (otherwise you will not be able to participate in the via Ferrata). After a delicious buffet dinner at the nearby Laban Rata hut, settle in for an early night. Notes: The Mt Kinabalu via ferrata (or 'iron road' in Italian) is devised to give climbers with little or no climbing experience access to ...

Today it's time to summit. Wake up at around 2:30 am, in time to leave for your trek to the top. Summit Low's Peak (4,095 m) and, if it's clear, catch the gorgeous sunrise. The climb from Laban Rata to the summit takes 3–4 hours. The trail starts from directly behind the Pendant hut and is a series of man made steps and wooden steps. There is also a rope section zig-zagging around 250 metres up the steep slabs of granite. The final check point is Sayat Sayat hut, and from there it’s a steady climb towards Low's Peak. Descend from the peak and meet your via ferrata guide at Sayat Sayat Hut (3,668 m) to prepare for your via ferrata experience. You'll need to arrive back at Sayat Sayat no later than 7.15am to do the via ferrata. Here you will put on our harnesses and helmets and split into small groups (6 people maximum). This...

Enjoy a free morning. There are optional activities available at Poring Hot Springs. Walking paths lead through rich lowland forest to mountain rivers, and there are waterfalls and bat caves to visit, with birds and other wildlife often seen along the trails. A walkway in the tree canopy provides magnificent views. The butterfly farm is another great option. After lunch you will leave your large bags behind and make the short trek (30–40 minutes) to the Lupa Masa Rainforest Camp where you will stay tonight. Watch out for the odd leach on this walk (knee-high socks you can tuck into your pants are recommended). There's the chance for a swim in the pristine river to explore some of the nearby trails. Tonight you'll sleep on raised camp decks in the stunning primary rainforest. It's basic accommodation but in an amazing location....

After breakfast this morning there's a little more time to spend enjoying your surroundings before you walk back to Poring. From here you will drive back to Kota Kinabalu (approximately 3 hours). The evening in Kota Kinabalu is yours to spend as you please. You will stay tonight in your start-point hotel.

Drive the short distance to Jesselton Point (approximately 10 minutes), then take a boat out to Manukan Island in Tunku Abdul Marine Park (approximately 20 minutes). Manukan Island is where you will begin your kayaking adventure, island-hopping across the calm and crystal-clear waters of the Tunku Abdul Marine Park in double-seater kayaks. There's a full day to spend out on the water and you will have a mask on hand so you can stop for some snorkelling. A support boat will be with you the whole day, should you need a break from paddling. Later, head back to land and back to Kota Kinabalu for your final night with the group. Notes: This activity is dependent on weather conditions. If kayaking is not possible due to storms or high winds, your leader will discuss with the group what alternatives are on offer.

Your trip ends this morning after breakfast. There are no activities included today and you are free to depart at any time. If you are staying in Kota Kinabalu longer, then there are some additional activities that your leader can assist with booking. It’s best to pre book these activities with your leader on Day 1. There’s a scuba dive trip from Manukan Island to see the wonderful underwater world of Borneo, or an optional fun, interactive and educational visit to Mari Mari Cultural Village to see how indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo used to live. Please also remember Most Scuba Diving companies would recommend you don't fly for at least 24 hours after your last scuba dive.